The 4 best winter getaways!
One thing I love about travel is that I can be in the middle of one season while dreaming and thinking about the opposite one! Right now we’re in the middle of summer, and it’s so fun to think about taking a vacation in the winter—either over Christmas and New Year’s, or into the cold days of January or February. And vacationing in the middle of winter can be great either visiting a warm destination, or another cold one, with cozy warmth as contrast.
I have some favorites: 1) visiting the Caribbean or Mexico and staying at a beautiful all-inclusive resort, 2) still in the Caribbean or Mexico, but on a cruise ship, 3) experiencing a European Christmas Markets trip or cruise, or 4) heading somewhere for a great ski or snowboard vacation. I love all of those options for different reasons!
Caribbean or Mexican all-inclusive resort
All-inclusive resorts are not just three buffet meals a day; upscale resorts include multiple specialty dining restaurants, room service, and a variety of cuisines. Along with beautiful beaches and pools, many resorts have other activities on-site, so that you don’t ever have to leave your location if you don’t want to. I love the variety in all-inclusive resorts and locations! And in the cold winter months, a beach resort with plenty of sun and everything included sounds heavenly!
Caribbean cruising
If you want the ease of staying in a “floating resort” and visiting many different ports along the way, then a Caribbean cruise this winter may be just the thing! Cruises start at 3-night getaways, so even if you just have a long weekend to spare, there’s one for you. I love that cruise ships now have so many activities to do onboard. The food is amazing. And of course, the opportunity to visit some warm Caribbean islands in the middle of winter has huge appeal!
European Christmas Markets
Europe has a perfect mix of charming, Old-World villages and cities, and Christmas Market tours or cruises are a perfect way to experience these! The city squares are transformed into sparkling fairy tale lands with Christmas trees, lights, carousels, crafts, warming drinks, decorations, and so many gifts! Some of the most magical cities include Basel, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg, Salzburg, and so many more! Whatever country you’ve wanted to visit (Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Denmark, Czech Republic), chances are they have a wonderful Christmas market to visit! If you want to visit one this year, they’re already selling quickly, so let me know. If it’s for next year I can reserve your spot already!
Ski or snowboard trips
If you live in a place that has mountains and snow sports, you might think this option is boring because you’re surrounded by it. But have you thought of all of the OTHER places you could experience? If you live in Utah like I do, would you like to ski or board in Colorado, Vermont, or the Canadian Rockies? If you live on the east coast, how about coming out west to Utah or Jackson Hole? And for all of us here in the U.S., what about skiing the Alps? Yes, that’s a thing, and yes, it’s as amazing as you think! You don’t have to be an expert or even know how to ski or board, to book one of these vacations. Part of your trip can be taking lessons. And what a great story, to tell people about the amazing mountain you first learned to ski or board on!
The outdoor temperature where I am today is supposed to be 96 degrees, but I’m imagining how it will feel this winter when it’s frigid outside and I have a wonderful vacation to look forward to.
Whatever your ideal vacation looks like, winter is a magical time to go. And right now is the perfect time to start planning. “Anticipatory happiness” is a real thing, and it’s part of what I love about traveling! Let me know if you want me to help you anticipate your winter vacation happiness!
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