For inquiries, contact karen@thedesigntourist.com. This is my official and only email address for business correspondence. Please verify that all communication comes only from that email.

Watch The Design Tourist Airing on

Wintertime Getaway: The Top 8 Winter Vacation Destinations

Wintertime Getaway: The Top 8 Winter Vacation Destinations

Summer isn’t the only time of year to get out of the house and have a relaxing vacation. When the stress of the holiday season hits, you may need to travel in the winter. Continue reading this wintertime getaway guide about the top eight winter vacation destinations to visit.

Warm Wintertime Getaways

If it’s already cold at home during the winter season, you might like to get out of town and find that warm, summertime feeling this winter.

Pro Tip: Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time at the resort. Drive around and explore the area. There’s so much to see and do, and you’ll get a better sense of your vacation destination by going beyond the resort grounds. Ask the locals for recommendations on what to see and do, then rent a car and find hidden gems to make the most of your getaway. Avoid driving snags by securing an international driving license online or from your local auto club before heading to your destination.

Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you’re looking for a tropical holiday, staying at a resort in Puerto Rico is a beautiful vacation spot. Puerto Rico experiences the best weather during the winter months without the humidity and rain.

It may be more crowded this time of year, but Puerto Rico is a stunning place to visit.

Spain

Madrid, Spain Cathedral
Madrid, Spain Cathedral

The winter weather in Spain can vary depending on which region you visit. Spain is the warmest European country. You can still relax by the beach with fewer tourists this off-season.

This won’t be a hot vacation ideal for swimsuits and swimming, but the comfortable temperatures are ideal for walking and sightseeing.

Hawaii

Beach in the Big Island, Hawaii
Beach in the Big Island, Hawaii

Fewer tourists visit the lovely state of Hawaii during the winter season, which will result in a more relaxing vacation for you. The comfortably warm temperatures will make for a pleasant trip for those who are excited to get away from the cold.

You can go whale watching, scuba diving, and embrace the holiday season on the island.

Key West, Florida

Empty Smathers Beach, Key West, Florida, blue building tall palm coconut trees, tropical paradise
Empty Smathers Beach, Key West, Florida, blue building tall palm coconut trees, tropical paradise

If you’re looking to stay within the United States for a warm winter vacation, Key West, Florida is a gorgeous place filled with activities. You can try snorkeling, boating, jet skiing, and even simply swimming in the ocean. There’s always amazing food and attractions to see no matter the time of year.

Cold Wintertime Getaways

Some parts of the world may have cold temperatures in the wintertime, but the sights are more beautiful than ever.

Antarctica

Icebergs in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland
Icebergs in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland

The best time to visit Antarctica is from November to early March. Winter is the perfect time to visit this lovely continent. There is whale watching and excursions that will create lifelong memories. If you’re interested in traveling to Antarctica, here is some additional travel advice for visiting Antarctica.

Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark Canal
Copenhagen, Denmark Canal

The weather in Denmark won’t be warm, but it’s one of the most beautiful places you can travel to in the winter. You’ll experience snow-covered castles, visit Christmas markets during the holiday season, try ice skating, and admire the beauty of the town.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado, USA in Winter
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA in Winter

If you love cold temperatures and the beauty of the mountains, a great wintertime vacation destination is Breckenridge, Colorado. This town has many options for skiing, fun hiking adventures, and admiring wildlife. You can also visit the historic downtown area to explore the local shops.

Toronto, Canada

Toronto city skyline at night, Ontario, Canada
Toronto city skyline at night, Ontario, Canada

Toronto is a dazzling city to visit in the winter season. You can try ice skating and maybe catch a hockey game in the country where hockey was founded! The Distillery District is a town meant for walking to visit local boutiques and admire the unique architecture. There is a Christmas market filled with traditional Canadian foods that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Remember before you go, pack accordingly, grab your swimsuit (or bundle up with a coat) for the perfect wintertime getaway vacation!

[tp_widget][/tp_widget]

[tp_widget][/tp_widget]

[tp_widget][/tp_widget]

Picture of Karen LeBlanc

Karen LeBlanc

Karen LeBlanc is a freelance writer living in Orlando, Florida with many published bylines in magazines, newspapers, and multimedia sites. As a professional lifestyle writer, Karen specializes in art, architecture, design, home interiors and personality profiles. Karen is the writer, producer and host of the streaming series, The Design Tourist (www.TheDesignTourist.com) that brings viewers a global dose of design inspiration with episodes featuring the latest looks and trends from the world’s premiere design events and shows. She also publishes a quarterly magazine on design travel that you can read by clicking the link: https://thedesigntourist.com/the-magazine/ Her journalism background includes seven years on-air experience as a TV news reporter and anchor covering a range of issues from education to politics. Her educational credentials include a Master of Arts in Mass Communications from Northeast Louisiana University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Louisiana State University. Throughout her career, Karen has written and produced dozens of documentaries and videos for educational, commercial, corporate, and governmental clients and appeared in many TV and video productions as a professional host.

Share the post on social media

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for the latest travel news and insider tips

[mc4wp_form id=882]

Latest blog posts

Karen LeBlanc

Karen LeBlanc is an award-winning travel journalist and storyteller, honored with two Telly Awards and four North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) awards for The Design Tourist travel show. As the show’s host, producer, and writer, Karen takes viewers beyond the guidebooks to explore the culture, craft, cuisine, and creativity that define the world’s most fascinating destinations.

2025 NATJA Award

2024 NATJA Award

2023 NATJA Award

SATW

NATJA

IFWTWA