Winter Vacation Ideas: Snow vs. Sun Getaways

There are two types of people in this world: the ones who are happy to embrace the cold and the ones who prefer to chase the warm weather around the globe. Which one are you? 

No matter your answer, we’ve rounded up some of the best winter vacation ideas for you to consider. Find out where you should travel if you like snow or sun getaways, from the icy landscapes of Finland to the balmy beaches of Mexico.

9 best winter vacations if you love the snow

• Austria
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Iceland
• Japan
• Switzerland
• United States

9 best winter vacations if you love the sun

• Australia
• British Virgin Islands
• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Maldives
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Thailand

The cold doesn’t bother you anyway? Good! With majestic mountains and quaint villages that look as if they belong in a snow globe, these destinations were made for cozy winter vacations.

Visiting Austria during the winter months is like stepping into a storybook — particularly in December. Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck and pretty much every other town come alive with twinkling lights and music during the holidays. Imagine picking up a handcrafted toy or decoration, listening to carols, feasting on lebkuchen (a gingerbread-style biscuit) and sipping mulled wine at one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. If that doesn’t put you in the festive spirit, we don’t know what will! 

It should come as no surprise that some of the best places for a winter vacation are located right here in Canada. Exploring the east? Bundle up for the annual Carnaval de Québec in Québec City, QC (a poutine should help keep you warm, too). Heading west? Breathe in the crisp air in Banff, AB as you hike your way around the glacier-fed Lake Louise or carve through some fresh pow in Whistler, BC. Make sure to hit the town afterwards for an après-ski pub crawl — or if you need a more legitimate recovery, there’s the Scandinave Spa.

Embrace the concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) in Denmark. Roughly translated to “coziness”, hygge is all about slowing down, creating a warm atmosphere and spending quality time with people. So, how should you do it during winter? Stroll through Christmas markets, drink hot chocolate, go ice skating and celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Or, if your version of cozy involves fairytales and great food, make your way to Odense. Here, you can visit the childhood home of Hans Christian Andersen and dine at Michelin-starred restaurant, Aro.

Known for its stunning natural beauty, modern architecture and sauna culture, Finland is great for a Scandinavian adventure. Discover hidden-gem museums, cafés and vintage shops in Helsinki or go even further north to the town of Rovaniemi. The capital of Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland — complete with a Santa Claus Village, Arctic Garden and the Ranua Wildlife Park where you can get up close to polar bears, reindeer and other arctic animal species. This is also one of the best spots in the world to see the northern lights, which are expected to be extra intense this year.

Summer may be the most popular time to visit France, but it’s not the only time you should plan to visit this country. Paris’s cobblestone streets and historic monuments look even more magical under a dusting of snow — plus, there will be way fewer crowds during a winter getaway. Or, if you’re interested in travelling somewhere other than the City of Light, try Annecy or Lyon. While the former is surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the French Alps, the latter is a UNESCO World Heritage site and gastronomic capital where you can indulge in hearty regional dishes. 

Some of the best winter vacations can be had in Iceland. With exceptionally long nights, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are high. But don’t worry! There are a lot of ways to make the most of the daylight hours, too. Staying in Reykjavík puts you in close proximity to the famous Blue Lagoon, some of the world’s most breathtaking waterfalls (including the iconic Gullfoss), the Strokkur geyser, the historic Skálholt Cathedral and so much more.

There are a lot of great reasons to add Japan to your winter travel list. See adorable snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs in Nagano (and enjoy a rejuvenating soak for yourself at one of the local onsens), wander through the frosted Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto or celebrate the winter season at the annual Sapporo Snow Festival on the northernmost island of Hokkaido. Artists flock from around the world to compete in the festival’s snow sculpture contest, creating everything from life-size buildings and Komodo dragons to pop-culture characters.

Whether you prefer doing adventurous winter activities, relaxing in a sophisticated mountain lodge or indulging in a sweet cup of hot chocolate, Switzerland has got you covered. Spend your winter visit skydiving, paragliding or kayaking in the town of Interlaken, staying at one of the luxury alpine resorts in St. Mortiz or discovering the city of Zürich. No matter where you choose to travel, you can experience breathtaking views, fine dining and a quality of life that has consistently earned Switzerland a top spot on the Best Countries list.

The US is home to some world-renowned ski resorts and national parks, making it an ideal place to play in the snow. In Wyoming, you can go cross-country skiing at Yellowstone National Park or challenge yourself on the terrain parks at Jackson Hole. Colorado and Utah also boast a ton of skiable terrain — Telluride, Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen and Park City are just a few of our fave spots to hit the slopes. Not a fan of skiing or snowboarding? Try outdoor ice skating, bobsledding, snowmobiling or snowshoeing instead.

If you’d prefer to be walking on sunshine rather than ice, escape to one of these winter sun destinations for warm weather, clear skies and beautiful beaches.

When it’s winter in Canada, it’s summer in Australia! Soak up the sun and the good vibes in Sydney. From the famous Bondi Beach and iconic Sydney Harbour to the amazing Taronga Zoo, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Want to get even closer to the country’s unique flora and fauna? Cairns is your gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, where colourful marine life, native bird species and more are just waiting to be discovered.

You know that scene in Barbie when Ken describes that his job is “just beach”? That’s basically what you get to do when you visit the British Virgin Islands. This archipelago is home to some postcard-worthy shores, including Smuggler’s Cove on the island of Tortola, White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke, Loblolly Bay Beach on the island of Anegada and Baths National Park on the island of Virgin Gorda. The latter features large granite boulders and invites you to discover tidal pools, tunnels and grottos.

Costa Rica offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether your travel bucket list includes ziplining above a cloud forest in Monteverde, learning how to hang ten in the surf town of Tamarindo, going horseback riding in La Fortuna or watching sea turtles hatch near the remote village of Ostional, this destination in Central America delivers. Temperatures average 25–30°C during the dry season (December to April), meaning no activity is off the table.

White sands, turquoise waters and endless sunshine await in the Dominican Republic. Hunker down at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, explore the well-preserved old town of Santo Domingo (it was founded in 1498!) or go snorkelling off the coast of Puerto Plata. Just keep in mind that December through March is the high season for this Caribbean island; you can expect to pay more for accommodation and to be surrounded by more tourists while visiting during this time.

If you’re okay with a little rain (winter is technically the wet season), the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador are a great choice — the showers are typically brief and the weather is still very warm at this time of year. Plus, the archipelago is teeming with wildlife. Flamingos, blue-footed boobies, fur seals, giant tortoises, penguins, marine iguanas, scalloped hammerhead sharks and more incredible species can all be found here. Grab your snorkel gear, your hiking boots and your camera and dive headfirst into this wild destination.

The Maldives is a great year-round destination, but it’s especially enjoyable when you need a break from winter. Situated in the Indian Ocean, this island nation stuns with white-sand beaches, romantic overwater bungalows and some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving spots. Of course, luxury resorts and colourful fish aren’t the only draws. The city of Malé is home to mosques, museums and markets that give you an authentic look at the local lifestyle and culture.

There’s something for everyone in Mexico. Dive into cenotes and explore Mayan ruins in Tulum, sip locally made tequila in Puerto Vallarta, make a splash at one of the Xcaret adventure parks in Playa del Carmen or retreat to the beaches in Cancún. No matter where you stay, you’ll get to enjoy all-inclusive resorts with sparkling pools, eat good food and sip delicious cocktails, discover architectural marvels, and immerse yourself in the country’s history and culture. We recommend staying for at least two weeks to really get the most out of this winter vacation spot.

Nothing beats a New Zealand summer. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of the World, is the ultimate place to go white water rafting, jet boating, bungee jumping and mountain biking. Prefer to chill on vacation? Slow things down in either Wellington or Auckland. Both cities have a great food scene, are surrounded by some of the country’s top vineyards (in other words, make time for wine tasting) and boast a diverse range of family-friendly attractions that delight visitors of all ages. Think museums, LOTR experiences, observation points and more.

If your ideal vacation involves sunny days and sparkling bays, Thailand is one of the top places to visit in Asia. Why? Because it’s home to some pristine beaches — the island of Phuket is especially well-known for its dreamy turquoise waters, white sands and sailing excursions. Of course, that’s not all this country has to offer. Chiang Mai and Bangkok boast ancient temples and cultural sites, ethical elephant sanctuaries, bustling night markets and more.

Ready to start planning your winter vacation? Check out our current snow and sun deals, or get in touch with a Travel Expert today!