Best Winter Vacation Ideas: 25 Trip Ideas from Antigua to Zimbabwe

As temperatures start to drop, we’re turning our attention to the places to be this winter. Whether you’re looking for a snowy chalet where you can sip après cocktails by a roaring fire, a tropical island where you can relax with a beach read or a far-flung destination promising family-friendly adventures, we’ve rounded up 25 winter vacations ideas for the months between November and March, from Antigua to Zimbabwe.

Coastal Mexico

Mexico's beach regions are home to indulgent, spacious resorts where you can hide away for a week—and our top choices combine laidback luxury and a family-friendly vibe with just a hint of glamour. One of our team's favorites is the One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos. In the words of Indagare's Simone Girner, who first scouted the property: "Part family-friendly enclave, part indulgent adult playground, One&Only Palmilla maintains a delicate balance, mostly thanks to the welcoming and caring staff who prevent it from venturing too far into over-the-top (though there’s some of that, too). It helps that the hub of the property is a traditional Mexican hacienda, complete with a whitewashed chapel and bell tower dating back to 1956. Families with younger children will enjoy the kids’ club and family pool, while couples can opt for more privacy and pampering. There’s no shortage of activities, including golf, surf and sea excursions." Other top choices across Mexico's coastlines include Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakoba, Chablé Maroma and Hotel Esencia on the Riviera Maya, and Cuixmala in Jalisco (or sister property Hacienda de San Antonio, if you prefer the mountains).

The Caribbean

The Caribbean has long drawn couples, families and friends for easy warm-weather getaways, thanks to its powdery white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters and pampering resorts—but every island has its own atmosphere and specialties. For a jet-set scene, St. Barths is not to be missed, with top hotels including the legendary Hotel Le Toiny, Cheval Blanc St-Barth, Eden Rock, Le Sereno Hotel and buzzy Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa. With just a 3.5-hour direct flight from New York, travelers looking for a more romantic, secluded atmosphere should visit Turks & Caicos, where they can retreat into the private open-air pavilions (with direct ocean access) at the sleek and serene Amanyara, or the exclusive villas at COMO Parrot Cay, while Grace Bay Club offers separate accommodations and pools to keep both couples and families happy. Another top family-friendly option, also accessible via direct flights from the U.S., is Anguilla, where Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel sits on a virtually private mile-long beach overlooking Maundays Bay. After hours on the sand or in the sea or pool (top activities include sailing, snorkeling, scuba, golf, tennis, croquet or treatments at the Arawak Spa), days here usually end with sunset cocktails and a daily Champagne sabering ritual. And in Antigua, the all-inclusive Jumby Bay Island offers a private island location, friendly atmosphere and top-notch amenities on a spectacular beachfront, while the island's first luxury hotel, Curtain Bluff, guarantees personalized service and a host of activities (including squash, waterskiing, snorkeling, kayaking, tennis and more) that are well-suited to families with older children.

Australia and New Zealand

For a family adventure that is guaranteed to thrill everyone, from foodies and outdoor enthusiasts to history and culture buffs, Australia and New Zealand, experienced on their own or combined, present a winter vacation of epic proportions, with luxury lodges to match—and the added bonus of the warm, sunny weather of summer Down Under.

Australia is vast, and itinerary options are abundant. For a first exploration, Indagare typically recommends spending 10 to 14 days (minimum), split between Sydney (and Melbourne, if possible), Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef—with a few nights at a show-stopping wilderness resort like Lizard Island, Qualia, Longitude 131° (closing in 2027 for renovations), Saffire Freycinet or Southern Ocean Lodge, Beckons on Kangaroo Island. Meanwhile, slightly off the beaten path: Western Australia's capital Perth is a lively addition for its food, nightlife and gallery scenes; the Southern Highlands, Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Margaret River are wonderful for wine touring; and Lord Howe Island and Tasmania are ideal for laid-back atmospheres and spectacular wildlife adventures.

For a New Zealand family vacation, Indagare COO Eliza Scott Harris writes: "The life our family got to try on in New Zealand was one in which we were outdoors all day on adventures, constantly exclaiming over the beauty that surrounded us, laughing with our rugged guides and feeling like this was exactly how life was meant to be lived. Over dinner, my husband put it this way: 'It's a land of majesty and awe and the people reflect that. They have a humility and they are grateful to walk this earth.' They are also cheeky. I mean, who other than a Kiwi would think, 'You know what we should try? Catching lobster from a helicopter.'" For an all-around taste of New Zealand, with mountains, countryside, lake and beach, Eliza recommends: "Three nights at Blanket Bay will give you the glory of the Southern Alps, two nights at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, rolling hills, two nights at Huka Lodge, Beckons, fly fishing and woods, and three nights at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs will cap it off with beach, hiking and golf."

Getting There: Air New Zealand offers direct flights to Auckland from Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and New York, ranging from nine to 17.5 hours in duration, while Qantas, American Airlines, United and Delta offer direct flights to Sydney, across the same ports, with the same flight time—with the exception of New York (Qantas will soon offer new direct flights to Sydney and Melbourne from New York and London that will include dedicated wellness zones, as well as the opportunity to see not one but two sunrises on board, over 22 hours; dubbed "Project Sunrise," these routes are expected to launch in late 2027 and in 2028).

Belize, Panama and Costa Rica

The Central American nations of Belize, Panama and Costa Rica are home to lush jungles, white-sand beaches and azure seas that protect astounding biodiversity. Here, ancient ways of life survive in modern culture, emphasizing a spiritual harmony with Mother Earth—known in Costa Rica as "pura vida"—that manifests itself in a plethora of outdoor activities that will get your blood pumping and a holistic, nature-based approach to healing, nutrition and wellness. Creating a haven for true disconnection and restoration, a handful of singular eco-lodges—like Belize's Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn, Panama's Islas Secas and Sweet Bocas, and Costa Rica's Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection and Nayara Springs—offer intimate, outdoor-centric settings, with just a few standalone accommodations and mindfulness, beauty, spa, adventure and fitness programs.

The Alps

This winter, skiers and snow bunnies should escape to the Alps (French, Swiss, Austrian or Italian) with a private villa rental or a stay at one of our favorite hotels. Of particular note in this area are Chalet Pelerin and Chalet Hibou, two stunning properties from the ultimate adventure brand Eleven Experience that are nestled above Le Miroir, a farming village on the French and Italian border, and offer unparalleled access to seven world-class ski resorts—including Val d'Isѐre, Sainte Foy, Tignes, Les Arcs and La Rosiѐre—which can be reached in less than an hour by car or by helicopter (and Eleven Experience's heli-skiing program is unparalleled). Both properties are designed for full buyouts with family or friends, with Hibou offering six bedrooms and one bunk room, and Pelerin offering four bedrooms and one bunk room. Other amenities include a media room, an indoor freshwater pool, an outdoor hot tub and a sauna and steam room.

The American West

For a trip that's closer to home, but still offers a robust array of outdoor and wellness activities—as well as a luxe set of hotels and restaurants and wide-open, snow-dusted vistas—the ski towns of the American West could be the solution you've been searching for. While Aspen, Vail and Deer Valley will suit those looking for a bit of glamour, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Beaver Creek and Sun Valley are known for their easy charm and top-notch slopes. Indagare-adored properties like Montana's The Ranch at Rock Creek, Colorado's Dunton Hot Springs and Utah's The Lodge at Blue Sky will satisfy the non-skiers in your group with horseback riding, ice-skating, private movie theaters, spa treatments and more.

Puerto Rico

With tropical rainforests, pristine beaches and rich and varied cultural experiences, Puerto Rico is a wonderful destination for families seeking a memorable warm-weather winter vacation that's relatively easy to get to. One of our favorite properties on-island is Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, an oceanfront sanctuary sitting on a gorgeous three-mile stretch of sand with a swimmable turquoise cove. It offers prime wellness, golf and dining experiences, as well as a robust kids' club and off-property adventures like treks to caves and waterfalls, ATV touring and ziplining. Four- and five-bedroom residences accommodate multi-generational families and small groups of friends for an intimate holiday celebration. The conservation club is also a highlight here, with excursions like underwater photography, snorkeling and nighttime forest walks—or enjoy tastings at the largest wine cellar in Puerto Rico, or a treatment at the five-acre botanical oasis spa.

Peru

Peru is a fascinatingly rich destination that is a rite of passage for sophisticated explorers with an appreciation for the past. Visiting the perched ruins of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is certainly a profound highlight, and many Indagare members have enjoyed hiking the Inca Trail or taking the scenic Hiram Bingham train from Belmond to get there. But there are also lesser-known Inca ruins throughout the Sacred Valley, as well as contemporary culture- and museum-packed cities like Cusco and Lima—and an abundance of nature in the Amazon and Colca Canyon (where one can hope to spot the giant Andean condor). There's no shortage of wonderful hotels throughout—but for a seamless winter vacation, we recommend following the Belmond circuit, with a combination of stops at any of the brand's beautiful retreats, including Sanctuary Lodge, Rio Sagrado, Monasterio and Palacio Nazarenas. Alternatively, take to the rails for a truly dreamy voyage aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer.

Egypt

On the other side of the world, the treasures of Egypt can now be enjoyed—generally without the crowds—for a far-flung history-focused winter vacation. Egypt is home to one-third of the world's antiquities and the only remaining monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (the Pyramids at Giza). For thousands of years, travelers have journeyed from all over the world to witness the glorious temples built by the pharaohs. Today, visitors can see these ancient treasures alongside new wonders—from the groundbreaking Grand Egyptian Museum to the glamorous luxury yachts that cruise up and down the Nile. In the words of Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley: "The awe that you feel in the shadow of the pyramids or when surrounded by the still vibrant colors in Nefertari's Tomb must be experienced to be understood. There is simply no way to comprehend the immensity of this history without going—or returning—as tombs continue to be discovered and treasures unveiled." (And Melissa still cites her family holiday trip to Egypt as one of her all-time favorites.)

London and its Surrounds

If your winter vacation preferences err on the side of cozy, London, its surrounds and the Cotswolds are a top choice. We recommend holing up at an idyllic country estate like Heckfield Place, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons (closed for renovations until mid/late 2027), The Newt in Somerset, Estelle Manor, Thyme or Cliveden House, or else your own private rental, where you will have plenty of time to make your way through The Holiday, Love Actually, Pride & Prejudice and perhaps even a Harry Potter marathon. Then, transfer back into the city for afternoon teas at such locales as Claridge’s and sketch—whose winter decorations are absolutely over-the-top, in the best way—trips to Harrods and the National Gallery and meals at our favorite restaurants.

Vienna, Prague and Budapest

For a European escape filled with chic hotels, festive cheer and holiday soirées, Vienna, Prague and Budapest combine urban style and tradition in perfect measure. Spend your days touring decadent imperial palaces, shopping the Christmas markets, sipping beer and mulled wine in the cafés and ruin bars and reading by the fire in your hotel's lounge. For an unforgettable winter celebration, Indagare can arrange a Champagne cruise down the Danube on a heated boat or book a private table at one of Vienna's world-famous winter balls. Plus: new hotel openings like the Rosewood Vienna and the Corinthia Budapest offer a greater range of choices for wonderful places to stay.

Croatia

For oenophiles seeking new experiences, Croatia's northwestern region of Istria should be next on your list. In addition to producing a wide variety of wines (including Malvasia, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Teran, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera and Syrah), the region is home to a truly impressive food scene (particularly celebrated for its truffles), with noted restaurants ranging from the Slow Food establishment Toklarija, which is housed in a medieval olive mill, to Monte, the first restaurant in Croatia to receive a Michelin star. Beyond Istria's rolling hills and medieval towns, the region also has the added benefit of direct access to the Adriatic, with seaside spots like Rovinj drawing insiders, thanks to gallery-lined streets, a growing number of luxury hotels and, of course, plenty of wine bars.

Portugal

Lisbon has everything a traveler could want: great food, fabulous art, robust history, sensational wine and a bustling contemporary scene. During the winter months, mild weather (sunny, at 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit) makes Lisbon a top choice for travelers who want to spend time exploring outdoors, and many pleasant afternoons can be spent wandering the city's hilly, cobblestoned streets. In addition to day (or overnight) trips to the cities of Sintra, Cascais and Porto, the perfect winter itinerary must include a few nights’ stay at the Six Senses resort in the Douro Valley.

Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe

In times of transition, travel can be a salve for the soul—and perhaps there is no better place to reflect on the end of another year, and the change of seasons, than the so-called Cradle of Humankind. Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe are home to exceptional wildlife viewing and some of our favorite camps—including Segera Retreat, Angama Mara, Singita Sabora and Mwiba Lodge. In the words of Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley, on returning to Kenya: "As I went to bed on my first night, I started ticking off the joys of travel: The sound of foreign languages (Swahili greetings at the airport). Exotic nighttime smells (acacia fires). The novelty of an alien popular culture (local radio). Warm welcomes (hot soup on arrival). Remembered rituals (a hot-water bottle between the sheets). Missed sights (the Southern Cross) and beloved habits (falling asleep far from home, ready to awaken in discovery mode). And the pleasures continued as the days went on. We hiked along the ridge of the Great Rift Valley and the Laikipia plains, spotting elephants, giraffes and buffalo and relishing the return to Africa’s bush. Deep in Samburu country, we had sundowners around an impromptu fire. Kenya's landscapes, with its forever views, made me feel miniscule and filled with humility, awe and wonder."

Rwanda and Namibia

If you're looking to get far, far away from your own backyard, both Rwanda and Namibia offer temperate weather and the chance to immerse yourself in nature. A retreat to our favorite luxury safari lodges—like Rwanda's Wilderness Bisate, Wilderness Magashi Camp and One&Only Gorilla's Nest and Namibia's Wilderness Little Kulala, Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast and Wilderness Serra Cafema—will include days scouting for gorillas, lions, elephants or rhinos; the chance to engage with local communities and culture; dining under the stars; and connection with the beating heart of Africa.

Says Indagare VP of Sales Elise Bronzo, on traveling to Namibia: "While most travelers consider Namibia to be a safari destination, it would be more accurately described as a wilderness destination suited to nature seekers who love places like Chile, Peru, New Zealand and the American West. For me, it ranks as one of the most humbling landscapes in the world."

Urban Mexico and Colombia

Together, Mexico City and Bogota are home to many of the World's 50 Best restaurants and a plethora of museums, art galleries and design studios; additionally, Indagare can arrange special-access tours of highlights like Bogota's Botero Museum and Mexico City's Anthropology Museum (in the words of an Indagare member: "The night tour at the anthropology museum in Mexico City was absolutely incredible. We had the entire museum to ourselves—literally, no other visitors were there, just the security guards."). For a quieter escape that is no less exceptional when it comes to cuisine, crafts, architecture and boutique hotels, smaller towns like San Miguel de Allende and Cartagena are ideal.

Morocco

Marrakech is a shopaholic's dream, where you can pick up everything from latticed lanterns and Berber kilim rugs to argan oil, leather bags, kaftans, glassware, ceramics, slippers and one-of-a-kind furniture. For ultimate indulgers, palatial hotels like La Mamounia and Royal Mansour Marrakech—and resorts outside the city like Kasbah Tamadot and Dar Ahlam—are worth the trip alone.

Japan

With its numerous subcultures and trendy cult fashion, the Japanese capital Tokyo offers shoppers everything from antique tea sets to the latest J-pop fashion, as well as clothing and accessories from every European and American designer of note. Among the best Japanese finds are paper goods, kitchen knives, matcha tea, sake, handmade fans, kimonos, pottery and novelty snacks. Plus, extend your trip to Kyoto for two new luxury properties worth a visit: Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto and The Shinmonzen, the nine-room boutique sister property to Indagare favorite Villa La Coste in Provence.

Iguazú National Park and Chilean Patagonia

For a winter getaway that offers tropical temperatures, bright colors and otherworldly wildlife, look no further than the banks of the Iguazú river in Argentina, home to Awasi Iguazú. The secluded resort sits in the heart of the rainforest, 20 minutes from the legendary waterfalls, and contains 14 eco-friendly private villas with plunge pools that cater to couples and families. Although Awasi Iguazú is a destination in its own right, Indagare can also arrange trips that include stops at the Awasi sister properties in Chilean Patagonia and the Atacama Desert (subject to availability, which may be very limited) for a more dynamic South American adventure, where outdoor enthusiasts can trek, bike or horseback ride through mountain ranges and glacial valleys that are home to such wildlife as condors, guanacos and pumas.

Hawaii

For nature lovers who also want to lounge on the beach, Hawaii offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. The 50th state abounds in breathtaking natural beauty as well as spectacular ways for active travelers to experience it, from surfing on Oahu and snorkeling on the Hawaii - Big Island to hiking through Kauai's jungle and climbing Mauna Kea volcano.