The Most Affordable Winter Vacations in the U.S.

Looking for an affordable winter escape? Whether you're dreaming of heading south to sunnier shores or hoping to hit the slopes this ski season, winter getaways can be expensive. Choosing the perfect destination can be key to saving on your next vacation, so Hotels.com picked these 10 places for their great winter activities and rates and found properties with affordable prices in each. Luckily, many of these spots happen to be located near major airports, too, so you can look for a great flight deal to save even more.

Boston, Massachusetts

Bundle up for a wintry visit to Boston. Sure, it will be cold — you can expect freezing temperatures in January and February — but that means snow-covered parks and ice skating on Boston Common. And when you're ready for a break from the chilly weather, head to one of the city's art or history museums. Hotels.com recommends staying at The Verb Hotel, a trendy and modern hotel located near Fenway Park.

Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado

In many ways, Colorado is the ultimate winter vacation destination. World-class skiing, great restaurants and apres-ski bars, and incredible wintry scenery make it one of the country's best cold-weather getaways. Hotels.com recommends visiting Beaver Creek and Vail — the ski towns are less than 30 minutes apart. Vail has varied terrain, better nightlife, and more shopping, while Beaver Creek is great for families. Hotels.com recommends The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort for your stay.

Orange County, California

Surf cities, oceanfront hotels, fan-favorite theme parks, and mild winter weather make California's Orange County the perfect spot for travelers hoping to avoid the harsh, cold winter. While it will be a little too chilly for a dip in the ocean, you can still enjoy the beach scenery, explore nearby cities like Huntington Beach and Dana Point, and visit Disneyland (crowds should be relatively low during January and February, excluding holiday weekends). Hotels.com recommends staying at Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa in Laguna Beach.

Oahu, Hawaii

Home to Hawaii's capital, Honolulu, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, countless white-sand beaches, picturesque hikes, and much more, Oahu is the ideal getaway for travelers hoping to swap chilly winter weather for temperatures in the pleasantly warm 70s. Hotels.com recommends booking a room at 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.

Nashville, Tennessee

With temperatures ranging from just below freezing to the low 50s, Nashville can be a little chilly in January and February, but armed with a scarf and some hot cocoa, you'll be ready to take on the Music City. Many of Nashville's most iconic attractions are actually indoors (think live music in the city's famous honky-tonks, the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the National Museum of African American Music). Hotels.com recommends a stay at Hutton Hotel in Nashville's Music Row.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Split between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is surrounded by lake and ski resorts offering a range of activities depending on the season. Hotels.com suggests staying at Basecamp South Lake Tahoe, which is just a short distance from Heavenly ski resort. The 72-mile drive around the perimeter of the lake is also one of the most beautiful winter road trips in the country.

New York City, New York

With holiday markets, festive shop displays, and lots of twinkling lights, New York City is wonderful during the winter holidays. But if you visit after the start of the new year, you'll find a quieter version of the city with far fewer tourists. Of course, you can still enjoy Broadway shows, incredible dining, unbeatable shopping, and top-rated museums, and you might even score a deal on a hotel room. Hotels.com recommends Arlo SoHo, which is located near lots of great shopping and restaurants.

Austin, Texas

Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin has plenty to offer music lovers and foodies. Expect to find lots of tasty BBQ, Tex-Mex, and more in Austin's thriving restaurant scene, and plan a few nights out to enjoy the city's famous live entertainment. Located in South Congress, Hotels.com suggests Colton House Hotel for your Austin winter getaway.

Miami, Florida

If you'd rather head further south for warmer temperatures and sunny skies, Miami, Florida, could be your ideal destination. There's plenty to do here, from walking along world-famous South Beach to browsing galleries in the Design District to visiting the nearby Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park. East Miami is Hotels.com's choice for a great stay.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Located right on the border of North and South Carolina, Charlotte typically has mild winters with highs in the 50s. There's plenty to do for visitors of all ages, from local breweries for adults to interactive children's museums. Hotels.com recommends a stay at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection, situated near several of the city's top attractions.