3 affordable warm-weather vacations for this winter

Jack Frost is stretching awake. Before you blink, it’ll be winter, and you’ll be hiding under your winter blanket daydreaming of warm sunshine and sand between your toes.

Plan your escape now, before the cold freezes your brain cells. Here are our favorite affordable warm-weather vacations to help you survive this winter.

1. The Space Coast, Florida. If you want to stay continental, go east, not west. Florida is significantly cheaper than California, especially if you steer clear of the tourist hotspots, like Orlando and Miami. Instead, hit the closest beaches to Disney World on the Space Coast, where you can find a long list of budget hotels under $100 a night—some even right on the beach. Tip: Check out the Country Inns and Suites by Carlson in Cape Canaveral, complete with jacuzzi suites, multiple pools and package deals, if you want to hit the waters for a cruise.

2. The Dominican Republic. The D.R. continues to be one of the least expensive, out-of-country warm-weather destinations. The beachfront Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace Resort in Bayahibe is an all-inclusive resort with reasonable rates. Pay one price and get meals, drinks, a poolside bar, satellite TV, air conditioning and more.

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3. Santa Fe, N.M. If you want warmth but aren’t partial to the beach, visit Santa Fe, one of the most magical cities in the world. This is an art lover’s paradise, but Santa Fe is also rich with culture, history and top-notch spas. Our favorite place to stay in this desert oasis is the Four Seasons, a sprawling ground of private, luxury rooms scattered amid the red hills. Each room feels like its own cabin, except with a shared home base; the resort also offers guests some of the region’s best cuisine, regionally inspired spa treatments, guided hikes and only a short drive to the bustling, quirky downtown.

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