Looking for cheap, warm places to travel in the US this winter? Whether you’re planning a December getaway or escaping the chill during any of the winter months, there are plenty of sunny, budget-friendly destinations right here in the United States. At CharterUP, we make group travel easy and affordable with private charter bus rentals—so you can focus on enjoying the trip, not stressing over logistics. Explore our top 15 warm vacation destinations in the US that are perfect for group vacations, family reunions, or a last-minute weekend getaway without breaking the bank.

1. Destin, Florida

Average Winter Temperature: High of 65°, Low of 49°

Average Daily Cost: Around $120

With crystal-clear water and numerous family-friendly entertainment options, a Destin vacation is a popular choice for families and those with children. Like many cities in Florida, it has a higher average temperature even in the winter months of the mid-60s. It’s perfect weather for strolling along HarborWalk Village, dining at one of the many seafood restaurants, or going on a novelty pirate cruise. 

2. St. Augustine, Florida

Average Winter Temperature: High of 69°, Low of 50°

Average Daily Cost: Around $139 

Those seeking history and culture will love visiting St. Augustine for its stunning architecture, historic sites, and unique museums. And with an average high temperature of 69° even in winter months, it isn’t too cold to check out St. Augustine Beach. Be sure to check out the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum while you’re there! 

3. San Diego, California

Average Winter Temperature: High of 67°, Low of 50°

Average Daily Cost: Around $200 

You may be surprised to see a California city on this list. But The Finest City in America offers plenty of budget-friendly activities for more thrifty travelers. Hike Torrey Pines State National Reserve or catch a sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park with some of the best year-round weather in the country. And book a San Diego charter bus to save time and money on expensive rideshares with limited availability. 

4. Phoenix, Arizona

Average Winter Temperature: High of 68°, Low of 45°

Average Daily Cost: Around $187 

With stunning national features, plenty of places to eat, and unique attractions, Phoenix is an up-and-coming travel destination that stays warm year-round. Take advantage of the warmer weather to hike the iconic Papago Park or visit the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo. A Phoenix charter bus can easily take you everywhere on your itinerary with flexibility in case you want to add other attractions to your itinerary.

5. Orlando, Florida

Average Winter Temperature: High of 70°, Low of 48°

Average Daily Cost: Around $190

While the cost of Disney and other theme parks in sunny Orlando is climbing, there are still plenty of budget options for those seeking a magical escape during winter. Disney Springs is a Disney-themed shopping destination that is free to visit, and there are other themed areas like WonderWorks Orlando or Gatorland that are more affordable. Enjoy average high temperatures in the low 70s even in the wintertime. 

6. Savannah, Georgia

Average Winter Temperature: High of 64°, Low of 45°

Average Daily Cost: Around $150

Though it isn’t as warm as some of the other destinations on our list, Savannah is a city full of haunted history, great food, and stunning architecture. Use the warm weather to take advantage of boat tours, stroll down River Street for cute shops, and visit Forsyth Park and other parks for a budget-friendly activity. Best of all, Savannah is a very walkable city, so except for the occasional rideshare or shift of location for your Savannah charter bus, you can get around easily every day by walking. 

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

Average Winter Temperature: High of 65°, Low of 48°

Average Daily Cost: About $171

Similar to Savannah, New Orleans offers plenty of alternative and different travel experiences. Known for its background in voodoo, ghost tours, and its lively nightlife, you can’t visit New Orleans without taking a walk down the wild Bourbon Street at night. If you are renting a charter bus in New Orleans for your trip, keep in mind that access to many parts of Bourbon Street is blocked off at night, so your bus driver will need to plan accordingly. 

8. Austin, Texas

Average Winter Temperature: High of 64°, Low of 43°

Average Daily Cost: Around $123 

One of the more budget-friendly destinations in the Lone Star State, Austin stays warm even in winter, with highs sitting around 64° and lows in the high 40s at night. Use the warmer weather to lounge by the Barton Springs Municipal Pool during the off-season, or get your dose of culture and history by visiting the Bullock Texas State History Museum or Blanton Museum of Art.

9. San Antonio, Texas

Average Winter Temperature: High of 65°, Low of 41°

Average Daily Cost: Around $132

Another great city in Texas for travel is San Antonio. The weather stays relatively warm in winter, with highs in the mid-60s, and has plenty of outdoor attractions like the San Antonio River Walk, The Alamo, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. A San Antonio charter bus is a great budget-friendly way to travel around the city with a larger group, as public transportation options are spread out and rideshares can be expensive due to surge fees because of their popularity. 

10. Tucson, Arizona

Average Winter Temperature: High of 67°, Low of 37°

Average Daily Cost: Around $150

A cheaper alternative to Phoenix, Tucson is a great place to travel during the colder months. See the iconic saguaro cactuses at Saguaro National Park or soak up some history at the Pima Air & Space Museum. Like other desert climates, the temperature in Tucson drops rapidly at night. If you plan to be out late, book a Tucson charter bus to get around more easily and have transportation on standby with climate controls to ensure you stay warm. 

11. Charleston, South Carolina

Average Winter Temperature: High of 63°, Low of 50°

Average Daily Cost: Around $150 

A romantic and historic city, Charleston is a great budget destination that stays warm year-round for couples and families alike. Shop the iconic Charleston City Market for some fresh seafood, visit the Fort Sumter National Monument, or glide through the Cypress Gardens where they shot The Notebook—it’s only about an hour away from the city when you book a Charleston charter bus to get you there. 

12. Orange Beach, Alabama

Average Winter Temperature: High of 66°, Low of 48°

Average Daily Cost: Around $250 

The Gulf Shores of Alabama are beautiful, family-friendly, and won’t break the bank if you are looking for a warm escape during the winter months. Average highs in the upper 60s allow you to enjoy dolphin cruises, see the animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and enjoy days and nights at The Wharf shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Or to see the whole coast, book a charter bus in Alabama and tailor your trip to visit other popular spots along the Gulf Shores. 

13. Galveston, Texas

Average Winter Temperature: High of 63°, Low of 47°

Average Daily Cost: Around $109 

As an up-and-coming college town, this city in Coastal Texas offers plenty of charm for budget-conscious travelers, along with mild temperatures in the low to mid-60s during winter. Spend all day perusing the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier for food, rides, and attractions, or check out Moody Mansion to tour a restored estate from the late 1800s. There’s something for everyone and at a reasonable cost. 

14. Daytona Beach, Florida

Average Winter Temperature: High of 71°, Low of 54°

Average Daily Cost: Around $119

The famous beaches of Daytona are perfect for sunbathing, kite-flying, swimming, and other ocean-centric activities. And so is the weather! Daytona Beach has daytime highs in the 70s, even during the winter. Daytona Beach is also the home of NASCAR’s premier racing track, making it a great destination for sports fans. Or if you aren’t into racing, hit up the arcades at Daytona Lagoon, stroll along the Daytona Boardwalk, and visit the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum.

15. St. Simons Island, Georgia

Average Winter Temperature: High of 64°, Low of 43°

Average Daily Cost: Around $152

St. Simons Island, Georgia, is a great place to visit for a weekend if you are looking for a budget-friendly option. Temperatures stay relatively warm even in the winter, and all the attractions are very centrally located. Visit all the local shops and restaurants and venture out to nearby Driftwood Beach for amazing views and photo ops during sunset and sunrise. 

How to Save Money on Group Travel

Choosing a more affordable winter vacation is a great start to saving money. And if you are looking for some more pro tips, here are some of our suggestions below!

  • Book in advance: Booking at least six months in advance, if possible, can help save you on costs for flights, activities, and hotel accommodations. 
  • Travel on weekdays: Rates for hotels and Airbnbs tend to be cheaper on weekdays as less people are traveling on weekdays. 
  • Pack lightly: If you have to book airport transportation for your trip, consider only bringing a carry-on so that you don’t have to check and pay for luggage. 
  • Bring your own food: Consider booking accommodation with a kitchen so that you can cook your own food and bring your own snacks to save money on eating out. 
  • Find low-cost activities: Do some research on your destination and look for parks and other public places or local festivals that are free or cheap to attend. 
  • Take advantage of package deals: Some U.S. travel destinations offer package deals that include lodging, flights, and popular activities. Be on the hunt for these and see if they can save you some extra money
  • Go with a group: Split the expense of your warm weekend getaway with a group of friends!
  • Rent a bus: Depending on your group size, a charter bus often costs less per person than multiple rideshares if you split it up between a group. It also offers static pricing and 24/7 availability, as opposed to rideshares, which can add price surge fees. 
  • Book your stay out of town: Hotels and Airbnbs may be significantly cheaper if you book slightly out of the city you are visiting. And you can always book a charter bus or private car to get you into town. 

Why Book a Charter Bus?

Save time and money by booking a private charter bus for your group’s trip with CharterUP instead of a private car. According to a blog post from Fidelity, the average rental car costs between $50 and $80 per day—before taxes and fees. For a four-day trip with 16 people, you’d likely need at least three rental cars, totaling around $240 per day or $960 for the entire trip.

Instead, choose an 18-passenger charter bus from CharterUP and get more value for your money. With a charter bus, your average daily cost is around $1,000 per day, making it only $250 per person per day for a four-day trip. That covers all your group transportation needs in one vehicle—with no need to drive or worry about parking.

You also have complete privacy for your group and access to amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms that aren’t typically available in public transportation or rideshares. We also allow payment plans for you to pay off over time to make budgeting even more convenient. 

Choose CharterUP for Better Group Travel

Groups choose CharterUP for their charter bus rentals for a reason. We have a network of charter bus options ranging from sprinter vans to minibus rentals, all the way up to full-size charter buses, depending on your group size. Each comes with its own driver, so you don’t have to worry about any of the driving for your trip. 

We offer custom charter bus itineraries so that you can tailor your bus rental to your exact trip specifications, with flexible scheduling in case plans change. You can also enjoy amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and TVs for longer trips. Best of all, we offer transparent charter bus pricing with no hidden fees and a free, no-obligation price quote in minutes—ask us about it by calling 1-855-920-2287, and we will be happy to tell you more. 

At CharterUP, we are changing the way groups travel for the better. Put in an inquiry through our self-service platform today, and you can get a free estimate on the price for your charter bus in 60 seconds or less!