25 of the Best Winter Getaways to Start Planning Now

If you're looking for a place with no shortage of history, beauty, and Southern charm, you won't do better than Savannah.

To start your trip on the right foot, book a room at the Perry Lane Hotel, which offers contemporary luxury with loads of Instagram-ready areas, including a chic rooftop bar (even if you're not staying at the property, you can visit the Peregrin for its tasty cocktails and stunning city views). In the morning, grab a complimentary glass of champagne and some of the hotel's bicycles, and head over to nearby Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump's iconic bench scenes were filmed. (The hotel offers free car service though, if that's more your speed.)

If you're in town on a Saturday, walk over to Forsyth Park, a gorgeous 30-acre expanse, where you'll find Forsyth Farmers’ Market—along with, ancient, moss-draped oak trees and lots of old mansions. From there, make your way to The Olde Pinke House for lunch (don't skip the grits!), followed by a visit to the Telfair Museum, the oldest public art museum in the Southeast. After, take a scenic stroll along Savannah's famous River Street, leaving plenty of time for admiring the cobblestone streets and historic buildings, as well as stopping in the delightful stores.

End the eve with dinner at Cotton & Rye (or Husk, if you can manage to snag a reservation), followed by a nightcap back at Wayward, plus a friendly game of Skee-Ball at the eclectic bar.

Of course the main star of Big Sky is skiing, but it's packed with alternatives like dogsledding, snowmobiling, fly-fishing, and horseback riding.

Consider staying at Big Sky Resort, which offers a number of accommodations, including two slope-side hotels: the Huntley Lodge and the Summit Hotel. Guests can ride the Ramcharger 8 chairlift, the first eight-seat chairlift in North America, to dinner at Everett’s 8800.

Another fun idea: the Sleigh Ride Dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch. Tourists are transported on horse-drawn carriages to a remote cabin for a prime rib dinner served in a room illuminated by kerosene lanterns.

Not headed to the Alps or Aspen this year? Here’s the next best thing: Stowe, Vermont. The quaint New England town is best known for its skiing (Stowe Mountain Resort alone has 485 skiable acres and 116 trails), but for non-skiiers, there are plenty of other powdery pursuits: snowshoe tours, dogsledding, ice-skating, ice-fishing, and sleigh rides, to name a few.

When you need to refuel, take the Gondola SkyRide to the Cliff House at the top of Mount Mansfield—Vermont’s highest mountain—for award-winning American cuisine with a view. For something a bit sweeter, head to local favorite Stowe Bee Bakery & Café for everything from ooey gooey chocolate chip cookies to strawberry and cream cinnamon buns to maple pecan upside cakes to churro popovers. (Before you leave town, make sure to stock up on maple syrup, candy, popcorn, and more at Stowe Maple Products.)

Need a break from the slopes? Take a day trip to Burlington, which is just under 40 miles away. While you’re there, make sure to set aside some time to stroll through the Church Street Marketplace, a four-block concourse that’s home to more than 100 shops and restaurants, including Crow Bookshop, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and Frog Hollow, an art gallery featuring Vermont artists. On your way back to Stowe, you may also want to stop at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, which offers guided tours of the ice-cream-making process.

For lodging, you can’t beat the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge, which was founded by the by the Von Trapps (of Sound of Music fame) in 1950. In addition to family-friendly rooms and suites, the refurbished hotel offers a variety of activities for all ages and several dining options.

The 305 is called "the Magic City" for a reason: As soon as you step off the plane, you can feel the magic in this city's breezy, tropical air. Whether you want an urban oasis on the beach, delicious Latin-American inspired food, or to simply party the night away, Miami has something for everyone, especially if you're looking to escape a winter chill.

Days in Miami can easily fly by with activities like relaxing on South Beach, shopping at Lincoln Road, or taking photos of the graffiti walls and art galleries of Wynwood. In between all that sightseeing, hot spot restaurants like Kyu for Asian barbecue or La Mar's Peruvian fare are transforming the city's culinary scene with inventive fare. And if you're in search of the best Cuban sandwich in the city, make your way over to Little Havana to Sanguich de Miami.

Travelers looking for affordable yet stylish options near all the action can book at boutique hotels like the Kimpton Surfcomber or Hyatt's The Confidante. And if you're looking for relaxation and luxury, treat yourself to a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. Located on a barrier island far enough from downtown's hustle and bustle to feel like a true getaway (yet a quick car ride away from South Beach), the luxurious resort offers a private beach, spacious suites with ocean views, and multiple restaurants and bars. And if you end up here, do yourself a favor: Indulge in a hot stone massage and the spa's hot tubs before relaxing in the adults-only tranquility pool.

Escape the cold with a weekend getaway to Music City, where you can heat up at honky-tonks galore, or if the rowdy bar scene of Broadway isn't your thing, stick to shopping strolls along the hip Gulch district after grabbing lunch at Peg Leg Porker. Take in a tiki drink at Pearl Diver, a tropical oasis that'll make you forget all about winter, or a casual meal of hot chicken at Hattie B's (pro tip: the one 8th Avenue tends to have shorter lines). Stay at Bobby Hotel, just minutes from the famed Printer’s Alley bars of downtown. Then enjoy a cozy beverage in a festive igloo on their rooftop before indulging in some nearby burlesque at Skull's Rainbow Room. And don't miss a stop at Draper James, Reese Witherspoon's boutique that just oozes Southern charm, ya'll.

The French Caribbean island, known as the Isle of Flowers, boasts beautifully unspoiled beaches and 80 miles of hiking trails. Plus, it's a top spot for diving. Oh, and it happens to be the rum capital of the world, with free tastings offered at all 12 of the island’s distilleries.

Stay at La Suite de Villa, a centrally located five-star boutique hotel with private villas and suites. There’s also French Coco, which is situated on a lagoon.

If you're looking for a great deal, Airbnb has loads of options— many of which come with dreamy pools.

If you're more of a see-and-do kind of person, the city that (literally) never sleeps will make you forget all about the cold. Traveling at Christmastime? Of course, a visit to Rockefeller Center's iconic Christmas tree is a must. Then, head to Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, which are both nearby, to ooh and aah over some of the best Christmas window displays.

If it's not too frigid outside, take a stroll around Central Park and stop by the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument (it's the park's first monument of real-life women), the Arthur Ross Pinetum (the area, located between 72nd to 102nd Street, includes 17 different species of pine trees), and the Bethesda Terrace Arcade, where you may even catch a performance by a local musician. Exit the park at 80th Street (on the East side) and you'll be at the start of Museum Mile, a mile-long stretch of Fifth Avenue, where many of the major museums are located, including the Met, the Guggenheim, and the Museum of the City of New York.

While Midtown is certainly convenient (we recommend the super-hip 1 Hotel Central Park), if you're looking to experience a new neighborhood, stay at the Standard Hotel, East Village, which puts you in the heart of one of Manhattan's trendiest areas.

With nearly perfect temps year-round, Aruba is a spectacular place to visit anytime, but its warm, crystal blue waters provide an especially nice respite from the cold. For a relaxing (with a side of fun) beach vacation, stay at the Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, situated directly on the white Caribbean sands. If you didn't pack the kids, split time between water sports and the swim-up bar in the adults-only pool.

Or, for a downtime vibe, close to shopping and restaurants, consider the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, which gives you access to their private, acclaimed flamingo beach, where you can—you guessed it—hang out with flamingos for the day (or just enjoy an afternoon reading in semi-seclusion).

If no trip for you is complete without a spa visit, the island's beachfront Ritz-Carlton boasts massages you can only get in Aruba, plus floats aplenty if your idea of relaxing is not leaving the serene pools. For dinner, don't miss the scenic and (beyond scrumptious) Casa Nonna—especially if you like burrata. And, if you haven't had your Italian fix by the second night, try Gianni's downtown, where a giant wheel of Parm is brought to you table-side to adorn your pasta.

Baltimore’s unique museums, including the American Visionary Art Museum, the Walter’s Art Museum, and Baltimore Museum of Art (which is home to the world's largest Matisse collection) are among the city's treasures.

Book lovers should make time to see one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, the George Peabody Library.

Stay in Baltimore’s hidden gem, The Ivy Hotel. Located in a historic Mount Vernon mansion, it has 18 gorgeous guest rooms and suites, as well as a luxury spa. You can enjoy teatime (complete with sherry and scones!) in the exquisite parlor, in front of deco murals that beg to be instagrammed. And although you may be inclined to sleep in (the beds are divine) don't skip the French toast at the complimentary multi-course breakfast served at the hotel's restaurant, Magdalena. Or, the whiskey tasting at dinner, for that matter.

If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine and mezcal, try a night out at Clavel, which never disappoints.

The dry season is from mid-November through May, making it the perfect time to enjoy minimal rain and beautiful beach days amid a volcano-dotted landscape. For thrills, zipline through the rainforest or go horseback riding on a scenic trail.

Located in the Guanacaste region, on the northwest Pacific coast, stay at the Margaritaville Resort. For a laid-back experience, try the Occidental Grand Papagayo, an adults-only, all-inclusive in the Gulf of Papagayo.

A true ski-in, ski-out mountain town, Breckenridge, affectionately known as Breck, has a serious dose of high alpine adventure, natural beauty, and charm. With an abundance of slope-side lodging accommodations, ski-to-town trails, and the BreckConnect Gondola, getting around is seamless.

In January, check out the International Snow Sculpture Championships. More winter fun includes nightly Nordic Snowcat Adventures, and Cucumber Gulch wildlife preserve where you can take in tales of the forest over champagne with a pit stop for s’mores at a nearby cabin.

For lodging, try Residence Inn Breckenridge, steps away from the ski resort, and on the edge of the historic downtown, which is filled with more than 200 restaurants, taverns and boutiques.

Besides beaches with decadently warm water, the island has an abundance of cultural activities, including the Miramar Museum of Art and Design, which offers pink Instagram-approved walls. You can also take a walking tour of Old San Juan to visit historic monuments such as El Morro and Museo Castillo Serralles.

Rest your head at Hotel El Convento, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, Dorado Beach, or The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, if you want to splurge. For those looking for a less traditional lodging experience, Puerto Rico also has more than 300 Airbnb listings.

Tasty dinner ideas include Santaella Restaurant, Chocobar Cortes, and Azucena.

The vibrant neighborhoods, free historic attractions, critically acclaimed restaurants, and high-end shopping districts make Washington D.C. a must-visit weekend getaway destination.

All the Smithsonian's renowned museums have reopened, as well as the International Spy Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts and are great places to stay warm. The latter is situated near The Darcy on Rhode Island Avenue, which offers a quiet respite after a day of sightseeing.

If you're after the best food in town, Union Market is the culinary epicenter of the destination, featuring leading local artisans, restaurants, and shops. Then, skate off your lunch at Washington Harbour Ice Rink.

For an alternative vibe, stay at the Washington Marriott Georgetown, conveniently located near the city’s charming West End.

Or, we love the Wharf Intercontinental, which is located right on the festively decorated waterfront. Steps from the modern, luxury hotel, you can grab some s'mores from a picturesque Airstream and stroll through the energetic public spaces. Looking for something more substantial to eat than marshmallows? Dine under cozy heat lamps at the property's restaurant, Moon Rabbit, which offers an eclectic contemporary Vietnamese food menu.

This tropical oasis is now home to Baha Mar, the newest integrated resort destination in the Bahamas. It comprises Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood, as well as the largest casino in the Caribbean, the most expansive collection of Bahamian art in the world, a flagship spa, golf course, luxury shopping, and over 30 restaurants and bars. You can also spend the day deep-water fishing or snorkeling.

Not only is it whale-watching season, but there are plenty of flights from the West Coast that have midweek specials.

Consider booking the Kana’anapali Beach Hotel, which sits on a three-mile beach-front stretch. With a wealth of classes that range from kukui nut bracelet making and ukulele lessons to Hawaiian language sessions and lauhala weaving, visitors can immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture.

While you’re on Maui, road trip to Haleakalā National Park for views of nesting seabirds, or take a hike through a dramatic volcanic landscape. Then, enjoy award-winning French cuisine at Gerard’s Restaurant. After a day in the sun, get a treat from island favorite Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. The local spot has more than 50 flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Park City is packed with enchanting shops, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants. To take in the famous Arches National Park and Canyonlands, go on a Montage Expedition. The intimate experience includes a private plane, Montage tour guide, and hiking and biking opportunities to get up close and personal with the natural red rock monuments.

Come to the heart of Napa Valley during cabernet season, when the air is crisp and crowds are scarcer than usual.

Hotel Yountville has 80 romantic guest rooms with fireplaces and outdoor living space. The concierge can assist in making reservations for private tastings at one of the 200 nearby wineries. Don't miss the Nomad Heritage Library at Stewart Cellars.

A superb spot for foodies, put a liquid blanket on at the Toronto Winter Brewfest, which usually takes place in early March. History buffs can spend some time exploring The Royal Ontario Museum (you must get a time-based ticket), which has over six million artifacts devoted to Canadian and world history. Also, check out the CN Tower, which defines Toronto’s skyline. This engineering marvel is an entertainment and dining destination, with a thrilling ride aboard glass elevators.

Stay at Hotel X Toronto, a luxury hotel on the Lake Ontario Waterfront downtown.

Traverse City may be known as the Cherry Capital of the World (fun fact: 74 percent of the country’s tart cherries are grown in and around Traverse City), but when the snow falls, the popular summer spot turns into a winter wonderland. In addition to plenty of slopes for skiing and snowboarding (local favorite Shanty Creek Resorts has 53 downhill slopes, six terrain parks, and a multi-lane alpine tubing park), there are also lots of trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and even sledding at nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.

Looking for something less adventurous? The Dennos Museum has one has one of the largest collections of Inuit art in the country, while the Village at Grand Traverse Commons—formerly the Northern Michigan Asylum—is now one of the largest historic redevelopment projects in the United States, with shops, restaurants, and residences. During your visit, you can also join a guided walking tour to learn more about the history of the buildings, explore the underground steam tunnel, and go inside untouched buildings. At night, take in a movie at The State Theater—which was fully restored in 2017 for a state-of-the-art cinematic experience—or play old-school arcade games, like Galaga and Frogger, at the Coin Slot.

While Traverse City has many spectacular restaurants (make sure to pick up Frenchies Famous’s legendary pastrami sandwich for lunch and swing by Trattoria Stella for dinner), it’s also home to more than a dozen wineries—not to mention, there are 20 more in neighboring Leelanau County. For a daylong wine-tasting excursion, head to Old Mission Peninsula (do not miss Chateau Chantal’s amazing bay views and the selection of red and sparkling wines at 2 Lads Winery).

A les- crowded alternative to iconic Southern California beach cities, Carlsbad is only 30 minutes north of the hustle and bustle of San Diego.

Families can spend the day at LEGOLAND, go hiking along the lagoon, take in the craft beer scene, or peruse the art galleries.

Some great dining spots include West Steak and Seafood and PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar.