Snug winter travels: Places to go and things to do

Summer is the quintessential vacation season for most families, but that does not mean anyone should miss out on some winter fun this year. Even though there’s nothing wrong with spending a few days of a winter break watching movies and television shows or gaming on quieter days, it’s worth making other plans as well.

One of the best ways to recharge the batteries, ring in the New Year in style or give the kids memories they will remember forever is to take a vacation.

Below are the top five winter vacation destinations in the United States this year.

Go skiing

One of the many perks of living in the United States is that one does not even need to travel abroad to have a fabulous time. There are so many places in the USA that are covered in snow for most of the winter, which is why going skiing should be up there as a winter vacation to experience at least one or twice.

Places such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Burlington, Vermont and Sun Valley, Idaho may not be the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, but they are hidden gems that will provide memories for years to come. If the family loves spending time outdoors in the winter, as well as snowboarding, ice skating or skiing, it’s easy to have the best possible time at these destinations.

Holidaymakers may get sick of the cold pretty soon during the trip, which is why they should be sure to check out the various restaurants, bars, clubs and other entertainment venues that have great reviews in those cities.

Visit Las Vegas

Those who do not want to spend any more time in the frigid cold can take an entirely different approach to their winter vacation. Booking a trip to sunny Las Vegas this winter season couldn’t be more fun, especially for those who enjoy the glitz and glamour of one of the most fashionable cities in the United States.

Vegas is a fantastic destination any time of the year, which is part of its charm. For anyone thinking about going somewhere warm in the winter, Vegas is a great option. One can rent a room relatively affordably during the Christmas holidays, although staying around New Year might be a little more expensive.

Since many families opt for more traditional winter vacation spots, Vegas does open up a bit for others during this season. Visitors may not find as many tourists, which allows them to explore the legendary Strip in comfort.

Key West, Florida

Another great place to go for a warmer winter experience is Key West, Florida, which is only a few hours’ drive from Miami. It’s an opportunity explore this great state and all it has to offer, especially with a visit Miami or another major city before hitting Key West.

The reason this destination is so popular is because of the 70-degree weather, water sports near the beach, diving and snorkelling near the coral reefs, and the endless dining and entertainment options. Florida is one of the most bustling and thriving states in America at present, which is why everyone wants to go there for their holidays.

History buffs can check out places such as the Key West City Cemetery and Ernest Hemingway House during their trip. Even for those not planning to see a specific spot, roaming around downtown would give a great view of the Caribbean-style ambiance and older architecture of this quaint city.

New York City

For anyone who has never been to New York City, or that part of the country, visiting in the winter is a great idea. While most people think of going to NYC in the summer, the winter months are charming in a way that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Watching the falling snow in the busiest city in the world, walking among the crowds at Times Square or going to see the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center are among the activities one can enjoy, aside from the usual sightseeing and shopping adventures.

New York is also home to the world’s greatest restaurants, and diners can likely get a world-class meal from any country on the planet in any of its boroughs.

Honolulu, Hawaii

What better way to escape the cold in the North-East or other parts of the United States than with a trip down to Hawaii? The beaches are as good as ever during this time of the year, and the weather may be preferable for some to the hot summer temperatures.

Between snorkelling among ocean fish, relaxing on the beach and or surfing waves, holidayers can have so much fun in Hawaii. Such a vacation is truly for the whole family, as there’s scope for quality time with a spouse while the kids have plenty to do as well.

Aside from the great location and its related amenities, Hawaii is also home to some of the most charming and high-end resorts and entertainment spots in the world. Visitors should prepare to enjoy delicious, local cuisine, watch quirky and charming shows and explore all that Hawaii’s islands have to offer.

Make the most of this year’s holidays

People often fantasise about how they will spend their vacation days, especially those that occur during Christmas and the New Year. They may have some lavish plans that they dreamed of but never finalised.

Rather than going ahead with those plans, many individuals and families end up doing something low-key. Perhaps they visit family nearby, host a gathering at home, and spend quality time together. While those activities are fun, sometimes a treat is well deserved.

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