Best Places to Travel in Winter

While many travelers dream about summer vacations, the winter months might be the best time for you to make memories on a solo trip or a vacation with family or friends.

Winter travel often falls into one of two categories: travel to a warm-weather destination or a snowy getaway. Escape the cold weather at home for a tropical beach in the Caribbean or venture to a snowy mountaintop for a picturesque winter wonderland.

Best Places to Travel in Winter for Couples

When it comes to finding the best winter vacations for couples, there are two main options: tropical and warm or snowy and cozy. Which do you prefer?

• Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Jackson Hole is ideal for couples whose idea of a romantic getaway is lounging around by the fire. The local area offers numerous resorts with mountain vistas, gourmet dining, highly rates spas, and full winter vacation packages
  
  
• The Bahamas – If a tropical vibe is more your style, then the Bahamas is a real treat. You will love relaxing on the beach while sipping beverages with little umbrellas, snorkeling, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
  
  
• Tucson, Arizona – The desert atmosphere and sunny winter weather make this community just north of the Mexican border an excellent winter destination. Enjoy hiking, shopping, and exploring various street fairs and festivals. Swing by in February for La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, the area’s major rodeo that translates to “party of the cowboys.”
  
  
• San Diego, California – San Diego is another popular destination for couples. Enjoy excellent upscale restaurants, shopping, and beautiful beaches along the California coast.

Best Places to Travel in the Winter: Vacations for Families

If you’re looking for the best winter vacations for families, we have a few ideas everyone in the family will love.

• Lake Tahoe, California – Families interested in skiing will love all that Lake Tahoe, California has to offer. Both newbies and experienced skiers can find instruction on the slopes while the numerous luxurious lodges offer just the right accommodations for your needs.
  
  
• Aspen, Colorado – The community of Aspen, Colorado is an excellent choice for your winter travel plans. With tons of upscale restaurants, comfortable hotels, and plenty of vacation homes, the perfect trip awaits your family.
  
  
• London, England – For those interested in international travel, London is a wonderful destination this time of year. In fact, it is often considered one of the best places to visit in December with family due to the numerous holiday celebrations happening at this time.
  
  
• Disneyworld (Orlando, Florida) – No list of winter vacation ideas for families would be complete without at least mentioning Disneyworld in sunny and warm Orlando, Florida. The weather in Florida this time of year is simply amazing.

Affordable Winter Vacations

Is your budget a consideration for where you want to go? Affordable winter vacations are possible, which is why we’ve comprised this list of four of our favorite budget-friendly destinations.

• Padre Island, Texas – Padre Island offers all the warmth and sunshine of a tropical getaway. However, the budget accommodations along the Gulf of Mexico make it possible to enjoy extra activities like parasailing, wakeboarding, and even horseback riding on the beach.
  
  
• Las Vegas, Nevada – Las Vegas is an excellent option for those who love a buzzing nightlife. With dozens of affordable hotels and plenty of delicious restaurants, exciting shows, and the chance to test your luck, your great winter vacation awaits.
  
  
• Panama – Looking for something more international? Panama is an ideal choice for those looking for an affordable winter vacation. The cost for most accommodations in major cities in Panama is a lot lower than in other coastal countries. Plus, you can surf, snorkel, and much more!
  
  
• Billings, Montana – If you’re looking to chill out this winter, then you’ll really enjoy Billings, Montana. There are plenty of excellent vacation rentals and the clean air coupled with access to nature make it a memorable destination.

Best Winter Vacations with Snow

Are you looking for the best winter vacations with snow? These are the cities to visit!

• Telluride, Colorado – Telluride gets enough snow each year to be named one of the top destinations for hitting the slopes. With several resorts and plenty of accommodations to choose from, spending time in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains this winter is always a fun adventure.
  
  
• Anchorage, Alaska – If you really like snow, then Anchorage should be on your must-visit list of winter vacation ideas. The famed Iditarod Sled Dog Race is a sight to behold and takes place in late winter/early-March each year.
  
  
• Sun Valley, Idaho – Sun Valley is known as home to the first recreational ski resort in the country. If you’re looking for a memorable place for your next winter vacation, this snowy city is something you’ll want to check out.

Best Places to Visit in December in Europe

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in December in Europe, we’ve got you covered. Consider these three destinations when scheduling your winter vacation this year.

• Paris, France – Paris is always a favorite spot for international travelers. In the winter, the air is crisp and there are plenty of gorgeous holiday displays, events, and attractions to enjoy—including the famed Eiffel Tower.
  
  
• Palermo, Sicily – Palermo is a lovely community in Italy that embraces the winter season with holiday displays and tons of excellent food. Living nativities are also popular in this heavily Catholic community.
  
  
• Denmark – If you don’t mind the cold, then you’ll love Denmark during the winter. In fact, it’s one of the best places to travel in December on a budget in Europe. There are all kinds of holiday marketplaces, light shows, and other experiences festive to the season.

Best Winter Vacations USA

We’ve also got three of the best winter vacations in the U.S. for families to share with you. If you’re looking for a place that makes the holiday season feel extra special and magical, then you’ll really love these three ideas.

• New York, New York – What would a list of the best places to travel in December in the USA be without mentioning New York City? Whether you’re ice skating in Central Park, visiting the Rockefeller Center tree, or shopping at the new FAO Schwarz toy store, it will be a memorable adventure.
  
  
• Big Sky, Montana – Need a spot for that perfect snowboarding adventure for your teen? Big Sky, Montana offers plenty of adventure as well as knowledgeable instructors at the resorts in the area.
  
  
• Sugarbush, Vermont – While this might sound like an unusual spot, it lands on the list of best winter vacations in the USA due to its family-friendly, small town atmosphere that will leave you feeling like you’ve stumbled into a holiday movie.

Warm Winter Vacations USA

If snow is a no-go and you’re looking to stay closer to home, you’ll love this list of the top warm winter vacations USA. Each one is guaranteed to help you work on your tan without worrying about the weather outside turning frightful.

• Palm Springs, California – At the top of our list of the best warm places to visit in December in USA, there’s Palm Springs, California. If you love golf, hiking, or just spending time in the sunshine, then this destination definitely needs to be on your travel list.
  
  
• Kauai, Hawaii – When it comes to the best beaches to visit in December in USA, Kauai, Hawaii is at the top. Sandy beaches, tons of sunshine, and outdoor activities including kayaking and ziplining through the jungle—what’s not to love?

   

• Scottsdale, Arizona – As one of the best warm places to visit in January in USA, this suburb of Phoenix offers upscale shopping, gourmet restaurants, and some of the most spectacular desert sunsets you’ll ever see.
  
  

Cheap Winter Vacations USA

Are you searching for cheap, warm places to visit in December in USA? Then this list of three destinations is a good place to start your travel plans.

• Santa Fe, New Mexico – Santa Fe is renowned for its cultural arts and Pueblo-style architecture. Enjoy the warmth and beauty of the desert, local cuisine, and plenty of art galleries in this gem of a city.
  
  
• San Antonio, Texas – San Antonio is also a fantastic cheap warm winter vacation in the USA. They say everything is just a little bit bigger in Texas, which includes its famed Alamo. Take a trip to the Riverwalk to see sparkling Christmas lights or attend the Light the Way Festival where you can meet Santa or visit one of the many food trucks.
  
  
• Salt Lake City, Utah – If snow is your thing, consider Salt Lake City, Utah. This family-friendly location boasts tons of it in the wintertime, making it a great place to ski or snowboard with friends or family—even if you’re on a budget. Not super coordinated or traveling with little ones? Visit Woodward Park City for snow tubing and indoor activities.

Underrated Winter Travel Destinations USA

Those interested in some of the underrated winter destinations in the USA will love these three spots. They offer plenty of places to enjoy shopping, attractions, and cuisine during the colder months.

• New Orleans, Louisiana – New Orleans isn’t a place most people think about for the wintertime. But this hot spot is always warm, with a vibrant nightlife, spicy cuisine, and tons of hospitality.
  
  
• Charleston, South Carolina – Charleston is a wonderful winter getaway spot with pastel houses, cobblestone streets, and a rich history. Rent out a room at a classic bed-and-breakfast or take a tour of some of the historical sites in the area.
  
  
• Grand Junction, Colorado – Snow on your mind? Grand Junction, Colorado gets plenty of it and is a highly underrated destination. Enjoy plenty of trails, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

What Are Some Winter Vacation Ideas During Covid?

Finding winter vacation ideas during COVID doesn’t have to be tough. Most areas offer private lodging, such as Airbnb homes or smaller boutique hotels.

• Carlsbad, California – Rent a private suite in Carlsbad, California. There, you’ll enjoy quiet contentment along the Pacific coast with a warm breeze flowing through your hair.
  
  
• Austin, Texas – There’s also Austin as a COVID-19 vacation destination. Lake Travis has tons of great cabins and socially distanced spaces for you to enjoy.
  
  
• Acapulco, Mexico – Looking for an international hotspot? Acapulco, Mexico has private beach cabanas that will make you feel as though you’re far away from the worries of being exposed to COVID.