Escape the Winter Blues
There is no denying that winter can be a wonderful time of year, whether you spend it on the snowy slopes or soaking up the sun on a beach. It’s not only about Christmas; winter getaways can be enjoyed when November rain gets too much or if you’re looking to continue the festivities long into January! There are some great winter vacation ideas if you just know where to look, from the icy lakes of Norway to the white sand beaches of Mexico. Keep reading to find out the best winter vacations to consider this year.
Top 5 Winter Travel Destinations
1. Norway
To get in the winter spirit, heading to a snowy destination will make all your dreams come true. Norway is a European jewel, combining towering fjords, vast frozen lakes, snow-dusted forests and, of course, the Northern Lights. Plan a trip here to experience classic winter activities for the entire family, such as reindeer sledding, sleeping in a glass igloo under the stars or snowmobiling through the wilderness in Norway’s stunning northern regions.
Its capital, Oslo, also comes into its own in winter with hearty Scandinavian food, traditional markets and plenty of spots for some Christmas shopping. The Northern Lights are most vibrant between October and April, meaning dark winter nights are the perfect time to go, and afterward you can stay in a traditional cabin with a toasty warm sauna perfect for relaxing.
2. Mexico
Mexico is one of the top winter vacation destinations for 2024 and has been skyrocketing in popularity for the past few years. For those brainstorming sunny vacation ideas, you should jet straight off to warm beach areas like Cabo San Lucas and Playa del Carmen. Both offer pristine golden sand, sparkling blue water and a plethora of both affordable and luxury accommodations for your getaway.
On the water, diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking and more are fun for the whole family. While on land, there’s everything from riding horses on the beach to hiking coastal cliffs or ziplining through the jungle. For a once in a lifetime winter experience, Cabo San Lucas is one of the world’s best whale-watching destinations, when they migrate here between December and March — cruise, speedboat, or kayak to get up close with these amazing creatures for a winter vacation you won’t forget.
3. Northern Italy
One of Europe’s most loved gems year-round, Italy’s north is a standout destination for winter. A region that, in the warmer months, has endless green countryside and sweet Italian towns transforms into a winter spectacle from November. The mighty Dolomites and Italian Alps offer some of the world’s best skiing — stay in the stunning town of Cortina d’Ampezzo for streets filled with bustling Christmas markets, classic Italian cuisine and access to the best resorts.
If you’re not a skier, don’t worry, the region’s proximity to both France and Switzerland provide opportunity for more adventures. Elsewhere in the region, cities like Milan and Turin and the famous lakes Como and Garda are far less crowded come winter, meaning more affordable accommodation, less touristy sights and snow-covered scenery.
4. New York City
There are a whole host of stunning winter getaways to be found in America. It might be extremely cold, but New York City is what dreams are made of from November onwards. Squeeze in a trip for Thanksgiving to catch the amazing Thanksgiving Day Parade or visit for a magical Christmas spent shopping on Fifth Ave, skating under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree or strolling around Central Park.
Despite the crowds, if you can manage to find a place to stay over New Year’s, watching the ball drop at Times Square is an unforgettable experience. During the day, you can experience all of New York’s most famous sights — catch a ferry to Liberty Island, climb to the top of the Empire State Building or catch a star-studded Broadway show. With a bit of luck, you might get to experience the city covered in snow, turning it into a metropolitan winter wonderland.
5. The Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of the best winter vacation ideas for 2024 if you are seeking warm weather. Just a short trip from sunny Florida direct with many airlines, its multiple islands are home to colorful coral reefs, virgin beaches, gently swaying palm trees and luxury resorts. Go swimming, snorkeling, or diving off Nassau, the Bahamas main island, or visit the famous swimming pigs.
The country is also home to a unique pink sand beach, hidden cave systems, lush jungle and plenty of places to relax. The Bahamas can seem expensive, and there are certainly high-end resorts and pricey activities to be found here, but conversely, you can also book affordable stays in paradise beach huts, explore local towns, chow down on freshly caught seafood and hike through national parks. If your winter vacation happens to be adults-only, you can also visit some Bahamian breweries, tee off on beautiful golf courses or stay at a more exclusive resort; the choice is yours.