Best Places To Travel this Winter: Where to go in 2025/26

Finding where to go in winter can be tough. You can cut the best winter travel places into three categories: sunny spots, snowy adventure wonderlands, and charming Christmas cities. Some might want to escape the bone-chilling cold slicing skin, while others might want to see what some of Europe's renowned Christmas markets have on display. Or, perhaps the promise of snow and sweat might tempt those seeking adventures amid a sleek white canvas.

Travel options feel more abundant when winter plagues the northern hemisphere. The snowy season may even tempt you to carve footprints into a spot sitting low on your bucket list. For example, someone hoping for a sun-centred holiday with more to offer than digging their toes in sandy beaches may enjoy Rajasthan, India, where a fusion of culture, adventure, and warm days await. Travelling in winter grants the chance to break up the dreary, grey winter months with a meander to somewhere new and the beauty of it all? No matter what, a corner of the world will accommodate your dream winter vacation, whether you want snow escapades, sunbathing, or Hallmark-like holiday charm. Read on to find out the best places to travel this winter below!

The 10 Best Places to Travel this Winter

#1 Rajasthan, India

#1 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

Discover the fortress and palaces towering across Rajasthan in pleasant, warm weather. You can visit this historic, majestic state year-round, but the mild temperatures will put your sightseeing at ease. One of winter's best places to visit is Jaipur, a pink-tinged city that will undoubtedly fill your camera roll. Imagine the joy of a guided cycling tour in Rajasthan!

Favourite Tour in Rajasthan, India: Royal Rajasthan Sightseeing Tour

#2 London, England

#2 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

Marvel at London’s holiday and winter charm when you visit in November or December. You can enjoy the Christmas markets, the stringed lights dazzling the city streets, and the cheerful, busy buzz of the holiday season. Visiting London in winter also allows you to excuse yourself to a cozy pub at any given moment—no matter the time of day. We love doing a different walking tour around London each day, exploring the neighbourhoods.

Favourite Tour in England: 5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour — you can check out London and then work off the hearty meals through walking adventure in the countryside.

#3 Banff National Park, Canada

#3 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

A winter holiday in Banff is spectacular. Experience quintessential winter charm and get your sweat on via snowy escapades on a guided tour in Banff National Park. Nothing beats the ultimate snowy, homey vibes stretching along the Town of Banff, where pubs, restaurants, fudge shops, and various Canadian delicacies line the streets. Once you’ve explored the Town of Banff, the backcountry awaits. Discover the sweeping white scenery covering ski slopes in Sunshine Village, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise Ski Area. Check out this article on planning a weekend in Banff, or this article on all the outdoor things to do in Banff in winter!

Favourite Tour in Banff National Park, Canada: Backcountry Ski or Splitboard the Canadian Rockies — this tour is for more advanced skiers!

#4 Bali, Indonesia

#4 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

Tired of shivering? Shred layers in Bali, where the tropical air and exciting landscape generate adventure (and relaxation). Do note that it is the rainy season during winter, but it only lasts briefly each day. Plus, the rain highlights the already-lush scenery to a deeper, vibrant green. Enjoy the sea, the lively culture, the food, and the various intrepid adventures across the island.

Favourite Tour in Bali, Indonesia: Bali and Komodo Islands Tour

#5 Kluane National Park, Yukon

#5 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

We're sorry, but we had to add another Canadian destination to our list of favourite places to travel in winter! If you aren't into skiing, we recommend heading deep into the Canadian wilderness for the ultimate remote, snowy escapade. Go dog sledding, experience the Northern Lights, and strap on snowshoes for incredible on-foot explorations. It might be cold, but think of how good the hot drinks will feel in your cozy lodge at the end of the day!

Favourite Tour in Kluane National Park, Yukon: While most people head to Yukon in winter to see the Aurora Borealis, we think that the Winter in Yukon’s Kluane National Park tour is something special!

#6 The Dolomites, Italy

#6 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

We love adventure tours in the Dolomites, a simply spectacular mountain range in Northern Italy.  We even wrote an article about how to plan a trip to the Dolomites. In winter the Dolomites are at their best, with snow capped peaks, charming Italian villages, and so much to do.  Whether you want to go snowshoeing in the Dolomites, or plan a guided cross-country ski trip in the Dolomites, there is so much to do.

Favourite Tour in the Dolomites, Italy: Cross Country the Tyrolean Dolomites

#7 Punta Gallinas, Colombia

#7 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

Sun, sand, and sea, what more could you ask for in winter? Punta Gullinas sits at South America’s most northerly point, marking it as one of the places at the end of the world. A visit here will have you revelling in a desert landscape, where epic wonders like the Taroa Dunes, which dip into the Caribbean Sea, create a memorable experience. Find a range of bays and beaches here!

Favourite Tour in Punta Gallinas, Colombia: The Caribbean Coast and Lost City

#8 Petra, Jordan

#8 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

Jordan leaves a big impression on every traveller that visits.  While it's cold in the depths of winter in Jordan, it also means fewer tourists. Walking into Petra through the back-door on the Petra to Wadi Rum Guided Trek is simply spectacular, while staying in Wadi Rum is a spiritual experience. So book your tour to Jordan, and explore this marvelous country!

Favourite Tour in Petra, Jordan: Jordan Guided Adventure Holiday

#9 Antigua, Guatemala

#9 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

Mid-December kicks off the peak season in vibrant Antigua, Guatemala, when mild temperatures and dry weather create pleasant meandering conditions. Going on holiday in Guatemala is spectacular, as you can beat the winter blues by heading to one of the pink or white beaches to chill or snorkel! The clear water hues will send you into a mesmerizing state of bliss. Want to go exploring? You’ll also find epic adventures flanking Antigua, such as mountain biking, hiking, Volcano adventures, kayaking, to name a few.

Favourite Tour in: 5-Day Guatemala Multisport Tour

#10 Patagonia, Chile

#10 in Best Places to Travel this Winter

Patagonia ranks (at least to us) as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, making it a must-visit for any adventurer. Imagine the joy of exploring Chile's Torres del Paine National Park.  Travelling to Patagonia in December—and the surrounding months—calls for trips into the mesmerizing snow-capped mountainous setting, replete with glaciers, moody forests, and volcanoes. You’ll never grow bored in Patagonia. Just be sure to book your trip in advance, as this is a popular time to visit! You can't go to Patagonia without doing the famous W-Trek in Torres del Paine.

Favourite Tour in Patagonia, Chile: Self-Guided O-Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine

Travel opportunities for other seasons

Can’t travel this winter? Plan ahead for amazing adventures during other seasons by sifting through our suggested destinations below:

Travel by Season:
Best Places to Travel in Spring
Best Places to Travel in Summer
Best Places to Travel in Autumn