Winter 2025 Travel Forecast: Discover the Best Winter Vacations

Where to Go, What’s Trending, and Why It Pays to Book Now

If you're still deciding where to escape this winter, you're not alone — but don’t wait too long. Winter 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most in-demand seasons in years, with travelers craving warmth, wellness, and meaningful experiences.

Here’s what’s hot — and where you’ll want to be for the best winter vacations yet:

What’s Trending

• Wellness + Purposeful Travel: Experiences that recharge the mind and body are in high demand — think yoga retreats, spa resorts, and nourishing slow travel.

  

  Mindful Yoga Retreat

• Noctourism: Dark Sky Escapes Closer Than You Think: Stargazing and northern lights adventures in places like Tromsø and Swedish Lapland are topping travel trend lists—but you don’t have to cross an ocean for a front-row seat to the night sky. My family and I have spent many wonderful vacations exploring the beauty of Moosehead Lake, a region of Maine that holds a special place in our hearts. Just beyond, the AMC Maine Woods was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, offering some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Whether you’re unwinding by the lake or gazing up at a star-filled sky, this corner of Maine is a magical hidden gem—especially for those craving connection with nature and quiet wonder.

AMC Dark Woods Maine

• Set-Jetting: Destinations featured in popular shows and films (like Scotland, Japan, Italy) are seeing a major spike in interest.

• Detour Destinations: Smart travelers are skipping the crowds and opting for exclusive alternatives — Reims instead of Paris, Aysen Region in Patagonia (Chile) instead of Torres del Paine, and other lesser-known gems with all the magic and fewer tourists.

  

  Reims, France

---

My Top Picks by Travel Style

If You Want...	Go Here
Sun & Sand	Maldives · Aruba · Barbados · Bali
Culture & Color	Marrakech · Mérida · Rome · Mexico City
Cozy Northern Lights Vibes	Tromsø · Swedish Lapland · Fairbanks
Hidden Gems	Milos · Carinthia · Koyasan · Isla Holbox