#winter-travel

#winter-travel

Winter can sometimes be a challenging time to visit national parks due to weather and logistical considerations. Although some parks are definitely beautiful in the snow and cold, many are subject to road and trail closures with limited access during the winter months (or are even outright inaccessible). However, after visiting all 63 US national parks solo - many of them several times in different seasons - I have a few favorites that I enjoy visiting in the winter months.

Switzerland is a country where natural beauty and efficient, comfortable train travel go hand in hand. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the Glacier Express, a traveler-favorite train that chugs along over 180 miles between Zermatt and St. Moritz. It may be deemed the "slowest express train in the world," but don't let that deter you-the route gives way to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Europe, especially in the winter.

Like Quince's other cashmere products, this just-dropped baseball cap looks and feels luxurious without a sky-high price tag. I've seen similar cashmere hats from pricier brands which cost more than $200, so $58 is a bargain. Shoppers call it "the chic piece you didn't know you needed" and "the best cap ever." I can easily see why. The style, fit, and construction are all wins in my book.

As someone who treats travel days as an excuse to dress exclusively in soft, stretchy things, I take my sweatpants very seriously - especially in the winter. Not all travel pants are created equal, and I refuse to board a plane in anything that isn't cozy, warm, and at least moderately stylish. So I dug through Amazon's endless options and curated sweatpants that actually deliver.

As an NYC fashion writer, I treat late-night Zara scrolling like a sport-especially when I'm planning a winter trip. I found pieces that look designer, travel beautifully, and somehow all stay under $100, with prices starting at just $15. It's the rare moment when both your suitcase and your wallet win, and every piece somehow manages to look polished, cozy, and travel-ready all at once.

"During winter, Yellowstone National Park transforms into a vast, icy wonderland. Steam rising from Old Faithful and Yellowstone's other geothermal features creates a beautiful winter landscape,"

It's the magic of water and ice and snow and crystals.

When it comes to winter travel in the southwestern United States, a ski trip to Lake Tahoe or a glam Las Vegas getaway may come to mind. But a few hours' drive northeast of Sin City is a region with twisting canyons, cathedral-like spires, and delicate sandstone arches that only look more stunning with a dusting of snow. Southern Utah is home to five national parks, four national monuments, and countless hiking and biking trails.

Airbnb recently released its winter travel report for the 2025/2026 season, and Americans aren't sticking to old-standby spots this year. Overwhelmingly, U.S. travelers are turning towards under-the-radar destinations for winter sports and non-traditional beachfront getaways for their warm-weather plans. Families are leading the way in the trend, with 80 percent opting for suburban or rural vacations, according to Airbnb's report.

Travel during the fall and winter months carries a unique charm. While summer often draws crowds to beaches and iconic attractions, autumn and winter allow travelers to see destinations through a different lens. Some locations shine with colorful foliage, others dazzle with festive celebrations, and many transform into quiet retreats away from the bustle of peak seasons. For those planning a trip in 2025, the world offers an abundance of options tailored to different tastes, from snowy adventures to tropical escapes.

Starting in December, JetBlue will introduce new routes to Florida's Vero Beach and Daytona Beach, with discounted fares starting at $49 for new flights.

American Airlines is launching seasonal flights to top ski destinations this winter, including Sun Valley and Santa Fe, providing winter getaway options to travelers.