Travellers seeking cheap last-minute vacations to ring in 2024 might not be out of luck.
If they are flexible with their destination, Metro Vancouverites can enjoy several low-cost options around the busy travel time.
From the sun-soaked shores of Mazatlan, located on Mexico's Pacific side, to the vibrant turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya, located on its Caribbean coast, the country offers numerous options for travellers from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to score a deal that falls around New Year's Eve.
Locals who want an all-inclusive option outside of Mexico -- but who don't want to break the bank -- can also find low-cost options in the Dominican Republic.
Have a look at some of the best last-minute deals out of YVR this holiday season.
Riviera Maya in Mexico
Travellers can get an all-inclusive option to the Riviera Maya through Sunwing Vacations which departs in the final week of December and costs under $2,000 per person.
A flight that departs on Saturday, Dec. 30 from YVR and returns on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, costs $1,705 including all taxes and fees. The package includes direct flights between YVR and Cancun International Airport (CUN) and five nights accommodation at the three-star Tukan Hotel Playa Del Carmen; it comes with breakfast but is not all-inclusive.
Another package on the same dates with the same flights is an excellent deal, with accommodation for five nights at a five-star, adults-only, all-inclusive property for $2,165 per person.
There are also a couple of other all-inclusive options if you have kids or prefer to stay somewhere else that work out to between roughly $2,195 and $2,255.
Mazatlan in Mexico
Travellers who prefer Mexico's Pacific side -- or who want to try something new -- can take advantage of a couple of last-minute options through Sunwing Vacations that feature seven-night stays in Mazatlan.
A couple of packages depart on Friday, Dec. 29 and include a full week's stay at hotels with a "European Plan," which means meals aren't included. That said, direct, round-trip flights and transfers are included in the cost of the YVR package.
A seven-night stay at the Don Pelayo Pacific Beach costs $1,845 while the Star Palace Beach Hotel costs $1,975.
Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
Expedia offers a couple of last-minute options to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic over New Year's Eve that cost around $2,000.
An all-inclusive option that departs YVR on Dec. 30 and returns on Jan. 4 costs $1,997 and includes direct flights and a stay at the Catalonia Punta Cana.
An all-inclusive option that departs on the same dates costs $2,000 per person and includes a stay at the Temptation Miches Resort, Punta Canada, which is an adults-only accommodation.
Travellers who prefer to dine outside of their hotel can opt for a package with hotel and flights only. On the same dates, there are several options for under $1,200 that include a variety of boutique hotels.
A stay at the Hotel Punto 4 costs $1,153 per person, while the Glamor Hotel comes with a $1,169 price tag. Finally, the Apartahotel Dubai costs $1,190 per person.
