This week we  share some travel ideas that will help awaken your wanderlust for travel in the winter. Most people think of traveling in the summer but we think Winter is the perfect time to explore new destinations and you have so many choices whether you are looking for that magical winter wonderland or maybe escape the cold to somewhere warm and tropical.  We will cover it all, so pack your bags with something warm and maybe a bathing suit or two and let’s get started on discovering your perfect winter getaway away.

I’ve always had this picturesque image of a winter wonderland at Christmas time, but since moving to the beach, I learning how to appreciate a bit of a sunny, sandy Christmas.  It was nice last night enjoying our local Christmas down by the Marina without freezing to death.  Make sure you check out some of the videos and pictures on our social media here and here on @sunshinetravelerspodcast.

We know some people listening to this episode are experiencing months on end of gray skies and bone chilling cold.  You’re probably for that escape to somewhere warm.  But for others, the allure of snow and maybe some winter sports is calling for you.  

We want to give you a few options  that will help fill your bucket list for winter destinations.

 Scott’s birthday is 9 days before Christmas so for the past several years we’ve tried to squeeze in last trip of the year for his birthday but he’s also had some work trips during the Christmas season that has allowed us to see some pretty magical Christmas destinations. Here’s a few we’ve been to and a few that are definitely on our bucket list!

For a few of these we do have location specific podcast episodes. So we will mention those as we go and then link them in the show notes for you if you want to dive into a specific location we have talked about. 

Some links are affiliate links.  See our disclosure.

Here’s the list:

1.New York City, New York

The city is magical during the winter, especially with holiday decorations, store window displays, and the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. One year we were there on the night of the Tree Lighting and once for the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade to kick off the holiday season.  A must visit at least once during the holiday season! 

2. Vail/Beaver Creek

With the snowy backdrop and the holiday greenery and red bows it’s just magical. Fresh powder and the hot cookies  at Beaver Creek are a bonus to visiting these Colorado towns and ski destinations  

3. Palm Springs, California, USA 

Sometimes we just want to go somewhere warm though and Palm Springs is famous for its hot springs, stylish hotels all decorated for Christmas , and golf courses. It is definitely a spot for relaxation and sunshine and make sure that you take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. As an added bonus we flew in and out of LA so we spent a day at Disneyland enjoying the Christmas decorations and festivities including seeing Santa Claus 

4. Savannah or Charleston or any Historic City

They come to life with their historic homes all decked out in their holiday finest. Many will have holiday pop up bars you have to check out but be sure to spend some time wandering the neighborhoods to enjoy the decor. Stay in a smaller boutique hotel or bed & breakfast too! 

5. Amelia Island, Florida 

From the Day After Black Friday Shop Small Pajama Party to the Dickens on Centre Holiday Festival and Market the 2nd week in December, the Holidays are a perfect time to visit this magical island in North Florida.

6. London 

We had a chance to visit a few years back just after Christmas and the ice rinks were still going strong and the holiday decor is everywhere and 100% magical! 

7. San Diego, CA

Don’t miss the decorations and the festivities at the San Diego zoo this time of year and the Gas Lamp District decked out for the holidays. 

8. Ft Lauderale & Miami, Florida

Known for its warm beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural scene. Winter is also the dry season, making it a perfect sunny escape to enjoy the decor and the Holiday Season. We enjoyed a college football bowl game in Miami one year and enjoying the beach on New Years Eve was a bonus of the trip! 

9. Walt Disney World in Florida 

If anyone knows how to do Christmas it’s this Magical Place. From the parks to the resorts to Disney Springs, there are more trees than you can count. Don’t miss resort hopping to see the beautiful themed decorations that match the vibe of each resort and the elaborate gingerbread houses. A must do is the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot complete with the Candlelight Processional at Epcot which includes a celebrity narration of the Christmas story, a mass choir and orchestra, and a candlelight processional of course. This tradition began as Walt’s Vision in the 1960s at Disneyland. 

We talk about this destination for 3 types of travelers in:

Here's three that are on our winter desination bucket list:

10. Lapland, Finland 

Some friends of ours take their kids here every December and we are always so jealous of their magical pictures. He introduced us to this “official" hometown of thats offers a magical winter wonderland experience with snow-covered landscapes, a chance to meet Santa Claus, and various Christmas-themed activities and attractions. Maybe we will also get to see the Northern Lights?

11. The Christmas Markets in Europe

We enjoying seeing everyone’s videos and pictures from the markets this year and have our eyes on a Christmas market river cruise. 

12. Banff, Canada 

There’s so many winter sport options here but just to see this place with its small town charm transformed by snow and holiday decorations…it’s going to be hard to choose one for next year! 

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Music Credit

Music by OYStudio from Pixabay