Winter Vacations For Skiing In Europe: The Alps
This winter, skiers and snow bunnies should escape to the Alps with a private villa rental or a stay at one of our favorite hotels. Of particular note in this area are Chalet Pelerin and Chalet Hibou, two stunning properties from the ultimate adventure brand Eleven Experience that are nestled above Le Miroir, a farming village on the French and Italian border, and offer unparalleled access to seven world-class ski resortsincluding Val dIsre, Sainte Foy, Tignes, Les Arcs and La Rosirewhich can be reached in less than an hour by car or by helicopter . Both properties are designed for full buyouts with family or friends, with Hibou offering six bedrooms and one bunk room, and Pelerin offering four bedrooms and one bunk room. Other amenities include a media room, an indoor freshwater pool, an outdoor hot tub, sauna and steam room.
Mom Knows Best: 23 Winter Family Vacations To Embrace The Cold
Cold weather gets a bad wrap, but anyone who lives someplace where you can get a proper winter full of snow knows that folks down south are really missing out. Face the facts you cant ski down a sandy beach, you never have a reason to snuggle up to a fire, and sipping hot cocoa in Florida or southern California is just plain silly.
This year, were embracing the season by connecting with our family travel experts moms to share the top winter family vacations you can plan this year.
The Best Vacation Destinations In Washington State
If youre looking to book a vacation in one of the most naturally beautiful places on Earth, you wont run out of things to do in Washington. From the fantastic coastline to awe-inspiring mountain ranges, Washington State is a wonderfully diverse destination for planning a vacation.
Whether youre after beach days and boat rides or an itinerary of day hikes near Seattle, in-the-know outdoorsy travelers already have Washington on their radar. But suppose climbing peaks isnt your thing? In that case, there are many charming towns and cultural activities to enjoy on a WA vacation, too.
A year-round vacation destination, Washington offers skiing in winter, fall foliage, spring wildflowers, or coastal escapes in summer. But, of course, the state can be rainy in any season, so be sure to pack your rain jacket and dont let the drizzle put you off! The bonus of the showery weather is the delicious, fresh produce to snack on during your trip think peaches, grapes, apples, and wild berries. Yum! Or, for a more hearty meal, Washington has you covered with local seafood and vineyards.
Without much ado, here are our suggestions for the best vacation destinations in Washington State:
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Sugarite Canyon State Park New Mexico
Situated just 20 miles from the city of Raton lies a little gem for any outdoor and wildlife enthusiast.
Tiny compared to other state parks, this 3,600-acre park, nature has crammed in so much natural beauty, with dramatic canyons, gentle meadows, creeks, forests, scenic lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Taking all this while camping at the two campgrounds, within this truly magnificent setting, allows one to disconnect with the world and reconnect with nature totally.
Hiking through Sugarite Canyon is simply fantastic, and so is the brand new Lake-to-Lake trail, both providing breathtaking scenery from start to finish.
And when the ice is safe enough, ice fishing on Lake Alice may provide you with a unique experience and a tasty dinner too.
The visitor center will also give you a short history of this coal mining area of the 19th Century and all other intriguing information on this calm and tranquil part of the world.
for hotels near Sugarite Canyon State Park!
Best Places To Visit In Winter In China
Hesitate to plan your winter vacation to China in 2022? Worry about the cold weather everywhere and feel nothing to do when in outdoor?
Winter is officially from December to February in China. For some travelers, the winter is short, dark and boring. But, this is not the real thing in China. China is vast enough making you step into a white snow paradise with a temperature as low as -24°C in the North China, or taking you have fun in the tropical zone with a temperate as mild as 27°C in the South China. If you do not want both extreme weather, come to the high altitude cities in Southwest or coastal cities in Southeast China. So, why not try some fun activities with your family this winter?
- Enjoy winter festivals – Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, traditional Chinese Spring Festival…
- Appreciate beautiful scenery – China snow town scenery, snow sculptures, rice terraces, Hakka earth buildings, tropical seaside scenery.
- Skiing – you can try different kinds of activities in Yabuli Ski Resort or Xiling Snow Mountain.
- Eat suitable food – try hotpot in winter to keep your body warm and other delicious Chinese food to satisfy your taste buds.
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Or, if you are interested in warm places or best cold weather destinations, you can filter by: Warm Places to Go in China in Winter | Cold Weather Destinations in China.
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The Yucatan Peninsula & Tulum Mexico
One of our favorite winter weekend getaways from NYC is the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
You can also save money traveling this winter by flying into Cancun from major US cities and then hopping a bus immediately to less touristy cities like Valladolid or Merida.
Even if you want to go to a different part of the Yucatan like Merida, Isla Holbox or Playa del Carmen, take that nonstop flight from any international airport and you can get on an easy ADO bus to your destination when you land.
We loved exploring the cenotes outside Tulum by bicycle and seeing the clear water, which is so warm it feels like a bath. We also liked day trips like Uxmal, the Mayan ruins site outside Merida. Both are great options for seeing culture.
Our favorite part of traveling in Mexico might be the tacos, so get your stomach ready for some great flavors. Temperatures are always around the mid-80s during winter months of December to February, and nights are rarely lower than the mid-60s.
The Coziest And Best Winter Getaways In New England
While you might be familiar with some of the popular ski resorts around New England, there are plenty of other cozy destinations that make for the best winter getaways in New Englandwhether you ski or not.
For the classic winter experience, you really cant go wrong with New England. This region is perfect during so many seasons of the year, but it really shines in the wintertime, with its snowy fields and cozy towns. Its really a Christmas wonderland!
Weve compiled a list of fabulous places in New England to visit this winter. These range from typical vacation spots to those more unexpected New England winter getaways. And with warm and cozy winter getaways in each state, youre bound to find something perfect for your next New England weekend escape.
Grab your boots, some hot cocoa, and a good book. Its time to get cozy planning your New England winter getaway.
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Death Valley National Park
While summer temperatures in Death Valley National Park soar above 100 degrees, the winter highs are much cooler. Take advantage of these cooler temperatures by investigating remote places that may be too far to reach in the summertime heat. Stay into the evening and enjoy a different kind of wintry light show- the night sky. Be sure to bring along a jacket while deserts are typically considered warm areas, the dry weather can be a bit chilly at night. This is one of the warmest places in the U.S. to visit in the winter!
Gulmarg Kashmir The Skiers Paradise
A hill station that is no less than a paradise during winters. The snow, cold breezy winds, pleasant surroundings, all add to the beauty of Gulmarg. The Aparwath peak here is best known for skiing. Gulmarg is one of the most famous winter destinations in India, and one mustnt miss it!
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Spend The Holiday Season In Rovaniemi Finland
Rovaniemi might not sound familiar, but this tiny village inside the Arctic Circle is considered Santa Claus’ official hometown. Santa Claus Village is eight kilometers away from the Rovaniemi city center and accessed by taxi or by boarding the Santa’s Express train. Though the charming little village is open year-around and features many Christmas-related attractions , Rovaniemi is particularly stunning during winter.
This is a great area to catch the northern lights, have lunch at an ice restaurant, or spend the night at an igloo ice hotel. The Ranua Wildlife Park offers 2.5 kilometers of snowy trails, where you’ll encounter wild arctic animals, or you can try a snowmobile or sleigh ride adventure through the snow-covered surroundings.
Perhaps one of the most magical experiences here is the opportunity to join a guided snowshoeing tour across the Arctic Circle, where you’ll experience frozen landscapes and the true meaning of “Polar Night,” where the sun never rises.
Winter Activities In Sichuan:
1. Traveling out of Chengdu, the most popular choice is getting to its south to see Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone carved Buddha in the world and Mount Emei which site has changed its tune to the purified white, especially spots over the altitude of 1300 meters. Get atop of Mount Emei for snow-capped Golden Summit and view the sea of clouds that you can most possibly see it.
2. With about 2.5 hours driving from Chengdu, you can get to a ski paradise. Xiling Snow Mountain is regarded as the largest ski resort in China, providing more than 20 different kinds of activities in ski field. You can try skiing, zorb, snow cubing, snowmobiling, bounce-flyingtravelers can completely enjoy the excitement of ski sports.
3. Traveling a little further, you can take flight or car to Jiuzhai Valley and Huanglong National Park. During the winter season, they are less touristy and full of a poetic atmosphere with all previous colors turning into silver. Mountains and trees are covered by snow and waterfalls become a huge natural ice sculpture. It is the true ice and snow fairy tale world.
4. If you want to see the glacier and its grandness, the top choice is to come to Hailuogou Glacier Park. There are more sunny days after snowing and air is fresher and the pure snow white ice glacier far away can be admired clearly. Pay attention it is cold in Jiuzhaigou and Western Sichuan and the average temperature can fall down from 3.9 to – 12.
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Romantic Winter Mountain Escape To Laurel Highlands In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanias Laurel Highlands, just an hour from Pittsburgh and a few hours drive from Washington DC, is the perfect east coast winter getaway for couples or individuals looking to unwind.
While snow is never guaranteed, in the Laurel Highlands the best opportunity for flakes comes in January and February. Imagine waking up in a cozy luxury cabin beside a crackling and a layer of freshly fallen snow. What could be more delightful?
One of the best places where to stay for a romantic winter getaway in Laurel Highlands is Oak Lodge. This 800-acre luxurious Bed & Breakfast offers the highest comfort and top amenities. In addition to luxury cabins with heated floors, a soaking tub, and comfy plush robes, its accommodation options also include rooms at the lodge with king-sized beds. Families and larger groups can opt for the 4-bedroom/3-bathroom 19th-century farmhouse with full kitchen facilities.
This family-owned resort includes a full spa , yoga instruction, an indoor swimming pool, and hot tub.
Without ever leaving Oak Lodge, you will find miles of wide open, snow-blanketed rural farmland and wooded trails. Hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski where the only sounds youll hear is the snow crushing beneath your feet.
But Oak Lodges most unique feature has to be its full-scale 18th-century village, complete with a mercantile building, a tavern, a chapel, and even a sugar shack. This is the perfect spot for photos and is popular for weddings and events.
Los Angeles For Sightseeing Hikes & Scenic Road Trips
After spending 3 winters in Los Angeles, I am personally convinced that LA is an excellent city to visit in America in winter. With January and February as the wettest months, there are still plenty of sunny days and comfortable temperatures.
Due to Santa Ana winds that come from the desert, it may be really windy and even cold. But overall, the city still stays pleasantly nice. Plus, in the second part of February, dry nature returns to life. Everything becomes greener and brighter.
Among all the fun places to go in winter in LA area, you can find anything you want on any budget. Winter activities range from indoors to outdoors and are scattered throughout the city.
You can join one of the city bus tours or go to amusement parks . Also, visit LA famous incredible museums, explore hiking trails of Santa Monica mountains, go on a long walk along the beach, and of course guide yourself through the citys dining and drinking scene. Many hiking trails in Los Angeles, by the way, offer panoramic views of the city and the coast.
Winter in Los Angeles is the right season to attend festivals and see Christmas lights. Mexican Tamale Festival takes place in December as well as ChristmasBoat Parade at The Marina Del Rey. On the first day of the new year, there is a Tournament of Roses and Parade in Pasadena. And soon after that an LA Art Show in the city center. In February, there is a Chinese New Year and Golden Dragon Parade and Academy Awards ceremony at the Kodak Theater.
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Winter Vacations For Top Shoppers And Ultimate Indulgers: Morocco
is a shopaholics dream, where you can pick up everything from latticed lanterns and Berber kilim rugs to argan oil, leather bags, kaftans, glassware, ceramics, slippers and one-of-a-kind furniture. For ultimate indulgers, palatial hotels and resorts like La Mamounia, Le Royal Mansour, Kasbah Tamadot and Dar Ahlam are worth the trip alone.
North Cascades National Park
Escape to North Cascades National Park for an outdoor adventure beyond your expectations. There is so much to do in this scenic and pristine wilderness that you will not know where to start, so it is a good idea to stop by a visitor center on arrival to get all the information you need for an enjoyable visit.
The most popular way to enjoy the beauty of North Cascades National Park is to hike some of the 400 miles of amazing trails that vary from short scenic walks suitable for families to steep and challenging climbs. Along the way you can enjoy excellent bird and wildlife watching, camping, picnicking, fishing or even cycling. You can also go on a guided walk with a ranger or attend an interpretive talk, which is great for younger visitors, or attend a class at the North Cascades Institute at the new Environmental Learning Center.
To give your legs a rest from hiking, you could jump aboard the Lady of the Lake Ferry for a cruise to the historic town of Stehekin, which lies in the center of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. In winter the entire North Cascades National Park is transformed into a snow-covered paradise where you can try your hand at downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
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Best Winter Sun Destinations In Europe For 2022
Want to escape the winter blues? From city breaks to beach escapes, there are plenty of short haul options that will help you to escape the winter chill. So grab a cup of tea and discover the warmest winter sun destinations in Europe, chosen by my fellow travel bloggers.
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Kings Canyon National Park California
If youre scratching your head for winter vacation ideas, look no further than the other national treasure that is Kings Canyon National Park.
This park easily rivals Yosemite for natural splendor, but one entrance fee also gets you into the adjacent and equally majestic Sequoia National Park.
Its spectacular scenery in the form of gigantic granite cliffs, deep glacier-carved valleys, the roaring Kings River, and dense forests of colossal sequoias to take your breath away.
Hike or ride on horseback through Grant Grove and view the General Grant, also known as the Nations Christmas Tree, the worlds second-largest tree!
More dramatic scenery can be viewed at Cedar Grove at the canyons bottom.
At the same time, Zumwalt Meadow, the massive stalagmites and stalactites of the marble cave at Boyden Cavern, and the 2000 ft high marble walls of Kings Gate and Windy Cliffs will leave you in awe.
for accommodation in Kings Canyon National Park!
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Spokanimal Dog Park At High Bridge Park
This is the best dog park in Spokane. The park has two areas, one for large dogs and one for small ones. The dog park features a sloped mountain, and lots of trails to run. Water for dogs is supplied. It is a great dog park with wooded areas that supply shade. The dog park is fully fenced and you can safely allow your dogs to disappear into the woods, knowing they will return.
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