Vacation in the winter time can be just as nice as vacationing in the summer if you know where to go. The northern states offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities in North America, as well as some excellent local events and holiday celebrations. Many resorts also feature great lodging options, restaurants and shopping spots nearby to help you make the most out of your winter getaway.  The winter months are also a great time for road trips, allowing you to often avoid the crowds by traveling off-season. The following list has everything you’ll need to plan your next winter vacation, with information about everything from ski resorts and holiday celebrations, to frozen waterfalls and ice caves.

If you’ve always dreamed of escaping the cold onslaught of winter, but couldn’t find a destination that takes this into account, we have the perfect option for you. Margarita Island has such a location. Visitors will be able to bask in the warm sunshine and take in all the diverse scenery that this island offers its guests.

Winter vacation is a time for rest and relaxation. It’s also a good time for your home to rest and relax as well — meaning taking care of any issues that may have been accumulating over the summer months. Here are some tips for a happy and healthy winter break from the folks here at Whitney Home Maintenance.

Vacation In The Winter Time

We’ve all heard of people buying airline tickets to somewhere warm and tropical when the temperate dips below 76 degrees Fahrenheit. A week in Hawaii or Disney World at 3,000 degrees above zero? Sign me up!

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)