Winter Vacation Destinations

What is there to do and where are the
best winter vacation destinations?

If you're like me, winter can be pretty dreary after all the holidays are over - both weather-wise and emotionally - you know, that let down feeling. All the decorations are packed away for another year and the excitement of gift-giving is over.

If we're lucky here in this four-season part of the country, we will have a "January thaw". That's a brief warming of the weather that gives everyone a bad case of "spring fever" - which doesn't last because . . . February sets in.

February can be the worst month of the year. The temperature plummets to single digits or even minus single digits. The snow doesn't melt at all - it just gets dirtier along the sides of the roads. We may or may not get some new snow to cover the dirty white stuff.

So what's the cure? A winter vacation!! I've come up with some ideas - some you may be familiar with - some, maybe not.

Romantic Sleigh Ride

Spend the holidays or just a cold winter weekend at Hidden Meadow Ranch! Take a sleigh ride, go cross-country skiing, or just stay warm in your own cabin in front of a crackling fire.

Make it a romantic couples week/weekend or take the whole family. There's plenty to do and enjoy.

 

Warm up on a Wine Tasting Tour

I think a wine tasting tour would warm me up in the winter. How about you?

Of course there's always wine tasting in California, but have you ever visited Paso Robles Wine Country?

It has become California’s fastest growing wine region, adding more than 135 new wineries in just the past 10 years.

And believe it or not, there's wine country in Michigan! If you live in or close to Michigan, you might want to try the Black Star Farms Winery. There are several teriffic restaurants in the area also.

Indoor water park for winter fun

How about an indoor water park vacation? Did you know there are more than 140 across the country, with more than 30 additional parks to open soon? There's one in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, several in Minnesota (visit www.minnesota-visitor.com), Ohio, and more. There's even a Polynesian tropical resort hotel in Wisconsin (of all places!). Try an indoor water park vacation and you'll feel like it's summer . . . for a while.

Hot springs in the snow

For cozy warmth, there's always hot springs. Do you know how fun it is to sit in the hot springs and catch snow flakes on your tongue? There you are - nice and warm. The moon is gleaming on the snow-covered surroundings. And you're soothingly toasty - up to your neck in deliciously warm water. Believe me - you'll sleep like a baby afterwards - warm from head to toe!

Beach vacations for winter

Most of us think, "Go south for warm winter vacations." And generally that's the thing to do - unless you live in Colorado. It's not warm in southern Colorado. Utah is warmer in the south - but not always. We usually think of going even further south. So let's go to Mexico! Puerto Vallarta or Isla Mujeras. Your choice!

Winter camping in Arizona

Cheap, warm, winter getaway vacation idea! Time to head south for the winter. There is a place where the camping is cheap and treasures abound! Head to Arizona . . .

Winter vacation home rental can be a bargain!

Traditionally, winter is a slow season for vacation home rentals. But if you're a would-be renter, you can score terrific bargains on off season rentals and enjoy a different type of getaway, sipping hot chocolate in front of a cozy fireplace instead of running around to see the sights.

Ski Vacations

We can't forget about ski vacations — the number one winter vacation activity. Visit Utah Ski Resorts to ski the "greatest snow on earth".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

So whether you prefer beach vacations for winter, a sleigh ride and crackling fire for romantic winter vacation, indoor water parks, or an awesome ski trip, just getting away from the dreary days for a while is the best medicine.