The days keep getting shorter and we’ve got a few more long months until we’re out of the cold, dark winter. Even if a vacation isn’t in the budget post-holiday shopping, daydreaming about escaping to these prime winter travel destinations is a nice break from gray skies and 3pm sunsets.
Jasper National Park, Canada. Winter junkies will love Jasper National Park for its wide assortment of activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and skiing. The weather drops during the winter months (highs in the 20s), but dreamy landscape and winter festivals make it worthwhile.
Rome, Italy. Rome is jam-packed with tourists all summer long, but if you’re willing to tolerate cooler temps, you can explore the city at leisure during the winter months. Enjoy shorter lines for popular attractions and much cheaper airfare and room rates.
Lucerne, Switzerland. Visit in December to enjoy the Christmas-village decorations and holiday cheer. There’s plenty of skiing all winter long, and to recover après-ski, stop by one of the many Swiss spas.
Quebec City, Canada. Temperatures are chilly, but if you want to experience a quintessential white Christmas, this is the city to visit. Cobblestone streets, French pastries, and almost daily winter festivals.
Hanoi, Vietnam. Experience gorgeous landscapes and beautiful pagodas in this still largely undiscovered capital city. Temperatures in the winter can be unpredictable, but there’s less rain and humidity than in the summer. It’s less crowded, and there are plenty of attractions to visit indoors on chilly days.
Seville, Spain. There are mild temperatures throughout the winter months, hovering in the sixties, and none of the European summer crowds. Enjoy slashed prices for accommodations and cheaper airfare.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Save up for this one, and visit in February to experience Carnival. The streets fill with visitors and there are parties, balls, and parades all day every day. The weather is balmy enough to enjoy the beach December-March, but it’s peak tourist season so finding accommodations can be tricky.
Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Sometimes you just need a resort city to shake off the winter blues. On the Pacific Coast of Mexico, this city offers perfect winter-escape temperatures, gorgeous blue water, and white sand beaches.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. Undeniably gorgeous, this state border community is an ideal winter wonderland. Daytime temps are mild, hovering just above forty degrees. There’s high-end shopping and world-class shopping. Book hotels early and mid-week to avoid the busy season price hike.
Breckenridge, Colorado. Considered the #1 Ski Vacation by U.S. News, Breckenridge is full of charm and adventure. You don’t have to be a ski bunny to consider a vacation in this mountain retreat, there are plenty of activities that don’t involve buying gear. Main Street is full of quaint shops, restaurants, and bars. There are breweries to check out, and even a distillery. The star-filled night sky alone is worth a visit.