Cozy Retreats for a Winter Getaway

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.

Everyone loves a new beginning—and that’s the theme we’re seeing with this season’s splashiest hotel openings. In Aspen, a town most known for over-the-top luxury, a design-forward, approachable four-star hotel (with five-star food) sets up shop. A historic, Southern Gothic mansion enters its glow-up era as a contemporary, sceney hotspot in Savannah. And the latest offering from Auberge Resorts gives a compelling reason to extend your next Texas work trip by a night or two. Here, some of the most exciting openings this winter to have on your radar.

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.

With landscapes ranging from glaciers to deserts and home to every adventure activity imaginable, it’s no surprise that Latin America is a prime destination for trekkers. If you’re planning a trip, you’re covered with this travel gear for Latin America list. Whether hiking on glaciers in Argentina, trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru, driving 4WD through the deserts of Chile, or swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos, you’ll be ready for any adventure.

As I sipped my coffee while watching the sunrise, painted with deep hues of pink and orange, I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I glanced over just in time to catch a majestic gray whale breaching in the subdued morning waves of the Pacific Ocean, leaving nothing but white foam in its wake. At that moment, as the birds chirped and neighborhood dogs played below, I felt more at peace than ever before.

As the seasons change, there’s no better time to escape the busy city life and take a road trip. The New England region has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for scenic drives. If you’re in the northeastern United States looking for an escape, here’s an extended weekend guide sharing the best places to visit on a road trip through Central and Western Massachusetts, including small towns, historical landmarks, mountainous terrain — all with a stunning backdrop.

Looking for the perfect winter holiday? From festive light displays to powdery ski slopes, Europe has no shortage of enticing options.

Global market research company Euromonitor International has released its annual rankings of city destinations based on tourism, sustainability and economic performance. Europe dominates the field. Paris was crowned the most attractive city destination in the world in the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023, with seven European destinations landing in the top 10 and the continent owning 63 spots in the top 100 overall. Nadejda Popova, Senior Manager (Loyalty) at Euromonitor International, said: “Paris has retained the title of the world's leading city following exceptional performance across the Tourism Policy and Attractiveness, Tourism Infrastructure and Tourism Performance pillars.” Paris was followed by Dubai in second place, Madrid in third, Tokyo in fourth and Amsterdam in fifth. The top 10 was rounded out by Berlin (6), Rome (7), New York (8), Barcleona (9) and London (10).  

There's no denying it — when it comes to skiing in the U.S., there's nothing like skiing out west. But, for those closer to the East Coast, it's oftentimes significantly easier to jump in the car and drive to your favorite ski resort, which might be located in a charming New England ski town with some top-tier lodging and dining options.

Las Vegas travelers are a $3 billion step closer to speeding through the Mojave Desert on a high-speed train linking Sin City with Southern California.

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.

‘Tis the season for planning an epic winter getaway and Southwest is helping by offering one-way flights starting at just $39.