The Great Winter Escape

From city streets heavy with the dusting of fresh snow to breezy beach hideaways with cooler temperatures, winter is one of the more magical times of year to travel. Especially when you find those unexpected destinations with fewer tourists and varying ways to experience the cultures.

Shall we?

Canal-lined cities and vast landscapes turn into a winter wonderland, as Slovenia is blanketed with snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and festive holiday markets. Quaint medieval towns spring to life with local traditions and the welcoming waft of Potica, while ski slopes (like the Julian Alps) and sledding hills beckon with fresh powder. Amid all the general merriment and outdoor adventure, Slovenians have found a natural balance through thermal spas and wellness resorts dotted across the country. Cities like Ljubljana, Maribor, and Celje are positively fairy-tale-like in the winter, with flowing canals, colorful buildings, and castle backdrops.

A tropical climate is a nice change of pace from the snow, and this Central American spot offers both sunny and dry weather during the winter months. Most travelers catch a convenient flight into Belize City, but the real exploration happens by taking a quick hopper plane over to the country’s largest island of Ambergris Caye. The pristine blue waters, unmistakable from above, offer some of the best snorkeling, diving, and wildlife experiences. Winter is an ideal time to hop over to the fishing village of Caye Caulker or swim with the friendly nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, an easy boat ride from Alaia Belize Hotel, which sits conveniently across from the UNESCO site.

Poland’s winter capital transforms into a snow globe in the winter months, with an array of winter sports and thermal baths. The cobblestone streets of Krupówki are lined with quaint storefronts, cozy restaurants, and wooden architecture, with an occasional horse-drawn carriage spotted along the way. Take the funicular up Gubałówka to find Bacówki lining the paths. These cheese huts in Zakopane are traditional wooden shepherd’s huts, where locals make and sell oscypek (unique smoked sheep’s cheese). Ice skating, snowshoeing, husky sledding, ski jumping at Wielka Krokiew, and snowmobiling are all close by.

An off-path fairytale destination does exist, and it’s hidden in Central Europe. Often overshadowed by its neighboring countries, Slovakia has enough to offer for a long weekend trip or to add on as a day trip (I took the boat from Vienna to Bratislava in just over an hour). Festive markets, thermal spas, and winter sports in the Tatra Mountains. For a small country, Slovakia has a lot happening this time of year. The capital city of Bratislava is lined with cobblestone streets, cozy restaurants, and a beautiful city castle. Wander the illuminated paths of the Old Town or take a cable car to Kamzík for sleigh rides, and snowy hiking trails.

A Norwegian archipelago with charming fishing villages, dramatic mountains, and deep fjords, the Lofoten Islands are a vision in the winter months. Home to the world’s densest population of White-tailed Sea Eagles, in areas like Trollfjorden, zodiac boats speed out to sea year-round to observe the large raptors hunt for fish in their natural habitat. Something I noticed on my visit to the islands were the racks of hanging Stockfish along the harbor. A viking transition for more than 1,000 years. In the winter, the annual Skrei cod fishing season takes place from January-April, and is a major cultural event with special cod dishes. While January offers peak darkness in the region to see the northern lights, February and March have a mix of daylight and snow.

Still a lesser-known destination altogether, Kyrgyzstan offers ancient traditions, majestic mountains, and some of the most welcoming locals. Located in Central Asia, the country experiences a harsh climate, with scorching summers and very snowy winters, making it the ideal spot for an unexpected winter escape. The Tian Shan mountains become a haven for skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers, while the uncrowded landscapes provide the perfect refuge for the famous Kyrgyz horses and diverse wildlife. For those seeking a deeper connection to nomadic culture, staying in a yurt around Chon Kemin or Jyrgalan offers a true taste of the Kyrgyz life.

A picturesque pocket of the U.S. known for its pastel-colored housing, diverse cuisine, and friendly residents, Charleston is the perfect blend of history, culture, and Southern charm all packed into one trip. Although most flock to the Holy City in spring and summer, Charleston’s mild winter temperatures are far warmer than those in most other states. With fewer tourists around, it’s the perfect time to dine out at places that are usually hard to book. Try Kultura for elevated Filipino dishes, Costa for the flavors of Italy, or Bourbon ’n Bubbles for cocktails and caviar. One of the most entertaining ways to see the city is on a BBQ and beer tour. The perfect mix of history and Southern flavor.

What a surprise this coastal city is in the winter months. Like many places in New England, Portland changes with the seasons, and many tourists miss the magic from December to early April. Portland’s cobblestone streets feel straight out of a Hallmark movie, with decorative bars and breweries like Blyth & Burrows and Shipyard offering seasonal creations. This is also a great time of year to explore the city’s diverse food scene, from a delicious spin on the classics at David’s Restaurant to refined Spanish tapas at women-owned Sur Lie. On snowy days, places like the Portland Museum of Art and the Victorian Mansion (decorated every year for the holidays) offer a welcome indoor escape, before a stroll along the harbor for winter seal spotting and a bite at Dry Dock.