Winter Vacation Destinations Around the World

Five miles north of Moab, Utah, visitors will find a surreal experience at Arches National Park. Filled with over 2,000 naturally formed stone arches, the park offers a chance to see pinnacles, towers, balanced rocks and, of course, natural arches. All this red rock splendor dazzles beneath the perpetually blue skies. Most people visit the park by driving through it, but there are countless ways to experience it. Adventure travelers can backpack, hike, bike, and rock climb. Romantic types will enjoy horseback riding among the dream-like territory and stargazing into the vast night sky. Specific tours and ranger-led programs are both available. Devil’s Garden, Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch, and The Windows are must-see places.

Bali conjures images of white sand beaches, lush jungles and colorful flowers, rice paddies, and underwater coral reefs in tranquil, turquoise waters. These characteristics are all true. Bali province includes a main island with a few smaller islands. Active travelers will want to make their ways to Kuta on the island’s south side, where they’ll find a lively beach bar scene. Families may find Nusa Dua, Seminyak, and Sanur more to their liking. The range of activities on the island is vast and varied, including an array of watersports from scuba diving to paragliding. There is everything from meditation and yoga to volcano treks to rice fields and cultural shows.

Banff is a small town nestled in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. The Rockies bring their own magnificence with abundant wildlife, spectacular snowy peaks, and glacier-fed lakes, and there are lots of ways to enjoy them. Winters bring opportunities to ice skate, ski, snowboard, toboggan, and snowshoe. During summer, there is camping, biking fishing, kayaking, swimming, and more. Visitors must experience a few standouts – touring the lake, riding the Banff Gondola, and soaking in hot springs. There are art galleries and museums waiting to be explored and historic sites demanding to be examined. The Mountain Madness Relay Race, SnowDays winter festival, and A Taste for Adventure add to the fun during winter.

A trip to Egypt must include the iconic jewel of the Nile – Cairo. The bustling mega-city is filled with cultural wonder both ancient and modern. Visitors will want to put a few select must-do activities on their list, because there is so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming. The Egyptian Museum and Coptic Museum are good places to start an exploration of the city. Khan Al Khalili, a 14th century medieval-style market has everything from souvenir pyramids to gold to colorful and fragrant spices. The Pyramids of Giza are by far the biggest attraction. This 4,000-year-old archaeological site includes the big four: The Sphinx, Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Menkaure, and Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Denver , also known as the Mile High City, is the cultural epicenter of Colorado. Visitors will enjoy the world-class Denver museums, plus the less formal art districts. There are seven districts in total, each offering monthly artwalks. Denver street art is a mix of murals, graffiti, and other art forms. There are countless ways to enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic vistas of Denver. The tree-lined 16th Street Pedestrian Mall is a must with 28 outdoor cafés and evening horse-drawn carriage rides. Rocky Mountain National Park is just over an hour away, where visitors will find cascading waterfalls, snowcapped mountain peaks, alpine lakes, beautiful wildflowers, and historic Estes Park.

As the third-largest island of Spain’s Canary Islands archipelago, Gran Canaria appeals to just about every traveler with year-round entertainment and leisure activities in near-perfect weather. Active travelers will appreciate opportunities for windsurfing, diving, climbing, fishing, surfing, and sailing. Sun lovers will find all manner of beaches on this small island, from seemingly endless stretches of dunes to hidden coves tucked away along 146 miles of coastline. The island’s interior offers hiking, cycling, climbing, and exploring. Those seeking a cultural experience should head to the historic capital of Las Palmas. The Roque Bentayga Visitors Center or the Vegueta neighborhood of Las Palmas are excellent starting places.

Joshua Tree National Park is at the junction of the Mojave and Colorado deserts in Southern California. Visitors can explore the two desert ecosystems independently, but to get a true understanding of the region, there are numerous tours on offer, from guided hiking tours to open-air Hummer tours. Joshua Tree is widely known for the climbing, scrambling, and rappelling opportunities scattered throughout the park’s surreal geologic landscape. Indian Cove is a rock climbers’ paradise. For those fascinated by Joshua trees, Covington Flats provides the best concentration. Black Rock Canyon is great for wildlife viewing. Designated a Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree is the perfect place to see the Milky Way like never before.

The best way to discover Los Angeles is through its neighborhoods, each offering a distinct experience from the others. Many travelers are drawn first to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Malibu, hoping for a glimpse of their favorite movie stars. Highlights of Hollywood include the TLC Chinese Theater and Walk of Fame, and the Dolby Theater, home to the Academy Awards. Beverly Hills has the luxurious Rodeo Drive shopping district and the iconic Beverly Hills Trolley Tour. Coastal communities like Malibu with 21 miles of spectacular beaches, Santa Monica with its iconic pier and popular nightlife, and Venice Beach with Muscle Beach and the historic Venice Canals are all coveted experiences.

Macao, situated along the southern coast of China, has been dubbed the “Las Vegas of Asia” for its striking casinos along the Cotai Strip. Travelers can indulge in lavish gaming, nightlife, and shows in this glittering city. Macau Tower provides not only the best views of the city, but some of the most adventurous activities like the Tower Skywalk, Bungy Jump, and Tower Skyjump. This energetic city is equal parts futuristic and historic. Visitors will find more than 20 impressive monuments and squares in the Historic Centre of Macao, which is on the World Heritage List. There are also plenty of museums and galleries, churches, temples, gardens, and fortresses to explore. Local sightseeing tours are the best way to take it all in.

The precincts of Melbourne offer visitors an eclectic array of cultural, historical, and outdoor experiences. Travelers to this city, located in Victoria, Australia, will love the artsy laneways of the City Centre, filled with bars, restaurants, and street art – especially found near Flinders Lane. Lively Bourke Street Mall offers great shopping and entertaining buskers, and haute couture shopping abounds on Collins Street. The sights and smells of Chinatown draw travelers to the many bars and restaurants. Catch sports fever at Melbourne’s sports precinct, and stop and smell the roses at Werribee Park and Mansion. Birrarung Marr, Yarra River, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Royal Botanic Garden, and Federation Square provide a chance to enjoy Melbourne outdoors.