5 Hot Destinations That Are Surprisingly Cheap This Winter

After the winter holidays, the blues start setting in. An endlessly icy season stretches ahead, filled with frigid nights and cars that just won't heat up. Luckily for you, Hopper found that airfare sales are heating up this season, and there are plenty of good travel deals to be found.

We can't yet speak for the temperatures, but flight prices are at record lows starting in January, according to our latest Consumer Price Index. So take a look at these five destinations, where flights are cheaper, weather warmer, and that winter chill couldn't be further from your mind.

These flight prices are accurate as of publication but may increase or decrease as sales are announced and seats fill up.

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Bangkok, Thailand

This year, cross Thailand off your bucket list already. Hopper uncovered flights from both coasts, served by a number of Asian airlines that boast inexpensive fares. Make Bangkok your first stop and see the gilded temples, sprawling palaces, and after-dark markets before heading down to Phuket, Thailand's party-hard hot spot, or further south to Krabi, home to the world's best diving and most postcard-perfect islands. Accommodations and eats are backpacker-cheap, and flights to Thailand start low. Fly from San Francisco on China Southern from around $530 or from New York City on China Eastern from just about $670. EVA (the Taiwanese carrier) serves Seattle and Houston for just $770.

• Fly from San Francisco to Bangkok from $530

• Fly from New York City to Bangkok from $67

• Fly from Seattle to Bangkok from $770

The French Antilles

Winter is high season for the Caribbean, when spring breakers descend on crowded beaches and pack the mega all-inclusive resorts end to end. But that doesn't mean there aren't deals. Boston, Baltimore, and New York especially should count their lucky stars this year, with Norwegian Air Shuttle launching brand-new nonstop flights to two French Antilles isles. The first, mountainous Martinique, is bustling and urban with an undeniably French flavor. And Guadeloupe's two islands offer gold- and black-sand beaches plus a national park perfect for hiking. Perfect too are the prices: Flights start at $49 one-way.

• Fly from Boston to Guadeloupe from $158

• Fly from Baltimore to Guadeloupe from $158

• Fly from New York City to Guadeloupe from $208

• Fly from Boston to Martinique from $148

• Fly from Baltimore to Martinique from $168

• Fly from New York City to Martinique from $198

Mexico City, Mexico

Looking for an unconventional weekend break? Consider Mexico City, where winter temps hover in the seventies. A fascinating food-and-culture scene just waits to be discovered, from amazing art museums by day to funky boutique hotels by night. These on-the-ground prices are cheap, and flight prices are even better. United Airlines offers sub-$300 one-stop service from Chicago, while D.C. residents can take JetBlue for $275. Dallas and Houston residents can find quick flights from just around $230 with Aeromexico. Same goes for Miami, where both JetBlue and Aeromexico offer non-stops that land you in Mexico City in a snappy four hours.

• Fly from Houston to Mexico City from $220

• Fly from Miami to Mexico City from $220

• Fly from Dallas to Mexico City from $230

• Fly from Washington D.C. to Mexico City from $275

• Fly from Chicago to Mexico City from $300

Hawaii

Budget-conscious travelers often dismiss Hawaii simply because it's so pricey to reach. That's not necessarily the case this winter, as we're finding good flight deals all over the U.S. Obviously the West Coast enjoys the lowest fares, with flights from Seattle, Portland, and Oakland going for $430 and less through March. But even New Yorkers can hop a cheap flight to Honolulu or Maui, with Alaska Airlines service from JFK starting at around $570 a pop. Pro-tip: Hawaii hotels can still be expensive, but consider renting an apartment or villa via Airbnb. Nightly rates are reasonable, and stocking groceries (and tons of fresh island produce!) can save you big.

• Fly from Oakland to Honolulu from $318

• Fly from Seattle to Maui from $378

• Fly from Portland to Honolulu from $390

• Fly from New York City to Maui from $570

Hong Kong

Both a commercial megalopolis and an eclectic cultural hub, Hong Kong is the perfect mix of old and new, ancient and hypermodern, sedate and buzzing with energy. It's also a top gastronomic capital, with celeb-chef-helmed Michelin-starred restaurants and cheap street eats for hungry adventurers (think stinky tofu and char siu bao for days). Like many cities frequented by business travelers, Hong Kong isn't always cheap to reach. But United Airlines and Cathay Pacific both offer February flights from Chicago for just $660. Bostonians an hop similarly priced service from Turkish Airlines through March. And both Air China and China Eastern vie for West Coast travelers, with $600 flights on offer from LAX.

• Fly from Chicago to Hong Kong from $660

• Fly from Boston to Hong Kong from $640

• Fly from Los Angeles to Hong Kong from $610

Looking for cheap flights? Download Hopper's mobile app and set up a fare alert to start saving big today!