Winter is a season that travelers tend to either indulge or avoid when it comes to frosty temperatures. We’ve included both types of destination in these winter getaways, from icy Tyrol and its snow-capped mountains, to the lush vineyards and barrel aging caves of California. Beat the winter blues this year with one of these winter trip ideas, whether you’re seeking winter sun or snowy escapes.
1. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck at Night © Aimin Tang/iStock
The mountain-ringed capital of Tyrol is undoubtedly one of Austria’s most picturesque cities, especially in the winter when it receives a generous dusting of snow. Welcoming visitors into the town are a vast array of Rococo cherubs, angels and other adornments at the Wilten Basilica; the gorgeous Golden Roof in the Old Town; a series of lofty baroque columns and a disproportionate number of world-class museums. The best way to get a feel for Innsbruck, however, is to take in the crisp, fresh air on a horse-drawn carriage ride. When you stop to refuel, you’ll soon realize that this city not only exudes beauty and charm, but also a tempting culinary tradition, from Austrian hotpots to strudels, knödel and torte. Guaranteed to warm you up in no time.
See it on: Alpine Christmas Markets
2. Fes, Morocco
Morocco © Ugurhan Betin/iStock
Often considered Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual center, Fes is full of arabesque attractions, from intricate tilework to buzzing workshops where you can learn the ancient craft of carpet making. Perhaps the two most exciting sites are the bazaar and university (one of the world’s oldest), both of which have been kept almost perfectly intact since the medieval period. Fes is for whoever can dive straight into the deep end, absorbing all the eclectic sights, smells and sounds along the way. Stumble across hidden courtyards and fountains, and tour the city’s impressive mosques and minarets; there’s something new to see around every corner on a winter getaway like this.
See it on: Treasures of Morocco
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is often mistakenly overlooked by those in search of Iceland’s natural wonders. The capital melds urban and rural life perfectly, so that residents can often be found working for two thirds of the day before shooting off to the Blue Lagoon to relax in the late afternoon. Nordic to its core, some of Reykjavik’s top sites can be found in the Old Town, where the 19th century parliament building stands alongside Höfði House (the location of an important Reagan-Gorbachev summit), a colorful harbor, and the modern, landmark church, the Hallgrimskirkja. Particularly attractive in the winter months, a stroll through the city offers a window into urban life in Iceland.
See it on: Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights
4. Cordoba, Spain
Cordoba Spain Old Town © Sean Pavone/iStock
March across the scorched plains of La Mancha, where Don Quixote tilted at windmills as his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, looked on. Then head up through the Despeñaperros pass to Cordoba, once the Roman capital of the entire Iberian Peninsula. Today, the city is more famous for its Moorish period; the Mezquita (with its 856 columns) is testament to the city’s architectural flair. Once one of the world’s greatest mosques, it’s now a cathedral that vies with the whitewashed Jewish quarter and Renaissance-era palaces for the attention of visitors. If all the sightseeing works up a thirst, head to the north of the city, where countless bars, tabernas and cafes serve everything from sangria to sherry cocktails.
5. Napa Valley, USA
Vineyards Napa Valley California © alacatr/iStock
Travel to the Napa Valley in California’s lush wine country for a different sort of winter getaway. Famous for its vast wineries and terraced vineyards, it’s a magnet for food and wine connoisseurs from across the world. Take an up close tour via private tram of Benziger Family Winery, learn about organic farming or enjoy wine tasting, that include visits to the ‘crush pad’ and aging barrel rooms. Invitations to independent wineries whose chateaux-esque houses rarely fail to impress, as well as restaurants where world-class chefs seek to find the perfect Napa Valley vintage to pair with their dishes, many of which also feature local produce.
6. Maui, Hawaii
Maui, Hawaii
Don’t want to embrace the colder side of a winter getaway? Head to Hawaii to escape the cold, with a temperate climate all year round – winter temperatures in Hawaii average around the mid-20sºC (70-80ºF). It’s rainier than other times of the year, but Maui is a great choice if you want to get sunnier, drier weather. The winter waves, which can be pretty ‘gnarly’, are more tempered around Maui, allowing you to get out onto a boat for a snorkel or whale watching trip. Speaking of which, January is the best time to spot humpback whales migrating, while February is the best time to catch sight of newborn calves, which usually concentrate between the western shores of Maui.
See it on: Hawaii with Oahu, Maui & the Big Island
7. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb’s Christmas festivities, known as ‘Advent Zagreb‘, are one of Europe’s most acclaimed markets – it even secured the title of “Best in Europe” from European Best Destinations three years running. The festivities stretch from Ban Jelačić Square to the Zrinjevac Park, with open-air and outdoor activities at the heart of the fun. Think lit-up trees, ice rinks and inviting stalls serving štrukli (baked cheese pastry) and mulled plum brandy, as well as open-air concerts and art installation, transforming this into one of the best winter travel destinations.
See it on: Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia and Austria
8. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, Turkey
Is it from a fairytale or another world entirely? The unique, volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia will make you question that and more – particularly in the winter. In Central Anatolia, Cappadocia is a land of underground cities, ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations, and cave homes built thousands of years ago. Not only is it an incredible winter destination – especially when it snows – but you’ll be able to see this picturesque land without the rush of the summer crowds during one of the more quiet times to visit.
See it on: Wonders of Turkey
9. Honningsvåg, Norway
Honningsvåg, Norway
Winter in Honningsvåg, known as the gateway to the North Cape, is the best time of the year to catch the Northern Lights. The small town is a bright oasis against a white, snowy backdrop. Travel with us to learn about Honningsvåg’s king crab industry with a sea-to-table lunch, and even visit the North Cape with caviar and bubbles on tap while you search for the Northern Lights in this quintessenial winter destination.
See it on: Northern Lights of Scandinavia
10. Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy
City breaks make excellent winter vacations, and Rome is no exception. This city is buzzing all year round and witnessing the Colosseum in the snow is an unforgettable treat. What’s more, there are plenty of winter activities for when the weather isn’t on your side – from visiting the Vatican art museums (which you’ll get fast-track entry to when you travel with us) to embracing the authentic flavors of Rome in one of its many trattorias and cafes. Make your next winter getaway an Italian one.
See it on: Italian Intermezzo
