Best Winter Vacations
Winter never seems too bad at first: It's hard to resist that warm, fuzzy feeling brought on by the impending holidays, first snowfall, and a crackling fire. But after awhile, when the cold prevents your car from starting and the snow turns to gray, this season starts to get the better of us. For this reason, U.S. News Travel has come up with a list of vacation destinations to help you defeat your seasonal doldrums and cure the wintertime blues.
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why go: Yes, winter ushers in tourists and inflated room rates, but it's oh-so worth it. Relax on the golden sands of Po'ipu Beach, or pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery along Lumahai. And though the hike along the northwest Na Pali Coast is strenuous, the landscape is glorious. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Kauai
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why go: In Playa del Carmen, the beach atmosphere is laid-back, the mixed drinks are strong, and the golf courses are plentiful. But ensure the price is right before you book—the idyllic Yucatán temperatures attract snowbirds, and the hotel rates can fluctuate dramatically at this time of year. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why go: You'll get two cultures for the expense of one island vacation. Visit French St. Martin for some duty-free shopping and fine dining. Afterwards, hop over to Dutch St. Maarten for the lively clubs and casinos. Need more convincing? The entire island is covered with white-sand beaches. Read More»
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why go: Puerto Rico's attractions range from adventurous (exploring the underground caves of Rio Camuy Cave Park) to historic (traversing the 500-year-old El Morro walls) to luxurious (relaxing on a Vieques beach). Plus, you can enjoy the perks of the Caribbean without leaving the country. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Puerto Rico
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why go: Key West makes an ideal winter getaway for those looking for warm weather, frozen daiquiris, and mellow afternoons followed by rowdy evenings. Snorkeling and scuba diving are big here, and you can hit one of the bike trails to shake off the cobwebs from your winter hibernation. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Key West
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why go: With warm temperatures, a riotious night scene, and plenty of funky boutique hotels, Key West offers plenty of entertainment options. Do some shopping at Lincoln Road Mall, check out the Bass Museum of Art, and spend the rest of the day people-watching on South Beach. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Miami Beach
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why go: For such a tiny pocket of the Yucatán, Tulum packs in quite a lot of things to do. You can visit the Mayan Ruins, of course, but you should also snorkel through the area cenotes or schedule a massage at one of the many beachside spas. Just bring a thick pocketbook. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Tulum
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: On the other side of the equator, summer is in full swing. Scenic Queenstown is littered with boutiques and cafés. And as an adventure-seeker's paradise, Queenstown teems with intense adrenaline-pumping activities, like bungee jumping, that are sure to get your heart racing. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Queenstown
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: In the winter, skiers from across the globe make the trek to Olympia SkiWorld—a network of eight ski resorts located around the city. When you're not on the slopes, do your holiday shopping along Maria-Theresien-Strasse, where you'll find the local Christmas market. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Innsbruck
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why Go: Vail boasts enchanting views from nearly every angle. Try a few runs at the Vail Ski Resort; then steal away to the luxurious spas and restaurants. Just be sure to reserve your hotel room months in advance or Vail's celebrity clientele could nab the best rooms before you. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Vail
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why go: Nestled at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this tiny town really knows how to enjoy the colder months. With three resorts to choose from, skiing is the main attraction here, while the surrounding Banff National Park offers plenty of winter hiking opportunities. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Banff
See Photos | Best Hotels | Add Comment
Why go: Orlando sees lots of traffic in winter. Cheap flights are easy to find and the weather is beautiful. Add in the fact that Walt Disney World serves as one of the premiere family vacation spots on the planet, and you have plenty of reasons to make the trip to see Mickey and Minnie. Read More»
Also Consider for Best Winter Vacations...
in Best Winter Vacations