Winter Destinations for the Perfect Escape by Michelle Snell

by Michelle Snell

Believe it or not, winter is a great time to travel. Winter provides the opportunity to do one of two things, escape the cold or embrace the cold. Luckily, for us, both of these options are readily available right here in the fabulous USA. So once you decide what type of winter escape you are craving, use our suggestions below to inspire your winter vacation.

San Diego, California truly does have something for everyone. This city offers great beaches, an excellent zoo, incredible restaurants, and a thriving nightlife. Of course, this trip is for those of you that want to escape the cold and embrace the warm California sun. Begin your trip taking a tour of the city. There are several available, but we really enjoyed the tour with Old Town Trolley tours.

After your introduction to San Diego, be sure your trip includes the top attractions in San Diego like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Coronado Island, and the USS Midway Museum. While you are in the area, don’t miss the community of La Jolla where you can watch the sea lions on the beach!

Once the flock of New Year’s partygoers leave Las Vegas, this is your opportunity to snag some fabulous deals to Sin City. January and February are shoulder season in Vegas, meaning you can find great deals on flights and accommodations.

While you probably won’t be taking a dip in the outdoor pool, you can check out some of the incredible shows offered in Vegas before having dinner at a Michelin Star restaurant. There are also some great day trips from Las Vegas such as Red Rock Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and the west rim of the Grand Canyon.

For those of you craving a cold weather escape, consider one of the great ski towns that are located in Colorado. One of our favorites is Breckenridge. What was once a mining town has turned into a ski mecca. When you aren’t hitting the more than 3,000 skiable acres, head into town and enjoy the great restaurants in Breckenridge. We love that the town has maintained so much of its 19th-centure charm, including the Victorian buildings that locals and business have strived to maintain.

If you are looking for a true winter wonderland for your winter vacation, make the trip to Yellowstone National Park. Granted, winter in Yellowstone is a unique experience, but it might be just what you need! The cold temperatures (and I mean cold) mean few crowds and a great opportunity to see wildlife. The lower temperatures mean that the animals migrate to the lower elevations and often huddle around the warmth of the