The Most Wallet-friendly Destinations in 2018, According to KAYAK

Jessica Plautz
Updated

Whether your New Year's resolutions include travel or not, January is a great — if not the greatest — time to plan and book a trip (or twelve).

Travel search engine KAYAK launched its 2018 Travel Hacker Guide on Thursday, highlighting the top destinations this year as well as offering tips for getting the best deals. Among the tips: January has the cheapest days to fly, based on 2017 data, both domestically ($143) and internationally ($543).

Related: Here Are 365 Beaches — One for Every Day in 2018

And when it comes to booking, consider doing so a month before domestic flights (including the Caribbean), three months before travel to Asia, and six months before travel to Europe, according to KAYAK. (But read this first if you're planning a trip.)

As for where to go in 2018, there are so many great destinations. But when it comes to wallet-friendly places to get away, KAYAK has a few insights that could inspire your next trip. Because traveling doesn't have to mean blowing your budget. Here are 10 options that won't destroy your new year's resolution to be financially responsible.

10. Baltimore, Maryland

For just a few reasons to visit Baltimore, read about how Charm City quietly became the coolest city on the East Coast.

9. Minneapolis, Minnesota

While travel to this half of the Twin Cities will likely not be wallet-friendly at the beginning of February, when the Super Bowl pays a visit, the rest of the year is a great time to enjoy Minneapolis on a budget.

8. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is a gateway to amazing skiing in the winter, and to some of the nation's most awe-inspiring natural wonders all year round.

7. Tampa, Florida

Tampa is the first of three cities in Florida to make KAYAK's list. While Tampa may currently be looking at a potential freeze as a cold snap hits the country, it's typically a mild climate for a great southern escape.

6. Fort Myers, Florida

Enjoy some warm weather and eat some great food in this Florida destination.

5. Denver, Colorado

The former railroad town is now much, much more. Enjoy a craft beer from one of the local breweries or a concert under the stars at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

4. Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina's capital has art, delicious food, and a great music scene.

3. Orlando, Florida

The family entertainment capital isn't just for theme park lovers. KAYAK recommends the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, which features “dynamic art exhibitions that focus on honoring African-American artists.”

2. Calgary, Canada

The cheapest times to book a flight to Canada last year were about three months out, and the cheapest average hotel rates are from November through May.

1. Guadalajara, Mexico

KAYAK suggests looking at flights to this amazing destination six months ahead of time to save money (based on last year's data). Hotel rates are cheapest from December through May, with the cheapest averages in January.