Winter is an exciting time to visit many of the world’s most beautiful destinations. As temperatures drop, crowds diminish and hotel rates fall, winter is an ideal time to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking sights. Here are a few of the best destinations for winter travel:
New York City
The Big Apple is always a fun destination to visit, but the city takes on a whole new feel in winter. With snowy strolls in Central Park, Slushy the Penguin at Minus 5 and winter dining options, it’s the perfect place to escape the cold and warm up.
San Diego
With a year-round climate that averages in the mid-60’s, this sunny southern California city is one of the top warm winter vacations in the USA! It’s a great escape from the cold and provides ample activities to keep the entire family entertained.
Athens
Ancient Greece is an excellent destination to visit any time of the year, but the city is particularly enchanting in winter. The weather is mild, and museums are less crowded, making it easier to explore the city’s rich history without any hassle.
Jasper National Park
Canada’s most iconic natural attraction, Jasper National Park, is a must-visit during the winter when it transforms into a magical wonderland of frozen waterfalls and ice formations. In addition to stunning views of the stars at night, the park also boasts a number of winter recreation activities, including ice climbing and snowshoeing.
Sedona
In the southwestern United States, the red rock formations of Sedona are among the most popular attractions for both locals and visitors alike. But the town offers a unique perspective of the area’s rocky landscapes in winter when crowds are reduced and prices are lower.
Leadville
A charming, quaint town in the Tenmile Mountains, Leadville is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and has many affordable AirBnBs and cute cabins to choose from. It’s also a perfect base for fat biking the trails or snowshoeing at the base of the Sawatch Range.
Bottineau Winter Park
The pristine Turtle Mountains in north-central North Dakota are home to the state’s largest ski resort, Bottineau Winter Park. This winter wonderland has eight alpine skiing trails ranging from beginner to expert, and plenty of other outdoor winter sports to keep you busy, including sledding, tubing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
Leavenworth
Washington’s Bavarian village is often referred to as “Icicle Flats” and the village is known for its festive atmosphere during the winter months. Its famous Christmas market is a must-visit during the holiday season, and the town is also home to a number of winter events, such as the Icicle Festival.
Gibraltar
The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is a small but charming travel destination that’s perfect for a relaxing break during the winter. Despite being relatively small, it’s filled with attractions to satisfy the whole family, including an extensive list of outdoor activities, such as skiing and snowshoeing, as well as cultural events and exhibitions.