Book domestic trips to a winter wonderland or a sunny state. This winter, experts say there will be a clear split between sunny escapes and winter wonderland.

Hawaii is great if you're not comfortable leaving the United States but still want those warm vibes.

Florida is another great option for relaxed policies, great weather, and cheap deals.

Colorado is perfect if you'd rather ski or cozy up by a fire. Utah and Montana offer similar activities and amenities.

Choose Costa Rica or Mexico for deals on a tropical vacation. If you're interested in traveling internationally, Costa Rica is the best choice for a tropical getaway. "Most Costa Rican properties don't require a minimum night stay.

Mexico has been a shining star during the pandemic. Destinations like Cabo are expensive, but there's availability in the Riviera Maya for those who don't want to spend top dollar.

Brandon Berkson, founder of the hotel curation site Hotels Above Par, suggests that "Instead of heading to mega-resorts and tourist-heavy destinations such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, consider cities that pulsate with culture. San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City.

Now is the best time to visit Europe. While headlines about restrictions might lead Americans to assume Europe is off-limits, vaccinated Americans are permitted to visit most nations. Europe is always special around the holidays and there are fewer crowds, which makes tourist experiences much more enjoyable.

Avoid places with heavy restrictions and crowding, and don't travel if you're unvaccinated. The CDC advises against all travel, even domestic for unvaccinated travelers. If you are vaccinated, it is advised that you familiarize yourselves with local requirements around vaccines, testing, or quarantine before booking, and consider the risks associated with mandatory restrictions or areas with high community spread.

Keep in mind that some countries won't allow you in without proof of vaccination like Tahiti, which requires full vaccination. And while many European countries are open to US travelers, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Sweden are not as of the recording of this Podcast.

The Netherlands requires quarantine and a negative test even if you're fully vaccinated. Other places have fewer rules, and as a result, they draw large crowds.