Whether you’re looking to escape the winter blues or hoping to experience the ultimate snowy Christmas vacation, there are so many beautiful places in the world to pick from for your next winter vacation. Winter in general tends to be a less crowded time to travel than summer, but there are still a fair number of tourists that can fill up some of your favorite cities. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path trip that excels in views, vibes, and value but isn’t yet so overrun with other travelers that you’ll have trouble walking down the street, we’ve found some of the best options for you. Here are 11 underrated winter vacation spots to visit this upcoming season, with trips for beach bums who want to leave the cold weather behind, as well as wintertime-lovers who can’t wait to hop on the slopes or peruse a Christmas market.
Vancouver, Canada
Just north of Washington state, the bustling seaport of Vancouver is a Hallmark-worthy winter destination—literally. If you find the city streets particularly familiar, it’s because more than one Hallmark movie was filmed here. Skiers will rejoice in the fact that it’s just under two hours away from Whistler, while city-goers will appreciate what it’s like to experience winter in a vibrant metropolis. Aside from its spectacular natural beauty and lovely snowy landscapes, the city is home to some great museums, delicious food, and unique activities, like the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Where to stay in Vancouver, Canada:
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
As a personal fan of the winters in Michigan’s UP, I can testify that venturing up this far north in the winter is not for the faint of heart—but it is absolutely worth it. Best experienced by outdoorsy folk, this is an ideal location to engage in some winter sports, enjoy the ski hills, slog through the deep snow, and curl up by the fire while you watch the flurries come down. It’s ideal for those who have no interest in leaving the country, but want to experience a Scandinavian-adjacent winter vibe. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get a glimpse of the northern lights while up there.
Where to stay in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan:
