Top Bloggers Pick Their 10 Favorite Winter Getaway Destinations

Here at RoamRight we’ve been fortunate enough to feature some of the top travel bloggers in the world right here on our own blog. They’ve offered amazing tips and words of wisdom covering just about every topic in the travel world, including where to go when it’s chilly outside. Since we’re on the cusp of the winter travel season, we though we’d highlight some of their top picks as you plan your own getaway this season. Which ones would you add to the list?

South Pacific Cruise

Winter in the United States means it's summer Down Under. There are a number of options for cruises in the South Pacific that will keep you far away from any polar vortex. Book a 7-night cruise from Sydney through parts of Australia and Tasmania. Longer options include stops in other countries like Indonesia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia. French Polynesia is also a great option for a winter escape. Cruise lines like Paul Gauguin specialize in small luxury cruises around the islands. Tahiti is just an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles, and cruises depart right from Papeete. Longer itineraries may be a repositioning cruise, which could save you on airfare and the cruise cost itself. Start your cruise in Tahiti, hit Bora Bora, Moorea and then continue across the South Pacific up to the Hawaiian Islands, ultimately disembarking in Los Angeles.

From the post: Best Cruise Itineraries To Escape The Winter Cold

Cape Town, South Africa

In December in Cape Town, daily high temperatures reach the mid- to high- 70's Fahrenheit. There are many fun experiences, and we recommend that you hike or take a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain - one of the New 7 Wonders of the World - for aerial views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Bay, Robben Island, the Cape Flats, Devil's Peak mountains, and beyond. To immerse yourself in local culture, booking an experience like learning the art of Malay cooking on a cooking safari, partaking in a beading workshop, or learning to bake bread in the winelands with Andulela is a must, as the company is passionate about connecting visitors with locals to see the real Cape Town. Speaking of winelands, Cape Town is about a 30-minute drive from Constantia, home to some of the country's best cool climate Sauvignon Blanc. And for those who want a safari experience, Aquila Private Game Reserve is about 90 minutes from Cape Town and is home to the Big Five - the lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, and rhino - as well as other exotic wildlife.

From the post: Where To Escape The Cold This Winter

Colorado

Colorado Ski Country USA member resorts and ski areas have various package deals on rentals, lift tickets, and professional instruction. From January 2-17, 2016, the Limelight Hotel at Aspen Snowmass has a "Beginners Incentive Package," held in conjunction with the Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard Schools, to give newbies proper gear, lessons, and lodging. Also, certain CSCUSA resorts will participate in a nationwide attempt to set a Guinness World Record, for the biggest multi-venue skiing and snowboarding lesson, on Friday, January 8. They include Buttermilk, Copper Mountain, Powderhorn, Steamboat, and Sunlight.

From the post: Where to Go During January’s Skiing and Snowboarding Month

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck, Austria, is a perfect example of a European city that is not that popular during the summer, but during wintertime, it becomes a "must-go" destination. With the first snow of the season come the skiers and other cold-weather outdoor sports junkies looking to enjoy the beautiful combination of the Austrian Alps with the Old World charm that Innsbruck has. The views here are stunning both from the city out to the mountains and from the mountains into the city. The city offers all-inclusive packages for its ski resorts and wintertime attractions.

From the post: Great Wintertime Destinations in Europe

ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Assembled with ice sourced from the Torne River, this frozen marvel is literally a work of art. Each year, designers are chosen to create and install unique artistic renditions of the hotel’s rooms and suites. Drinks from the bar are served in ice carved glasses, and meals at the restaurant come on ice crystal plates. And if in dire need for a warm up, a sauna and relaxation area provides the remedy.

From the post: 5 Of The Coolest Ice Hotels In The World

Sir Sam's Inn and WaterSpa (Haliburton, Ontario)

When former Canadian defense minister, Sir Sam Hughes, built his estate on Eagle Lake in Haliburton he likely had no idea that his rustic design would one day become one of Ontario's best getaways, even in the dead of winter. Whether you're in the mood for a little outdoor winter action or simply to whittle away at your stress by the fire, this cozy lakeside country inn could be the best winter getaway you never thought of taking. After a day of leisurely plowing through powder at the Sir Sam's Ski Area, yelling "Mush!" to your team of trusty sled dogs, or unleashing your inner Scandinavian at the nearby Haliburton Nordic Ski trails, retreat to the award-winning WaterSpa to soak your troubles away in mineral-rich waters.

From the post: Three Perfect Winter Resort Getaways in Ontario

Kangaroo Island, Australia

For those wanting to escape the cold this winter, Kangaroo Island conveniently has temperatures in the mid 70's - not to mention beaches, wildlife safaris, and tons of eco-friendly experiences. If you've got cash to burn, staying at Southern Ocean Lodge is a must, as you can sip wine in your standalone tub or on your private deck, and watch dolphins swimming in the ocean below. For a tour tailored to your interests, Exceptional Kangaroo Island specializes in customized tours - although you're also welcome to choose one of their special tours like the Food Safari, Island Life, and Art of Nature. Make sure to visit Flinders Chase National Park, home to an enormous colony (about 7,000!) of New Zealand fur-seals and a bizarre outcropping of Remarkable Rocks, and Seal Bay with its approximately 1,000 Australian sea lions. Wine tasting, visiting white sand beaches like Vivonne Bay and Stokes Bay, shipwreck diving, and savoring the world's only pure Ligurian honey at Cliffords Honey Farm - home to delicious honey ice cream - are other excellent warm-weather winter activities.

From the post: Where To Escape The Cold This Winter

Charleston, South Carolina

If you're looking for something on the East Coast, skip the obvious choices like New York or Florida, and consider Charleston. Think pecans roasting on an open fire instead of chestnuts, bourbon spiked eggnog, and a subdued, yet classy, celebration. Look for Dickens-themed festivities, sleigh rides, special dinners and just an overall comforting spirit of the holidays.

From the post: Unusual Places Around The World To Spend Christmas

New England Snowshoe and Spa Weekends, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Nestled in New Hampshire's White Mountains, travelers embarking on the Appalachian Mountain Club's Snowshoe and Spa Weekends will trek in the snow around Crawford Notch, taking in views of the frozen waterfalls, icy lakes, and the breathtaking Presidential Mountain Range and Mt. Washington. Interestingly, guests often find snowshoeing easier than traditional hiking, as obstacles like rocks and roots are buried, allowing for a more even terrain. Yoga and body treatments at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort Spa are also part of the itinerary, as is a selection of hearty yet healthy meals incorporating mostly local, seasonal ingredients. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like snowshoe hare, red fox, bobcat, moose and red squirrel. Take respite at the eco-friendly Highland Center Lodge, a popular pick for outdoor enthusiasts as the property hosts outdoor excursions and nature hikes.

From the post: Seven Healthy Retreats In The US To Visit This Winter

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Crescent City may be on your radar around Mardi Gras, but it's also a great place to visit during the winter holidays. One of the most popular events of the season is the annual caroling in historic Jackson Square. On December 21, families can join in a New Orleans tradition by singing carols amongst a candlelit Jackson Square. Not only is this event free and open to the public but candles and song sheets are provided. New Orleans can't forget its festive spirit, so be sure to catch one of the French Market Holiday Marching Band parades. Some of the most famous brass bands in New Orleans march through the market sharing their jazz versions of holiday classics in so-called second-lines. Second-lines will take place December 11, 18 and 25. There's a lot to do in New Orleans this holiday season, all with a fun New Orleans twist.

From the post: Great US Cities To Visit This Holiday Season

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.