Travel Advice: 5 Cold Weather Getaway Spots in the U.S.

By Nicole Maher 

The summer months have come and gone as we get ready to welcome the winter season. Depending on where you live, you may be experiencing a change in weather for the next few months. Whether you are living in a warmer climate and looking to partake in some winter activities, or live somewhere colder and looking to escape the snow, we have some travel advice for you.

Check out our travel advice on five cold weather getaway destinations in the United States.

1. New Orleans: For northerners looking to escape the cold weather for a few days, New Orleans, Louisiana is a great place to visit. This city experiences a slight shift in temperature, making the winter months less hot than the summer ones. February is the prime time to visit New Orleans as it houses the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration. If you’re planning on taking part in the festivities, it is important to plan your trip well in advance, as hotels fill quickly. The surrounding weeks around Mardi Gras are also great options to take in the culture and enjoy the weather. 

Related Link: Travel Tips: Traveling Safely This Mid-Pandemic Holiday Season 

2. Hanover, New Hampshire: If you’re looking for someplace where you can take part in a variety of winter sports, New Hampshire is the place to visit. Places such as Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire host extensive winter festivals with ski-racing, ice sculpting, and polar plunges. Temperatures can drop relatively low during the winter months, so be sure to pack a heavy jacket and extra pair of gloves. If you’re looking for someplace with a smaller winter festival, there are many towns and cities across New England that offer similar experiences on a smaller scale.  

Related Link: Travel Advice: U.S. National Park Must-Sees

3. Death Valley: If you prefer sand over snow, visiting Death Valley National Park is a great option this winter season. While temperatures reach well over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, they drop to the seventies during the winter months, making a midday hike much more enjoyable This national park spans across both California and Nevada, and offers endless scenery options such as the Badwater Basin and towering sand dunes. 

4. Alaska: For those brave enough to tackle the coldest of climates, Alaska is a beautiful place to visit during the winter months. Larger locations in Alaska such as Fairbanks and Anchorage offer events such as train tours and dog-sledding that allow you to take in all the winter scenery and spot some wildlife. Use this travel advice to visit between the months of September and March for your best change at catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.  

5. New York City: If you’re looking for a middle-of-the-road type of option, New York City is the best of both worlds. The temperatures are low enough to make it feel like winter, but there are plenty of opportunities to escape inside to warm up. The holiday season is a great time to take a trip to the city if you’re looking to take in some decorations or ice skate at Rockefeller Center. Watching the ball drop New Years Eve from Times Square is also an unforgettable New York City experience. 

What are some other places to visit in the United States during the winter months? Start a conversation in the comments below!