Winter may not be everyone’s favorite season, but with fewer crowds and serene landscapes, it could be one of the best times to travel. The key, besides the right winter wardrobe? Diving into adventures from coast to coast. Here are a few hot spots for embracing the cold.
The Alaska Railroad operates year-round, connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks across “The Last Frontier.” Watch ivory landscapes, sapphire blue skies, and wild moose glide past the large windows from inside the Aurora Winter Train. Spend a night in Fairbanks under the emerald glow of the aurora borealis, or get your adrenaline going in Anchorage with endless options for ice climbing, cross-country skiing, and dogsledding.
See: Stop at the Aurora Ice Museum in Fairbanks, said to be the world’s largest year-round ice environment, created from more than a thousand tons of snow. Don a complimentary parka and head to the bar for a cocktail served in a glass carved from ice.
Stay: Get off the beaten path at the remote Eleven Winterlake Lodge on the Iditarod National Historic Trail, where visitors ride helicopters over ice-glazed peaks and glittering lakes to reach the 15-acre adventurer’s paradise.
Fun fact: Auroras make weird noises—spectators often report crackling and hissing sounds during powerful displays.
(2024 may bring the best northern lights in 20 years.)
Elk graze at sunrise in Ecola State Park, located along a nine-mile stretch of coastline in Oregon.
One of Oregon’s Seven Wonders, this 363-mile stretch of coastline is punctuated by moody landscapes, towering waves, craggy headlands, and spectacular winter storms. There’s no shortage of stops on the scenic route from Astoria to Brookings. Visit quirky coastal communities, spot sea lions at Shore Acres State Park, watch dancing jellyfish at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and explore 79 state parks.
See: The nine-mile stretch of coast in Ecola State Park offers stunning views of stacked coastal mountains, sweeping shorelines, and crashing waves. The park’s Indian Beach was the filming location of La Push beach in the Twilight movies.
Eat: Stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory—the largest cheese factory in the world—for locally produced treats, including gooey grilled cheese and homemade fudge. Belly up to the bar at Pelican Brewing Company for a local brew with a view.
Fun fact: Astoria, the launching point for your four-wheeled journey, is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.
Colorful lights illuminate the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas.
From late November to early January, millions of twinkling lights illuminate the San Antonio River Walk in a dazzling display. Riverboats carrying an eclectic mix of bell choirs, folk groups, and Latino ensembles fill the air
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Every New Year’s Eve, New York City’s Times Square gets a lot of attention with its famous ball drop. However, there are other destinations across the United States with events bringing in the new year in a memorable fashion. They go beyond using the traditional-looking ball by instead lowering objects reflecting their heritage or location. Here are 10 locations with unique versions of New Year’s Eve ball drops.
Florida is a top destination for many domestic and international travelers thanks to various entertainment attractions, including major theme parks, the warm weather and sandy beaches, and numerous cultures and cuisines to explore. With that in mind, Florida is a large state with many places worth visiting. To help you plan your 2024 travels, I’ve listed the best places to visit in Florida.
There’s no question the holidays in New York City are a magical time. And one of the most popular places for tourists and locals alike to visit is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Now, in its 22nd season, the beloved seasonal attraction in Midtown Manhattan is known for its ice-skating rink and a holiday market. But, did you know it’s also home to some hidden gems that you probably never knew about? Here are five secret hacks for experiencing Winter Village at Bryant Park like never before.
Discover the incredible world of Sweden’s ICEHOTEL 34 this winter. Picture this: 500 tonnes of ice, equivalent to 10 Olympic swimming pools of the finest "snis" – a blend of ice and snow – meticulously crafted over six intense weeks. The journey began in spring, as ice blocks were harvested from the Torne River and stored in an ice warehouse in Jukkasjärvi, awaiting their transformation into a magical experience. The unique creation has emerged from the creative minds of 32 artists, spanning 14 countries from around the globe.
Black Friday came and went, but wanderlust runs year-round. While some travel brands are taking a brief hiatus from offering deals to plot their next slate of promotions, plenty of discounts remain yours for the taking this winter. Maybe you’re eager to flock somewhere where the sun’s still shining, or are currently in an unseasonably warm climate and desperate for snow. Wherever you’re itching to go next, you have tons of great options.
Illinois is brimming with festive activities and unique experiences, promising to be the go-to destination for an unforgettable winter experience. Lean into the holiday season in December, partake in outdoor winter activities and meet the Bald Eagles of Illinois in January, and indulge in Chicago’s theatre scene and automotive heritage in February.
What are the best cities to visit in the world? Euromonitor International has unveiled the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023. This comprehensive analysis serves as a guide to the most dynamic and influential cities across the globe and gives a glimpse into the best places to travel to right now.
The Tokyo skyline is known for its ulta-sleek 5-star hotels perched high above the city overlooking walled gardens, centuries-old royal palaces, and majestic Mount Fuji. But the soaring cityscape was taken to new heights this year with the addition of Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, which occupies the 40th-45th floors of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu ultra-skyscraper.
Nestled within the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Montana offers an array of skiing and snowboarding options that cater to every winter enthusiast’s dreams. But what sets Montana apart is visitors won’t encounter those long lift lines that can dampen any ski trip.