Packing for Adventure

Once Christmas is over and the decorations come down, January can feel… bleak. The days are short, the weather is cold, and the post-holiday slump is very real. One of my favorite ways to shake off the winter blues is to plan a trip! Whether that means leaning into winter with cozy snow-covered towns or escaping entirely to sunshine and warm weather.

Here are some of the best places to visit in the winter, whether you love snow or would rather avoid it altogether.

Ski Resorts

I will not pretend to know anything about skiing, and I avoid snow like the plague. But if skiing is your thing, winter is obviously prime time to travel. The best snow conditions are typically late January through February. To save money, look into buddy passes, advance-purchase lift tickets, multi-day bundles, and resort deals that include lodging.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Known for its challenging terrain and dramatic mountain views, Jackson Hole is a bucket-list ski destination. It’s more of a splurge than some resorts, but the scenery and snow quality are hard to beat.

Park City, Utah

Of the three major ski destinations listed here, Park City is often the most budget-friendly when you factor in both lift tickets and lodging. It’s close enough to Salt Lake City that you can stay outside the resort area and save significantly. Plus it’s the “Greatest Snow on Earth!” Or at least it is MOST years, this winter has been a bit light on the snow!

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is synonymous with luxury skiing. It’s stunning, upscale, and offers multiple mountains with varied terrain. If you’re looking for a high-end winter getaway with great dining and ski vibes, Aspen delivers.

New England Winter Charm

If skiing downhill isn’t your thing, New England offers a completely different kind of winter experience. One that’s slower, cozier, and incredibly charming.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe feels like it belongs on a snow globe. It’s perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wandering through quaint small towns. This is the kind of place where you stay in a cozy bed and breakfast, drink hot cocoa by a fireplace, and embrace winter instead of fighting it.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock is the definition of classic New England winter charm. Think snow-covered village greens, covered bridges, cozy inns, and small shops glowing with warm light on cold evenings. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a Hallmark-style winter movie, this is it.

To Escape the Cold Entirely

If winter weather makes you miserable, there’s no rule saying you have to tolerate it. Sometimes the best winter trip involves palm trees, sunshine, and temperatures that don’t require a coat.

Hawaii

Winter is an incredible time to visit Hawaii. It’s peak whale-watching season, the weather is warm but not oppressive, and the islands feel lush and vibrant.

• Maui is perfect for whale watching, beaches, and laid-back luxury.

• Oahu offers a mix of beaches, hiking, history, and city life

• The Big Island and Kauai are also fantastic in winter if you’re looking for fewer crowds and more dramatic landscapes.

Palm Springs/Coachella Valley, California

Palm Springs is all about desert warmth, sunshine, and relaxation. Winter temperatures are ideal for hiking, lounging by the pool, and exploring nearby Joshua Tree National Park, where winter is actually one of the best times to visit thanks to cooler daytime temps.

Destin, Florida

While it’s not hot-weather beach season, Destin still offers mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful coastal views. Winter is a great time to enjoy the area without the spring-break chaos, and prices are often much lower than peak summer months.

Honorable Mention

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

Punxsutawney is less about a general winter getaway and more about showing up for one very specific moment: Groundhog Day on February 2. If you time it right, the town transforms into a lively, quirky celebration centered around tradition, small-town Americana, and the famous weather prediction. Outside of Groundhog Day, there isn’t much reason to plan a winter visit. But if you love unique events and novelty travel experiences, this is one worth checking off the list.

Whether you’re bundling up for snowy mountain views or hopping a flight to somewhere warm and sunny, winter is a great time to travel. Sometimes just planning a trip is enough to pull you out of the post-holiday funk, but actually going is even better!

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