As most of us start to give into that urge to go explore new places, considering a getaway in the winter may be a bit tricky. However, winter doesn’t have to be a non-vacation time of year.
In fact, winter vacations can give you one of two outcomes: a sunny haven, or a winter wonderland. Depending on your mood, there are many places that are open for vacations during the winter season.
Here are 10 getaways with enough variety that all moods are covered:
Escapes to the Sun
First, want to get away from the chilly weather? No problem!
With longer evenings and a lack of vitamin D, most of us are looking to go somewhere warm and sunny in order to recharge. Here are some great places that let you get plenty of sun during the winter:
The Bahamas
The obvious first choice for sun lovers is The Bahamas, with hotels starting around $100 a night and flights ranging from $300-500 for a roundtrip. Plus, the beaches are always glowing with great oceans and an abundance of sun. As such, you can easily put together a fairly affordable trip and enjoy the warm waters and gorgeous beaches.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
“It’s like a living painting full of vibrant colour and exquisite scenery,” says Chris Rivas a travel writer at 1day2write and OriginWritings. “Literally another world entirely with its unique architecture and sunny weather, Chiang Mai is a great place to escape to when winter is boring you with its boring white and chilly scenery.”
We have to agree with this as mountain retreat being both a perfect mix of warm days and mild evenings. Staying away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy beach reasons you can easily snag a bargain whilst also enjoying a more authentic experience.
Cartagena, Columbia
Warm and sunny but not overly hot, this northern coast city gives you a mix of the beach life alongside amazing historical architecture. The beaches are gorgeous with its clear blue waters and sunshine. Plus, the architecture makes any historian proud with ages-old structures and the strong sense of nostalgia.
For the more budget-conscious, you might want to look at booking between mid-January and the end of February to get the best deal.
Los Cabos, Mexico
If you want a taste of luxury amongst the desert dunes this place is perfect for you. With stunning coastlines and beach front hotels you can warm up in style.
Though, this option is a bit pricier, since the resorts in Los Cabos are lucrative with their eye-catching beaches and coves. Plus, tourists can opt for boat rides, surfing, fishing, and touring around the natural coves.
So, if you really want to push the boat, you could even look at staying at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve for a delightful wellness experience.
Little Palm Island, Florida
Just off of the coast of Key West, this adults-only private haven provides thatched-roof beach houses with daybeds looking over stunning ocean views. Spa treatments are right on hand
Though, for those of us glued to our phones this may be an issue as ringing phones are a no go. Plus, it is a bit pricier but definitely worth the money.
Winter Wonderlands
Now, if you don’t mind the winter weather, and want more of it in an enjoyable manner, then you’re in luck! In fact, other people may be looking to highlight the beauty of winter and enjoy the snow.
So, consider going to some of these winter havens this winter!
The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomite mountains in Italy are a stunning World Heritage Site with charming Alpine villages nestled beneath their peaks. The wintry peaks make a great backdrop for when you and another person go fishing or canoeing down the beautiful rivers.
A slightly different approach to the typical winter wonderland with familial charm.
Stowe, Vermont
Vermont, despite being a small town, is like walking into a Hallmark winter movie. A ski focussed town on the slopes of Mount Mansfield provides you the perfect place to brush up your skills or try out dogsledding. With lodges offering cosy stone fireplaces and heated pools it’s no wonder this is a popular escape.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Looking like a place straight out of fairy-tale, Gstaad is a glamorous ski town that attracts the rich and famous. Snowy and enchanted, this place is often festive during the holidays. With a snowy mountain backdrop and friendly locals, Gstaad makes a great winter haven who love Christmastime.
There is only one place to stay, the Gstaad Palace, a family-run hotel since 1913. That is unless you are able to talk yourself into an invite to Valentino’s chalet.
Lapland, Sweden
No Winter Getaway list would be complete without Lapland.
“The typical gingerbread house image, a classic staple of Christmas, and a winter wonderland like no other,” claims writer Jerry Taylor writer at Britstudent and Nextcoursework. “Plus, if you haven’t seen the Northern Lights up close, then Lapland is the place to be. Night time is often magical with its natural beauties like the Northern Lights.”
Though it is a favourite for families there are more private and romantic lodges available for couples looking for a getaway somewhere utterly magical.
Lake Placid, New York
Finally, Lake Placid is a great winter getaway for the camping enthusiasts and adventurers. Campfires, warm fireplaces and stunning greenery are what this New York has to offer.
Lake Placid offers you the perfect place to curl up with a blanket and a book whilst sipping hot chocolate. Though it doesn’t have the snow of the others on this list, the cosy atmosphere definitely gives off amazing winter vibes.
Conclusion
So, there you have it!
If you need to escape the freezing weather… or want to embrace it… then check out these 10 incredible getaways! Have fun!
Travel writer Michael Dehoyos is an editor at PHD Kingdom and Coursework Writing Services who assists companies in their marketing strategies. He contributes his writing, his true passion, to numerous sites and publications.