The Best Winter Travel Destinations In The World in 2025!

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Here’s a quick list of the best travel destinations for winter around the world. 

• Switzerland
• Hawaii, USA
• Australia 
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• The Bahamas
• Aspen, Colorado
• Las Vegas, Nevada 
• Lapland, Finland
• The Canary Islands, Spain 
• Thailand

Ok, let’s get down to it. Here I’ve created a list that spans several continents, climates and even hemispheres to bring you a varied list for your next winter trip. 

1) Switzerland

If you’re searching for the definition of a winter wonderland, then travelling to Switzerland just might be the perfect destination for your next trip. With several quaint Alpine towns nestled in the snow-covered mountains, to romantic cities decked out for Christmas, it’s the perfect winter getaway. 

Whilst Switzerland in the winter might be associated with snow sports, and with good reason, there’s much more going on here. Sure, head up to Interlaken,  Zermatt, Verbier or St. Moritz for the time of your life skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and snowshoeing. 

But you don’t need to be an action sports junkie to have a great time. Indulge in some apres ski, without the skiing! Warm yourself up with some cheese fondue by the fire, or jump on board the Glacier Express or Jungfraubahn to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a train car. After that, wander the Christmas markets or take a dip in the Mineralbad & Spa thermal baths. 

Weather 

Average highs range from 2-6°C (36-43°F) and lows stay around -2 to -5°C (23-28°F), depending on the region and altitude. 

Best Hotel – Hotel Weisshorn

Best Hostel  – Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

2) Hawaii, USA

Ok, let’s switch it up a little. So, heading for fresh powder might not be for everyone, and trust me, I get that having grown up in the rainy Northwest of England! Instead, let’s get the hell outta here and head for sunnier climes with one of the best warm winter destinations in the US.

Where better to escape winter than the tropical island paradise of Hawaii? In fact, I would say that winter is the best time to visit with mild weather, fewer crowds and peak surf conditions. 

Plus, the winter season is prime whale watching time, so you can give yourself an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Christmas. If you prefer to stick to dry land, take advantage of the perfect weather conditions for some epic hiking, from jungles to volcanos, the choice is yours!

Weather 

Average highs range from 26-28°C (79-82°F) and lows stay around 18-21°C (64-70°F)

Best Hotel – Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel

Best Hostel – Waikiki Heritage Hotel

3) Australia 

Ok, so this one might be a little confusing because I’m talking about winter travel, but this time we’re headed to Australia for summer! Yes, that’s correct, why not escape winter entirely by heading to the Southern Hemisphere where they’re basking in the sunlit season? 

If you’re gonna head down under then you better be sure you like it hot! This time of year can be tough going for those not used to the heat. So I would suggest giving the tropical top end a miss (save that for their winter) and instead take in the glorious weather in places like Sydney, Melbourne and the aptly named Sunshine Coast. 

Chuck off your long johns because you can spend Christmas day surfing at the beach or hitting up a barbie in the park rather than huddled up under a blanket at home! A northern hemisphere winter trip to Australia is perfect for those who are just not willing to say goodbye to summer just yet. 

Weather 

Sydney or Melbourne are cooler, have highs of 25-30°C (77-86°F) and lows around 15-20°C (59-68°F).

Best Hotel – Coogee Sands Hotel & Apartments

Best Hostel – Wake Up! Bondi Beach

4) Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Alright alright, let’s bring things back to the freezing lands of the Northern Hemisphere for a moment because I know there are plenty of people out there who prefer this frosty time of year. You’re mad of course, but who am I to judge? 

Well anyway, if you’re going to spend the winter standing the right way up, then why not embrace it and go full send? Jackson Hole is the perfect destination for those wanting to have outdoor adventures BECAUSE of the snow, rather than in spite of it 

From steep and challenging runs to seeing the iconic Yellowstone National Park enveloped in a blanket of snow, Jackson Hole is perfect for the adventurous traveller. Plus, you can go snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park if you don’t fancy hurtling down a mountain at speed! 

Weather 

Average highs range from 24-26°C (75-79°F) and lows stay around 19-21°C (66-70°F).

Best Hotel – Snake River Lodge & Spa

Best Cabin – Teton Valley

5) The Bahamas

Alright sorry, I can’t help it, I’ve got to head somewhere warm!

If you’re the same and you’re looking for paradise, then honestly, The Bahamas is hard to beat. For the beach bums among us, there’s nowhere better to escape the grey drizzle of home than places like Gold Rock or Pink Sands Beach. 

Weatherwise you’ll find it ideal with mild temperatures, low humidity and mostly dry and sunny days. It’s perfect for taking a tip in the turquoise waters or lying on the white or pink sands. Plus, who doesn’t want to spend Christmas swimming with pigs?! 

If you’re looking for something else to do than just lazing on the beach, then this time of year is also ideal for snorkelling and whale watching. Another bonus to visiting in the winter is the lack of crowds that ruin the tranquil vibes over the spring and summer. 

Weather 

Average highs range from 24-26°C (75-79°F) and lows stay around 19-21°C (66-70°F)

Best Hotel – Orange Hill Beach Inn

Best Bungalow – The Village

6) Aspen, Colorado

For snowsports enthusiasts, Aspen, Colorado is the ultimate winter destination to fulfil all your dreams and aspirations. This well-known snowboard and ski resort town guarantees great riding conditions with over 300 inches of snow each winter. 

Whether you’re a beginner looking to take your first steps out on the snow or you’re an experienced pro looking for some unforgettable off-piste adventures, there’s a run for everyone. Plus, the Apres ski here is a thing of legend! 

If you’re not keen on action sports, the town still has plenty to offer with scenic vistas at the Maroon Bells, sedate activities like snowshoeing and hitting the boutique shops on Galena Street. I mean, who doesn’t love updating their insta with winter wonderland selfies in Aspen? 

Weather 

Average highs range from -2 to 5°C (28-41°F) and lows stay around -12 to -8°C (10-17°F)

Best Hotel – St. Regis Aspen Resort

Best Cabin – River’s Edge Cabin

7) Lapland, Finland

If you’re really looking to go all in when it comes to embracing the winter season then it doesn’t get more magical than a trip to Lapland in Finland. Whether you’re taking the kids to meet Santa or embracing your inner child, it offers the perfect blend of scenery, culture and activities. 

One of the real highlights of spending time here above the Arctic Circle is the opportunity to spot the incredible Northern Lights. This area offers prime viewing conditions and can be combined with fun activities like husky sledding and snowmobile safaris. 

For the kids, visiting the Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi is a must-visit. You can even take a reindeer Safari to complete the experience. If you’re looking for something a bit more cultured, then use your visit to learn all about the indigenous Sami people of this region. You can even spend the night in a igloo! 

Weather 

Average highs range from -6 to -10°C (14-21°F) and lows stay around -15 to -25°C (-5 to -13°F)

Best Hotel – Holiday Village Valle

Best Cabin – Glass Igloo

8) Las Vegas, Nevada 

Vegas Baby! I mean, any time of year is great for a trip to Las Vegas, right? But winter offers the chance to go wild on the strip without the overwhelming crowds of summer cramping your style. Or hey, if you want a more chilled-out experience, this is your opportunity. 

Winter temperatures might not be as warm as some places on this list, but hey, we don’t all want to fry year-round. Whilst you’ll find Vegas offers comfortable weather over the winter, if you want to hit the slopes, you’re still within 35 miles of places like Mount Charleston. 

Whilst the city is quieter over this time, it still offers a great atmosphere over the holiday period with incredible displays at places like The Bellagio, The Venetian, and Caesars Palace. If you’re here for New Year’s Eve, then make sure to check out the huge fireworks display on the strip. 

Weather 

Average highs range from 14-17°C (57-63°F) and lows stay around 4-6°C (39-43°F)

Best Hotel – Bellagio

Best Apartment – The Signature MGM Penthouse

9) The Canary Islands, Spain 

These Spanish Islands off the coast of Africa are a classic place for Brits to escape the damp and dreary weather of Northern Europe. With warm and pleasant temperatures, plenty of sunny days and San Miguel on tap, it’s easy to see why. 

These islands are known for their incredible beaches, which are perfect for those looking to stay either in a resort or just relax by the sea. But more than that, this time of year allows visitors to fully embrace the adventure activities these islands are also famous for including volcano hiking, climbing and mountain biking. 

Speaking of volcanos, these islands offer a totally unique ecosystem and environment to the rest of Europe, here you can explore lava fields and climb up to several impressive calderas. Winter is also the perfect time for star-gazing with the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory and Teide Observatory offering stunningly clear skies. 

Weather 

Average highs range from 20-22°C (68-72°F) and lows stay around 14-16°C (57-61°F)

Best Hotel – The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama

Best Hostel – Lagarto Hostel Tenerife

10) Thailand

Rounding off this list is the ultimate backpacker destination, Thailand! If you want to totally escape the drudgery of home during the winter, then grab the elephant pants and get yourself down here. Though I’ve added it at the end of the list, I’ve saved the best for last. For me, Thailand is the ultimate winter destination. 

Winter is the perfect time for a visit as it coincides with the dry season so you’ll be greeted with an abundance of clear, sunny days. Exactly what you’re after when you’re planning your escape! I mean, who doesn’t want to spend winter island hopping in paradise with an endless supply of 7/1 toasties at hand?! 

Whether you want the sensory overload of busy Bangkok, to relax on the beaches of Khao Samui or go trekking through the mountains of Chiang Mai, there’s an adventure for everyone. In fact, I’ve never met someone who didn’t fall in love with Thailand, even the most sceptical of Yorkshiremen (mentioning no names here!) 

Weather 

Average highs range from 28-32°C (82-89°F) and lows stay around 20-24°C (68-75°F)

Best Hotel – Buri Sriping Riverside Resort & Spa

Best Hostel – Revolution Chiang Mai

Getting Insured BEFORE Your Winter Trip 

Traveling in the winter might be the ideal time to get in another adventure, but oftentimes it brings with it added potential hazards… especially if you’re headed for the snow! So do yourself a favour and get some good quality travel insurance so you can hit the slopes or the beach with confidence. 

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Ok, well there you go. I’ve given you a whole heap of different options depending on your travel style and you’re like or dislike of cold weather! Hopefully, you can find the perfect winter travel destinations for your next trip. 

For me, I love it warm. I mean yeah sure, Switzerland is bloody epic and stunning as hell in winter, but I can hold off until summer for my favourite activities in the Alps! Instead, I prefer to escape to places like Thailand or head straight into another summer down under in Australia! 

What are your favourite winter destinations for travel? 

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