As the much loved Edward Stark would say (may he rest in peace); “Winter is Coming”, and depending on where you live, you’ll soon be dealing with shoveling heaps of snow, cleaning off your car, trying not to break your back on ice, and pushing your way through malls packed with stressed holiday shoppers.

With all of the stress and fluffy white stuff headed our way, how are you planning on relaxing this holiday season? Maybe you’ll book a day at the spa, perhaps some rest and relaxation at your family’s cottage, or maybe you’ll fly somewhere warm and enjoy that vitamin D that our skin rarely tastes during the long winter months.

Florida, Cuba, and Mexico are all traveller favourites when it comes to cheap flights and cheap vacations, but FlightHub, Canada’s largest online travel agency, has come up with a list of sunny destinations that are a little more unique but still remain affordable (like under $500 CAD round-trip, taxes-in type of affordable).

1) Austin, Texas

Are you a music, culture, comedy, or filmmaking geek? Do you love warm weather and delicious food? Then Austin is the spot for you. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Austin, Texas is an extremely warm, open, and welcoming place.

Make sure to go see the “I love you so much” mural, rumoured to have been spray painted by Austin musician Amy Cook who wanted to write a love letter for her lover Liz Lambert. Otherwise, catch a performance at the Long Center for the Performing Arts or just to check out its stunningly modern exterior! Eat at Threadgill’s for their chicken-fried steak with cream gravy or at Shady Grove, a quintessentially Austin classic. SXSW and ACL Fest are some of the country’s best music festivals so it’s no wonder Austin has safely secured the title of ‘Live Music Capital of the World”.

So what are you waiting for? Book those tickets and get down there this winter season!