It is time to get away this winter! Whether you want to embrace the cold or get as far away from it as possible, there are some great places around the world that anyone would be lucky to explore. Traveling during the winter means seeing Christmas or Carnival in a different culture, or trying a new winter spot, or just getting out of the house! Here are the top five destinations to travel to this winter:
The Bahamas
Who needs white snow when you have white sand? Retreat from your cold home to the warm beaches of the island of the Bahamas. The Bahamas is the ideal winter vacation for many since it can be done as affordable or expensive as you want. Many people travel to take pictures at Pig Beach or on the Pink Sand Beach. But you’ll want to stay for the rum tours and endlessly sunny days.
Venice, Italy
Venice is truly one of those cities you can visit year-round and have a magical moment. During the winter, this sometimes overwhelmingly busy summer city becomes much slower-paced and relaxed. The misty weather and heavy clouds will make you feel like you’ve transported back in time. It is also a cheaper time of year to visit the city, which means you can spend more on fun desserts and hot chocolates. Venice also hosts a world-renowned Carnaval festival and feast in February, welcoming the Lenten season.
Quebec City, Canada
Canada isn’t known for being even remotely warm in the winters—the temperatures range from 10-30 degrees F—but Quebec City brings residents and guests alike a taste of European Christmases. The buildings in Old Quebec City are decorated just as they would be in Europe and welcome you to try ice skating at Place D’Youville or mulled wine at the city’s Christmas Market. As the city moves deeper into winter, they transition to Carnaval season! From the lattes to the croissants and all the festivities in between, you’ll keep forgetting you’re not in France.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is the perfect winter destination if you want to be on a beach and also save some money. Wintertime is outside of the monsoon season Thailand gets hit with yearly, and the city is at about 80 to 90 degrees F. Right on the coast of the Andaman Sea, you can head out on a boat to see the city from a whole new perspective…or see it from above when you visit the Big Buddha statue. There are also plenty of local food vendors serving up classic Thai cuisine, with flavors you won’t experience anywhere else.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you’re looking for the perfect winter wonderland to visit this year, head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Go skiing or snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park and learn about the 19th-century fur traders and ranchers that inhabited the area before it became a posh vacation destination. You can also visit nearby Yellowstone National Park and see Old Faithfull and the bison that call the park home. In the evenings, catch a show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse and take a dip in Granite Hot Springs.
