Illinois is a Winter Wonderland

PBS has long been home to the best armchair travel series on television. If you’re looking for a quick escape or some inspiration on where to go in 2024, you’d be wise to watch a new episode or two from these four acclaimed travel series.

One of my favorite things about living so close to New York City is ironically how easy it is to escape to somewhere else. Dozens of exciting destinations are just a short drive away from the Big Apple—meaning I'm always planning my next fun weekend away. There are no travel experiences quite as stress-free as the ones where all I need to do is pack up my car, drive, and arrive. That's what I was looking for when I planned my most recent NYC getaway: somewhere that was easy to get to and somewhere I could truly unwind for a few days.

Winter is coming: Bring it on, say Canadians, who revel in the thrill and magic of the season. Visitors eager to experience the winter months (which in some regions can last from November to April) are always delighted by the expansiveness of nature and intimacy of culture, the ease of engaging in outdoor and indoor activities, and ultimately the warmth of the Canadian welcome. Woven into the culture: Winter is part of the cultural identity of those living within Canada’s borders. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, the Inuktitut dialect of Nunavik (Arctic Quebec) includes multiple words referring to snow and ice, from qanik (snow falling) to qinu (slushy ice by the sea). The Arctic Winter Games are a multi-sport and an Indigenous cultural event held every two years involving circumpolar peoples around the world. The 2022 Games were pushed to 2023 and held in Wood-Buffalo, Alberta. Yukon is a potential host in 2026. In Ontario, Thrive Tours’ Snowshoe Experience is an Indigenous interpretive guided snowshoe experience with snowshoes provided and and learning about local Indigenous culture, history, and the natural environment included.

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), today launched the third edition of the #DubaiDestinations winter campaign. The campaign puts the spotlight on the unique places, activities and attractions that make Dubai one of the world’s most-loved winter getaways.

From January to December 2023, the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed over a million visitors. The Turks and Caicos Islands received 1,432,844* visitors combined for air and cruise for January -November 2023.  There were 595,503* air arrivals and cruise visitors were 836,341* for the period.  The air arrivals represent a 6.35 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2022 which saw 559,941 arrivals and 54.49 percent over the same period in 2021 which saw 365,460 arrivals.

You don't usually need a parka inside a hotel, but most hotels aren't chilled to a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

After some gentle winter sunshine to warm your skin and soothe your soul? Take a trip to Gozo, an island with wonderful coastal scenery a short ferry ride from Malta. Walk along the coastline; swim in untouched waters on secluded beaches and admire the neo-Romanesque architecture of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu. Spend the evenings eating freshly caught fish with a glass of Maltese wine, which rivals its Mediterranean neighbours in quality. Laura B

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.

Traditionally nomadic, Sámi people have been herding reindeer across Sápmi (Lapland) for 7,000 years, long before the region was divided into Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Reindeer are integral to the Sámi way of life, yet the Indigenous people’s lifestyle is under threat from climate change, mines and cultural appropriation. Sweden is home to 20,000 Sámi, a fifth of whom roam with their herd around Laponia — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches across Sweden’s Artic North. The others keep their customs alive by continuing age-old traditions and sharing stories about their heritage. Here are some exciting ways to explore their culture.

On a bone-chilling December morning, a thick sea mist shrouds Venice’s towers and palazzi. The alleys are filled with damp, salty air and infrequent hurried footsteps. At this hour, few people are out enjoying the city, but it is a truly magical moment.

A long ski weekend always sounds great on paper, until you realize all the ski trip gear you need to actually make it a success. Whether it’s equipment for skiing itself or essentials to take your apres-ski or lodge relaxation to the next level, preparation is crucial to having a great ski weekend. Compiling a complete list of everything you need can be a daunting task — that’s why we’ve got you covered. Before you book your first trip to the slopes this winter, make sure you check out our list of gear that’s essential for an epic ski weekend.