Top 10 Winter Travel Spots

From eco-tourism on a Mexican beach to Prague's pulsating nightlife and architecture, check out the best places to go-and what to pack and buy there

Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, Turkey


1. Cappadocia, Turkey

Straddling the line between East and West, Turkey is an up-and-coming destination for travelers. Istanbul, the lively capital, is full of diverse markets, restaurants, and clubs, but head about 450 miles southeast to the ancient city of Cappadocia and you'll find yourself in an incredible land of rock formations, caves, and wine country. Cappadocia is cold but romantic and beautiful this time of year, and you can find warmth in the Turkish baths and intricate underground cities. These hidden pathways are where Christians first found refuge from the Romans. And it's those Christian roots that allowed for a burgeoning wine industry, a business that wouldn't have taken hold were the original settlers predominantly Muslim.

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Whistler, Canada
Whistler, Canada


2. Whistler, Canada

On the Coast Mountain range of British Columbia, Whistler is paradise for skiers and snow bunnies. The region won countless awards for everything from snow lodging to ski runs to just having a high standard of living. The small community inspires a laid-back attitude that will take hold of even the most.

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina


3. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Warm and fun this time of year, Buenos Aires is a pulsating city full of culture-and parties. Known for its delectable food and intoxicating dance (and wine), this Argentine capital is a terrific destination for night owls who want to ring in the New Year at midnight-and keep the party going until dawn.

Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo, Japan


4. Sapporo, Japan

Prepare to be amazed by snow sculptures, skiing, traditional Japanese architecture, and hot springs. The painstaking attention to detail for which the Japanese are known makes for glorious, unbelievable snow carvings as intricate as finely trimmed bonsai trees. About a four-hour flight from Tokyo, this vacation spot is for those who want to go slightly off the beaten path.

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Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, Czech Republic


5. Prague, Czech Republic

For literature lovers who also like a party, plan a trip to Prague. Home to Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera, it's a city of opulence and nihilism, culture and the attempt to erase it, all of which makes for a mind-bending experience. Between the architecture, historic landmarks, and underground nightlife, the Czech capital is ripe for exploration.

Northern California, USA
Northern California, USA


6. Northern California, USA

Stay domestic and take a road trip through Northern California, the center of the country's wine industry. Drive past the waves of mustard flowers that dot the landscape in the winter season and arrive at the vineyards of Napa Valley for the region's famous wine tours.

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Arusha, Tanzania
Arusha, Tanzania


7. Arusha, Tanzania

Known for its stunning East African landscapes, Arusha, seated on the southern slopes of the volcanic Mount Meru, is home to wildlife that includes elephants and zebras that roam the surrounding savanna and 400 species of birds that orbit the slopes. Indulge in local coffees from community-harvested beans and explore the city's famed national park.


Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai, Hawaii


8. Kauai, Hawaii

Indulge in the time-tested splendor of Hawaii's beaches without the throngs of tourists you normally find in go-to destinations such as Honolulu and Maui. Kauai, the oldest of the principal Hawaiian Islands, features low-key valley plains, coastlines backed by the mountains of Nā Pali Coast State Park, and beaches tucked away in hidden peninsulas.

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Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Zihuatanejo, Mexico


9. Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Once a sleepy Mexican fishing village, Zihuatanejo is quickly becoming one of country's top resort destinations. Located on the Pacific Coast, the city includes a bustling waterfront marina and seaside boardwalks, while its surrounding mainland region offers rugged, unspoiled natural beauty.

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal


10. Lisbon, Portugal

For a nice balance of shopping, seaside escape, and nightlife, head to Lisbon, one of Europe's lesser-known jewels. You can have the cosmopolitan feel of a big European city but still enjoy the intimate Mediterranean atmosphere of one of the continent's smallest countries.


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