Between delicious food and being surrounded by loved ones, there’s so much to be thankful for this holiday season. The only thing that can make it better is catching flight and outdoor vacation deals.
There’s no better time for a deal as consumer costs continue to rise. A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows consumer prices increased by 3.2 percent between July 2022 and July 2023. Prices are relatively down in 2023 compared to 2022, but more than 70 percent of Americans are changing something in their travel plans because prices remain high.
The good news is there are still some ways to save money on travel, especially for travelers who don’t mind spending time outdoors. It’s low season and shoulder season for many destinations this winter, so travelers can slash some costs by nearly 30 percent. Here are some outdoor vacation deals to be thankful for at these great destinations.
Echo Mountain Ski Resort
Ski slopes don’t have to come with a sticker shock. Places, like Aspen and Telluride, are popular destinations for snow lovers, especially when resorts open in November. If you want to head to the ski slopes this winter for a fraction of the price, Echo Mountain is one of the best resorts for both price and location.
It’s located nearly 30 miles from Colorado’s capital city, where there are mountains with nine runs for intermediate-level skiers and a beginner area. Echo Mountain is known for its affordable ski and snowboarding day tickets compared to other ski resorts in Colorado. Its proximity to Denver International Airport makes it more affordable for visitors.
In November, flights from San Antonio, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles and Orlando are less than $300 round-trip. The cheapest option for those who want to skip Thanksgiving is from Houston. Use Nov. 21 through Nov. 28 as your travel dates in Skyscanner to buy a flight for less than $250 round-trip. For the December holidays, flights from Dallas, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Seattle can be purchased for less than $250 round-trip. Atlanta is the cheapest option. Use Dec. 15 through Dec. 19 as your travel dates in Skyscanner for a ticket priced at less than $150 round-trip.
El Yunque Rain Forest
There’s no better way to immerse yourself outdoors than El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Puerto Rico’s national treasure has natural pools, stunning waterfalls, hiking trails and beautiful scenery. A highlight for travelers is hiking one of the trails before taking a cool dip in one of the natural pools. La Coca Trail is a favorite, as it offers the perfect challenge before treating yourself to the natural pools.
El Yunque has more than 240 plant species endemic to Puerto Rico. Visiting the national park means you will find biodiversity and a fantastic landscape unlike anywhere else in the United States and territories.
El Yunque is approximately 45 minutes from San Juan, so this is the best airport to arrive at. The best flight deals to San Juan International Airport in November and December leave from Tampa, Chicago, Orlando, Atlanta, New York City, Philadelphia, Denver, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Cleveland. Flights from these cities can be purchased for less than $200 round-trip, according to Skyscanner. Miami is the cheapest departure city for both months. Input Nov. 28 through Nov. 30 as the travel dates in Skyscanner for a ticket priced below $120 round-trip. Use Dec. 9 through Dec. 14 as your travel dates in Skyscanner for a round-trip ticket for less than $150.
Castle Hot Springs
There’s no better way to end or start your year than with intention and wellness. Castle Hot Springs is where you get your mind, body and spirit before tackling new goals. Castle Hot Springs is a luxury desert oasis with different wellness packages. There is the Zen wellness package, the adventure package and the wellness through water package.
The beginning of December and January have some of the best deals with a $300+ saving on a stay compared to the middle and end of the months. Room rates are based on double occupancy, so going with a friend is also a way to slash the costs. Reservations include fresh farm-to-table daily meals and guided activities, including hiking, archery, yoga, resort pools, cruiser bikes, and more. Guests can also access natural hot springs, outdoor soaking tubs, and Creekside hammocks.
Castle Hot Springs is located one hour from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The best deals to Phoenix in November leave from San Diego, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Portland, Seattle, and Houston for less than $150 round-trip, according to Skyscanner. Seattle, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Denver, Portland, San Francisco, Dallas, Nashville, and Chicago are the best departure cities in December. Travelers can purchase round-trip tickets for less than $200 round-trip on Skyscanner.
Denver is the cheapest departure city in November, according to Skyscanner. Use Nov. 23 through Nov. 28 as your travel dates for a round-trip ticket less than $75. Houston is the cheapest option in December. Use Dec. 6 through Dec. 13 as your travel dates for a round-trip ticket for less than $75.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a town in northern New Mexico’s high desert, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s a hidden gem that offers so much to do for people who want to mix the outdoors with a city vacation. The town is also home to a world-class ski resort, Taos Ski Valley, the World Heritage Site Taos Pueblo, the beautiful landscape of the Rocky Mountains and the Rio Grande Gorge, and the Taos Art Museum at the Fechin Hose.
Sante Fe, New Mexico, is the nearest airport to Taos, about an hour and a half drive. Flying into Albuquerque is the other option, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Two airports mean there are a ton of flights and accommodations for travelers to make it as cheap or as expensive as their budget allows.
Some of the best flight deals into Santa Fe leave Las Vegas, Chicago, Phoenix, Houston, and Richmond, Virginia, for less than $400 round-trip, according to Skyscanner. Leaving Denver is the best option for November and December. Use Nov. 11 through Nov. 17 in Skyscanner for a round-trip ticket for less than $200. For December, input Dec. 1 through Dec. 8 for a round-trip ticket for less than $250.
Banff, Canada
Canada’s iconic national park does not close when it’s cold. Winter is considered Banff’s off-season, so the overall costs are much cheaper than the summer. There’s no better time to visit this bucket-list destination than in the winter. Banff National Park is a fantastic destination to visit in the winter for travelers into snow, cooler temperatures, and hot chocolate. If you’re brave, the best things to do in the winter include going on an ice walk, dog sledding, or setting out on an adventure to a ghost tour.
Calgary International Airport is the closest airport to Banff. The best deals depart from Las Vegas, Las Angeles, Orlando, San Diego, Denver, Seattle, and Houston. These cities have flights below $250 round-trip in November and for less than $200 round-trip in December. Phoenix is the cheapest option for both holiday months. Use Nov. 23 through Nov. 27 as your travel dates in Skyscanner for round-trip tickets for less than $175. Use Dec. 8 through Dec. 15 as the travel dates for a ticket priced below $100 round-trip.
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