Cozy winter vacation spots

Back to reality—no. Winter isn’t a favorite season of mine either. I hate it (sorry readers in cold places). I always yearn for summer, with its sunny and warm weather, tasty fruits and vegetables, and the smell of pine trees after the rain. Oh, the rain — I don’t think I’d survive a winter without it. But even so, my love of nature and passion for discovering new things led me to check out some cozy winter vacation spots.

Winter is here, which means cozy spots like hot chocolate by the fire and a fireplace roaring. Wait! That’s not fireplace roaring, that’s someone digging through your trash. You have the picture now? Sort of. Well, maybe less the trash and more like skiing in the blue mountains of Norway or sitting by a pond with a warm sunset and a book in hand. Yep, that…

Winter is the best time to getaway, don’t you think?

As the days grow shorter and the temperature dips, it’s easy to start feeling like all you want to do is curl up in front of a fire with some hot chocolate and watch Netflix. But if you’re looking for something more exciting than that during your winter vacation, we’re here to help. Here are some cozy spots that can be reached by car or train—all within four hours of New York City!

Winter is a great time to take a vacation. Here are some cozy places around the world where you can escape the cold and relax:

-Beijing, China: Beijing is one of the most popular winter destinations in Asia because it’s so easy to get there from anywhere else in China, and it’s also quite affordable. The city offers plenty of beautiful scenery, including Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven Park. There’s also plenty to do for kids with museums like China Science & Technology Museum, which features exhibits about science and technology throughout Chinese history.

-Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town is one of the most popular cities in South Africa for tourists because it’s so picturesque. It’s home to Table Mountain and Signal Hill—two landmarks with incredible views from their peaks—as well as Robben Island, which was once used as a prison by the Dutch settlers who lived there before them. There are also tons of activities available for families with kids aged three or older (including water sports), making Cape Town an excellent choice if you’re looking for something unique!

• 
  GettyYellowstone National Park, WyomingThe oldest of all U.S. national parks (established in 1872) is still one of the most spectacular places to visit in the entire country. Famous sites include the Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring, but truly, every single acre of the park is worth seeing in person. Visit during the winter to avoid the crowds and see the landscapes fill with steam from the thermal features.
• 
  GettyBritish Virgin IslandsComprising more than 60 islands, the British Virgin Islands has no shortage of coastline to explore. Unlike some stuffier Caribbean destinations, the BVIs still have an unfussy charm about them, perfect for those looking for a luxe yet casual getaway. Once there, you’ll be able to indulge at one of the ultra-luxury resorts, many of which sit on their own private islands. Richard Branson’s Necker Island is arguably the most famous, freshly reconstructed with an emphasis on sustainability.
• 
  Oscar TarnebergNagano, JapanAll eyes are on Japan in the summertime—especially since the Tokyo Olympics have been postponed until summer of 2021—but winter is prime time to beat the crowds and head to the island nation for a ski adventure in Nagano instead. Hakuba, just outside of the city in the northern alps, is one of the country’s best all-round ski destinations. Then ease any aches and pains after a day on the slopes with a visit to one of the region’s onsens—start at Shirahone Onsen, with its milky white water loaded with magnesium and calcium—and refuel with bowls of the buckwheat soba noodles famous in this part of Japan.

• 
  GettyAnguillaAs flat as a pancake, this British Overseas Territory just north of St. Maarten has come to be known as the place to really get away from it all. Shoal Bay, the island’s most famous beach, offers soft sand, clear waters, non-touristy bars and restaurants, and private resorts (like the beautiful Altamer Resort, perfect for multiple families; or Zemi Beach House for the ultimate work-from-home hideaway) that help you get on island time without having to worry about crowds.
• 
  Getty ImagesGreenlandGreenland is icy, mysterious, and one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet. The world’s biggest non-continental island is so much more than glaciers (although the glaciers are spectacular)—think magnificent fjords, colorful villages, and fields of sheep.
• 
  GettyChiang Mai, ThailandChiang Mai is a city surrounded by misty mountains, golden temples, and verdant rice terraces—all with a climate that rarely dips below 60 degrees. During the city’s Flower Festival, held every February in Suan Buak Hat public garden, every street in the old city are covered in flowers and plants for three days.
• 
  GettyDolomites, ItalyThe Dolomites are the cozy cousin to the Alps’ glitzy ski towns. The area’s powdery slopes can be accessed via the 86-mile Great Dolomites Road, one of the world’s most beautiful alpine drives—and a perfect day trip from Venice.

Trending Stories

• THE-BESTSThe Most Underrated European Cities, According to Seasoned TravelersCAITLIN MORTON
• AIR-TRAVELKids Kicking Your Airline Seat? Here’s How to Handle It Politely—and Effectively—According to Flight AttendantsBOBBY LAURIE
• TRAIN-JOURNEYSThese Scenic Train Rides Have the Most Stunning Views in the U.S.TYLER MOSS
• ISLANDS-AND-BEACHESThe 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe, From Turkey to PortugalCAITLIN MORTON

• 
  GettyValparaiso, ChileChile really does have something for everyone. Sightsee in urban Santiago, drive into the nearby Andes for world class skiing, head into the Atacama Desert to stargaze with astronomers, or pass through Chile’s vineyards to get to the colorful, coastal town of Valparaíso. The city is arguably one of the most scenic hubs in the country, with lollipop-colored homes staggered along the 22 hills that rise from the Pacific Coast.
• 
  GettyWhistler Blackcomb, CanadaIn recent years, Whistler (one of the best ski resorts in the North America) has become a go-to resort for high-quality ski and snowboard hills. With 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, there’s easily enough ground to keep you on new trails through the six-month regular season. Runs offer a wide range of difficulty levels, making this the perfect place for beginners, adrenaline junkies, and everyone in between.
• 
  GettySt. Kitts & NevisThis twin-island nation is bursting at the seams with charm. St. Kitts, the larger of the two, is best first explored on an open-air train along the south coast. Nevis is almost perfectly round with gentle slopes rising to the peak of its dormant volcano.
• 
  GettyFinnish LaplandLapland is Finland’s northernmost region, and probably one of the most idyllic winter scenes you’ll ever come across. There aren’t many places where you can visit Santa Claus, take a reindeer sleigh ride, or sleep under the Northern Lights in a bubble sled—but Lapland lets you do all three.

Trending Stories

• THE-BESTSThe Most Underrated European Cities, According to Seasoned TravelersCAITLIN MORTON
• AIR-TRAVELKids Kicking Your Airline Seat? Here’s How to Handle It Politely—and Effectively—According to Flight AttendantsBOBBY LAURIE
• TRAIN-JOURNEYSThese Scenic Train Rides Have the Most Stunning Views in the U.S.TYLER MOSS
• ISLANDS-AND-BEACHESThe 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe, From Turkey to PortugalCAITLIN MORTON

• 
  GettyHawaiiFew places in the world inspire as much wanderlust as the islands of Hawaii. Home to eight national parks, more than 400 beaches, and countless scenic hikes, the state is a gold mine of staggering natural beauty.
• 
  GettyBergen, NorwayBergen has all the makings of an idyllic Nordic village: colorful wooden buildings, scenic harbor, and sweeping views of the surrounding fjords. The town looks beautiful in the summer, sure, but it’s during the winter months that you get to view the Northern Lights during their peak season. If you’re going to be freezing up in Scandinavia, you might as well get to cross an astronomical item off your bucket list.
• 
  GettyLisbonLisbon has long been one of the most underrated cities in Europe, but it looks like the secret is out. Take in the coastal views, historic architecture, and pastéis de nata and you’ll see what we mean.
• 
  GettyNew York CityThere are few things that come close to a New York City Christmas. Already experienced those cherished traditions like the Rockefeller Tree, the Rockettes, ice skating in Central Park, or The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center? Follow our guide to make a few of your own.

Trending Stories

• THE-BESTSThe Most Underrated European Cities, According to Seasoned TravelersCAITLIN MORTON
• AIR-TRAVELKids Kicking Your Airline Seat? Here’s How to Handle It Politely—and Effectively—According to Flight AttendantsBOBBY LAURIE
• TRAIN-JOURNEYSThese Scenic Train Rides Have the Most Stunning Views in the U.S.TYLER MOSS
• ISLANDS-AND-BEACHESThe 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe, From Turkey to PortugalCAITLIN MORTON

• 
  GettyMiamiMost people head to Miami in early December for Art Basel Miami Beach, a glittering, four-day confab (scheduled for December 2 to 5 in 2021) that lures both fashionistas and the arterati—but there are plenty of reasons to visit beyond that. Namely? A booming hotel and design scene, and the arrival of a slew of big-deal international restaurants like Italy’s Le Sirenuse and Uruguay’s Quinto La Huella.