Most Romantic Getaways for Winter Travel
The winter season comes with many holidays. And with those holidays, often comes a lot of stress! Sometimes the easiest cure is scouting out some simple romantic winter getaways that could be a relaxing spot for the two of you to reconnect. If you’re looking to skip the stress or plan a fun trip with your loved one, I’ve gathered some of my favorite romantic winter getaways (plus a few that are on our bucket list)!
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Looking for a quiet and relaxing spot? This cute little city is known for its natural hot springs. After a long day of shopping and sightseeing, there is no better way to relax than in a world-famous mineral bath!
This city differs from Colorado, Montana, and other extreme winter states because their hot springs are inside. Quapaw Baths and Spa is one of the many famous bathhouses in this city. The bathhouse was constructed in 1922 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. Not 100% sure what that means, but I’m 100% willing to bet it’s beautiful!
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
As winter approaches, the slopes are calling!
This Colorado city has everything the big cities do, without all the big crowds: skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowmobiles, snowbiking, and more! The slope’s nearby lodging is utterly beautiful during Christmas, complete with a Christmas tree, twinkle lights, and SANTA!
Reykjavik, Iceland
This little island has so much to offer and is topping my bucket list for so many reasons! I don’t think I have ever seen an ugly picture of this country. Iceland is known for its hot springs, waterfalls, massive glaciers, and peculiar landscape. A big bonus is that you can see the northern lights here as well. And the even bigger bonus? International flights to Iceland are usually very cheap!
Olympic National Park, WA
Can’t decide if you want to enjoy the mountains or the ocean? Get the best of both worlds when you visit the Olympic National Park. When you visit this park in the winter, you can explore snow-covered peaks, temperate rainforests, and ocean beaches.
This means if you plan your day appropriately, you can experience the winter snow, the ocean waves, and the lush green of the rainforest…all in one day!
Asheville, NC
Asheville is a beautiful southern city and is the perfect romantic winter getaway for a weekend trip! Asheville is most famously known for the Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America that was built by George Vanderbilt in 1889. This estate is more than 800 acres — take a step back in time by taking a tour of the house, the massive garden, the winery, and more!
During the Christmas season, the Biltmore is decorated for Christmas, including a 40+ foot Christmas tree that is chopped down from its own forest! I suggest you stay on the Biltmore property or at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Besides visiting the Biltmore, you can enjoy hiking and shopping!
Gatlinburg, TN
The small town of Gatlinburg is located in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has so much to offer, like hiking (there are hundreds of hiking trails!), skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, shopping, visiting the aquarium, touring the life-size Titanic Museum, and more!
Downtown Gatlinburg is home to Smoky Mountain Moonshine, countless boutiques, and a village of restaurants. This tourist town is minutes from the world-famous amusement park, Dollywood, which is owned and operated by the famous country music singer, Dolly Parton.
Dublin, Ireland
Just like Iceland, I don’t think I have ever seen an ugly picture of Ireland’s landscape. Their cliffs, castles, and lush countryside are all absolutely breathtaking. Plus, Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is home to some of the most famous pubs in the world. You can rent a car and easily see Ireland from coast to coast in one week. This country is the ultimate destination for explorers.
Bangkok, Thailand
If you’ve dreamed of visiting Asia, traveling to Thailand is probably the cheapest option! Flights are very affordable from major American cities. Grab some curried rice and a fruity tea while en route to gorgeous and majestic Buddhist temples.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
The charming city of Carmel by the Sea feels like you’re stepping into Beauty and the Beast. The cobblestone/brick streets, unique and very distinctive boutiques, and amazingly delightful cuisine make this one of my favorite cities.
Although it does get a little chilly at night, there is nothing more relaxing than winding down a long day with a glass of wine and watching the waves crash.
And another fun fact about this getaway spot — the famous actor and filmmaker, Clint Eastwood, used to be the mayor of this small beach city!
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is another great destination that can be enjoyed for a quick getaway or even a longer excursion. When compared to many other US cities, the winter temps are fairly high! There are so much history and culture in this city.
Step back in time to enjoy historic landmarks, listen to the famous New Orleans jazz music, or enjoy a nice meal and shopping in the world-famous French Quarter. You absolutely must visit NOLA and its unique culture at least once in your life!
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
If you’re looking for a warm place to escape, heading to the Caribbean is a must! Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is becoming more and more popular with American tourists. It’s a short trip from the Santo Domingo airport, which is always an added bonus.
During January, the temperature still reaches 90 degrees! You can enjoy the gorgeous sand and clear waters here too. They also have countless all-inclusive resorts all well! This is definitely on my bucket list for romantic winter getaways!
Sedona, Arizona
When in the US during the winter, you can’t get much warmer than Arizona! Sedona literally looks like the town in Disney’s “Cars” movie. You can see roaring red cliffs, gorgeous forests; enjoy a day at one of the countless spas, and more! It’s by far one of the most relaxing and serene places in the US!
It’s also a few hours from the Grand Canyon, so taking a day trip to this National Park is a must!
Athens and Santorini, Greece
Despite Greece’s economic downturn, it is still a very popular place to visit. I mean have you seen the Athens landscape?! Of course, it’s still a popular place to visit!
You can visit ancient ruins, enjoy a day by the sea, or stroll the gorgeous streets of the cities. And don’t even get me started on the Greek food. Over ten years later and I am still wanting to live out my childhood “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” dreams…
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
This Florida city is most definitely a beach town. Ft. Lauderdale is very close to Miami, so you can guess that it’s warm all year.
It’s very famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also enjoy the city’s urban wilderness at the Secret Woods Nature Center, go on an airboat to see the local swamps (and alligators!), see gorgeous sunrises, visit local flamingo parks, and more! And don’t forget to travel to stores and restaurants by water taxi!
Final Word
During the cold months, do you like to avoid the cold and head off to a place like one of these romantic winter getaways? Or do you like to embrace all that winter has to offer? Tell me where you like to travel during the winter!