Some times of the year are more popular than others when it comes to traveling. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, large amounts of people get away during the summertime because it’s warm and they can enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. However, winter time is also a popular time for vacationing, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. After all, not many people would be up for outdoor activities during those months when it’s cold outside. So what about winter vacationing? Are there good places to go on vacation in the winter?

It’s that time of year. It’s a time where people are going away to vacation spots to spend their holidays. A recent survey revealed that most people pick the beach, but I personally think there are better vacation spots in the winter. Here is my list of top 10 places to go on vacations in the winter: In my head, the next couple of months are devoted to planning summer vacations. As the weather warms up and the tourists start heading to their hot spots, I crack open my laptop and…online shop. Most people would agree that there’s nothing wrong with a little winter vacation wishfulness . However, many don’t realize that these two months also hold some pretty awesome travel destinations that are highly underrated in the winter.

In my head, the next couple of months are devoted to planning summer vacations. As the weather warms up and the tourists start heading to their hot spots, I crack open my laptop and…online shop. Most people would agree that there’s nothing wrong with a little winter vacation wishfulness . However, many don’t realize that these two months also hold some pretty awesome travel destinations that are highly underrated in the winter.

Good Places To Go On Vacation In The Winter

Best Winter Vacations

Some travelers are enchanted by winter’s first snowfall, while others are itching to escape the season’s frigid weather. To help you find the locale that best suits your winter vacation wants and needs, U.S. News compiled a list of the best winter vacations based on expert analysis and reader votes. Use these ideas to start planning your getaway, and vote for your favorite spots to help determine next year’s ranking. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

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• Belongs on List?YesNoLucerne#1 in Best Winter VacationsWhether you want to ski or get in the holiday spirit, Lucerne, Switzerland, has you covered. The city’s snow-covered streets, festive lights and multiple Christmas markets make it especially charming in winter. You can easily access a variety of ski resorts that surround the city to shred powder. Plus, there are all kinds of other winter activities available nearby, including sledding, snowshoeing and ice fishing. When you need to warm up, head to one of Lucerne’s numerous spas to unwind.
• View 24 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSt. Lucia#2 in Best Winter VacationsSt. Lucia’s superb winter weather (think: highs in the 80s and mostly clear skies) beckons to travelers set on escaping snow and freezing temps. Though a winter visit requires shelling out some coin for flights to the Caribbean and accommodations on the island, you’ll quickly forget the steep premium after a few hours of lounging on the beautiful sands of Anse Chastanet and Reduit Beach. After a day in the sun, sip some of the island’s cocoa tea (made with local cocoa, spices and milk) in lieu of your typical hot chocolate. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 45 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoCosta Rica#3 in Best Winter VacationsIn December, most of Costa Rica ushers in its dry season, leaving only pleasant 70-degree temps to accompany you during your time in Central America. The versatile weather means activities like hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and zip lining through the rainforest are all on the table. And if you visit in January, you’ll find the tiny country basking in la pura vida while reveling in its two-week-long Palmares Fiestas. Whichever winter month you choose to arrive, remember to save time for lounging on some of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 31 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoTurks & Caicos#4 in Best Winter VacationsThe winter months are the priciest times to visit this group of Caribbean islands, but their stellar weather (daytime temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s) makes the high rates worthwhile. Visitors can relax on the islands’ world-class beaches (Taylor Bay and Grace Bay are two top-tier options), snorkel around breathtaking reefs and tee off at the Provo Golf Club’s highly regarded links. For fewer crowds, arrive before or after the holidays. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• Belongs on List?YesNoHanoi#5 in Best Winter VacationsVietnam’s capital city offers beautiful weather come winter. Daytime temperatures comfortably rest in the 60s and 70s, and you’re far less likely to encounter rain showers. You’ll be able to visit top attractions like the Temple of Literature and indulge in a steaming bowl of pho (Vietnam’s most popular kind of noodle soup) for dinner. A wintertime visit also brings the opportunity to experience some of Hanoi’s best events, such as the Tet Festival (which celebrates the Vietnamese Lunar New Year every January or February) and the Perfume Pagoda Festival (a Buddhist pilgrimage that takes place every February).FLIGHTS
• View 46 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoHonolulu – Oahu#6 in Best Winter VacationsAs temperatures begin to drop in other parts of the world, Hawaii’s capital city remains comfortable thanks to average highs in the low to mid-80s. Visit Chinatown for festive Chinese New Year celebrations, or marvel at the Honolulu City Lights, a monthlong Christmas display at Honolulu’s city hall. If you’re a fan of sports, time your visit during annual events like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing or the Sony Open in Hawaii. Keep in mind that winter is the island’s high season, so make your reservations early and expect to share the sand with lots of other sun-seeking travelers. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 18 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoGalapagos Islands#7 in Best Winter VacationsWinter in the Galápagos Islands is marked by warm weather (think: highs in the 70s and 80s) and ample opportunities to view wildlife, snorkel and scuba dive. Although this is technically the wet season, the sun shines most days and rain showers are brief. Plan on visiting in December to see newly hatched giant tortoises, waved albatrosses before they fly off for the season and male marine iguanas displaying vivid colors to attract females for mating. For a bit more action, arrive in February to celebrate Carnaval on Santa Cruz Island. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 60 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSeville#8 in Best Winter VacationsSeville, Spain’s winters offer mild weather (daytime highs typically sit in the 60s, while lows often rest in the 40s), affordable room rates and thinned tourist crowds, making this season a great time to sightsee. Avoiding the scorching summer temperatures means you can take your time admiring the Gothic architecture at the Catedral de Sevilla and the Real Alcázar de Sevilla. Additionally, winter is when the city hosts holiday markets (in December) and Three Kings Day festivities (in January). READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO

• View 34 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoQuebec City#9 in Best Winter VacationsWinters here are known for being chilly (average highs range from the 10s to the 30s), but this Canadian city’s charms make bundling up worthwhile. Head to Old Québec to see quaint historical buildings decked out in magical Christmas decor, then go ice skating at Place D’Youville. When you need a break from the cold, try sipping on a steaming mug of mulled wine at the German Christmas Market. Time your visit for February when several winter celebrations, such as the Carnaval de Québec and the Mois Multi art festival, take place around the city. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 40 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoSydney#10 in Best Winter VacationsSydney’s summer begins in December and lasts through February, making this a popular destination for tourists escaping the Northern Hemisphere’s chilly winter weather. Average daytime temperatures hover between the mid-70s and low 80s, providing perfect conditions for activities like surfing at Bondi Beach and kayaking through Sydney Harbour. This time of year also features a packed events calendar, with can’t-miss sporting events and celebrations like the Australia Sail Grand Prix and Sydney’s famed New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Remember to book your tickets early, as this can be a pricey and popular time to visit Australia. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 17 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoPhuket#11 in Best Winter VacationsYou may find higher accommodation prices and hordes of tourists, but winter visits to this Thai island in the Andaman Sea feature several pluses. Phuket offers outstanding weather come wintertime: You’ll avoid the region’s monsoon season and enjoy 80- and 90-degree temperatures while lounging on the shores of Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches. And because the threat of rain isn’t an issue, you can cross outdoor sights like Big Buddha and Wat Chalong off your bucket list. Another bonus: You can get out on the water to explore by boat. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 63 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoRome#12 in Best Winter VacationsTravelers who don’t mind donning cold-weather attire to see iconic attractions like the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum should consider visiting the Eternal City during winter. Average highs in the 50s keep many of Rome’s notorious summer crowds at bay, plus visitors can warm up inside one of the city’s museums or with a cappuccino or a plate of fresh pasta. Visit in December to enjoy Piazza Navona’s extensive Christmas market and listen to the Pope celebrate Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
• View 46 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoLake Tahoe#13 in Best Winter VacationsWhile winters in Lake Tahoe bring plenty of snow, the area’s relatively mild daytime temperatures in the 40s make this picturesque lake on the California-Nevada border a superb destination for powder hounds. You’ll have several ski spots to choose from, including Palisades Tahoe, Heavenly Ski Resort and Northstar California Resort. When you need to warm up, test Lady Luck at a local casino or cozy up by a fire at one of the area’s lodges. Room rates increase during this peak tourist season, so book your accommodations well in advance. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 48 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoU.S. Virgin Islands#14 in Best Winter VacationsTo soak up plenty of sun this winter, vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to avoiding the threat of a hurricane, you’ll enjoy comfortable temps in the 70s and 80s as you sunbathe on white sand beaches like Trunk Bay and Magens Bay. Keep in mind, the islands welcome strong Christmas winds in December and January, so be sure to pack a windbreaker. Also consider accessing the islands via an eastern Caribbean cruise if you want to avoid spending a lot of money on accommodations. READ MOREBEST HOTELS|THINGS TO DO
• View 37 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNoJackson Hole#15 in Best Winter VacationsAlthough frigid temperatures draw sunshine-seeking vacationers away from this Wyoming valley come December, those in search of snow-capped mountains, winter sports and cozy lodges will love visiting this winter wonderland. Hit the slopes for an afternoon of skiing and snowboarding, or sign up a guided snowshoe excursion through Grand Teton National Park. When you’re ready to warm up, take a dog sled tour to the Granite Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a dip in thermal pools. Also save time for admiring breathtaking views of the Teton Mountains from Jackson Hole’s Aerial Tram. READ MOREBEST HOTELS