Are you ready for your next vacation? Hoping to get away in the fall or winter for either some sun or even just a magical winter holiday? Then look no further than this blog for the best fall and winter destinations.
We dive into the best fall and winter destination options for a magical holiday. Say bye-bye to those winter blues with these fantastic destinations.
If you have never been away during this time of year, then you’re in for a treat. With destinations available with both sun and snow, you can have your pick of where you travel!
The best thing about a vacation this time of year is that you can travel to some amazing places, sometimes without the crowds, at a lower cost, and, depending on location, other times you get to enjoy peak-season and bask in all that has to offer. Whatever the case, we love trips this time of year and think you will, too.
Whether you travel far or close to home, here is the inspiration you need to get your winter trip booked.
If you’re like us you love a bit of relaxing and a lot of exploring all packed into one vacation. Whether you prefer group travel or a solo adventure, all these destinations are perfect for any type of traveler.
Without further delay, let’s dive into the best winter destinations to add to your travel bucket list.
French Polynesia
This string of islands in the South Pacific is famous for its overwater bungalows, blue lagoons, coral reefs, and exotic marine wildlife.
Are you ready for your next vacation? Hoping to get away in the fall or winter for either some sun or even just a magical winter holiday? Then look no further than this blog for the best fall and winter destinations.
We dive into the best fall and winter destination options for a magical holiday. Say bye-bye to those winter blues with these fantastic destinations.
If you have never been away during this time of year, then you’re in for a treat. With destinations available with both sun and snow, you can have your pick of where you travel!
The best thing about a vacation this time of year is that you can travel to some amazing places, sometimes without the crowds, at a lower cost, and, depending on location, other times you get to enjoy peak-season and bask in all that has to offer. Whatever the case, we love trips this time of year and think you will, too.
Whether you travel far or close to home, here is the inspiration you need to get your winter trip booked.
If you’re like us you love a bit of relaxing and a lot of exploring all packed into one vacation. Whether you prefer group travel or a solo adventure, all these destinations are perfect for any type of traveler.
Without further delay, let’s dive into the best winter destinations to add to your travel bucket list.
French Polynesia
This string of islands in the South Pacific is famous for its overwater bungalows, blue lagoons, coral reefs, and exotic marine wildlife.
The best time to visit French Polynesia is between May and October, making it the perfect destination for fall. The weather is at its driest and the temperatures aren’t too warm, making it perfect for exploring.
Whether you love to scuba dive, explore beautiful sandy beaches, or just relax with a nice cocktail looking at a beautiful sunset, there is an area of French Polynesia for you.
Here are some of our favorite islands:
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the most iconic island in French Polynesia, and for good reason. With its luxurious overwater bungalows, it’s a popular choice for honeymooners and couples. It offers a beautiful break away from the winter sun.
However, there’s plenty to do on Bora Bora for singles and groups of friends. Snorkeling, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular activities that take place in crystal clear water.
We recommend spending at least one day exploring the island. Rent a bicycle, take a taxi tour, or even rent an ATV/Quad to see the island. Say “hi” to the locals and try delicious local food in their restaurants and cafes. This is how you will explore the local culture of the island.
Make sure to visit Mt. Otemanu, the sacred peak on the island. This extinct volcano is located in the middle of the island and is the perfect place to take the ultimate travel photo.
For a bit of relaxation, head to one of the island’s many beaches. Our favorite is Matira Point, which offers stunning views of Bora Bora’s trademark lagoon.
This sandy beach has crystal clear waters, so don’t forget your snorkel. If you’re looking for additional excitement, take a parasailing or jet skiing tour while you’re there.
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest of the islands in French Polynesia. Shaped like a figure-8, it’s divided into Tahiti Nui (the larger, western section) and Tahiti Iti (the eastern peninsula).
With its lush green mountains and waterfalls, there’s plenty to explore. Hiking, biking, scuba diving, and ziplining are all popular activities.
Tahiti is also home to some of the best surfing in the world. With its long stretch of coastline and big waves, it’s paradise.
If you’re looking to catch a wave, head to Teahupo’o, considered one of the best surfing spots in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, there is a wave to catch for all different skill levels.
Mo’orea
Mo’orea is a beautiful island located just Northwest of Tahiti. It’s well known for its sandy beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs.
One of the best things to do on Mo’orea is whale-watching and even swimming with humpback whales. This once-in-a-lifetime experience gives you a beautiful viewing of these gorgeous mammals, all while keeping both you and the whales safe. The whale watching season is from July to November, meaning you may very likely be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them during your winter vacation.
For the best views of Mo’orea, we recommend hiking to the top of Mt. Tohivea. This is the island’s highest point and offers stunning 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can even see Tahiti in the distance. This mountain is 1,207 meters (almost 4,000 feet), so we recommend doing this with a guide and with a good level of fitness.
Mo’orea is also a great place to go snorkeling and scuba diving. The island has many coral reefs and is home to a variety of tropical fish, including angelfish, stingrays, barracuda, reef sharks, grouper, lemon sharks, starfish, and so many more.
{Join us on a French Polynesian adventure this winter}
Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the Sydney Opera House are just a few of Australia’s iconic landmarks. But there’s much more to this country than that. From the Outback to the beaches, there’s something for everyone in Australia.
Winter is the perfect time to visit Australia, as the weather is dry and sunny, making it the ideal warm winter vacation. December to February is the peak season, so be sure to book your trip in advance.
There are many different ways to explore Australia. You can take a road trip and camp under the stars, or go on a guided tour of some of the country’s most popular attractions.
Australia is a big place, we would advise deciding on which territory you would like to explore. For example, in New South Wales, you can explore Sydney and drive the great ocean road to Melbourne. This is a great example of a 3 or 4-week vacation. Australia is a large country so be prepared to go back for a few vacations to see it all!
South Africa
Located on the Southern tip of Africa, South Africa is a country with a lot to offer. From its vibrant cities to its stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone in South Africa.
South Africa is a great place to visit all year round, if you head over to South Africa in the Fall you have great chances of seeing an array of animals like the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).
Winter is also a great time to go. From December to March, the weather varies from 71.6F (22°C) to 91.4F (33°C). There is a little more rainfall around, however, you can beat the crowds and see an array of animals.
There are many different ways to see South Africa. If you rent a car, why not travel along the garden route? This magical drive takes to Mossel Bay on the western cape to Storms River in the east, with Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay being notable stops on the route. On the way, you visit beautiful towns, admire the gorgeous coastlines, see an array of animals, and visit national parks.
Or if you’re looking for a beach break, spend a week exploring Cape Town. While in Cape Town, why not hike up Table Mountain (or take the aerial cableway if you want to save your energy) for some of the best views of the city and beaches. Whale watching is great in November, so if you decide to take a fall break, you will be rewarded with sensational sights of these gorgeous mammals.
Or head to Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. Rich in history and beautiful beaches, Cape Town is a must-see in South Africa.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a small island in the heart of the Indian Ocean. There is no shortage of adventures to be had on this magical island. From gorgeous beaches, national parks, and surfing, to coffee tasting and enjoying the seafood of Mauritian cuisine, this island should be on your bucket list.
The weather in Mauritius is great from December to March, with beautiful sunny evenings and gorgeous sunrises, it’s the most popular time of year to travel to this part of the world. The weather is warm but with a cool breeze. After March, the temperatures begin to cool and there is more rainfall around.
It’s very easy to get around the island, with top to bottom taking around one hour, and a mere 30 minutes to drive its length! However, once you head deep into the Black River Gorge National Park, or surfing up to the north of the island, you won’t notice this magical island’s smaller size.
We recommend a visit to the capital, Port Louis. From here you can explore the old town, wander through the markets, and get a feel for Mauritian culture. If you’re not into cities, then another option is to do a rum tasting at any of their many local distilleries.
Mauritius is perfect if you’re looking for sun, sand, and adventure.
Colorado
Brace yourself, it’s time to find some cold weather. If you’re looking for a winter getaway that includes winter sports, why not check out Colorado? This beautiful state is full of activities for all kinds of travelers.
In Colorado the winter season starts in December and ends in April, making it the perfect destination for your winter holiday. This time of year brings with it lots of snow and cold temperatures, so make sure you pack your thermals!
There are plenty of things to do in Colorado in the winter. You can go skiing or snowboarding at one of the many resorts, or go ice skating at one of the many outdoor rinks.
You can also explore the state’s many hiking trails, or go for a scenic drive. But the main reason to head to Colorado in the winter is their epic mountain ranges with amazing snow!
Our favorite ski resorts in Colorado are:
- Aspen Snowmass – Best for Families
- Breckenridge Ski Resort – Best for All Mountain Terrain
- Keystone Resort – Best to Avoid the Crowds
- Vail Ski Resort – Best for Backcountry Skiing
There are also plenty of non-ski activities to keep you busy in Colorado. You might go dog sledding, or even take a ride on an alpine coaster.
No matter what your interests are, you’ll find something to do in Colorado this winter with these heavenly ski resorts.
Norway
Norway is a beautiful country located in the Northern hemisphere. It’s best known for its stunning landscapes, fjords, and glaciers, but there’s so much more to Norway than that.
The best time to visit Norway, if you’re looking for a winter escape, is December to March. During these months you can take advantage of the dark, cozy nights and cold temperatures. This is also the best time to get great sightings of the Northern lights.
Norway is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for an outdoorsy winter getaway. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, ice fishing, e-snowmobiling, reindeer sled rides, frozen lake floating, saunas, and more.
If you’re not a fan of the cold, don’t worry. There are plenty of things to do indoors as well. You can visit one of the many museums or art galleries, go shopping, or just enjoy the views from your hotel. The list of winter activities is endless.
The land of the midnight sun is an amazing place to visit at any time of year, but we think it’s extra special in the winter. Not only does it offer breathtaking scenery, but the locals are also extremely friendly. And we didn’t even mention the food yet!
One of our favorite things to do in Norway is see the northern lights. These natural phenomena are best seen in the winter months, so make sure to add them to your list of things to do and be ready to stay up (or at least get up at any point in the middle of the night when aurora puts on her show).
One of the best places to see the lights in Norway is Tromso. This beautiful small town still has Sami people and their culture present. The Sami people are indigenous to the northern area of Norway and embody Norway in their culture.
Their beautiful traditions and culture can still be seen in Tromso. You can see their traditional reindeer husbandry and handicrafts, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Welcome to winter wonderland!!
Well, there you have it, our favorite winter destinations for the perfect trip away. Each offering a little something different, whether you’re desperate for some sunshine or want to take the plunge into the cold, we hope this inspires your next winter vacation.
Whether you love to scuba dive, explore beautiful sandy beaches, or just relax with a nice cocktail looking at a beautiful sunset, there is an area of French Polynesia for you.
Here are some of our favorite islands: