Top Winter Destinations
The
wind chills, nights are longer than considered reasonable by some, and
'outside' is a great place to keep your ice cream. By January, at least
in the northern hemisphere, Old Man Winter has moved in and made himself
at home. After New Year's caps the Christmas holiday season, it's time
to get out of town for an adventure or a little R&R. The Gogobot
community's taste in winter destinations ranges from big cities, with
all their indoor fine dining and culture with a dash of urban ice
rinks, to international sunny escapes, as far afield as Thailand and Rio
or Stateside in Miami and San Diego.
1
"This
place has it all!" Never has this descriptor been more appropriate.
Culturally and scenically rich, this wildly diverse country is flush
with urban and natural wonders sure to pique the interest of nearly any
style traveler. Big city? Even bigger game? Rugged mountains?
Postcard-perfect beach? World-class wine? All that and more. And lucky
you: right about now, summer is well underway.
I defy you to not enjoy a trip to South Africa. There are safaris to go on, sharks to dive with, ... read more
2
When
visions of a winter wonderland come to mind, we're pretty sure those
fantasies are modeled after Canada's westerly gem, Whistler. Where
world-class skiing, snowboarding, fine dining and nightlife life meet,
you really can't go wrong.
What car you say about Whistler? What a place - the best skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking in ... read more
Recommended hotel: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort
3
Welcome
to the land of beautiful people and beautiful beaches. Or so the story
goes. You probably want to head down to confirm those reports. Known as
the "Marvelous City," this spectacular harbor town hosts the famous
beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema while caipirinhas and samba rule the
streets when the party kicks off each night. Want to partake in the
world's most well-known Carnival celebrations? Plan your visit for
February.
They don't call it The Wonderful City for no reason. It is indeed naturally wonderful and you'll ... read more
Recommended hotel: Marina Palace Hotel
4
The
city of the future. An oasis in the middle of the desert, the UAE
spared no expense in size, architecture or amenities to ensure this
global hub of trade and commerce reflects all the glory befitting such a
modern urban mecca. International jetsetters will find winter is a
great time to avoid the region's famed heat while enjoying everything
from first-class dining and designer shopping to a picnic on the beach, a
round of golf or even a bit of 4WD "dune bashing."
Dubai is a fantastic city with plenty to do. Although it is in a Muslim country, the attitude is ... read more
Recommended hotel: Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah
5
Breathtaking
scenery is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to remarkable
experiences along the shores of North America's largest alpine lake.
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains across the border between
California and Nevada, this scenic playground of forest, granite, fresh
powder and lively high mountain nightlife has been tempting for
families, ski bums and Winter Olympians for generations.
Tahoe is an amazing year-round destination. In the winter/spring, the skiing and snowboarding is ... read more
Recommended hotel: Basecamp Hotel
6
In
one word, this place is HOT! From the sun-baked golden sand and warm
turquoise waters of its islands to Bangkok's notoriously wild nightlife
and the fiery flavors of its delectable street eats, Thailand is
understandably a favorite hotspot among Gogobot travelers looking for a
true winter escape.
My favorite vacation spot. No wonder I have been here 8 times from 2002 to 2009. The people, the ... read more
Recommended hotel: Papillon Resort
7
The
frozen white of winter (and corresponding quiet among the crowds) is a
perfect showcase for the powerful extremes of light, landscapes and life
that populate this epic American wilderness. Whether you choose to get
active by snowshoe, cross-country skis, or snowmobile, or instead prefer
to enjoy the stupendous views from a snow coach or fireside in a comfy
mountain lodge, the sight of the park's steamy thermal basins, dramatic
snow-covered canyons and unique wildlife -- including bison, elk, and
wolves -- is sure to take your breath away.
A wonderland of amazing scenery and animals - great for families, photographers, adventurers, ... read more
Recommended hotel: Old Faithful Inn Hotel
8
A
tropical paradise rich in culture, cuisine and opportunities for
adventure with budget prices to boot: what more could you ask for out of
a winter holiday? Sun-seekers come from around the globe to revel in
the island's spectacular beaches, bountiful coral reefs and world-famous
surf while yoga, trail and cultural enthusiasts take to the countryside
to uncover more of the many beautiful and complex facets of this unique
island destination (Kecak monkey chanting anyone?!).
Bali stole my heart the moment we climbed through an old temple, passing monkeys down to a secluded ... read more
Recommended hotel: The Kampung
9
Be
it dog mushing or heli-skiing deep within the legendary Alaskan
backcountry or a night soaking under in the aurora borealis at Chena Hot
Springs, winter in our nation's last remaining frontier is an
experience like no other. Don't let the short daylight hours fool you.
Beauty, solitude and some of the most unique opportunities an outdoor
adventurist could desire await the brave who ventures north!
This is an Amazing place ... you have to love the outdoors to appreciate Alaska ... don't go to ... read more
Recommended hotel: Chena Hot Springs Resort
10
Just
a quick flight from both U.S. coasts, Cancun is a destination wholly
dedicate to the pleasures of a beach vacation. Perched on the tip of the
Yucatan Peninsula (not far from the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza), here
you'll find sun, sand and a host of fruity cocktails all served
alongside a bustling nightlife and a plethora of accommodation and
dining options. Designed to cater to the full spectrum of travel tastes,
from high end luxury all-inclusive resorts to simple budget-friendly
hostels and traditional Mexican street food, winter escapees have good
reason to return time and time again.
The best vacation I have had so far. Perfect for relaxing and soaking up some sun. Several tours are ... read more
Recommended hotel: Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites
11
Peter
Jackson? Lord of the Rings? Hobbiton? If these references don't
instantly conjure images of quaint country towns, verdant hills, magical
elvin forests and dramatic mountain peaks then it may be time to
schedule a movie night. Or better yet, how about a ticket south? The
long flight may be a deterrent, but push on through and you'll find
summer is in full swing and New Zealand is home to some of the most
diverse and stunningly beautiful natural scenery (and outdoor
activities!) found on the planet.
Stunning and magical! Like a mystical fairy land, which is I suppose why New Zealand is often used ... read more
Recommended hotel: The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
12
Although
often regarded as one of the prettiest cities in Europe, Prague might
seem a counterintuitive destination for winter. But if you are prepared
to embrace the cold (and bundle up in the proper winter wear!), you'll
find a vibrant city full of modern conveniences and cutting-edge
cultural offerings packaged in layers of historic charm. From the
medieval architecture and bustling markets to twinkling lights above
snow-covered cobbled streets, Prague makes a perfect choice for anyone
who wants to make their winter white.
Prague is the European capital you've been dreaming of. Loads of historic buildings (Kafka's Cafe ... read more
Recommended hotel: 987 Prague Hotel
13
A
favorite among paradise-seekers, Maui offers a bit of everything in the
tropical variety. Water lovers will want to grab a boat or a board
(surf, wind
or kite!) and earn their dinners navigating the warm waters off the
coast. Land lovers might opt to head up the volcano for a glorious
sunrise from above the
clouds atop Mt. Haleakala. And all roads should eventually lead to Hana
where the famous twists and turns of the highway end in a day of
unspoiled Hawaiian aloha.
Where do I start? Maui no ka oi! Rated the number one travel destination in the world, Maui has it ... read more
Recommended hotel: Travaasa Hana
14
The
warmth of Latin America with a decidedly European flare? Look no
further. Buenos Aires awaits! Grand architecture, charming walkable
neighborhoods, a rich cafe culture, delicious food, hot nightlife and a
romantic epicenter of the arts in all their forms, be it fashion,
cuisine, music or the tango. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to
discover it all.
Buenos Aires is one of the most charming cities in Latin America, being very cosmopolitan. You would ... read more
Recommended hotel: Home Hotel Buenos Aires
15
It's
a little cheeky to include a whole subcontinent on this list, since
it's so huge you'd be hard pressed to visit even a small percentage of
the country all in one trip. But given the tremendous warmth, beauty and
deliciousness India has to offer, the addition is unavoidable. And the
hot, dry conditions found December - February make it a prime time to
visit whether you're drawn to the mellow pace of the beaches to the
south, intrigued by the rushing chaos and world-famous sites of the
North, or you instead prefer to hole up in a countryside ashram with one
of the culture's many living saints.
Incredible country with unparalleled diversity of cast, creed and faith. India with its rich ... read more
Recommended hotel: Trident, Agra
16
An
active eco-traveler's dream, Costa Rica is an easy choice for anyone in
need of a little respite from winter's gloom. And perfect waves,
unforgettable sunsets and an easy flight out of the States are just the
start. Hop in a whitewater raft, grab a zipline or take off on a jungle
trek under the watchful gaze of sloth and monkeys, or sit back and relax
in a thermal hot spring offering views of an active volcano above. No
matter what your tropical vacation speed, Costa Rica has what you need.
I promise this place won't let you down. It's filled with beautiful people, flowers, animals and ... read more
Recommended hotel: The Springs Resort & Spa
17
Where
the magic of Old World meets modern Europe over picture-perfect ski
conditions. A UNESCO World Heritage site located high in the mountains
near the Bavarian border, Salzburg is home to some of the finest ski
areas in the Alps as well as a variety of fun non-slope winter
activities: sample competitive baked goods in the famous Salzburg
Christmas Markets, join the celebration of the city's most famous son
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart during January's Salzburg Festival, or retire to
one of the city's many hot spring fed spas and saunas.
The most romantic place in the world as far as I am concerned. This is where the Sound of Music was ... read more
Recommended hotel: Hotel Goldener Hirsch
18
Is
it any wonder this Old West mining turned ski town now attracts fans
from around the world? Host of the Sundance Film Festival in January,
each winter now sees a growing collection of filmmakers, celebrities and
film buffs make their way to the small resort community to enjoy a
perfect mix of top-ranked ski runs, superb people watching, culinary
masterpieces, and some of the year's most exciting, innovative films.
Recommended hotel: Stein Eriksen Lodge
19
A
year-round summer playground for sunseekers, Miami is a favorite among
travelers of all ages and varieties. Discover miles of white sandy
beach, dream golf courses, exotic international cuisine, lavish
nightlife and family-friendly attractions from the wildlife of the
Everglades to the reef off Key West. The secret is out: this town is not
-- and really never has been -- just for grandma!
Awesome place! Sexy people and beautiful beaches! I love the energy of this place and the nightlife ... read more
Recommended hotel: Dream South Beach
20
Norway
knows winter. Here in the land of the Vikings, skiing rules the scene
(both downhill and cross-country) and scenic beauty abounds. Yet for
those with a taste for adventure, things can get interesting quickly.
Try your hand at dog or reindeer sledding, have a go at an Olympic
bobsled course, or spend a night wrapped in fur and drinking vodka in
an ice hotel. If you're in luck, you might even spot the Northern Lights
from your seat at the top of the world.
There are very few countries that I think have it all. Norway's best appeal is its incredible views ... read more
Recommended hotel: Myrkdalen Hotel Voss
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment-- or suggestions, particularly of topics and places you'd like to see covered