Winter Is Travel’s Most Underrated Season. Here’s Why (and Where) to Take a Trip This Time of Year

Embrace the cold—or escape from it. No matter what your winter travel dreams, we have ideas for you.

Town set near a lake and covered in snow and framed by trees

St. Moritz, in the Swiss Alps, is one of the best places to ski in Europe.

Photo Courtesy of Engadin St. Moritz Torismus AG

Winter is magical: the snowy landscapes, the crisp air, the cozy vibe. Whether you’re ready to embrace all of that with a ski trip or completely forget about it with a sun-soaked escape or a trip to the southern hemisphere, we have plenty of ideas for you. Read on for inspiration—and happy winter travels! — Billie Cohen, Afar Executive Editor

Billie Cohen is Afar’s Executive Editor. She works on all types of content but has a soft spot for nerd travel, including maps, libraries, architecture, science, dessert, music, and Oreo flavors around the world. She’s based in New York City.


Follow her @billietravels.
From powdery snow to colorful Christmas markets, December is full of memorable scenes.
Begin your year of adventure on the right foot—be it with wildlife, on an island, or among cowboys.
Whether you’re new to the scene or know every difference between alpine styles, we’ll give you the rundown of après-ski subtleties around the world.
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are outside the hurricane belt and well within reach for U.S. travelers.
Make your February raucous, restful, or a little of both with these destinations.
From the Alps to the Dolomites, Europe offers an unrivaled selection of slopes for ski and snowboard fun.
These resorts have some of the best slopes and views of the Great White North.
With world-famous runs, top-notch facilities, and sustainability efforts that make a difference, these are the ski destinations to put on your list this year, next year, and every year.
Choose to embrace or ditch the cold weather with these winter vacation ideas.
Winter weather isn’t just for skiing or sledding—it can also be for taking long, relaxing soaks in steaming hot pools surrounded by snowy scenery.
Step away from the cruise port and explore these fascinating islands more intimately.

Sign up for our Daily Wander newsletter to get the latest winter travel destination tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox.

From Our Partners
Journeys: Caribbean + Atlantic
Journeys: Caribbean + Atlantic
Journeys: Caribbean + Atlantic
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR
More from AFAR