Winter is often overlooked as a travel time. Whether you are escaping the grey, gloomy cold or wanting to spend some time playing in the snow, mid-week most destinations are not crowded. For the best prices, avoid Christmas to New Years, Martin Luther King weekend in January and Presidents weekend, February. Beach destinations will be warm but not hot with the exception of Singapore and Thailand, which are quite warm all the time. Here are a few of the best winter destinations, both United States and International, mountains and beaches, snowy and warm.
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County has outdoor activities galore, including stunning beaches, beautiful golf courses, and extensive hiking and biking trails. Sometimes, you just need a break from outdoors. Spending a day exploring the shops of South Dixie Highway or visiting the Norton Museum of Art or Flagler Museum, gives you a completely different perceptive of the Palm Beaches.
If golf is your outdoor activity of choice, Palm Beach County is a golfer's paradise. For a luxury golf experience, you can stay and play at The Breakers or PGA National Resort. If you are looking for a more budget friendly option consider some of the beautifully maintained and challenging public golf courses.
Few people consider the wilder side of Palm Beach County, the protected natural areas are inland from the beaches. These wetlands and forests are the northern most section of the Everglades. Ready to book a winter getaway in Palm Beach County, check out the low prices at Booking.com.
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to Southeast Florida
Logistics: There are 3 airports that service Southeast Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach: Uber and Taxis are available. Tri Rail and Brightline trains service Fort Lauderdale and Miami Airports. Private and Multiple Passenger Transfers are available from all three airports: Transportation Service Miami Hotel - Miami International Airport, Private Arrival Transfer from Miami Airport, Private Transfer in Fort Lauderdale Airport/Hotel/Work, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) Airport Hotel Shuttle.
Advanced Tickets for the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi.
Save on entry fees: If you plan on visiting multiple museums or attractions, it is more economical to purchase a Miami Sightseeing Pass to save money, you can buy this pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.
Top-rated Southeast Florida tours and experiences:
☆Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale Kayak Tour (one of my favorite Southeast Florida experience)
☆Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour (great for foodies)
☆Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Small-Group Tour (perfect for art lovers)
☆Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale (essential to avoid lines)
Top places to stay in Southeast Florida: 1 Hotel South Beach (Luxury, Miami) ** Yotel (Budget Friendly, Miami) **Hollywood Beachside Boutique (Budget Friendly, Fort Lauderdale) **The Pillars Hotel (Luxury, Fort Lauderdale)**The White Elephant (Luxury, Palm Beach) ** The Canopy (Budget Friendly, West Palm Beach)**Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas (Amazing Tropical Vibe, Delray Beach)
My favorite Guidebook for Florida: DK Eyewitness Florida
My favorite Novel about Southeast Florida: The Last Train to Key West
Don’t forget to pack: Crossbody Bag for Sightseeing **Sun Screen** Comfortable Walking Shoes **My Favorite Packable Hat.
For information on your specific interests and on visiting Palm Beach County in general, check out these Blog Posts:
JOIN MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST UPDATES
San Diego
San Diego is the quintessential Southern California city. With it's laid back lifestyle, friendly people and beautiful coastline, it is a great place to soak up some California vibe. The winters are very temperate making San Diego a lovely place to visit in the winter.
There is no better way to get a perspective on all San Diego has to offer, than the 59 Mile Drive. This self guided driving tour shows you all San Diego has to offer. The route takes you through charming neighborhoods, past unique attractions and places where you can get sweeping, panoramic views of the city.
Wine tasting is a great way to learn about the areas growing regions. Temecula is about an hour drive northeast of San Diego and has outstanding options for winetasting. If you would prefer to leave the driving to someone else, try a Day Tour to Temecula.
Hiking is a joy in San Diego. The temperate climate and hilly terrain makes it an interesting yet comfortable place to hike. Coastal hikes are extra special because of the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
In those waters each winter, more than 20,000 Gray Whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja Mexico. This 10,000 mile plus trek is one of the longest migrations of any animal. The large kelp forests off the San Diego Coast attract these large mammals, making San Diego a great place to see them. Just another great reason to visit San Diego in the winter. A Whale Watching Boat Tour is the best way to see these majestic creatures.
Ready to book your trip to San Diego, check out the low prices on Booking.com. Some of our favorite places to stay are the Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado Marriott Resort and Spanish Casita a VRBO rental in La Jolla. For more information on visiting the San Diego area check out these blog posts:
US/British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are a magical archipelago created from coral and geothermal activity. Most of these islands are very lightly developed. While Road Town on Tortola is a bustling hub of commerce, transportation and tourism, walking around Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke transports you back to the days of pirates. The steady tradewinds blow through, making these islands a mecca for sailors. Divers and snorkelers come from all over to explore the enchantment of their pristine reefs. If you would prefer the island experience while staying in the United States, the United States Virgin Islands can give you that experience.
St. Thomas is the largest and most commercial of the USVI islands. It is a major Cruise Ship stop in the Caribbean. When visiting St. Thomas, I prefer to stay on the eastern side of the island away from the Cruise Ship crowds.. Beaches like Magen's Bay and Secret Harbor give you a quiet Caribbean experience.
St.John is the smallest of the major islands in the United States Virgin Island group. St. John is 60% Virgin Island National Park, administered by the US National Park Service. The island's lush, volcanic hills are perfect for hiking. The beaches are some of the world's most beautiful. Both the beaches and sea life are also protected by the US National Parks.
Looking for accommodations in the BVI, check out the low rates on Booking.com. For accommodations in St. Thomas USVI, Booking.com. has an abundance of accommodation options. For accommodations in St. John USVI, check Booking.com.
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to the British Virgin Islands
Logistics: There is one international airport in the British Virgin Islands. You can also fly into St. Thomas USVI and take a ferry to Road Town, Tortola. : Taxis are available throughout the islands. Private Transfers are available from both airports: Private Arrival Transfer from EIS Airport to Tortola, Private Ground Transfers, St. Thomas, Ferry Schedules are available at USVI.net, Water Taxi transfers are available through Dolphin Water Taxi
Top-rated British Virgin Islands tours and experiences:
☆Conch Island Snorkel Tour: Contact Kelly at Anegadaconcierge@gmail.com or Whatsapp at 281 496-0961
Top places to stay in British Virgin Islands: Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina (Tortola - Luxury) ***Wyndham Tortola BVI Lambert Beach Resort (Tortola - Budget Friendly, ) *** Sebastian's on the Beach Hotel (Tortola - Budget Friendly) ***Rosewood Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda (Virgin Gorda - Luxury, )***Saba Rock Resort ( North Sound - Luxury,) *** Anegada Beach Resort (Anegada -Budget Friendly, )
My favorite Guidebook for Bareboating in the British Virgin Islands: The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands
My favorite Guidebook for the British Virgin Islands: Top 10 US & British Virgin Islands
My favorite Novel about the Caribbean: The Embarrassment Of Mangoes or Vintage Norman Island: True Tales About a Real Treasure Island with Pirates and Buried Treasure
Don’t forget to pack: water shoes*** underwater camera*** HD mask ***reef safe sunscreen.
For More Information on Travel in the British Virgin Islands and St. John,
Check out these posts:
Florida Keys
Load up your inflatable paddle board and inflatable kayak and head out on a road trip to the Florida Keys. It had been 30 years since we visited the Keys and we were not sure what we would find. We were in search of "Old Florida," outdoor activities, and minimal crowds. What we found wowed and amazed us. We left planning our return trip.
NO, we didn't go to Key West or Duval Street, but I do have a list of things to do in Key West when we visit, next time. YES, the sunsets are still some of the most beautiful you will ever see.
We stayed in a very affordable AirbnB in Key Largo. Ready to book your trip, Booking.com.
For more information on visiting the Florida Keys check out these blog posts:
Joshua Tree National Park
As soon as we drove into Joshua Tree National Park, I was taken aback by how strikingly eerie the landscape is. It is almost like you are on another planet. It is named for the prickly trees you see growing throughout the western section of the park. These trees plus massive rock formations add to the other worldliness of the geography.
Joshua Tree National Park is located about 3 hours from San Diego and 2 hours from Los Angles at the point where the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert meet in southern California. It is not as majestic as other National Parks, but the barren, wind swept vistas leave a mark on your soul. There is plenty of hiking, camping, mountain biking, climbing and exploring historical sites to keep desert lovers busy for several days. We only visited for a day and were easily able to see many of the highlights.
If you prefer to stay overnight near Joshua Tree National Park, check out the low rates at Booking.com.
For more information on visiting National Parks, check out these blog posts:
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is on the western side of the Rockies, which means there is significant snowfall in the winter. Perfect for skiers as well as all winter sport enthusiasts. Steamboat is larger than many ski villages, with a distinctive western vibe. Steamboat Spring's downtown is dotted with outstanding restaurants.
Whether you are interested in casual yet tasty dining or fine dining, there are many options. The downtown area also has fun gift shops and art galleries, so you can spend a day day away from the slopes exploring the downtown. Just outside of town are the hot springs, for which the town was named. They are open to the public and offer a relaxing way to unwind after winter sports.
There is a smallish ski village offering ski in ski out accommodations at the base of the mountain with more accommodations in town. Just west of town is the Hayden Airport which has daily flights from major airlines.
Ready to visit this winter wonderland, check out the low rates on Booking.com.
Looking for more snow inspiration, visit these blog posts:
Singapore
Singapore is a modern, clean, bustling city with towering contemporary buildings, exquisite food and fabulous shopping. Singapore has been a seaport and trading center since the 14th century. It became a British colony in 1819 and an independent republic in 1965. This is a long history for a tiny country covering only 280 square miles.
Within those 280 square miles live people from all over the world, the majority sharing seafaring roots. This has created a population as diverse as the world. It is a country that was founded because the people embrace this diversity. You see outward signs of different cultures in their food and architecture. You also see it in the respect that is shown for nature and for each other. It is a place where all faiths are practiced and multiple languages spoken.
Some of the most delicious food in Singapore is in their Hawker Centers. So what is a Hawker Center? Wikipedia says “Hawker centers were set up as a more sanitary option to street side outdoor alfresco hawker dining places. Instead of mobile food hawker carts, permanent stalls in open air buildings are provided for hawkers. Either common shared or stall dedicated table and chairs are provided for the customers. This concept totally eliminated street hawkers in Singapore.” Hawker centers are similar to food courts or food halls. They allow you to eat a variety of things by a variety of vendors. It is casual, relaxed and not expensive. Most of the vendors cook from recipes that have been passed down through their families for generations.
Looking for an international urban adventure this winter, check out the accommodations in Singapore on Booking.com. For more information on visiting Singapore, click on the links below.
Sedona, Arizona
"Nowhere on this planet is the desert as fascinating as it is in Arizona.” wrote Joseph Stacey in Arizona Magazine. Having recently returned from an Arizona desert adventure, I would heartily agree. With the glowing red rocks, the Saguaros towering over the Sonoran Desert , the Ponderosa Pine sky islands and the scent of Juniper and sage along the hiking trails, it is a stark yet intriguing place.
The food options are varied and absolutely delicious. We spent 7 days exploring the northern Arizona desert using Sedona as a base. We hiked everyday, tasted at several wineries and took day trips to Grand Canyon National Park and Jerome, AZ. Ready to book your trip to Sedona.
Check out the accommodations available at great prices on Booking.com.
For more information on visiting Sedona click on the Blog Posts below:
Bahamas
Looking for a relaxed beach destination, consider the Bahamas. Winter is delightful on these lovely, tropical islands with warm days and pleasantly cool nights. While the main attraction of this archipelago is the pink tinted beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and candy colored sunsets, the Abacos, Exumas or Nassau offer so much more.
Quaint, colonial towns emanate charm, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in both the culture and history of the Bahamas. Their history is filled with Pirates, British Loyalists, ship building, sponging, fishing and tourism. There are excellent restaurants, grocery stores, rum distilleries, museums, and interesting gift shops.
For great prices on accommodations in the Bahamas, check out Booking.com. We love the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort in Exuma for a luxury, all inclusive experience. For more information on visiting Nassau visit this blog post:
Thailand
Thailand is one the most affordable Asian destinations. As part of a visit to Singapore, we planned a mid-week excursion to Coastal Thailand. We flew into Phuket Airport and immediately met our transfer to Ayara Villas in Khao Lak, about 45 minutes north of Phuket. Khao Lak is a peaceful seaside village, the opposite of the bustling and often crowded Phuket. It has international restaurants, water sports and a wonderful night market.
After some beach time, a visit to the night market and a good night's sleep, we had a hotel pick up for our transfer to the Surin Islands. Our main purpose in coming to Thailand was to snorkel the offshore Surin Islands, a remote group of volcanic islands about 60km from the Thai mainland. These islands and their surrounding waters are protected by the Mu Ko Surin National Park. This area is considered on of the 10 best dive and snorkel spots in the world. You have to plan your trip carefully because the park is closed from May 1 to September 1, during the rainy season.
We used Greenway Tour Company to shepherd us through 4 snorkel spots and an overnight stay in bungalows on North Surin Island. For more information on the Thai Coast away from Phuket, click on:
Frisco, Colorado
Looking to balance skiing with other outdoor activities or maybe not ski at all, Frisco, Colorado is just the place for you. Considered the "Main Street of the Rockies," Frisco is within 45 minutes of 6 world class ski areas. It is a great basecamp for your winter escape whether you want to spend time on the slopes or not. It is only an hour away from Denver, making it easily accessible.
This quaint mountain town is just off I-70 on the shores of the Dillon Reservoir. It's charming downtown is home to 40 restaurants and 45 shops. Just exploring this downtown area is a pleasant way to spend a day. There is an abundance of winter hiking or snow shoeing trails, snow tubing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and fat tire biking options.
Ready to visit this winter wonderland, check out the low rates on Booking.com.
Looking for more snow inspiration, visit these blog posts:
Do you prefer a tropical oasis or a winter wonderland when traveling in the winter? Leave your favorite winter travel destinations in the comments, so we can all add them to our winter travel wish list.
For notifications on new posts and access to my dining guides and packing lists sign up for my resource page with the link below.
Looking for Travel Gear or Travel Friendly Apparel
both cold weather and beachwear
Check out my Amazon Store and my LiketoKnowit
