Let’s be real for a second January is usually the month where we all regret our holiday spending. But for travelers, it is actually a secret weapon. While everyone else is staying home, airlines and hotels drop their prices to record lows. If you want to see some amazing places without wrecking your savings, this is the time to go. Here are the best spots to get the most bang for your buck this winter. 

“Warm Southern Escapes & Hidden Gems” 

St. Augustine, Florida is the perfect alternative to expensive Miami trips. 

  • The attraction that costs all money is the Medieval Torture Museum on St. George Street. It has 4.9 stars, and rated by thousands of people. It gives you a crazy amount of history for this really sweet price. 
  • In the same building you can find the Tiny Things Museum, which also holds high 4.8-star rating. It’s amazing to see art painted on seeds and hair strands – kids and adults both love it. 
  • When crowds disappear after New Year’s, you can easily get great hotels for low cost in the Historic District. 
  • If you are staying nearby and searching for interesting and uncommon museums of Jacksonville Fl., you definitely should drive the 40 minutes south to St. Augustine. It’s totally worth your time and will live up to your expectations. 
  • Pro tip: get the combo ticket. You can spend the afternoon looking at the creepy iron maiden device next door, then switch vibes completely to see beautiful micro-art. It’s the best value in town. 

San Antonio, Texas is fantastic if you want tacos and history. 

  • The River Walk is free to stroll, and in January, it’s not sweltering hot. 
  • You can visit the Alamo without spending a dime, leaving you more budget for food. 

“Big City Bargains: Chicago & LA” 

Chicago, Illinois is a steal in winter if you pack a good coat. 

  • Since it’s cold, you want indoor activities that keep you busy for a while. The Medieval Torture Museum (yes, they are in Chicago too) is a perfect spot to warm up and wake up your brain. 
  • It’s genuinely interesting to learn about the different medieval punishments. You aren’t just reading plaques, you get to see how things like the wheel of punishment actually worked. 
  • Luxury hotels in the Loop often cut their rates in half during January. 

Los Angeles, California is surprisingly affordable once the holiday tourists leave. 

  • If you are near Hollywood Blvd, check out the Medieval Torture Museum location there. 
  • It is a great way to learn about the dark side of history and the lives of the executioners who ran the systems. It’s high-quality entertainment that costs way less than a theme park ticket. 
  • Flights to LAX are usually at their lowest point of the year. 
  • Hiking Runyon Canyon or seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame is free. 

“I’ve been traveling on a budget for years, and the biggest mistake people make is thinking ‘cheap’ means ‘boring.’ It doesn’t. Real value is finding places that stick with you. That is why I love spots like the Medieval Torture Museum in Chicago, LA, or St. Augustine. Whether you are learning about executioners or looking at a micro-painting, these spots offer high-level engagement—they are rated 4.7 stars for a reason. You walk away with a story to tell, which is the only currency that matters in travel.” 

Author: Mike “The Thrifty Traveler” Reynolds Budget Travel Blogger & Specialist in Unique American Experiences.