Georgia: A December Heat Wave is Coming

We're about into December, and that usually means pretty cold temperatures are around most of the U.S. Personally, I don't like the snow and cold at all. I wish we could just have a little bit around the holidays and then fast-forward to spring. Thankfully, in Georgia, we get mild temperatures in the winter. In fact, people come here from all over the U.S. to escape the cold and snow. That's why we get so many "snow birds" in these parts. The good news, for people like me who love extra hot weather, is that a December heat wave is coming to Georgia. I'm talking about temperatures that are hot for December even by Georgia's warm standards.

The forecast calls for higher than normal temperatures soon, and that warmer weather will last for at least a few days. Here's the scoop on what areas are getting the warmest weather and when.

According to Weather.com, the state's weather pattern is going to turn warmer than normal starting on Thursday (Nov. 30), just in time to usher in December. Moreover, these above normal temperatures are on target to last for a few weeks. While Georgia temperatures are usually in the mid-50s in December, on Thursday, we'll be well into the 60s. That run of 60s will last all weekend through Monday. Then, we'll slip back into the 50s but rebound again into the 60s by the following weekend. It's not exactly bikini and trunk weather, but it's warmed than expected, for certain. A "December heat wave" might be a bit of a strong term for this weather, since the main warmup only lasts a few days. But, it's certainly going to be warmer than it has been lately, and I'll gladly take the upswing as we head into winter.

Christmas is a time to visit family and friends and get away from the daily grind. The holidays can be a wonderful time, but they can also be very expensive. From buying lots of Christmas gifts for family and friends to having to pay for plane tickets and travel, holiday expenses can really add up. But, the good news is that there are some affordable Christmas vacations in the U.S. Also, Georgia has one of the most affordable Christmas vacations.

One good thing about traveling during the winter months is that it's often the off-season for popular vacation destinations. Of course, the holidays are a busy travel time. That makes late December a difficult time to find a deal for travel. But, if you don't mind the cold and snow, some northern areas of the U.S. offer very good deals. That's true even during the Christmas season.

Some tips for finding a good deal for holiday vacationing include searching a lot of booking websites, comparing different hotel dates to find the most reasonable ones and finding bundle deals. Also, keep your eyes open for special deals on resorts and hotels that are just opening. That's because sometimes, during those opening months, new vacation spots try to attract a loyal clientele by offering special deals. One more tip is to search for airfare rates individually even if you are traveling as a couple or a group. If you put in a search for a group of tickets, the algorithms will often leave out information on one or two cheaper tickets being available. They'll just send you a group of tickets, sitting together, all at the same price. So, you might get a deal if you search for one ticket, instead.

So, what are the best affordable Christmas vacations in the U.S.? Here are some popular spots that won't break the bank.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and it offers a beautiful view of snowy hills and Amish country. It's a very old-fashioned type of town, making it a charming winter getaway. There are plenty of fun, holiday-type things to do in Lancaster that won't break the bank.

Frankenmuth, Michigan, is the self-proclaimed Christmas capital city of the world. Okay, so many argue that Strasbourg, France, takes that honor, but Frankenmuth is close, and it's a lot cheaper to get there. No passport needed. The villiage's Franconian-style architecture has given it the loving name "Little Bavaria." Frankenmuth is also home to the world's biggest Christmas store.

You might never guess, but Las Vegas, Nevada, is a great spot for an affordable holiday trip. Think about it. Most people wouldn't think to go to "Sin City" for Christmas. Of course, it's much less the "sin" part these days, as Las Vegas offers fun activities for the whole family.

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a great spot to visit in the holiday season, because it's not as crowded as other times during the year. It's also less expensive to visit during the holidays and offers beautiful decorations during Christmas. Don't forget the many holiday markets.

Fort Myers, Florida, is a popular destination for snow birds. But, that's doesn't mean to skip it during the holidays. If you want to get away from the snow and ice, Fort Myers offers a great escape over Christmas and for prices that are more reasonable than in many other areas of Florida.

Boston, Massachusetts, gets cold in the winter, but it also has that classic Christmas charm. It's a big city with a smaller city feel during the holidays. What's more, it's a more affordable winter vacation destination than many other areas, and you won't have the fight the crowds.

It'll be too chilly to swim, but there's something to be said for visiting the beautiful Lake Country in Georgia during the holidays. Many tourists recommend staying at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. It's positioned along 30 acres of lakefront shoreline. How beautiful.

https://galakecountry.com/