Family holidays are an excellent chance to nurture ties and make lifelong memories. During a long school vacation or a holiday weekend, winter offers plenty of chances to travel. Winter family travel destinations ski lovers may get lift tickets at domestic ski resorts in Park City, Utah, and Telluride, Colorado, while sun devotees might consider flights to Costa Rica and Antigua. Parents who are eager to take a city trip with children may prefer to travel to London or Toronto.
Think about taking a long-distance vacation to an interesting place like Siem Reap if it fits into your schedule and you have a few extra frequent flyer miles to spare. There are many places that provide the joy, no matter whether you're looking to save money or willing to pay more. These 16 top winter family getaways have been chosen by travel experts.
Best 30 Winter Family Travel Destinations
1. Park City, Utah
With its famous resorts like the St. Regis Deer Valley, the Stein Eriksen Lodge, and Montage Deer Valley offering stylish and cozy changes for winter sports lovers, Park City, the ski capital and site of the Sundance Film Festival, is on our list of the Best Places to Go in the US this year.
Come by at any time between December and March to witness The Greatest Snow on Earth; the state of Utah has trademarked the phrase.
Read also: Best Family-friendly Vacation Spots
2. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
These 74 islands are located in the crystal-clear seas of the South Pacific, just off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
Take a plane to Hamilton Island, the biggest of the archipelago; sail a yacht whale-watching season during the warmer summer waters in the Southern Hemisphere; see the Great Barrier Reef; and discover more about the Ngaro Aboriginal people, the land's traditional indigenous owners.
3. Zermatt, Switzerland
With 223 miles of courses spread across four vast ski areas, some of which are over 10,000 feet high, Zermatt, which is flanked by some of the tallest peaks in the Alps, receives snowfall for a long season.
With its cutting-edge lift system and chic après-ski tasks, this lovely Alpine hamlet is located at the base of Switzerland's most well-known peak, the Matterhorn.
4. Canary Islands, Spain
Although it's not quite warm enough to swim off the white sand beaches of Spain's Canary Islands in the winter, the off-season costs, fewer tourists, and stunning views more than make up for it. In equity, the island of Gran Canaria, located off the northwest coast of Africa, is reputed to have the world's finest climate.
5. New York City
When it comes to the holiday events, few places can match New York City. Have you already enjoyed such timeless customs as the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, ice skating in Central Park, or the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center?
Additionally, the city has some of the northeast's greatest skiing, if that interests you. You may create some surprise ones of your own by following our advice.
6. San Diego, California
San Diego is home to two megastores that sell Christmas decorations, making it the unofficial Christmas (merchandise) capital of the United States. Holiday shoppers visit San Diego all year long.
Who would refuse immaculate beaches and easy-luxury hotels any day of the year? Maybe it's the contrast between the timeless wintery aesthetics and the always-bright levels that makes Southern California the ideal location for winter vacations.
7. Srinagar, India
Visit Srinagar, the most populated city in the Kashmir Valley, to experience a winter paradise on the Indian subcontinent.
Srinagar was included in our global list of the 23 Best Places to Go in 2023 because of the start of hip new hotels and the region's growing infrastructure, which make travel more simple than it has ever been.
Enjoy a multicourse wazwan meal to stay warm, and sip steaming cups of Kashmiri saffron tea, or kahwa, to wash it all down.
8. New Zealand
It's now simpler than ever to travel to New Zealand because of new direct flights that operate from the US mainland to places like Auckland and Christchurch.
While it is a year-round resort, visitors from the Northern Hemisphere will find the Kiwi summer, which runs from December to February, to be a pleasant change of pace.
Enjoy Wellington's gourmet take on Maori food or Auckland's Sichuan-style slow-cooked New Zealand lamb.
9. Roatán, Honduras
Roatán, the most developed of the Bay Islands, is primarily known as a haven for divers. Its 31-mile shoreline is nearly entirely covered in biodiverse coral reefs, which are home to West Indian manatees, dolphins, and colorful fish. Better still?
On one of Virgin Voyages' Caribbean cruises, which include the Honduran island as one of its several port calls, you may go to Roatán.
Read also: Family Travel During School Breaks
10. Luxor, Egypt
Since time travel hasn't been created yet, your best option is to travel to one of the world's oldest cities. Have you visited Luxor, the location of some of Egypt's most famous sites, such as the majestic Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings, where you can see King Tutankhamun's tomb?
Although Egypt's winter months are the busiest, with more tourists drawn by the milder conditions, it's still worth battling the throng to keep from catching fire.
11. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Although Isla Mujeres is often thought of as a side excursion from Cancún, it is a destination unto itself.
Compared to the beaches on the other side of the bay, Playa Norte's main beach is considerably calmer, has mild, shallow seas, and is composed of crushed coral. Note to scuba divers.
The island is home to the world's highest concentration of whale sharks.
12. Salzburg, Austria
Standard Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg, is split by the Salzach River, with the (slightly) modern side on the right and the pedestrian Old City on the left. Go no farther than the Hotel Goldener Hirsch for a stay that includes soft beds, gingerbread cookies, and views of the snow falling.
13. Zakynthos, Greece
Your heart will skip a beat when you witness the white sand beaches and dazzling seas of Navagio Bay in Zakynthos, even if all Greek islands seem to be bordered by that stunning hue of emerald blue.
Its remote setting, secured by towering cliffs on both sides, may be the reason why its turquoise waters the complete opposite of winter grays remain so flawless and pristine.
14. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This valley, backed by the Tetons, is a veritable winter paradise. Naturally, it helps if you want to spend the majority of your time skiing, as Jackson Hole is renowned for its 3,000 acres of difficult vertical slopes as well as accessible backcountry terrain.
However, Teton Village and the town of Jackson provide plenty of après-ski activities for those who do not wish to hit the snow. And let's be honest, there's a compelling reason to spend time in Caldera House.
15. The Azores
Flying to an island for the chilly weather might seem odd, but the Azores, an archipelago in the center of the North Atlantic, will captivate you with its crisp, clean air. You will be able to enjoy a new type of sweater weather thanks to the lush foliage and fun cool. Also, the flight from the US takes only five hours.
16. Finnish Lapland
If you can picture the most perfect winter sight, Finnish Lapland can certainly provide.
Few locations provide the opportunity to see Santa Claus, ride a reindeer sleigh, or spend the night in a bubble sled beneath the Northern Lights, but Lapland offers all three.
17. Chiang Mai, Thailand
The climate in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is rarely colder than 60 degrees, and it is encircled by misty mountains, golden temples, and lush rice terraces.
Every street in the old city is covered in flowers and plants for three days during the city's Flower Festival, which takes place every year on the first weekend of February.
18. Cape Town
Due to favorable weather, South Africa's safari circuit takes a backseat to Africa's most cosmopolitan metropolis from December to March.
The restaurant, hotel, and nightlife scenes of Cape Town are at their peak during the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere.
Also, it's the growing season in the winelands of South Africa, which are only a short drive from Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Swartland.
19. Greenland
Greenland is one of the world's most pristine natural areas, icy and enigmatic. Although the world's largest non-continental island is home to stunning glaciers, it is much more than that.
Picture sheep meadows, vibrant communities, and stunning fjords. An amazing winter destination is created when you combine it with views of the northern lights.
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Family Travel
20. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Travel 220 kilometers off the northeastern coast of Brazil to the stunning archipelago of Fernando de Noronha if you find the well-known beaches of Rio de Janeiro to be too crowded.
Here, you may hike verdant pathways, go snorkeling in pristine seas, and observe the moon rising over the sea.
21. Singapore
Singapore, a perennial favorite vacation spot, is located right on the equator, making it the ideal location to escape the winter cold.
You may still explore the city-state's numerous hawker centers, museums, shops, and night markets despite adverse weather. This city in a garden is a great way to get a little color into your eyes and rid them of the winter blues.
22. Boracay, Philippines
Boracay is a perennial favorite of both residents and visitors, having been consistently selected as one of the greatest islands in Asia in our Readers' Choice Awards.
At one time, the state had to temporarily ban tourism in order to allow the land and community to recover because of how popular the picturesque white sand beaches were with tourists.
Now that it's operating again, it's prepared to greet anyone who wants to dance the night away, relax, or do both.
23. Abu Dhabi
You've probably been to Abu Dhabi on a layover, but now's your chance to see it. The city's elegance and history are as alluring as ever, especially during the mild months of December through March.
For those who enjoy aviation, the emirate's new Midfield Terminal, now known as Terminal A, will officially open in November, increasing the Middle Eastern hub's capacity for both passengers and cargo.
As one might expect from the capital of the United Arab Emirates, there will be new restaurants, shops, lounges, and more.
24. US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands, which are situated in the Caribbean, are made up of three islands: the busy island of St. Thomas, which is home to the capital city of Charlotte Amalie; the laid-back island of St.
John, which is mostly occupied by Virgin Islands National Park; and the largest island, St. Croix, which is home to numerous historical towns and scuba diving locations.
Do you have all three dreams? US citizens may travel to any island without a passport thanks to ferries and island hoppers, which make the process simple and accessible.
25. Atacama Desert, Chile
Explore a world of isolated marvels in the Atacama Desert, where outdoor enthusiasts will find more than just scorching heat and sand.
Biking down the Garganta del Diablo, or devil's throat, rewards bikers with a breathtaking waterfall at the trail's finish, while trekking through the Valley of the Moon is essentially a rite of passage.
For relaxation seekers, floating in Laguna Cejar's salty waters with the Andes as a backdrop is unlike any other winter holiday.
26. Hokkaido, Japan
Numerous geological wonders, including lakes, national parks, and volcanoes, abound on the Japanese island of Hokkaido; the majority are even more beautiful in the winter.
For instance, the ethereal Shirogane Blue Pond, with its tall trees and blue waters covered in dazzling frost, is an amazing example of how to wear ice. Want to go skiing? Niseko boasts some of the world's best slopes.
27. The Pantanal, Brazil
The Pantanal is a must-visit for road trippers eager to get back in touch with nature. This area is home to 4,700 distinct types of plants and animals, making it the biggest tropical wetland on Earth.
The Transpantaneira Highway, which runs from Poconé to Porto Jofre, is a picturesque highway that travels next to the marsh and allows cars to look out over 122 wooden bridges, even if it doesn't break through it.
28. Montreal
Montrealers dress their matryoshka doll layers and take over the city even when the winter months make it all white. They may be seen headbanging the night away at Igloofest, the world's coldest music event, and cuddling up with kittens indoors at North America's first cat café.
You cannot help but be charmed by the city's lively nature and warm food culture, even when the snowfall decreases by a foot at a time.
29. The Cook Islands
The muse of what seems to be all beachy postcards, this is where your search for winter sun ends.
Nothing is more tranquil than swimming in the still-warm, turquoise waters of Black Rock Beach and exploring Rarotonga's unspoiled interior on the Cross Island Hike.
Everyone is invited to the local night markets at night to enjoy BBQ and wash it all down with fresh coconut water.
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Family Travel in the USA
30. Arenal, Costa Rica
Are you prepared to forgo the cold in favor of an exciting family vacation in a warm, tropical location? In Costa Rica, take your family on an eco-adventure.
Tubing, canyoning, zip-lining above forest canopies, navigating networks of hanging bridges, and seeing local species are all excellent activities in the region around Arnal Volcano National Park.
With glamping tents that feature wraparound balconies with hammocks for relaxing and expansive views of the volcanic scenery, Nayara Tented Camp is one of my top favorites for families to stay in the area," adds Moss.
Conclusion on Winter Family Travel Destinations
Destinations for winter family vacations provide a special chance to take in the magic of the season and make lifelong memories. Everyone may find something they enjoy, whether it's skiing on snow-capped mountains, staying warm in quaint winter lodges, or visiting cultural events in cold villages. These spots offer a chance to enjoy the beauty of winter in every form while also building family bonds. Prioritize comfort, pleasure, and kid-friendly events when planning your winter vacation to make sure the whole family has a joyful and memorable time.
FAQ's: Winter Family Travel Destinations
Which place is best for winter vacation?
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Shimla, known as the "Queen of Hills," is one of the best places to visit in winter in India. ...
- Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
- Udaipur, Rajasthan.
- Kohima, Nagaland.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- Shillong, Meghalaya.
What's the best place to visit in winter?
- Rio de Janeiro.
- Quebec City.
- Breckenridge.
- Jackson Hole.
- Curacao.
- Tulum.
- Auckland.
- Phuket.
Which country is best to visit with kids in December?
The best places to visit in December include Germany for its famous Christmas markets, Australia for a sunny beach getaway, Japan for a blend of urban lights and peaceful winter scenery, and Switzerland for its snow-capped Alps.
Which country has beautiful winter?
Finland. What is so amazing about Finland is its beauty. In the winter, travelers may visit a huge number of its locations. Rovaniemi and Lake Saimaa are two examples.
How to spend winter vacation?
- Catch Up on Sleep. Okay, so you shouldn't hibernate, sleeping your entire winter break away.
- Eat Home-Cooked Food.
- Get a Seasonal Job.
- Spend Time With Friends and Family.
- Earn Extra College Credit.
- Get Ready for Next Semester.
Where is the cheapest place to go for winter sun?
You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to temperatures; the Costa del Sol and the Algarve are inexpensive, so you can anticipate sunshine but not much warmth. The Canary Islands, Morocco, and Cyprus are somewhat hotter and more affordable, but the Red Sea coast is often where you'll get the best deals.
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