The Best Travel Destinations for Getting Away This Winter

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Young friends having fun together at car trip on winter time vacation - Friendship hangout reunion concept with happy people wearing fashion clothes traveling on the road - Bright contrast filter

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Young friends having fun together at car trip on winter time vacation - Friendship hangout reunion concept with happy people wearing fashion clothes traveling on the road - Bright contrast filter
ViewApart/istockphoto

Winter Is Coming

With the arrival of winter comes the busy holiday season, and when it's over, many of us are left yearning for a getaway to relax and recharge. More than half (53%) of U.S. residents have plans to travel this winter, according to a survey conducted by vacation rental site Vacasa. From prime locations for skiing to the ideal destination for a relaxing wintertime vacation, Vacasa researched holiday and winter travel trends to pinpoint the Top 5 places for a vacation during the chilly season.


Related: Tips and Tricks to Make Winter Travel Easier

Ludlow, Vermont
Ludlow, Vermont by Joe Shlabotnik (CC BY-NC-SA)

Ludlow, Vermont

If you're looking for a place to ski this winter but want to avoid the hustle and bustle of places like Park City, Utah, and Vail, Colorado, check out this Vermont destination. You'll find a number of ski lodges including the Okemo Mountain Resort, which is known as one of the top ski destinations in the northeastern U.S. Ludlow also boasts a quaint and quiet historic town that offers up that warm, nostalgic feeling.


Related: Last-Minute Trips to Take Between Christmas and New Year's

Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes, California by Don Graham (CC BY-SA)

Mammoth Lakes, California

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Mammoth Lakes is home to the popular Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski areas, Rainbow Falls, nearby trails, and a formation of basalt columns, Devils Postpile National Monument. Visitors can take in the sights, explore the unique landscapes, and find cozy accommodations at a number of cabin rentals and ski lodges.


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Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada by Iwona Erskine-Kellie (CC BY)

Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler Mountain is a renowned ski destination that was a venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The town, which is just north of Vancouver, features a chalet-themed pedestrian village, the massive Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, and the perfect breeding ground for wintertime activities like snowboarding, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. 

Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia by Va. Dept. of Conservation & Recreation (CC BY-NC-SA)

Virginia Beach, Virginia

You might think of Virginia Beach as a destination when you're planning a summer trip, but the beach town is ideal for winter travel too. With breathtaking views of the coast and (typically) mild weather, it's the ideal location for a laid back trip.

Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina by Kevinbercaw (CC BY-SA)

Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Whether you explore the aquarium or dive into history at the Maritime Museum or Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach makes for a unique winter trip if you're looking to do something other than skiing and snowboarding.