8 Winter Vacation Destinations Our Travel Experts Love

From winter wonderlands to sun-drenched escapes

1. Bergen, Norway

A cold and snowy wonderland in winter,

Photo: TATYANA VYC / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Norway’s second-largest city does not feel like a city at all.

It’s much more like a small town, surrounded by mountains and seven fjords.

Among them is Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway.

Bryggen, the historic harbor district in Bergen, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which inspired the design of the city of Arendelle in Disney’s Frozen.

2. Clearfield County, Pennsylvania

The perfect choice for a laidback winter vacation

Photo: VISIT CLEARFIELD COUNTY

Viewing the majestic elk in the snow is a beautiful sight. Northern Clearfield County has a herd of around 300 elk roaming the area.

Soak in a warm hot tub after your outdoor fun at the Best Western Plus in Clearfield or the Comfort Suites in Dubois

3. Marana, Arizona

An oasis in the desert, with beautiful natural scenery

Exploring the area in the morning and then spending the afternoon by the pool sipping a handcrafted cocktail is a perfect day

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Offers skiing and snowboarding just a 30-minute drive up the mountain from the Santa Fe Plaza downtown

Photo: NEW MEXICO TRUE)

If you crave cold, snowy winter weather, but want to be able to leave it behind when you’re done, then Santa Fe, New Mexico, is your winter vacation destination!

ante Fe typically sees no more than two inches of snowfall a month during the winter and the days are nearly always above freezing.

5. Oahu, Hawaii

Award-winning writer Vanessa Chiasson’s favorite winter destination

Photo: JUANCAT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM)

Explore the island’s coffee farms, art galleries, museums, trails, and — yes — the beaches and the mai tais.

6. Cozumel, Mexico

Enjoy hours at the beaches and pools,...

Photo: CAROL COLBORN

Enjoy hours at the beaches and pools, Jeep tours around the island, excursions to Chankanaab (Cozumel´s National Reef Marine Park) and tequila factories, day trips to San Miguel, the capital, and Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Puerto Morelos opposite the Yucatan Channel, and exquisite sunsets at the end of every day.

7. Mazatlan, Mexico

The ‘Shrimp Capital of the World’!

Photo: IVAN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Enjoy soaking in the water, whether at the resort infinity pools or the beaches.

8. Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico

A longtime favorite getaway for yout family in the wintertime

Photo: CINDY BARKS

A lovely Sea of Cortez location and a charming fishing-village atmosphere have combined to make Puerto Penasco (aka Rocky Point) in Sonora, Mexico a longtime favorite getaway for my family in the wintertime — and really, in every season

Remember: the perfect winter beach day includes a taco lunch of fresh-from-the-sea shrimp at one of Rocky Point’s street-side taco stands, an afternoon spent browsing the quirky shops in the Old Port area, and an evening stroll along Sandy Beach to take in an epic Sea of Cortez sunset

Laura Ray

Author for TravelAwaits

Laura Ray has lived in Atlanta, the Bay Area, SoCal, and Austin. After moving from Texas, she and her husband rambled about the Midwest in a camper for a couple of years before finally settling on 35 acres in their home state of Kentucky.

When she isn't clacking around on the keyboard (cat in lap), you can find her practicing yoga, gardening, or playing the ukulele.

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