The 20 best winter vacations to take this year Part 2

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.

10. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge.Shutterstock
If you’re looking for an adventurous winter vacation, Breckenridge, Colorado, is perfect. The charming town has plenty of shops and restaurants to explore in between hitting the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort.

9. The Big Island, Hawaii
The Big Island.Fominayaphoto / Shutterstock
Winter on the West Coast may not be that cold, but you can always find an excuse to take a quick winter trip to Hawaii.

Temperatures are mild on the big island in the winter, so it’s a great option for those looking for a tropical place to spend the holidays.

8. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park.Mr.Ruj_Thailand/Shutterstock
January and February are drier months in between the “short rain” season and “long rain” season, so it’s the perfect time to visit the Serengeti National Park for a safari.

Plus, visiting the park in the beginning of the year will allow you to see the beginning stages of the Great Migration, in which millions of wildebeests and other animals migrate across the African plains.

7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro.Catarina Belova/Shutterstock
The winter months are the perfect time to head down to Rio de Janeiro to enjoy the city’s tropical climate.

Visit Rio in early February to experience how Brazil celebrates Carnival. For 2018, Carnival will be held from February 9 to 13. The festival includes parades, performances by street bands, local dancers, and more.

6. Seville, Spain
Seville.iStock / Sean Pavone
Winter temperatures in Seville, Spain, range from the mid 50s to the low 60s. This mild weather is perfect for sightseeing and exploring all that the city has to offer. From the Seville Cathedral to Flamenco performances, there are plenty of ways to get to know the city like a local without the typical tourist crowds.

5. Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland.byvalet / Shutterstock
December, January, and February are summertime in New Zealand, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in Auckland.

If you’re looking to spend New Year’s Eve in Auckland, check out the Wondergarden music festival to ring in the new year and take in the beautiful city.

4. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City.Diego Grandi/Shutterstock
Quebec City is the perfect cold weather retreat for those looking for a cozy winter getaway. The city’s charming historic architecture is even more beautiful covered in snow. Plus, traditional French-Canadian cuisine, such as meat pie and maple pudding cake, will provide all the warmth you need.

3. Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Honolulu.Halekulani Hotel/Facebook
Head down to Waikiki Beach in Honolulu to view the intricately-designed holiday-themed sandcastles at the Sheraton Waikiki. The festive sculptures made from sand will put your traditional snowman to shame.

2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai.Shutterstock
The weather is generally warm and dry in Dubai during the wintertime, so there’s no better time to explore the bustling metropolis, as well as enjoy the beach.

Plus, Dubai is one of the most exciting places in the world to spend New Year’s Eve. Head to the base of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) for an amazing view of the city’s fireworks.

1. Rome, Italy
Rome.Shutterstock / Bucchi Francesco
Why not have your own Roman holiday and visit Italy’s capital city during the holiday season? US News & World Report named Rome the best winter vacation destination for 2018.

Rome typically experiences mild winters, with temperatures hovering around the mid 50s. With manageable weather and considerably smaller crowds than the summer months, winter is the perfect time to explore the sights of Rome.

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