Get a $400 round-trip ticket to Hawaii if you book now

A strange thing happens every year when I start to feel the holidays slipping through my fingers. I don't want to sound dramatic, but I think it's probably inevitable. Once Christmas passed and New Year's Eve rolled around, I had the feeling that the next few months were going to be long, cold, empty years where I felt like I was dead inside. (I warned you, it was going to be dramatic!) What happened to the PSL atmosphere of the fall and the relentless cheers of December? gone. I've found that the best solution is to plan a trip in the first few months of the year so I have something to look forward to, and since my wallet is still sore from buying gifts for friends and family, it's nice to know that there are There are a lot of cool places expected to be the cheapest travel destinations in 2018.

A girl has to see the world, but a girl also has to stick to a budget—especially considering those savings-related New Year's resolutions I just had to make. Although in my dream I am a millionaire and can fly to wherever I want, that is not reality. Thankfully, our interconnected universe also offers plenty of resources to help us find accessible and affordable travel destinations. Here are some of the most promising recommendations for 2018.

1.Hawaii

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According to Business Insider, you could fly nonstop from East Coast cities to and from Honolulu for just over $600 during the first three months of the year, with prices as low as $407 in January. Many thanks to the airlines for participating in the price war in a way that benefits us all. Aloha!

2. Montreal, Canada

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According to Forbes , traveling to the city should be very affordable in 2018 for those of us living within the United States, thanks to a very favorable exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollars. Experience great food, fun nightlife, and some serious European vibes without the high price tags or long flights typically associated with actual European cities.

3. Tallinn, Estonia

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Ranked number one on Lonely Planet's 2018 best value list, Tallinn is easily accessible by cheap flights and offers fun activities and delicious food (think food trucks) at low prices. You will also see beautiful and free! — View of the Baltic Sea.

4. Laos

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According to Independent Traveler, Laos is located halfway between popular destinations like Thailand and Vietnam and has a sparse population and few tourists, making it an ideal place for a more authentic Asian experience. There are no beaches or islands to be found here, but if you enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, and kayaking, you can definitely keep yourself busy in Laos.

5. Houston, Texas

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According to Forbes, Houston has “one of the most exciting food scenes in the country,” and it’s also home to established art institutions and underground art movements. You should also be able to find great deals on flights and accommodation.

6.Mexico

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The current exchange rate between the Mexican peso and other currencies is more conducive to international travel than it was a few years ago, so choose a beach town, adventure hub, or cultural hub and pack your bags. To stick to a budget, independent travelers recommend staying away from major resort towns like Cabo or Cancun. Consider some low-key areas like Tulum, Puerto Escondido, Zihuatanejo or Mazatlan.

7. Arizona

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According to Lonely Planet, the secret to a fun and affordable vacation in Arizona is to "simple roadside motel, then camping and hiking." Visit Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, or Scottsdale’s spas and golf courses.

8. Barcelona, ​​Spain

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According to Forbes, Barcelona is a great choice for traveling Europe on a budget in 2018, with airfares dropping 20% ​​in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2017. It's expensive, and once you actually land , you won't regret spending some money to see the beautiful architecture and museums and enjoy the nightlife. Plus, visiting the beach is free!

9. Indonesia

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You may be most familiar with the Indonesian island of Bali, but Independent Traveler recommends the neighboring regions of Lombok and Java for cheaper options.

9. Jacksonville, Florida

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Jacksonville doesn't get as much attention as other Florida cities, but that's not because it doesn't deserve it. Jax has over 20 miles of beaches, a large city park system, barbecue restaurants, oceanfront cafes, kayaking tours, and more. The best news? According to Lonely Planet, hotel prices are among the lowest in the state. Find out!

10.Croatia

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While Croatia's coastal areas and the country's western region, the Istria Peninsula, tend to be the most visited, Forbes notes that a recent trip to the capital, Zagreb, proved both affordable and fun. Anyway, I've heard a lot of good things about Croatia.

11. Moab, Utah

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According to Forbes, "Moab offers the most incredibly diverse landscape in a small area." Once you arrive, you'll be able to visit two national parks in just 20 minutes! Your best budget option is camping, but if camping isn't your thing, there's also the option of "glamping." More specifically, Forbes recommends Moab Under Canvas.

12. Hunan, China

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According to Lonely Planet, flights to China may not be as affordable as you first say, but traveling within China is pretty cheap, so you should be in good shape once you arrive. With meals and accommodations costing less than $10, Hunan has a lot to offer: the world's longest glass bridge, Zhangjiajie's 250 bizarre peaks, and the historic town of Fenghuang hanging over the river.