Lady’s 15 Incredible Winter Travel Destinations

Today I want to bring you A Lady in London’s 15 incredible winter travel destinations. Whether you want to ski, sunbathe, or ride a snowmobile, there’s somewhere perfect for you to visit this winter.

Winter Travel Destinations

From the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern, the Alps to the Equator, there are a lot of great winter travel destinations to choose from.

My list stems from my own experiences, so I can personally vouch for each of the places on my list. I hope you find inspiration in it.

Winter Sun Travel Destinations

Being from California, I can’t help starting my list of winter travel destinations with where to travel for winter sun. From Asia to South America, there are some great places to travel during the season.

1. The Maldives

Whenever people ask me what my favorite country in the world is, I say the Maldives. The islands are truly paradise, and in the winter months they’re the perfect places to escape the cold and soak up the tropical sunshine.

2. Adelaide, Australia

When it comes to traveling in Australia, Adelaide isn’t normally at the top of people’s lists. But every February the city hosts a festival and comes alive with music, dance, and theater performances.

There’s also a quirky fringe festival for those that want a bit more variety. Add to that great food and wine, and Adelaide is one of the best winter travel destinations.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa is one of my favorite places to travel in winter, as there’s so much to do and see. Cape Town has everything from beautiful beaches to great hiking, and isn’t far from some of the best vineyards in the world.

Add to that great weather, and Cape Town ranks high among the best winter travel destinations.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro is another great place to visit in winter. From the legendary Carnival in Rio de Janeiro to the famous festivities for New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach, there’s a lot to get excited about here.

And that’s to say nothing of more room to sunbathe on Ipanema Beach. Don’t forget your thong bikini!

5. St Croix, USVI

The U.S. Virgin Islands are great places to escape the snow and ice, and St Croix is not only the least touristy of them all, but also the most beautiful. While beach time is mandatory, don’t miss the great hiking and sunset cocktails.

If this winter sun destination appeals to you, you can take a look at my blog post about the best place to stay on St Croix to find the perfect accommodation for your travel style. If you want to see more, my USVI itinerary can help.

Winter Ski Travel Destinations

Back in the frozen tundra, here are my top picks for winter travel destinations for skiing.

6. Mammoth, California

If you love California and skiing in equal measure, Mammoth Mountain is the perfect winter ski destination for you.

Not only does the resort have great skiing, but there are also a lot of beautiful lakes and natural scenery to discover nearby. From Mono Lake to June Lake, it’s a winter wonderland.

7. Alberta, Canada

Skiing in Alberta, Canada is a great way to enjoy fresh snow and a wide variety of runs at the three resorts in Banff National Park. Banff and Lake Louise have resorts that stay open until May, too, so there’s time to ski well into spring.

There are also lots of other activities that make Alberta one of the best winter travel destinations. From dog sledding to sleigh rides, snowshoeing to ice sculptures, there’s plenty on offer in the Canadian Rockies.

8. Courchevel, France

In Europe, France’s 3 Valleys have some of the most extensive terrain in the world, and no shortage of runs for skiers. Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens are all fun places to hit the slopes.

Luxurious Courchevel is my favorite of the three resorts, not least because of its unapologetic focus on the good things in life (even the gondolas have Chanel advertisements on them).

Add to that activities like sledding and a great apres-ski scene, and this is one of the best winter travel destinations for skiers.

Winter Adventure Travel Destinations

If you’re up for a bit of adventure this season, read on for my top picks for winter travel destinations.

9. Norway

I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights, and Norway is one of the best places to do it. The green skies of the Aurora Borealis have eluded me for years, and one of these winters I’m going to see them.

Maybe somewhere near the Arctic Circle. Hopefully while hugging a cuddly polar bear. Hey, I can dream…

10. Iceland

My idea of adventure travel is going to a new spa, but even I get excited about sporty things when properly motivated.

Snowmobiling in Iceland is one of the most exciting things I’ve done on a trip in the winter, not least because it was followed by a dip in the hot pools of the Blue Lagoon spa.

This is one of the best places to travel in winter if you love a mix of gorgeous scenery, outdoor activites, and great relaxation.

Winter Food Travel Destinations

There’s nothing like comfort food to get through the darkness of February, and these winter travel destinations have it in abundance.

11. Dordogne Valley, France

The annual Sarlat Truffle Festival takes place every winter in France’s Dordogne Valley. But even without the festival on there are still plenty of truffles to be eaten.

And if you’re not squeamish about foie gras, this is the place to have it (they even have a foie gras festival in March).

12. Scotland

Winter is game season in Scotland, and there’s plenty of rich venison and hearty pheasant to go around. Even if you’re not into stalking or shooting, the scenery in the Scottish Highlands is enough to warm your soul this winter.

Oh, and a wee dram of whiskey wouldn’t go amiss, either. There’s plenty of that and other Scottish drinks to enjoy during the season.

Christmas Travel Destinations

If you love Christmas, there are plenty of great winter travel destinations where you can get into the festive spirit.

13. Europe

The European Christmas markets are some of my favorite things about the winter season. From the Paris Christmas markets in France to the Cologne Christmas markets in Germany, there’s no shortage of great ones to visit.

14. United Kingdom

Right here in the UK, the British Christmas markets are getting bigger and better every year, too. From the York Christmas markets to the Birmingham Christmas markets, there are a lot of great ones.

And that’s to say nothing of the London Christmas markets, which are (of course) some of my favorites.

15. Chicago

In the US, Chicago is one of my favorite places to visit during the festive season. My itinerary for 4 days in Chicago at Christmas will show you why. From festive lights to the Christkindlmarket and the decorations, it’s hard to beat this place.

Best Winter Travel Destinations

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best winter travel destinations and that it’s gotten you excited to ski, sunbathe, eat, or get outdoors this season.

What are your favorite winter travel destinations? Are you heading off anywhere exciting?

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