2022’s Best Winter Holiday Destinations

November 17, 2022

WalletHub releases their picks for the best winter destinations of 2022.

Ahead of a winter that will see colder than usual weather across most of the country, according to the latest forecast from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its 2022’s Best Winter Holiday Destinations report, as well as accompanying videos and expert commentary, to supplement its money-saving selection of the best travel credit cards.

Focusing on cost and convenience rather than scenic beauty, WalletHub compared nearly 70 of the largest U.S. metro areas grouped by warm and cold weather. Each destination was analyzed based on 37 key metrics, primarily the expense and hassle of traveling to each location but also on other indicators, such as weather forecasts, safety and variety of activities.

Here’s a quick glimpse at some of the report’s most interesting findings:

Best Cold Destinations for Winter Travel

1. New York, NY
2. Atlanta, GA
3. Washington, DC
4. Chicago, IL
5. St. Louis, MO
6. Cincinnati, OH
7. Kansas City, MO
8. Boston, MA
9. Albuquerque, NM
10. Philadelphia, PA

Best Warm Destinations for Winter Travel

1. Las Vegas, NV
2. Austin, TX
3. San Diego, CA
4. Dallas, TX
5. San Antonio, TX
6. Phoenix, AZ
7. Houston, TX
8. San Francisco, CA
9. Los Angeles, CA
10. Charleston, SC

Best vs. Worst

The average flight to a popular cold winter destination costs $396.17, lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes and has 0.28 connections. In comparison, the average flight to a popular warm winter destination costs $521.74, lasts 5 hours and 17 minutes and has 0.57 connections.
Among cold destinations, Omaha, Nebraska, has the lowest price for a three-star hotel room, $55, which is 2.4 times lower than Worcester, Massachusetts, the city with the highest at $133.
Among warm destinations, Houston has the lowest price for a three-star hotel room, $40, which is 5.2 times lower than Honolulu, the city with the highest at $208.
Among cold destinations, Chicago has the most restaurants (per square root of population), 6.157755, which is 6.3 times more than in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the city with the fewest at 0.984751.
Among warm destinations, Orlando has the most restaurants (per square root of population), 7.281483, which is 29.0 times more than in Deltona, Florida, the city with the fewest at 0.250773.

To view the full report and your metro area’s rank, please click HERE.

Expert Commentary

What is the outlook for the winter travel season?

“As tourism gains momentum due to eased travel restrictions, improved COVID perceptions, and strong travel demand, domestic leisure travel spending has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels during the first half of the year. Therefore, the outlook for the winter travel season is positive. Outdoor winter activities are a great way to get away from the indoors and the pandemic.”

— Philip F. Xie, Ph.D., Professor, Bowling Green State University

“There are competing forces at work. People are still looking for a break after curbing some of their travel during the covid years but higher prices due to inflation will put a squeeze on some of the demand. Also, with postponed travel in recent years, people will be looking to reconnect with family and friends across the country.”

— Stephen Pratt, Department Chair, Tourism, Events and Attractions, University of Central Florida

What are the best ways for travelers to save money?

“Travelers ought to consider purchasing their tickets now; airfares are up dramatically from last year. Christmas airfares are going to be higher than in the last five years, up 55% from last year and 19% higher than before the pandemic. Some are saying that airfares are going to be the highest ever; while we do not believe that they will be greatly elevated. Look to AAA, AARP, and loyalty program deals for hotel and event savings. Amazon…is now entering the travel sphere and is offering some good, introductory deals and discounts.”

— Neville Bhada, Adjunct Professor, University of Georgia

“While this is not financial advice, use a credit card with travel points earned for purchases that can be used for booking travel and lodging. Several different companies offer this and the points can be redeemed for a cabin with a hot tub in a snowy destination, flights, car rentals, or even a train ride.”

— Joshua Roe, Director/Assistant Teaching Professor, WVU Institute of Technology

What are some logistical do’s and don’t’s for winter travel?

“Visit weather sites in advance and check the forecast. For example, if snow and skiing are your interests, then make sure about the season and the level of snow expected at the destination…Avoid popular holidays and long weekend holidays at destinations. Learn about your weather ‘carrying capacity’ when it comes to cold weather. One should not be drawn by lower rates at the expense of one’s comfort. If warmer weather is your interest, then try to consider places that offer milder weather but much better rates and bargain packages…Avoid air tickets with multiple stops, especially if going through airports with expected stormy weather.”

— Zaher (Zach) Hallab, Ph.D., Professor, California State University East Bay

“If you are flying, do book the first flight or at least an early morning flight…Do not take a connecting flight if you want to avoid travel headaches, missed connections, delays, lost luggage, etc. Do check that your passport is still valid…Review what IDs or vaccine records are needed to enter the destination to which you are traveling. Take pictures of your passport and your luggage in case they get lost. Do not book your hotel reservations online through a rogue website…Do always confirm your reservations and try to get the names of the service people you spoke with…Do pack a scarf…to keep warm because you just never know when you will need one with unpredictable winter temperatures. Do not forget to pack your medicines or cold/flu remedies and masks just in case.”

— Leora Halpern Lanz, ISHC, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs; Faculty Chair, Master of Management in Hospitality; Associate Professor, Boston University