Now that the excitement and sparkle of the holiday season has worn away and the white, fluffy snow has melted, it’s time to start planning your alternative spring break escape. Most spring break destinations cater to college students during their spring semester, but what family vacations are available at this time of year? Fear not! Here are the top five best alternative spring break destinations to escape to and enjoy with the family.
5. Sedona | Arizona
A great option for families that want to get away from partying college students, Sedona’s striking red rock landscapes offer the perfect place to enjoy family hiking trips and picnics in the desert and provide a great alternative spring break trip. Known for its native Saguaro cacti, the unique town of Sedona has a thriving art community, with plenty of shops, spas, and galleries in the immediate area. If you are looking to explore unique trinket shops, we recommend the short drive into Scottsdale just south of Sedona, where you can buy your own mini-Cactus!
Heading over to California for your alternative spring break trip is also a great option for students, couples, and family vacations. Whether you are getting away with a loved one, taking the family to see the Sea Lions at Pier 39, or are a college student wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the beach, San Francisco is the place for you. Pier 39 offers the most trinket and attraction shops, as well as independent eateries, whilst Pier 33 gets you on to the Alcatraz boat tour and prison exploration. San Francisco is also known for its many hills overlooking the bay, and the famous Lombard Street that weaves downhill, bordered with many floras and fauna.
This one has something for everyone and is especially geared towards couples looking for an alternative spring break. If you’re feeling more sophisticated, hop in the car for a day trip up North to world famous wine region, Napa Valley, for a wine tasting. Interested in a more international experience? Head on down to Chinatown for a delightfully authentic tea ceremony. End your day by stretching your legs (and glutes!) and take a stroll in the surrounding hills.
Denver is a fantastic option if you are wanting a more adventurous spring break trip this year, with sprawling mountains, it is known for its jumping-off point for ski resorts, so perfect for the adrenaline junkie wanting to avoid busy beaches. This city is well known for its historical ties to the Titanic too, wherein the famed survivor, Molly Brown resided in her mansion. After exploring the ski slopes, why not head into town to view the ultramodern Denver Art Museum for a slower-paced afternoon?
If you’re more of a music buff who prefers cowboy boots, head on down to Nashville for your alternative spring break this year! Explore the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where country legends have performed for decades. After dancing the night away, make sure to get a great big southern-sized helping of local favorites like fried chicken and biscuits at Loveless, or fried green tomatoes and banana pudding at Arnold’s Country Kitchen. Most importantly, end your night at any one of Nashville’s scores of music venues for the best live music experience in the South any night of the week.
Are you looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day trip? We all know that a trip to Paris or Napa Valley can be romantic, but there are lots of other cities in the world that can ignite the spark. Whether you want to embrace the winter weather or travel to somewhere a little warmer, below are five romantic places to take your Valentine for a special getaway.
JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING Cupid’s favorite holiday technically falls at the end of winter, so embrace the season. Jackson Hole is remote, so it’s one of the least crowded places to choose if you’re looking for a winter wonderland. Hit the slopes at one of the five ski resorts, take a sleigh ride through the Elk Refuge, or take a Dog Sled Ride to Granite Hot Springs. After your day out in the snow, cuddle up together at one of Jackson Hole’s many B&Bs or Resorts. Can’t wait to plan a trip? All the information you will ever need about this snowy city can be found on the dedicated Jackson Hole website.
HOTEL KAKSLAUTTANEN, LAPLAND, FINLAND Hotel Kakslauttanen offers many different accommodations, one of the more exciting being its glass igloos. Cuddle up together in bed and gaze up into the Northern Sky. These igloos provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view the Northern Lights. From the resort, you can go ice fishing, or take a Husky or Reindeer winter safari.
Looking to kick-start your Lapland trip? Dont forget to pre-book your hotel + parking package with ParkSleepFly before your trip!
MADIERA, PORTUGAL Temperatures here rarely get below 55 °F even in the winter months, so it’s a great destination if you just can’t take the cold winter weather anymore. The island has an abundance of protected reserves. Hike up to breathtaking mountain views or explore the many manicured gardens. Adventure seekers can scuba dive under the crystal-clear waters, and culture connoisseurs can explore churches and convents that date back to the 15th century. Of course, you’re never too far from the beach, so relaxing in the sand is always an option. Their official tourism site has an English option, so check it out.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA Savannah, GA is the go-to romantic getaway in the South-eastern United States, but why not try something a little different? New Orleans can be just as romantic. The charm of the French Quarter can make you feel like you’re on the streets of Europe. No other American city has such a distinct and unique cuisine, from beignets to crawfish to gumbo, you’ll find you don’t have enough time to taste all that New Orleans has to offer. Hit up a jazz club for a romantic night of dancing or enjoy the ambience at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. Right at the end of busy Bourbon Street, it is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.
NAKED STABLES PRIVATE RESERVE MOGANSHAN, CHINA You’ll have to pack for cooler weather, February temperatures are generally in the 40s and 50s, but this 60-acre resort promotes wellness as a lifestyle. Stay in one of their cozy earth huts and restore your balance and spiritual and physical well-being. Connect with nature and each other by taking one of many hikes, bike riding tours, or horseback riding tours that they offer. You can also learn something new together; the resort offers calligraphy and tea-picking classes as well as yoga workshops, kite flying, and archery.
Prepare for your trip to China by pre-booking your parking lot space and hotel room the night before you fly. ParkSleepFly can help save your dollars and guarantee your lot space at your chosen airport!
Looking ahead to 2023 vacations is on a lot of traveler’s minds at the moment. The main question is where should you be taking a trip to? We have compiled a list of recommendations and trending destinations covering the US for domestic, European, and further afield worldwide travel.
There are many reasons to go on a trip to certain places, mostly including relaxing and tasting the best foods. To get our list started, we will look at some featured destinations for the best cuisine.
Best places to eat
Panoramic view of the historic town of Assisi on a beautiful sunny day with blue sky and clouds in summer, Umbria, Italy.
Umbria, Italy – Italy is already known for its outstanding taste when it comes to food, and the historic region of Umbria is a hidden gem within this country. From truffles to Pecorino cheeses, refresh your palate after indulging in fresh pasta with the finest wines from the region. It’s recommended you pair these decadent flavours with a deep Montefalco Sagrantino or Torgiano Rosso Riserva, both are made from the Umbrian red grape.
Petronas Towers, also known as Menara Petronas are the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The capital of Malaysia is always guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling, and the large varieties of foods available mean you are always spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in this city. Roti Canai, a traditional east Asian dish has become popular in Kuala Lumpur over the years, and the multi-cultural impact of the city can be seen among many restaurants. Other dishes include Nasi Lemak, rice soaked in coconut milk, which is a staple recipe in Malaysia. This dish is very versatile and enjoyed at all times of the day.
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Fukuoka, Japan – The bustling city streets of Japan are filled with numerous places to soak up both the culture and the food of the East. Japanese food is becoming a big hit in the US, but it never beats trying traditional recipes in its homeland. From Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) to Tonkotsu Ramen and vegetable or pork Gyozas, there’s something to suit everyone in Fukuoka. Soy sauce, Miso and Salt are common ingredients to use throughout Japan and give a full-bodied Umami flavour to anything you pair it with. Vegetables, meats, and ramen are prepared and cooked with the utmost skill and enjoying Sake on the side is always recommended.
Lima, Peru – From the far East to the far south, Lima in the heart of Peru offers a plethora of interesting flavours that you won’t want to miss. Ceviche, the national dish of this country is the top of the list when it comes to enjoying food in Peru. This cold ‘cooked’ fish dish takes the region by storm and can be found on a large majority of menus throughout Lima. Lomo Saltado (Stir Fried Beef) is a big hit with meat eaters, and the traditional Peruvian preparation and cooking of this dish makes it a standout to try when you visit. Papas a la Huancaina (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce) is also the perfect carb-filled alternative if you aren’t one for eating heavier meat dishes. Peruvians take a larder staple and add a variety of spices to potatoes to create a mouth-watering dish that leaves you wanting more.
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Beach and Twelve Apostles mountain in Camps Bay near Cape Town in South Africa.
Cape Town, South Africa – Cape Town is all about community, and their version of a BBQ, known as Braai, brings together the local community. If you can find a Braai cookout when you visit, we highly recommend trying something new from the grill. Choose from meats including an exotic Warthog or Ostrich!
Best places to unwind
Aerial view of the coastline in Halkidiki, Greece
Halkidiki, Greece – The traditional European beaches offer beautiful coastlines and Halkidiki is guaranteed to not disappoint. Rest and recuperation are in high demand, so enjoying the sun in this coastal town gets you away from the hustle and bustle throughout 2023. If you want to take some time out for yourself, the turquoise waters lapping at the sand are the perfect place for you.
Jamaica – Just south of the US you can find the Island of Jamaica, which boasts multiple spa resorts, perfect for unwinding after a busy 2022. Enjoy full body massages, heated pools and saunas whilst enjoying the winter sun at the start of 2023. Montego Bay is guaranteed to offer a vacation of luxury, whilst the Martha Brae is the perfect place to steep yourself in nature by taking a raft out onto the river.
Beautiful view of Gozo island from a boat, the background landscape boasts the old town buildings
Malta – The Phoenicia Malta Gardens is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to immerse yourself in your favorite book. Featuring views of the harbor, and a breathtaking infinity pool, you have the opportunity to soak up true Maltese culture. Finish your evening with a trip to The Phoenix restaurant and a cocktail or two at the Club Bar with views of the coast.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia – Indonesia is known for its long-term use of Eastern relaxation techniques as well as medicine. Raja Ampat boasts a Biodiversity Nature Resort, offering the perfect options for unwinding and relaxing before a busy 2023. With free breakfasts, Wi-Fi, and something for the kids, it’s a great choice for families looking to get away from a busy city setting.
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Jordan – After a busy 2022, why not explore Jordan in 2023? There you can find the Hammamat Ma’in hot springs. These mineral water springs and waterfalls offer the ultimate relaxation after a busy Christmas and New Year season. This resort and spa location means you can enjoy a hot soak just south of Amman and at 264km below sea level!
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Other trending destinations to visit in 2023 include Sydney Australia, Auckland New Zealand, and Salvador Brazil. All guarantee to offer even more interesting cuisines and dishes for you to try, or to enjoy a relaxing spa break before a busy rest of the year. Do you already have your flights booked for one of these destinations?
Are you looking for some Christmas food ideas to enjoy with the family this year? With Thanksgiving now over, it’s time to think about the big day on December 25th, and what better way to celebrate than with non-traditional American foods! Here are some fun Christmas food ideas from traditions that happen across the US from various cultures.
Mexican Christmas
First, we will look at the Southwest and the neighboring country of Mexico. It’s common for Hispanic families living in the US to make several dishes to celebrate Christmas, including flavoursome Tamales. Mexican Christmas food isn’t the same without them, and the holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy these delicious, wrapped parcels filled with a tasty centre. They are prevalent in southern states such as Texas and New Mexico.
Mexican Tamales prepared for Christmas
The cooking process for Tamales is often long, taking around six hours to cook a 10-pound Pork. This gives the meat time to tenderize, so it falls apart when being eaten. Added to this is a variety of seasonings, including red chilli peppers (pequin), garlic and Comino. The more spices added, the better! The spicy filling is then rolled into Masa, a Spanish dough created from fire-dried corn kernels that have been cooked thoroughly in limewater. After plenty of prepping and cooking the filling, the Tamales are ready to be steamed for around 30-45 minutes in their corn husk shells.
If you are interested in a sweeter treat from our neighboring Mexico, we recommend either Conchas or Mexican Cinnamon cookies known as Hojarascas.
Mexican Hojarascas, crunchy and ready to eat
If you want to stick to the more traditional Western Christmas flavours, Hojarascas cookies incorporate the festive cinnamon flavour. This Mexican shortbread is the perfect addition to any home during the holidays, and if making a large batch it should last a while! Mexican Christmas food is incredibly versatile, so they also make great gifts to give to friends, and family, or to include in a holiday bake sale.
Conchas are another Mexican baked good that can house a variety of flavors, including chocolate, which commonly has a brown topping. They are consumed at any time of day, making them the perfect sweet to enjoy after a large Turkey dinner. Much like Tamales, Conchas need ample time set aside for preparing and cooking. We recommend allowing a day or so to prep for these recipes. Concha bread has a soft crumb, and aerated dough with the use of bread flour, or a denser crumb with all-purpose flour.
Traveling to see your family this Christmas to enjoy a Mexican feast? Don’t forget to pre-book your airport parking + hotel package with ParkSleepFly!
German traditions
Traveling across the pond to Germany, a tradition common for this country is Christstollen. German Christmas food can also be found across the US, and German settlers bring these recipes with them. Christstollen, better known as Stollen is a yeasted bread, filled with fruit, nuts and spices, dusted with powdered sugar.
Sumptuous Stollen, sliced and ready to enjoy
Some variations of Stollen exist, including Dresdner Stollen and Marzipanstollen, the former being the most popular at this time of year. The addition of Marzipan to traditional Stollen recipes adds a delicious almond flavouring, just don’t forget to age the Stollen for a few weeks to intensify the flavor!
If Stollen isn’t what you are wanting to add to your Christmas spread, but you still want German Christmas foods on your table, why not swap out Turkey for a Christmas Goose? Weihnachtsgans (Christmas Goose) makes a fantastic centrepiece if you are finding it difficult to get hold of a last-minute Turkey. This recipe can often take a few hours of roasting until cooked, so make sure there’s plenty of time for you to cook the Goose.
Warm, spiced Gluhwein served with Cinnamon & Orange
For the final touch to your German Christmas, a delicious glass of Gluhwein (mulled wine) is recommended by the log fire. This warming alcoholic beverage is comprised of red wine, seasonal spices, orange, and sugar and is heated on the burner to intensify the cinnamon and clove. This sweet, flavoursome drink is the perfect way to finish the day of your German Christmas.
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Festive Italian feasts
Journeying to the Mediterranean country of Italy, it’s go big or go home when it comes to Italian cuisine for Christmas. Italian Christmas food is full of flavor and guaranteed to fill you up, as they indulge in the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
This spread of fresh seafood is served on December 24 and is common amongst Italian-American families. It comprises either 7 different types of fish or a variety of fish prepared in 7 different ways, and it varies between families. Families usually choose between fresh pasta, soups and Gnocchi to serve their fish with.
Shellfish cooked and prepared for the feast
If you are looking to host friends this holiday season, another Italian Christmas food we recommend is a Charcuterie spread. These are perfect for larger gatherings and mean your visitors can pick and choose from the foods they want to eat.
Suggestions for inclusion on a Charcuterie spread are having the main cheese staple. We recommend Burrata or Fresh sliced Mozzarella. These pair best with cured meats, olives, and tomatoes. For more exotic flavours, Parmigiano-Reggiano with cured meat, honey, grapes, and pears/figs is sure to be a winner.
Delectable Charcuterie spread with various cheeses and meats
Natale Lunch, or ‘Italian Christmas Lunch’ is typically served on Christmas Day. This feast includes starters, which are various cured meat platters, crostini, (toasted bread) and panzerotti (miniature calzone). Following this is 3 other courses, first, second and finally an extravagant dessert.
Families usually gather to feed many mouths in Italian culture, and Christmas is no exception to this. From chicken broth to pasta with clams, all the freshest ingredients are used, and all dishes are made from scratch. To finish off Natale lunch desserts include Panettone, Pandoro and Ferratelle.
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Christmas in China
Chinese culture doesn’t tend to celebrate Christmas and often uses this day to enjoy their favourite western take-out food. KFC is very popular this time of year! However, if you are wanting to incorporate more traditional Chinese food on Christmas this year, here are a few options.
Chicken or Peanut Lo Mein is a quick and easy dish to cook and serve and would be perfect for Christmas Eve. This dish is slightly healthier than the Chow Mein alternative and uses more vegetables and protein to bulk out the coated noodles. The Lo Mein sauce also provides a bolder flavour, guaranteeing your Holiday guests a feast of flavours this festive season. The cooking method of Lo Mein is also different, which includes a difference in the technique of using the Wok. Why not give it a go this year for a Chinese Christmas treat?
Seasoned Lo Mein, perfect for Christmas Eve
Incorporating flavours from different parts of the world is a great way to experience Christmas from other cultures, and Chinese Dumplings can also experiment with flavours and fillings. Steamed dumplings are a very popular dish from the East and serving them with a spiced cranberry sauce is one way to enjoy them.
Dumplings are a great way to use up those leftovers from a Christmas Eve party, so if you’re hosting for the holidays this is a great way to use ingredients you already have in your larder! Grab that leftover stuffing and pop it into some dumpling wrapper for a Chinese starter in your 3 course Christmas spread.
Chinese dumplings after steaming and bursting with flavor
Much like Denmark, Duck is a firm favourite in Chinese culture during the holiday period. The use of Peking sauce differentiates it from the European recipe. Chinese five-spice and aromatic seasonal spices coat the Duck whilst cooking and are usually served with Cucumber, Scallions, and Mandarin Style pancakes. There are plenty of recipes for Peking Duck available, so why not try out a new tradition this Christmas and give Peking Duck a go?
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Succulent Swedish dishes
Finally, we travel to Sweden, where there are even more flavours to behold and inspire you for your holiday lunch this year. No Swedish Christmas is complete without the traditional Ham served with Kale. Swedish Christmas food utilises the Julskinka (Christmas Ham) as the centrepiece of the dining table. Glazed with mustard and breadcrumbs after boiling, Swedes tuck into their Ham and serve it alongside Långkål (creamed kale).
Swedish glazed Ham usually served with creamed Kale
To finish Christmas Day, we recommend indulging in a hot glass of Glogg by the log fire. Similar to the German Gluhwein as mentioned above, this wine-based drink is enriched with spices to warm you up after a winter’s day walk.
The recipe for Glogg differs slightly, by utilising Sauternes and aquavit, and is also enriched with raisins and almonds. Simply simmer this recipe on the stove for 15 minutes, and it is ready to enjoy!
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The best destinations in the US and around the world to enjoy some winter sunshine
As the colder months are starting to settle in, you may find yourself dreaming of a sunny escape. Whether you are longing for a January holiday in Dubai or a sun-kissed Christmas vacation in Thailand, there are a variety of winter sun destinations to choose from.
Destinations across the US, from Los Angeles to Orlando, alongside worldwide seasonal vacation favorites, have been analyzed on their winter temperatures, precipitation rates, sunshine hours, and average hotel prices to reveal the best US and global locations for a winter sun vacation.
This report also reveals the best winter sun destinations in terms of hotel affordability, so that you can top up your vitamin D without breaking the bank!
The best winter sun vacation destinations in the US
1. Phoenix, Arizona – 7.88/10
Ranking as the best destination in the US for a winter sun vacation is Phoenix, Arizona. On average, vacationers in Phoenix can lounge in 8.66 hours of daily sunshine through the winter months. Phoenix is known for its stunning year-round sun and warm average temperatures, owing to its nickname the Valley of the Sun.
Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is well known for being home to high-end spa resorts, golf courses, and nightclubs. Phoenix also shows off some truly incredible landscapes surrounding the city with beautiful hiking trails to explore.
2. Miami, Florida – 7.54/10
Miami is the second-best winter destination for sun worshippers in the US. Enjoy a pleasant 7 hours of sun per day in Miami during the winter months, and a tropical average temperature of 70.34 °F. Miami likewise ranks as the most popular US winter destination on Instagram, having seen over 84 million hashtags on the social media platform.
On top of this, Miami is home to many high-end hotels and a truly mind-blowing skyline. Party-goers and sun worshippers flock to Miami year-round to enjoy its pristine beaches and non-stop nightlife under the sun.
3. Orlando, Florida – 6.95/10
Ranking as the third best US destination for winter sun is Orlando, Florida. Orlando offers mild weather conditions during the winter months, with average temperatures hitting 61.70°F and an average of 6.68 hours of sunlight each day. Furthermore, Orlando offers some of the cheapest hotels on this list at just $87 per night!
Orlando is a great winter sun vacation for thrill-seekers and movie-buffs alike. Home to over a dozen theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
The best winter sun vacation destinations across the world
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 8.38/10
Dubai ranks as the best destination in the world for a winter sun vacation. Visitors to Dubai can expect to bask in 8.82 hours of sunlight each day during the winter months, with average temperatures reaching a comfortable 68.84 °F. Dubai is by far the most popular winter sun destination of those studied, seeing over 111 million Instagram hashtags and the most winter-related Google searches for things to do, reaching over 55,000.
Dubai is probably best known for its ultramodern architecture, including The Burj Khalifa. Dubai’s most iconic building stands at 830m tall, making it the tallest building in the world.
2. Bangkok, Thailand – 8.11
The runner-up for the best winter sun vacation city in the world is Bangkok. Bangkok offers an average of 9.06 hours of sunlight each day in winter. With average temperatures reaching a friendly 63.80 °F Bangkok is ideal for warm and sunny winter escapes. Bangkok is also ideal for those on a budget, with average hotel stays costing around $68 per night.
Bangkok is unique in the way its impressive Buddhist temples contrast with its vibrant nightlife scenes. Bangkok is a hub of cultural and exciting activity from the Grand Palace to Khaosan Road. Sweltering hot all year round, Bangkok is a great city to visit during the winter months when the weather is cooler but still pleasant.
3. Cape Town, South Africa – 7.72
Ranking in third place is Cape Town. For those looking to vacation in Cape Town, sunlight hours average 10.22 each day, from December through to February. Despite these extended sunny days, average temperatures reach 67.46 °F and Cape Town sees a low average of 0.70” of rainfall over winter. Lying beneath the impressive Table Mountain, Cape Town is most known for its bustling harbor and warm weather.
Winter destinations with the cheapest hotels per night in the US
1. Orlando, Florida – $87
Not only does Orlando rank as the third-best US destination for a winter sun vacation but it also ranks as the cheapest when looking at average hotel costs. Orlando will see you spend an average of $87 per night on your hotel stay during the months of December through to February.
2. Phoenix, Arizona – $106
Phoenix ranks as the best winter sun destination in the US, and for good reason, with an abundance of sunshine throughout the winter months. Phoenix also ranks as the second most affordable destination in terms of hotel prices, which average $106 per night.
3. Lafayette, Louisiana – $107
The US winter vacation destination that sees the third cheapest hotel prices is Lafayette; here prices average $107 per night. In Lafayette, you can enjoy over 6 hours of sun per day, making it an ideal destination for some winter sun.
Winter destinations with the most expensive hotels per night in the US
1. Palm Beach, Florida – $919
At the other end of the scale is Palm Beach. Despite offering an excellent 6.66 hours of sunlight per day at a toasty 68.24 °F, the destination is met with significant hotel costs, averaging $919 per night between December and February.
2. Miami, Florida – $523
Ranking as the second most expensive winter sun destination in terms of hotel prices is Miami. For a price tag of $523 per night, Miami offers some serious winter heat of 70.34 °F alongside a total of 7 hours of sunlight every day.
3. Kailua, Hawaii – $339
Kailua, Hawaii is hotter than Miami, where average temperatures hit around 72.92 °F during the winter months. However, those that desire to soak up these temperatures should expect to pay $339 for a hotel per night.
Winter destinations with the cheapest hotels per night outside the US
1. Murcia, Spain – $56
Murcia, Spain, offers the cheapest average nightly hotel rate from December through to February. Here stays during the festive period average $56 per night. Paired with 7.35 hours of daily sunlight, this destination is perfect for a winter sun getaway.
2. Palma de Mallorca, Spain – $64
In Palma de Mallorca during the winter you can laze in 6.64 hours of sunlight each day for a nightly price of $64. At a cooler 52.40 °F during the winter, Palma de Mallorca is a popular winter vacation.
3. Palermo, Italy – $66
The capital of the popular Italian island of Sicily, Palermo, ranks as the third cheapest location to chase the winter sun, coming in at just $66 per night. For this price, you get 5.37 hours of sun each day.
Winter destinations with the most expensive hotels per night outside the US
1. Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – $574
Saint John’s is the capital city of Antigua and attracts visitors from around the globe. Saint John’s tropical temperatures of 77.42 °F and 8.21 hours of sun come at a significant price tag of $574 per night during winter, the most expensive hotel price on this list.
2. Nassau, Bahamas – $457
Nassau is a popular cruise ship stop with clean beaches and attractive offshore coral reefs. However, the dreamy 73.04 °F heat during winter in Nassau will set visitors back $457 per night on average.
3. Saint George’s, Grenada – $377
At Saint George’s, Granada, you can enjoy warm temperatures of 78.68 °F for an average of 8.57 hours of sun each day from December to February. However, such weather offerings come at a price, with hotels costing around $377 per night.
Methodology
A seed list of 60 global and US cities was created from northern-hemisphere winter vacation listicles including trip, dottedglobe, sunshine, and holidu.
Average winter temperatures (°F), average winter precipitation (inches) rates, and average daily winter sunshine hours were retrieved from climate-data.org, calculated to give data for the winter months of December, January, and February.
“City Winter” annual searches and “City Things to Do” during winter were taken from Google Keywords. “City Winter” annual searches were recorded as annual results for each keyword. “City things to do” were taken as winter searches (from December, January, and February) for each keyword.
Average nightly hotel costs were taken from Kayak by calculating the average costs of hotels from December, January, and February. All currency conversions were made on the 28th of October 2022.
The ‘Winter Holiday Score’ was created by giving each factor a normalized rank and then combining these scores. US cities were included in the global ranking. A separate ranking was also created for US cities in isolation.
