Best Winter Travel Destinations In 2023 - 6 Incredible Options

If traveling more is your new year’s resolution, you’re in luck. You can visit some of the best winter travel destinations in 2023, and there are plenty of great options. Winter is one of the best times to travel, especially for those who want to take advantage of fewer crowds and lower prices.

There’s also a suitable winter destination for everyone. Those who want to escape the cold weather can head to warm, sunny destinations. Conversely, those who want to take full advantage of the season can visit some amazing winter wonderlands and ski destinations.

No matter what kind of trip suits you, here are some of the best winter travel destinations in 2023.

Best Warm Winter Travel Destinations In 2023

Looking for some winter sun? If you’re tired of chilly weather, you can jet off to one of the best warm winter travel destinations in 2023. These places are perfect for those who want to feel like they’re on an affordable summer holiday in the middle of winter.

1. The Algarve, Portugal

If you’re looking for a warm Europe winter travel destination, look no further than the Algarve region of Portugal. Located along Portugal’s south coast, this area is lined with beautiful beach towns full of affordable hotels and fun activities.

Albufeira is one of the most popular towns in the Algarve. Here, you’ll find some beautiful cliff-lined beaches. You can also enjoy wine tours, whale watching, or kayaking. Alternatively, relax in an all-inclusive hotel and enjoy visiting the local markets and historical sites.

Lagos is another perfect winter destination in the Algarve. Many people come here to surf, swim, or enjoy the party scene. However, it’s also great for scenic beach relaxation. Other top spots include Faro, Tavira, and Sagres. With clear, sunny skies every day, you can’t go wrong.

2. Bangkok, Thailand

While Thailand is known for scorching temperatures, the period between November to February is the cool season in this Southeast Asian country. This makes it a perfect time to visit the capital city of Bangkok. You’ll experience summer-like weather every day along with plenty of cool cultural activities.

You can visit breathtaking Buddhist temples such as Wat Pho and Wat Saket. You can also visit some of the greatest markets Asia has to offer, including the huge Chatuchak Weekend Market and Asiatique Night Market. You can also enjoy the nightlife or visit massive shopping malls such as ICONSIAM.

If you want to visit the beach, Pattaya is just a couple of hours away. You can also head on a quick, cheap flight to one of the islands, such as Phuket, Ko Pha-ngan, or Koh Samui. However, keep in mind that some of the islands are particularly rainy in January.

3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is another perfect winter destination if you’re looking for summer temperatures. You can enjoy beach weather every single day with barely any rain. Of course, you can also enjoy world-class nightlife and all kinds of incredible Mexican food.

It’s known as one of the safer destinations in Mexico. What’s more, while it’s perfectly tourist-friendly, it’s not as Americanized as places like Cancun or Cabo. This makes it welcoming and affordable while still offering tourists a chance to delve into Mexican culture.

You can spend plenty of time relaxing on the beautiful beaches. You can also check out the Malecón Boardwalk - full of fun places to shop, drink, eat, and enjoy the views. Alternatively, head out to scenic viewpoints or take a day trip to the nearby islands.

Best Cold Winter Destinations In 2023

Not everyone wants to spend their winter in warm, sunny spots. On the contrary, some travelers prefer to venture to the best winter wonderlands in the world. If you enjoy ice skating, skiing, and winter activities, these are some of the best cold winter destinations in 2023.

1. Montreal, Canada

If you’re looking for a vibrant city that’s even more magical in the winter, visit Montreal. The capital of Quebec is known for its sensational nightlife, world-class food scene, and unique culture. Winter is one of the best times to visit as the area is full of fun winter activities and experiences.

Montreal is known for its winter festivals, such as the Luminotherapy festival which runs from January to March. Visit the Quartier des Spectacles to see amazing winter light displays and shows. You can also check out the Igloofest on the weekends in the Old Port for cool outdoor concerts.

Other fun winter events include the Laval En Blanc, Montreal en Lumiere, and Nuit Blanche. Of course, you can also go ice skating in various public spaces or take in the beautiful views from the Mont Royale. You’re never short of things to do in the winter in Montreal.

2. Interlaken, Switzerland

Looking for a breathtakingly scenic winter destination? Interlaken is known for its incredible mountains, beautiful lakes, and world-class ski resorts. If you’re looking for an awesome winter holiday in Europe, this is one of the best destinations to consider.

There are various places to partake in winter sports throughout Interlaken. You can stay in a swanky hotel or even a warm winter chalet if you want to ski, snowboard, and sled. Other activities are also available, such as paragliding and kayaking.

If you’re not looking for an extreme holiday, you can simply enjoy the relaxed vibes and local walking trails. Interlaken is also known for its awesome winter markets - you’re sure to find some unique crafts and souvenirs here.

3. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn in December to February looks like something out of a winter fairytale. The old town is always an interesting place to visit due to its unique architecture and quaint vibes. However, it makes much more of an impact when it’s covered in snow and lined with exciting winter markets.

The capital of Estonia is easily one of the best winter travel destinations in 2023. You can enjoy the awesome local food scene, go ice skating, and even head outside the city for scenic hiking trails. You should also try a traditional Estonian sauna while you’re here - winter is the perfect time to do so.

Compared to various other winter destinations in Europe, Tallinn is surprisingly budget-friendly. You can stay in the city center without spending too much and there’s also plenty of affordable food. You can even take a day trip to Helsinki, Finland via ferry.

Conclusion

Looking for an exciting winter trip? These are some of the best winter travel destinations in 2023. Of course, you might also want to consider alternatives such as Chamonix, Prague, Lima, Bali, or Split.

Wherever you choose to go, make sure you grab the right gear for your travels. For instance, you might want to grab a secure travel daypack for your daily journeys or a handy travel pouch. From high-quality travel bags to top travel accessories, you can find everything you need at ALPAKA.

 

Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash