The 20 best winter vacations to take this year Part 1

By Madeline Diamond, INSIDER From Business Insider

Whether you’re looking for cold or warm weather, there are plenty of destinations that are perfect for winter travel.
Park City, Utah, is home to amazing skiing as well as the Sundance Film Festival.
Summertime begins in December in Peru, so it’s the perfect place to escape winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Many people in the US choose to travel during the summer months, although the wintertime is also a great time to take a trip. From ski getaways in the mountains to trips to tropical islands, many destinations are at their best during the winter.

US News & World Report recently released a list of the top 20 winter vacation destinations, giving the top spot to Rome, Italy.

Whether you want to play in the snow or escape from the cold, keep reading for the best winter vacations to take this year.

20. Park City, Utah
Park City.Johnny Adolphson/Shutterstock
Besides being home to some of the best skiing in the US, Park City, Utah, has a thriving arts scene.

From January 18 to 28, the city hosts the annual Sundance Film Festival, which showcases independent filmmakers.

19. Costa Rica
Costa Rica.Flickr/kansasphoto
Costa Rica’s rainy season ends in mid-December, so there’s no better time than winter to enjoy warm, sunny days by the beach.

18. Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Zihuatanejo.stacyarturogi/Shutterstock
Zihuatanejo is far from being Mexico’s most popular tourist destination, but that’s exactly what makes it the perfect spot for a laid back beach vacation. Plus, average temperatures in January and February are in the high 70s.

17. Lima, Peru
Lima.Fotos593/Shutterstock
Summer begins in December in Peru, so if you’re looking to escape winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Lima is your perfect destination. The city is also a culinary hotspot, and home to a full three restaurants on the Diner’s Club World’s 50 best restaurants list.

16. Singapore
Singapore.FuuTaMin / Shutterstock
The weather in Singapore is pleasant year-round, although the wintertime is a particularly great time to visit. Many people visit Singapore for the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated on February 16 and 17 this year.

15. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena.Shutterstock
Cartagena is a beautiful historic city with stunning architecture, year-round mild weather, and a plethora of festivals in the winter.

On such festival is the annual Hay Festival, which is held in late January, and draws writers, filmmakers, and authors from all over the world.

14. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town.Andrea Willmore / Shutterstock
There’s no better time than winter to escape to the Southern Hemisphere, where it’s summer. The summer months in Cape Town are full of outdoor sporting events and concerts, including Kirstenbosch Sundowner Concerts that run from November to April.

13. Miami, Florida
Miami.Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Late February is one of the best times to visit Miami because of the weather, as well as the lack of crowds. Take this opportunity to get out of a winter rut and enjoy the sun, sand, and Miami’s vibrant culture.

12. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei.fazon1 / iStock
Taipei, Taiwan, is home to the eighth tallest building in the world, Taipei 101. The bright lights of the city near the massive skyscraper make Taipai the perfect place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Even better, some of the country’s best street food can be found in Taipei’s many night markets.

11. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket.Shutterstock
January through March are considered the best times to visit Phuket. After monsoon season ends, Phuket often has mild temperatures without much rain.

The Phuket Old Town Festival, held in February every year, is a vibrant cultural celebration featuring local dancers and artists, canal boat rides, and delicious street food.

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