15 Winter Travel Spots That Feel Like a Fairytale

Do you have a sense that, sometime in the new year, you’re going to need to escape the winter blues? Those short days and long nights can take a toll on our souls. Yet, if you dazzle it up with some snow-capped mountains or a picturesque city, it doesn’t seem so bad! 

Still, if you know you’ll need to head to warmer climates just to catch a break, we have something here to help you kickstart your winter planning. Whether you have snowy mountains on your mind or the sunny beaches of Florida, one of these destinations might be the very thing to bring you out of your upcoming winter blues! 

New York, New York

If you’d like to turn your winter getaway into more of a holiday getaway, one of the best cities in the world for such spirit is New York. Book a stay in Midtown Manhattan so you can stroll up and down Fifth Avenue and see all the shops festooned in holiday cheer. Walk through Rockefeller Center to see the tree, don a pair of ice skates, and enjoy a sweet treat at Dean and Deluca’s. It’s the best way to savor the season and get ready to usher in a new year. 

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is beautiful any time of year. But when it’s coated in shimmering snow, it has an extra layer of appeal. Walking down around the harbor and seeing all those ships bobbing away in the water has a peaceful feel when there’s a wintery quiet in the air. Faneuil Hall Marketplace will help you warm up with a cup of cocoa and stroll through the stalls. And, if you’re bundled up enough, take a stroll down Acorn Street – especially if the holiday lights are still up. It’s one of the most photographed streets in America, given its cobblestone charms and historic row houses. 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Speaking of cities with historic and picturesque lanes that only get prettier in the winter, Philly has its own version of Acorn Street – Elfreth’s Alley. Would you believe it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America – dating back to the early 1700s? With its cobblestone streets, it really comes to life in the winter when everyone has decked their halls. Then, when it’s time to warm up, head to the French restaurant, Parc, in Rittenhouse Square for a cocktail and a delicious gourmet meal. 

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine, is so quintessential that it belongs in a Hallmark movie. In truth, it does sort of go to sleep in the winter with so many shops closing down for the season. But that’s actually part of the charm. You can still find a lovely B&B to stay in and stroll the streets even in the crisp air. If you have the gear, you can bundle up even further and hike through Acadia National Park. With the sound of the sea and the place mostly to yourself, it’ll be a memorable hike – just you and Mother Nature.