Beach destinations pretty much dominate the winter vacation scene–Florida is for the budget-minded, while the Caribbean, Mexico, or Central America offer a more exotic take. While skiers head for the mountains golfers go for the destinations. However, what if you are not a golfer or skier, and you would like free of beaches?
Alternative Winter Vacations
Fear not: You will find winter holiday choices which don’t require you slog through slush or to wade through crowds. Here’s where to search.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a almost surreal winter holiday: Fields of snow have been broken by towering geysers, boiling hot springs, along with steaming streams. Old Faithful erupts yearlong, and explorations of this spectacular landscape are simple to arrange.
The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge, both in-park hotels, stay open for winter. But much of the winter action is in the neighboring communities, even where motels remain open and operators provide various sightseeing services: The busiest winter gateway city is West Yellowstone, but you will probably find options nearby. See the NPS page.
Switzerland
Want spectacular mountain snowscapes out of a chair? Try European winter holidays via train, like an all-day trip on the Glacier Express, an excursion on the Bernina Express, or just about any Swiss train that moves through the hills. And from the fireplace, head for a comfy chalet and enjoy a bit of fondue after your day of sightseeing. Do it easily or locate a local tour provider that can show you the hidden jewels.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Of the large U.S. cities where you can escape the worst winter weather, New Orleans is a standout: It’s much better for winter vacations than in summer heat and humidity. If you’d like to join a city-wide celebration, revel in Mardi Gras in February. If you’d like a bit more peace and quiet (and less costly lodging choices) visit the Big Easy before or after the vacation season. Whenever you go, though, the city’s historic restaurants and hotels will welcome youpersonally, and you’ll find plenty of jazz along the way.
London, England
World-class theatre, museums, restaurants, and a broad array of hotels are all in full-swing for winter holidays in London. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the U.K. capital seldom encounters snow, and also you may experience some rain, it is not quite as cold or snowy as hot European areas like Munich or Vienna.
After many visits, I have concluded that London is much better for winter vacations; I’ll never return in busy summer. Plus, airfares are low in winter : less than $400 about the low-fare lines, approximately $600 on heritage airlines out of Boston, and anywhere from $400 to $700 from the West Coast. Similarly priced winter vacation alternatives in Europe include Portugal, Italy, and Spain.
Bangkok, Thailand
All the main cities of southeastern Asia are (to be kind) warm during the winter–in actuality, they may be hot and sticky. For Thailand, nevertheless, winter vacations coincide with dry season. Bangkok provides up attractive rates at luxury resorts, in addition to some intriguing nearby attractions and any sort of cuisine you would care to taste.
It’s a very long trip, but you may frequently see some appealing fares: Sales for mid-February start at about $800 in the West Coast, and $900 in the East Coast–and you will not be spending considerably once you’re there. Similar Asian hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore also welcome winter visitors, but they are usually more expensive than Bangkok.
New Zealand’s South Island
Our winter is, of course, summertime down under–peak vacation year in Australia and New Zealand. But that shouldn’t be sufficient to dissuade you. Skip crowded Australia and instead do a group of New Zealand’s South Island.
Head out of Christchurch across the mountains to Greymouth, then down the spectacular West Coast, back across the hills into Queenstown (widely regarded as the most beautiful New Zealand town) and back to Christchurch to see all of it. Excursions to Dunedin, Invercargill, Mount Cook, and Nelson punctuate the road. Little towns along the way supply plenty of motel lodging and restaurants, all to be done in a rental car. But if you are uneasy driving on the wrong side of the road, look up a bus excursion.