These travel experts have shared their favorite winter getaway destinations, each offering a unique experience. Here’s a summary of the recommended winter travel destinations:
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada:
- Ideal for winter activities like skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and ice fishing.
- Breathtaking scenery and a real-life winter wonderland.
Fraser, Colorado:
- Located two hours away from Breckenridge, with lower prices for accommodation.
- Close proximity to Winter Park slopes and a variety of activities.
Zermatt, Switzerland:
- A beautiful and romantic city in Europe with winter wonderland activities.
- Car-free city with skiing, shopping, and iconic views of the Matterhorn.
Iceland:
- Offers stunning landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
- Unique experiences such as hiking glaciers, road trips, and dining in a tomato-themed restaurant.
Bryce Canyon, Utah:
- Transforms into a crystalline fairyland with snow, providing solitude and stunning views.
- Ideal for snowshoeing, with ranger-guided snowshoe walks available.
London, England:
- A major city experience with fewer tourists during winter.
- Opportunities for museum visits, special lectures, winter sales, and cozy tea time by the fire.
Lapland, Finland:
- A magical holiday experience with the chance to witness the Northern Lights.
- Activities include visiting reindeer farms, Santa Claus Village, ice floating, snowmobiling, and dog sledding.
The Alps (Austrian ski resort Sölden):
- Great for a ski destination with a variety of ski trails.
- Lower lift ticket prices compared to U.S. resort prices and enjoyable après-ski activities.
These destinations offer a mix of winter activities, scenic beauty, and unique cultural experiences, catering to different preferences for winter getaways.
Disney World, Orlando, Florida:
- Particularly popular for family vacations during the winter season.
- Families are increasingly choosing alternative Christmas celebrations with group trips.
- Disney World at Christmas is described as magical, with holiday decorations, traditional dinners, and special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands:
- Perfect for a winter getaway with its canals, comfort food, and dreamy winter scenery.
- Canals freezing over allows for ice skating, and the winter holiday markets add to the festive atmosphere.
- The city is less crowded in winter, offering a more relaxed experience.
- The Amsterdam Lights Festival features illuminated installations across the city.
- Recommendations include trying oliebollen (doughy treats), exploring street art, and visiting the Anne Frank House.
- The boutique hotel Kimpton De Witt is suggested for its excellent location.
Any European City:
- German Christmas markets are highlighted as a must-see winter experience.
- Northern lights in Scandinavia are mentioned as a captivating winter spectacle.
- Winter is considered the ideal time for staying in an ice hotel.
- Europe offers diverse winter experiences, and it’s a destination that shouldn’t be overlooked during the winter months.
These additional recommendations showcase a variety of winter experiences, from the enchantment of Disney World to the cultural richness of Amsterdam and the festive atmosphere of European cities. Whether seeking family-friendly fun or a more serene winter wonderland, these destinations offer something for every traveler.