Most people choose to travel in the summer because of the weather. However, you’d be surprised at how many benefits there are in vacationing during the winter. 

For one, it’s generally more affordable to travel during the winter, since there’s less people travelling. You can expect flight tickets and hotel rates to be significantly cheaper. 

You also don’t have to worry about all the attractions you visit being packed. With less tourists in the area, you won’t have to compete for reservations at places you visit. 

Furthermore, when you travel during the winter, you can really get a feel of how the locals live. During the summer, travel destinations can be flooded with tourists, making it hard to run into any locals. If you don’t believe us, just go to South Beach on July 4th and see how many tourists you see!

There are also a plethora of things to do in the winter because of the holidays. Have you ever thought about spending the holidays in a different country? Seeing how other people celebrate is a great way of learning about other cultures. 

Vacations are an essential part of life. They’re an opportunity to reset your mind and retreat from the mundaneness of your normal habits. 

Life can feel especially mundane when it’s freezing and yucky outside every day. If you feel the cold months starting to daunt you, it’s time to take a trip. 

Taking a break from your normal surroundings can help you find a new appreciation for your daily life. It can also lead you to new experiences that change how you perceive your life at home. 

Before you start planning your trip, there are some important factors to consider. With some proper preparation, you’ll be in for a good time, no matter where you go. Without further ado, here is our recipe for the ultimate winter vacation! 

Choose a Time and Place

The first step in planning the perfect winter vacation is to decide on a time and place. Where do you want to go? And when? 

Decide what time of year you want to go on vacation. Are there any events during that time that you can visit? Are there scenic attractions that are only worth going to during a certain time of year? 

Depending on where you visit, the time that you go can have a huge impact on your vacation. Perhaps you’re trying to get away from the cold and go somewhere warm. Maybe you want to embrace the winter months and go somewhere that you can ski. Whatever your goals are, you need to have them established before you book your trip. 

Also decide how long you want to be away. At first, you may think that the more time away is better. However, as time goes on and you grow old on your getaway, you might find yourself itching to get home. When in doubt, plan enough time to complete all of your activities planned, and then some. 

The winter is the perfect time to find deals on places to stay. Don’t be afraid to indulge a little. You can find hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts for a fraction of their normal cost during these months. Take advantage of it! 

You can also find car rentals for an affordable price during this time. For secure, convenient car rentals wherever you go, check out Zipcar! 

Pack Warm

Wherever you travel, you should pack warm. Even if you’re travelling somewhere that’s already warm, you should bring a sweatshirt or jacket with you, for the nighttime. 

During the winter, the temperature can drop significantly once the Sun goes down. Don’t be caught shivering on vacation! 

If you’re headed somewhere that has a more traditional winter, bring your best winter jacket. If the place you’re going to is exceptionally cold, you may need some highly specialized Outdoor Gear. 

The last thing you want is to be cold and miserable your entire vacation. If you’re somebody who is from a warm area and is travelling to a cold one, do not underestimate how cold it can get. 

Ten to twenty degrees may not sound like a huge difference in your head, but once you feel that frigid air, you’ll wish you brought a thicker coat! 

A useful tool to have on vacation is a plush blanket. During the winter, there’s nothing better than curling up behind a soft, fluffy blanket; so why not bring your blanket with you? 

Bring Some Drinks

When you’re on vacation, it’s only natural to want to indulge. Don’t be afraid to have a drink or two when you’re on your trip. After all, this is your time to relax and get away from any stressors in your life. 

Tequila? Mezcal? Whatever your favorite liquor is, make sure to bring a bottle of it on your trip. If you’re driving to your destination, keep it securely closed in your trunk. Just don’t drink while driving! 

If you’re flying to your destination, you can bring up to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) of alcoholic beverages with more than 24% or less than 70% ABV in your checked bag. The alcohol must be unopened and in its original retail packaging. 

If you’re drinking, you’re also going to need some good tunes to vibe out to. Consider bringing some vinyl records with you on your trip. There’s something about listening to music the old-fashioned way that just hits differently. 

Just don’t overdo it. If you drink too much and end up getting sick on your trip, you might waste an entire night by the toilet. You might also waste the entire next day being hungover. 

Let alcohol be a nice addition to your trip; don’t let it make up your entire trip. With that said, be sure to check out any breweries in the area and get acclimated with how the locals drink. 

Plan Some Outdoor Activities

No matter where you’re visiting, it’s always nice to plan some outdoor activities. Not only is it refreshing to spend time in nature, it’s free! 

Every city has its nature spots, no matter how small or big. For your upcoming trip, do some research on where the locals like to visit and decide which ones are worth going to. 

You can gain a lot of insight into a town or city simply by walking around and observing the sights. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t spend time outside. In fact, winter provides some of the prettiest scenes that nature has to offer. 

If you’re vacationing somewhere cold, consider trying some FUNBOY ShotSkis. These winter sleds are made with an ultra-thick material and are reinforced with a rubber base, ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride. If you have kids, they’re going to adore this sled! 

If you’re travelling somewhere warm, you have no excuse to not plan at least a day outdoors. Want to escape the cold? Go golfing in Florida; go cycling in San Francisco. There are a number of warm destinations that provide great outdoor scenes. 

Furthermore, winter is a time when many people experience seasonal affective disorder, or S.A.D. If you find yourself feeling more depressed or anxious during the winter, you may be suffering from symptoms of this disorder. 

This is another reason why vacationing during the winter is a good idea. It can get pretty depressing being stuck inside your home every day.