Now that the holidays are over, it’s a perfect time to plan some exciting winter getaways with your family or friends. While you might be thinking, “how could I afford a vacation after all that expensive holiday shopping?”, with the right knowledge and insider secrets about fabulous travel deals, you can soon be headed on a wonderful winter adventure that doesn’t cost a fortune.

Travel Experts’ Tips for Fun Winter Getaways

From planning an action-packed ski trip to visiting a peaceful snowy destination for some much-needed R&R, today’s travel guide features 5 travel experts’ budget-friendly trips for fun winter getaways.

Winter getaways run the gamut from thrilling, heart-pumping activities (like downhill skiing and snowboarding) to leisurely, relaxing vacations (such as mountain spa retreats and romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-dusted woods).

If the idea of cozying up with your loved on by a warm fireplace, while the snow falls outside your window, sounds like a dreamy winter getaway, then Mary White (Author of Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies and CEO of BNBFinder.com, an award-winning directory of thousands of inns) shares a key travel tip that can help you plan a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway with your sweetheart.

“Discerning travelers are turning to B&Bs now more than ever for the personal attention they provide. Closely examine exactly what the room rate includes. B&Bs include homemade daily breakfasts in their rate – often these meals are multi-courses – easily reflecting a value of $25/person. Many also include extras like afternoon snacks, a complimentary wine hour, high-speed internet (this all varies by property) and more, which provides even more value.”

To help your family plan a memorable (and affordable) winter getaway this year, travel industry expert, Caroline Shin (CEO and Co-Founder of Vacatia, a resort marketplace for vacationing families), shares some of her best travel tips below.

“Don’t assume hotels are the most affordable option, particularly for larger families. Vacation rentals quite often offer more space and utility for the dollar, especially vs. adjoining hotel rooms. Price, quality and location do vary, so choose carefully.”

“Consider renting resort residences rather than private homes. They have the space of a home combined with amenities and services of a professionally managed resort (check-in, housekeeping, security, etc.). Resort residences receive star and Tripadvisor ratings just like hotels, so you can trade off rates and quality to your liking.”

“Minimize vehicle time, and therefore rental car gas, shuttle, or Uber fees. Resort residence rentals are often in the best locations and have family-friendly amenities: beachfront access, pool, kids pool, waterpark, playground, walking distance to attractions (varies by resort), which made big and smaller group activities convenient.”

For more money-saving ideas on those upcoming winter getaways, Vicky Garcia (COO and Co-Owner of Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest network of home-based travel agents) shares a couple of her favorite travel tips to help keep you on track with your budget this season.

“Why spend 4 weeks planning your 1 week vacation? Let a professional travel agent help you along the way Bonus: they will have access to the best deals, value-added amenities and incentive programs to make your vacation even more enjoyable. And you don’t have to pay them in order to get their services, which is a true win/win.”

“In the travel industry, there are more popular times to travel, which are always busy and will demand the highest dollar, but when you travel off season or during “shoulder” season, you may be able to save some green. Even changing your dates 1-2 weeks can save on your bottom line.”

When it comes to planning winter getaways on a budget, Erin Warren (a Smart Shopping Expert from Splender, an online cash back shopping site that pays members monthly for online purchases at more than 800 leading retailers) knows a thing or two about saving money.

“January is typically a ‘dead zone’ for the travel industry, so there are many last minute deals for booking flights, hotels and vacations to destination resorts. Cash back sites are a good way for savvy consumers to get additional savings and even better travel deals.”

If you’re thinking about traveling abroad to renowned winter destinations in Europe (such as the majestic Swiss Alps), travel expert Elizabeth Avery (Founder of Solo Trekker 4 U, the free 4 to 5-star travel community for solo travelers) shares 3 must-read tips that will enable you to book a trip of a lifetime (on a limited budget).

“Pick a chateau hotel. Typically in the countryside they are generally more economical. (One of my favorites is the elegant Chateau Heralec, an hour outside of Prague.)”

“Flights are about ½ price right now. Always fly economy and spend your savings on a top hotel.”

“Go to the coldest places in the world for the hottest deals. (My favorite: Have a fabulous Girl Getaway at the 5-star Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City where can ski, go dog sledding or even practice your French!)”

Now that you’ve learned the experts’ budget-friendly travel tips, you’re one step closer to booking a wonderful winter getaway that will bring you a lifetime of happy memories. For more travel tips and vacation ideas, check out the Travel Section on Inspirations & Celebrations.

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[Main image credit: Shutterstock]