15 Incredible International Winter Vacation Ideas to Book Right Now

It seems winter travelers can be divided into two obvious categories: the people chasing the sun during the winter months and the people searching for holiday trips to a winter wonderland. Whether you’re seeking snowy landscapes and cozy nights or a white sand beach and sunny days, travel is the perfect way to recharge when you’re struggling with the winter blues! Here are some of the best international winter vacation ideas for folks who fall in both categories.

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Winter Vacation Ideas to Book Right Now

1. Lapland, Finland

The northernmost part of Finland is one of the best places to look if you’re craving a winter wonderland.

There’s winter weather in this part of Finland for a large percentage of the year (winter typically sees daily average temperatures just above freezing).

Make time to see the Northern Lights, spot reindeer in the wild, and of course experience a dog sled ride. Want to plan a visit? Learn more about Lapland with kids HERE.

2. Whistler, Canada

If you want to take a ski trip with kids on your winter weekend getaway, you probably know all about Whistler.

Located in the mountains of western Canada, this is the perfect place to find some of the best runs in the world. Make sure you drag yourself off the slopes to check out Whistler Village with restaurants, shopping, and everything you need for après ski!

3. Vienna, Austria

It should be no surprise that Vienna is one of the most popular international destinations during the winter holidays!

When it’s cold out, you’ll find plenty of street front stalls selling mulled wine to keep you warm. The Vienna Christmas Markets begin to appear in late November making for a festive atmosphere.

Once the markets leave, there are events at Schönbrunn Palace and ice skating in front of city hall until March. You can always duck into one of the famous Viennese cafés for sachertorte if it gets too cold.

If you had a fairytale winter getaway in mind, you’ll find it here. Don’t miss these great tips for a winter visit to Vienna.

4. St. Moritz, Switzerland

High in the Swiss Alps you’ll find the bustling resort town of St. Moritz, home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe and the world. The city considers itself the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and has hosted the Winter Olympics twice.

Even if you’re less inclined toward a winter ski vacation and prefer a white Christmas with a variety of indulgences, you’ll enjoy the high-end boutique shopping and delicious eateries.

Don’t miss a chance to sample fondue and Swiss chocolate, we know we don’t need to tell you twice.Here are some ideas for a winter vacation in Switzerland.

5. Budapest, Hungary

Smaller crowds, cheaper prices, and stunning views means visiting Budapest in winter is a great time to go!

There is also something magical about dipping into the thermal pools as the steam swirls around you. And Budapest’s museums are a wonderful option if and when the cold gets to be too much.

If you’re traveling with family, check out these posts about visiting Budapest with kids and Budapest with teens.

6. Sydney, Australia

Beat the cold by heading to Sydney, Australia at the end of the year, where the southern hemisphere is deep into the summer months. Swap the cold and dark for Australian sunshine and maybe even go caroling on the beach.

You’ll even be able to check out the iconic Sydney Opera House all decked out in lights! And if you have a chance, don’t miss Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display, it’s one of the world’s best.

Here’s what to do in Sydney with kids.

7. Willemstad, Curaçao

The colorful city of Willemstad is exactly what you need to make it through those winter blues.

Warm Caribbean air, fruity drinks, water sports, and stunning white-sand beaches are just what any sun worshiper is craving on a tropical island. Curaçao also has a thriving street art scene, so be ready for some Instagram-worthy shots.

Here’s some of the best things to do in Curaçao if you go and these are the best all-inclusive resorts in Curacao for the perfect stay!

8. San Juan, Puerto Rico

The fun-loving, vibrant city of San Juan is an ideal destination for a break from a frosty North American winter.

This is Puerto Rico’s high season, meaning you can enjoy the island’s thriving food scene, bustling towns, and fun holiday events. Of course, you can hit the local beaches, zip line through the rainforest, or head out on a snorkeling tour!

Here’s what not to miss in Puerto Rico!

9. Phuket, Thailand

Peak tourist season in Phuket is winter time in the United States.

The rainy season is over, and the weather is cool and dry (for Thailand), so it’s the ideal time to get out on the crystal blue waters. And the beaches in Phuket are everything you would imagine in a tropical paradise.

Thinking of Phuket with kids? Don’t miss this Phuket itinerary.

10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a city known to come with a large price tag. If you travel in winter you can expect not only fewer crowds, but also substantial sales, especially on high-end goods.

Visit in the winter to avoid the unbearable summer heat, and you’ll find there are plenty of things to do in Dubai with kids. And if you tire of shopping and over-the-top architecture, try these day trips from Dubai.

11. New Zealand

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere means summer in the south, so visitors to New Zealand can expect to find sunshine and lots of it. This is the busy season, so be sure to book reservations in advance as things can get crowded.

Don’t miss a visit to Hobbiton if you’re a “Lord of the Rings” fan, enjoy the Maori culture at Rotorua, and make time for adventures in Queenstown. Don’t know where to begin? Check out this itinerary to help plan a trip to New Zealand or this New Zealand bucket list.

12. Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s dry season runs from December to mid-April, so winter is the perfect time to visit.

Fly into Liberia and enjoy easy access to the beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches of Guanacaste.

Peninsula Papagayo has some of the most beautiful resorts in Costa Rica and sunset views, and it’s the perfect base for snorkeling excursions.

Adventure lovers will want to head to Arenal and try the suspension bridges and zip line through the rain forest. Here’s how to start planning a trip to Costa Rica.

13. Tokyo, Japan

Visiting Tokyo in winter is the best time with fewer people around, allowing you to enjoy Tokyo without the crowds.

Try a soak at the local hot springs, catch a sumo wrestling match, and if you visit in February, you can expect to see the plum blossom trees in full bloom!

14. Cape Town, South Africa

The average temperature in January for this southern Hemisphere destination runs between 65 and 79 degrees. This makes South Africa an ideal winter getaway for those seeking warm weather (because it’s summer there).

Most people use Cape Town as a jumping-off point for safaris, but why not spend a day or two here?

Cape Town with kids does not disappoint. Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for gorgeous views, learn about apartheid where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island, or head to the city’s beautiful beaches for a good time.

15. Los Cabos, Mexico

This destination on the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is actually two towns in one, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. And it’s one of the best winter vacations for anyone interested in international winter getaways.

There are so many outdoor activities in Cabo to enjoy. Try your hand at camel riding and surfing, or take a sunset cruise to the Cabo Arch. Oh, and did we mention, the weather is just about perfect and the area averages 300 days of sunshine each year, so you’re almost guaranteed a perfect vacation.