There are two types of winter travelers. There are those that welcome cold, snowy days and on the other hand are travelers who seek out warmer climes when winter comes.
The United States has no shortage of winter resorts. Some of the best ski resorts in the world are located in the United States, particularly in the West, where the Rocky Mountains, Cascades, and Sierra Nevada ranges dominate the landscape from Colorado to California. In the East, there are popular ski resorts in Maine, New York, and south along the Appalachians. There are even ski and snowboarding resorts in the Southeast in the Smoky Mountains. In the Midwest, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have the most opportunities for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
For those fleeing the cold temperatures of winter, the United States has several options, including Florida, southern California, and a few islands in the Caribbean.
Florida has long been a place of pilgrimage for “snowbirds” from the north, particularly Canada, because of its sunny days and mild temperatures. North and Central Florida are prone to chillier weather from December to February, but southern Florida, including Orlando and Miami is typically blessed with temperatures in the low to mid 70s throughout the winter. Because Florida is such a winter hotspot, traveling there can be expensive.
The Golden State is a popular winter getaway for those who like to ski as well as stay warm. Southern California is where to go for mild temperatures. According to About’s Guide to California Travel, the best places to visit in California in the winter are Death Valley, which is cool enough to enjoy at this time of year, and Palm Springs.
Winter is the high season in the Caribbean. The weather is warm and hurricane season has passed. Therefore, Caribbean island destinations are very popular winter getaways for those who crave warmth and little sand between their toes. Furthermore, U.S. Caribbean islands are excellent vacation escapes for American travelers as no passport or visa is required. Non-U.S. travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico are subject to the same entry procedures that they would be on the mainland.
