Winter Vacation Ideas: 9 Best Places to Travel

Think about your last winter vacation. Did you head for sunny skies or hit the slopes? No matter what you chose, there’s one fact we can all agree on: winter is one of the best times to travel. Destinations come alive with Christmas decorations and celebratory events that make the rest of the year feel almost like an afterthought. However, it can be difficult to decide where you should travel for your winter trip. Here are 9 winter vacation ideas to help you in your search.

Luxurious chalets with snow-capped roofs, sandy, warm beaches, incredible Christmas dinners, expert-level skiing, spectacular lighting and fireworks shows, and unparalleled holiday shopping – even beaches, if you so desire – what’s not to love? There are many winter vacation ideas that everyone will enjoy.

Winter travel is truly a feast for the soul, no matter where you go. But if you’re craving a bit of an off-the-beaten-path experience, we’d like to help you break free. Find luxury and experience true happiness in these nine sensational winter vacation ideas!

The Maldives

One of the most beautiful vacation ideas is to travel to the Maldives. Craving a sandy beach and warm sun? Head out to the Maldives to experience Christmas or winter holidays in luxury style. This is a truly unparalleled private beach location – the Maldives are exclusive, sought after by celebrities, and dotted with fully private rentals at resorts that cater to your every beck and call.

Can’t decide where to go ? The One & Only Reethi Rah and the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa are favorites because they layer luxurious amenities and service to create an incredible experience. The latter, the Park Hyatt, just happens to be about 10 kilometers from civilization, too – perfect for escapism.

London, England

Still haven’t shopped? Well now you can with a visit to Europe! London just happens to be one of the most incredible holiday shopping destinations in the world. Bond Street, Dover Street Market, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, and Mayfair all host incredible boutiques and luxury shopping experiences. Or, head down to the Royal Exchange and browse Gucci, Tiffany, and Watches of Switzerland. A little farther into London and you can shop St. Jame’s for handcrafted goods, Connaught Village, or one of dozens of pop-up Christmas markets. It’s a joyful experience!

Prague

Prague is one of our favorite winter vacation ideas, due to its unbelievable beauty. This destination is lovely any time of year – a quick glance at pictures of the city will tell you why. This is a city that, for all intents and purposes, appears to be pulled directly out of a fairy tale, dotted with medieval buildings and ancient architecture with vibrant green and blue roofs. Gold accents look marvelous next to Christmas lights and snow, and Christmas markets give the city a true feel of medieval Christmas. If you celebrate religiously, St. Vitus’s Cathedral in Old Town is also open for Christmas mass every year – you’re welcomed to attend!

Snowmass

Colorado’s premiere snow resort destination makes for a lovely skiing vacation for families, sweethearts, and even singles. Winter is tourism season at Snowmass, so expect plenty of other vacationers when you go – but don’t feel like you can’t access luxury while you’re there. If you can’t bear the thought of being in a hotel, rent out a private chalet in the woods instead. Carve up the hills or just sit in front of a fireplace; it’s all up to you!

Ennetbürgen

Switzerland is one of the most popular winter vacation ideas, and it’s easy to see why. Picture lazily relaxing in a heated infinity-edge pool as you gaze out from a high point in the Swiss Alps. Snow-capped mountains dot the landscape as you enjoy the sunset, small snowflakes gently falling through the sky. It’s crisp, but the pool keeps you warm – the tall glass of champagne doesn’t hurt, either. This is what you’ll find when you visit Ennetbürgen in Switzerland. More precisely, it’s what you’ll find at Hotel Villa Honegg.

Lapland

Considered the largest region in Finland, a country full of regions rather than states, Lapland is a wintery weather dream. It’s also home to some of the most unique winter weather experiences in the world. Rent your own glass igloo out in the forest and sleep under the stars – visitors frequently see the Northern Lights – or stay in any one of Lapland’s dozens of  high-end luxury resorts. There’s skiing, ice fishing, dog sledding, and a veritable smorgasbord of great eats and culture in nearby Rovaniemi. It’s easy to see why Lapland is one of the best winter vacation ideas for couples looking for a romantic getaway!

Cinque Terre

Italian food, great wine, and one of the most delightful seaside villages you’ll ever see in person – that’s what Cinque Terre, Italy has to offer. This incredibly beautiful location is normally packed with tourists in the summer, but in the winter, it becomes much quieter and ideal for intimate experiences. Dramatic coastlines and incredible Grecian-style shores beckon history-lovers, just begging for exploration. Just don’t take your car: they’re banned in Cinque Terre to preserve the ancient architecture.

The French Alps

Another one of the most popular winter vacation ideas is traveling to the French Alps. A chalet in the mountains…sure, it’s a common theme. But before you plan on where you want to go, don’t forget to consider the French Alps. Rent a tidy little delightful chalet in Meribel, France, and tuck yourselves indoors while you watch gentle snowfalls travel down the mountain. The fireplace is warm, there’s often an outdoor and indoor hot tub, and most chalets come with snug and cozy home theaters for entertainment. Chalet Galega is a treasured favorite for many visitors to the country – it can host up to 12 at a time.

Mont-Tremblant

Nestled deep into northern Quebec in Canada lies Mont-Tremblant, the country’s hottest and hippest ski destination. This little town comes alive in the winter months with what many refer to as one of the best après-ski culture scenes. Just steps away from the center of town, you can access private spa services, delicious gourmet food, nightlife, clubbing, and even some of Quebec’s swankiest shopping boutiques. Mont-Tremblant is the perfect place for singles, sweethearts, and even families with teenagers in tow.

These winter vacation ideas are sure to please everyone traveling with you. Enjoy your holidays on the warm sand of the Maldives, or the beautiful mountain chalet in the French Alps. Regardless, it will be a holiday season to remember! Because holiday travel can prove to be a tedious task, look into flying via a private charter jet and really make your vacation the best yet!