5 Surprisingly Affordable — and Warm — Winter Escapes

Your next vacation doesn't need to be expensive.

Travelers who want to escape this winter can opt for a vacation a bit off the beaten path. Quicken found five surprisingly affordable winter destinations where travelers can embrace warm weather — without having to dig to the bottom of their wallets.

Belize City

For example, round-trip flights to Belize City start at $445 from Los Angeles, or $635 from San Francisco.

Once in Belize, the average Airbnb will cost from $58 to $100, according to Quicken, with hotels up to $231 per night. While there, be sure to ride the Ocean Ferry, with tours starting at $22.

Cartagena, Colombia

Escape to warm weather Cartagena, Colombia from $400 from Chicago to $480 from LAX. Accommodations in Cartagena start at about $100 for a homeshare to $330 per night for a hotel, according to Quicken's research.

There are plenty of free activities, including chocolate at the ChocoMuseo or viewing religious art at the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Go a world away to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Flights from New York City and Los Angeles start at about $700. Once there, Airbnbs run about $72 per night — however you could end up saving more money at a high-end hotel. Nightly rates run from $33 to $100 per night. Be sure to eat the spicy street food that the region is famous for.

Barcelona, Spain

Dive in Catalan culture in Barcelona, Spain. Flights from New York City's JFK airport start as low as $350 and go up to $610 leaving from Los Angeles. Homeshare platforms have accommodations available from $27 to $60 per night while hotels are likely to run around $140 per night. Eat your way through the city with tapas, only about $4 per plate, and parts of Gaudi's Parc Guell are open to the public for free.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Explore Northern Africa through the winding streets of Marrakesh, Morocco. While flights to the destination may be more expensive (New Yorkers will start at $700 while flights from LAX and SFO run up to $960), it's easy to live on a budget while there. Airbnbs run from $22 to $70 per night while high-end hotels can cost up to $231 per night. Admission to the Bahia Palace and gardens will only set you back $3 per person.