Winter is a fantastic time to travel abroad. Travelers can
leverage holiday time off to stretch their vacation time. And off-season
means smaller crowds, quieter attractions and often better travel deals that can
take some stress off the wallet.
Whether you’re into bundling up to visit winter wonderlands
or heading to places to escape the snow and cold, here are some under the radar
trip
destinations recommended by travel advisors, Kristy Mosolino, co-owner of
Wishes Travel and Leonara DiMauro of Avant-Guard Travel.
Beach in Loreto, Mexico (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Loreto, Mexico
While more popular Mexico destinations like Cancun and
Puerto Vallarta tend to see more tourists, Loreto in Baja California Sur on the
Sea of Cortez is virtually an unexplored paradise.
The airport is small, so getting through customs and
immigration is unbelievably easy. Winter brings clear skies and mild
temperatures that range in the mid-70s. Because Loreto is more secluded than
many other popular Mexico destinations, visitors find less crowds and plenty of
room to relax and spread out. Winter is also prime whale watching season with humpbacks
and grey whales migrating the coast of Mexico from December through March.
If you’re into warmer temperatures, stunning beaches,
outdoor activities and eco-tourism, Loreto is a perfect winter destination to
ward off the chill.
Koh Samui, Thailand
While Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, Koh Samui is half
the size and less developed but still offers breathtaking landscapes, idyllic
beaches and quiet fishing villages.
Compared to Phuket, Koh Samui offers more boutique hotels
and wellness retreats with less visitors. Its charming interior villages,
coconut farms, small markets and friendly locals add to the exotic and low-key
tropical vibe. Those who love exploring real nature will find jungles with
waterfalls, secret gardens and marine parks like Ang Thong perfect for
snorkeling and kayaking.
Winter offers plenty of sunshine with average temperatures
around 84-89°F with moderately high humidity and warm waters.
Camara de Lobos, Madeira island, Portugal. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Balate Dorin)
Portugal
For travelers looking for a European getaway, winter is a
surprisingly great time to visit Portugal – as many believe it’s one of Europe’s
best destinations this time of year.
Winter brings mild temperatures to coastal cities like
Lisbon and Porto while the Algarve sports spring-like weather with plenty of sunshine
and bluebird skies. There are far fewer tourists this time of year and as a
result, visitors will find less to no lines at all at the country’s most
popular attractions. Destinations like Sintra, Belém and the Douro Valley feel
peaceful instead of jam-packed.
Off-season prices are another impressive perk with better
flight deals, cheaper hotels and easier access to oceanfront accommodations. Winter
also brings stronger swells, making Portugal a top surfing destination with
giant waves, consistent breaks and winter surf camps.
Best of Eastern Canada (Photo Credit: Provided by Collette)
Québec City, Québec
Considered one of the best winter destinations in the world,
Québec City appears like something out of a storybook. Cobblestone streets are
covered in fresh snow; historic buildings glow with warm lighting and clippity-clop
horsedrawn carriages add to the magical feel. While some cities merely endure
winter, Québec City embraces it.
Though winter brings colder temperatures (18-23 °F),
visitors who bundle up can enjoy tobogganing, ice skating, winter markets,
street parties, ice palaces, dogsledding, snowshoeing and cross-country
skiing.
The city is incredibly photogenic and romantic, and like a
European village at Christmastime, Québec City exudes enchantment and a
fairytale feel.
Rome to London: Cobblestones & Cuisine (Photo Credit: Provided by GAdventures)
The Czech Republic
Combining old-world charm, festive culture, dramatic snow
scenery and great value, the Czech Republic offers all the allure without the
high price tags of visiting destinations like Austria or Germany during the
winter season.
Cities like Prague, Český Krumlov, and Telč look almost
spellbinding with their Gothic spires, medieval bridges, snow on its red
rooftops, and lantern-lit streets all adding to the warm, inviting ambience.
Winter also adds drama to Prague and Karlštejn Castles and those into winter
sports can take to the slopes for skiing, along with show-shoeing and hiking
trails.
Depending on the region, winter temperatures can range from 27°F–37°F
but if you dress warm, you’ll find weather cold enough for snow and winter beauty
and more budget-friendly accommodations, all without the teeming crowds.
Christmastime in the city of Colmar, northeastern France. (Photo Credit: Colmar Tourisme)
Colmar, France
If you’ve ever dreamed of heading to a magical small town in
the winter, put Colmar, France on your to-visit list. A village brimming with
beautiful canals and colorful half-timbered houses, the second you step foot in
this romantic destination you'll feel like you're starring in your own personal
Disney film, as Colmar is the Alsace’s fairytale town.
Colmar’s Christmas market is lovely and other ways to
explore the town past the Christmas season is strolling the cobblestone streets
of scenic Little Venice, taking some gorgeous pictures, gaping in awe at the
gingerbread-house buildings and indulging in the romantic vibes.
The small town is situated in the Rhine Valley, which provides
shelter and keeps winters slightly milder than the surrounding Alsace. Daytime
temperatures hover around 37.4- 42.8 °F with light to moderate snowfall, which
only adds to the magical character.
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