Cambridge, MA (Vocus/PRWEB) December 17, 2010

Ready to let your inner-traveler loose? From the seaside to the slopes, there are endless options for a fun—and affordable—winter-time getaway. To help inspire some unique adventures, the student travel experts at Let’s Go Publications have announced their top 10 winter travel destinations for budget-minded student travelers.

1. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

With an average winter-time temperature of 77 degrees, the Dominican Republic is a perfect warm-weather getaway. With travel companies offering great travel deals on all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana is an affordable option for the budget conscious young adult or students (and did we mention the legal drinking age is 18?).

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

With great hotel deals in the winter, and endless options for free entertainment, Sin City draws budget travelers in droves. For those who like flashing lights, casinos, scantily clad women, and endless entertainment, but can’t afford a trip to Monte Carlo, Vegas is perfect. The guys in “The Hangover” weren’t too off the mark—travelers don’t go to Vegas to relax. True Vegas aficionados go for a night on the town they more than likely won’t remember the next day.

3. Bangkok, Thailand

Plane tickets to Thailand may have some travelers cashing the check grandma gave them for Christmas a little early—but that will be the most expensive part of this trip. Backpackers flock to Thailand for its food, culture, and budget-friendliness. Bangkok is the premier destination, and it’s easy to see why. Travelers enjoy affordable accommodations, breathtaking sights and monuments, and a pleasant mix of internationalism and traditional culture.

4. Montreal, Canada

For travelers looking to escape the cold, this may not be the ideal destination, but for those who don’t mind bundling up, Montreal is an unconventional—and affordable—option. Located within driving distance of many northeastern U.S. cities, and with a large student population thanks to McGill, it’s hard to imagine being bored in Montreal. The city is so charming it’s easy to mistake it for Paris. Split a cab with some fellow travelers and explore the bars and clubs along Crescent Street.

5. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Student travelers and Puerto Ricans have something in common—they both love rum. Home to the famous Bacardi factory, as well as warm beaches and tropical rainforests, San Juan is an ideal destination for a much needed winter reprieve. Visitors heading to Puerto Rico in January will likely experience some of the island’s many cultural events.

6. New York, New York

Sinatra may have been from Jersey, but there’s a reason he wasn’t singing “Hoboken, Hoboken”. New York in the winter is magical. Ice skating in Rockefeller Center, seeing the window displays along 5th Avenue, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are only a few of the exciting things tourists can enjoy. Accommodations can run a bit pricier than some of the other destinations on this list, but affordable hostels are readily available.

7. Ifrane, Morocco

Let’s Go researchers have referred to Ifrane as “Little Switzerland”, and it’s not hard to see why. Tucked away in the Middle Atlas Mountains, with red roofs and cute manicured parks, it’s easy to mistake this little slice of heaven in North Africa. A sleepy college town, Ifrane is a nice break from some of the other bustling metropolises like Fez or Tangier. It’s rare to get a chance to ski in Africa, but travelers would be wise to take advantage of Ifrane’s proximity to the slopes.

8. Dublin, Ireland

Thanks to the economic climate at the moment, European cities like Dublin have become more and more budget-friendly. A great spot for student travelers, Dublin has the pleasant combo of being a big city, but the warmth and intimate feel of a small town. Although in January it takes an active imagination to feel the warmth. By the end of their trip, travelers to Dublin can expect to have developed a taste for Guinness and an appreciation for a bustling pub culture.

9. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Plain and simple, Buenos Aires is just cool. The people dress well, there’s a huge expat population, and even though the average per capita consumption of meat hovers around 150 lbs, everybody looks great. If this is a vacation with warmth in mind, look no further. Temperatures in January are in the upper 80s. For diversity, take a daytrip outside of the city, but make sure to return for some Buenos Aires nightlife.

10. Vienna, Austria

Any city with an outdoor drinking culture is OK by Let’s Go standards, and Vienna is no exception. Vienna is steeped in history, and with coffee houses on every corner, travelers certainly won’t be missing Starbucks. The city is also easy to navigate and affordable—and English is widely spoken. It’s also a central point for travel to other cities in Europe like Budapest or Prague.

To read more about our top ten winter destinations, visit the Let’s Go website.

About Let’s Go, Inc.

Let’s Go publishes the world’s favorite student travel guides written entirely by college undergraduates. With pen and notebook in hand, and a few changes of underwear stuffed in their backpacks, Let’s Go student researchers go across continents, through time zones, and above expectations to seek out the best travel experiences. Let’s Go has been on the road for 50 years and counting; and on a mission to provide readers with sharp, fresh coverage and socially responsible opportunities to go beyond tourism. Our website, http://www.letsgo.com, connects readers to our researchers—and each other—with blogs, photos, and the latest travel deals.

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