11 Underrated Winter Vacation Spots, Whether You Want Sand or Snow

Nathaniel Morgan3 weeks ago1 Mins read14 Views

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Whether you’re looking to escape the winter blues or hoping to experience the ultimate snowy Christmas vacation, there are so many beautiful places in the world to pick from for your next winter vacation. Winter in general tends to be a less crowded time to travel than summer, but there are still a fair number of tourists that can fill up some of your favorite cities. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path trip that excels in views, vibes, and value but isn’t yet so overrun with other travelers that you’ll have trouble walking down the street, we’ve found some of the best options for you. Here are 11 underrated winter vacation spots to visit this upcoming season, with trips for beach bums who want to leave the cold weather behind, as well as wintertime-lovers who can’t wait to hop on the slopes or peruse a Christmas market.

The waterfront in Vancouver

Matteo Colombo/Getty

Vancouver, Canada

Just north of Washington state, the bustling seaport of Vancouver is a Hallmark-worthy winter destination—literally. If you find the city streets particularly familiar, it’s because more than one Hallmark movie was filmed here. Skiers will rejoice in the fact that it’s just under two hours away from Whistler, while city-goers will appreciate what it’s like to experience winter in a vibrant metropolis. Aside from its spectacular natural beauty and lovely snowy landscapes, the city is home to some great museums, delicious food, and unique activities, like the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Where to stay in Vancouver, Canada:

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

As a personal fan of the winters in Michigan’s UP, I can testify that venturing up this far north in the winter is not for the faint of heart—but it is absolutely worth it. Best experienced by outdoorsy folk, this is an ideal location to engage in some winter sports, enjoy the ski hills, slog through the deep snow, and curl up by the fire while you watch the flurries come down. It’s ideal for those who have no interest in leaving the country, but want to experience a Scandinavian-adjacent winter vibe. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get a glimpse of the northern lights while up there.

Where to stay in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan:

Author

Nathaniel Morgan

Nathaniel, often known as Nate, is an adventurer at heart with a deep love for traveling. His sun-kissed skin, unruly curly hair, and a smile that never fades, tell stories of the countless sunrises he has seen around the world. He has a knack for immersing himself in different cultures and is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path experiences. His backpack is always ready, and his camera is his most prized possession.

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Written by

Nathaniel Morgan

Nathaniel, often known as Nate, is an adventurer at heart with a deep love for traveling. His sun-kissed skin, unruly curly hair, and a smile that never fades, tell stories of the countless sunrises he has seen around the world. He has a knack for immersing himself in different cultures and is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path experiences. His backpack is always ready, and his camera is his most prized possession.