DENVER – TRAVEL – Are you feeling dragged down by seasonal affective disorder? You’re not the only one. People all over North America suffer during the fall and winter every year. The lower levels of sunlight lead to higher levels of dissatisfaction. Luckily, the United States is a huge country, which offers a wide array of scenery all year. People looking to get away should consider these six places in the U.S. for a winter vacation.
Hawaii
It’s possibly the most obvious choice for people looking for a change of pace in winter. Hawaii is an island paradise, and it’s the ideal location for people suffering through northern winters.
Hawaii is close to the equator, meaning winter days aren’t significantly shorter than they are in summer. The weather is also very forgiving. Besides short rain showers, you should be in for clear skies. The beaches in Hawaii are some of the world’s best. You can also check out the Pearl Harbor Memorial or sample traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has some of the most breathtaking mountain views anywhere in the U.S. And due to its proximity to those mountains, it offers incredible snow sports. You can easily access top-notch skiing and snowboarding slopes. But since Salt Lake City isn’t a resort town per se, so staying there won’t bomb your budget. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the winter weather rather than stew inside, hiding from the cold.
New Orleans
New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind city. The French quarter boasts some of the most robust tourism opportunities anywhere. You can even plan your vacation to overlap with Mardi Gras, which occurs in February this year. There’s so much variety here, you may want to take an extended trip. If this is the case, make sure your home is in order before you pack up and leave. Compare homeowners insurance rates to ensure you’re totally covered.
Orlando
Orlando, Florida is home to one of America’s most memorable landmarks: Disney World. This is the ultimate destination for families with kids. It’s also great to visit in the winter due to more temperate weather and shorter lines. Don’t worry too much about expenses. There are a lot of hotels surrounding the theme parks; so, you should get a competitive rate.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe is one of the least-frequented destinations on this list. That doesn’t mean that it can’t stack up against the competition. You will get to experience some fantastic southwestern architecture throughout the area. Additionally, it offers the draw of warm weather, as well as nearby skiing areas. Santa Fe can really offer the best of both worlds when it comes to winter vacations.
Denver
You might not immediately think of Denver when you consider vacation destinations. But this city has a lot to offer travelers. Like other cities on the list, it’s close to ski slopes and mountain hikes. Denver has undergone many changes over the past few years. A lot of new people have moved there and brought bustling culture and nightlife.
Winter is one of the best times to take a well-earned vacation. Break out of your cycle and get away to one of these fantastic destinations.