When people think of vacations, they tend to also think of summer months. While a summer vacation is exciting, the top travel destinations tend to be packed with visitors. Not to mention, hotel and travel prices are also much more expensive in the summer months. This year, why not change things up and take your vacation in the winter? Escape the dull grey and head somewhere sunny and warm. Here are three ideas for a great winter vacation that won’t break the bank.
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Head to West Palm Beach
Florida can be jam-packed and expensive during the summer, but it’s just as beautiful in the winter, warm without being too hot, and you’ll actually be able to find a place to sit.
The water is normally warm enough to swim all-year-round, so check out the Riviera Municipal Beach or Ocean Reef Park. The former is perfect for traditional beach lounging, the latter better for snorkeling or even saltwater fishing.
If you’re a bit more adventurous, parasailing near Singer Island will give you gorgeous views of the island, the clear water, and glimpses of nearby parks. If you’re up for a day of fine culture, check out the Mos’ Art Theatre or the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum.
For modern, elegant dining in downtown West Palm Beach, you can’t do better than Pistache French Bistro. Head to Darbster if there’s a vegetarian in your group. This bistro has plenty of choices to satisfy anyone, vegetarian or carnivore. For a more relaxed evening, try the gastro pub Hullabaloo or Bay Bay’s Chicken & Waffles, a local favorite. To get your sushi fix, visit Too Bizaare in Jupiter.
Check out Vicksburg
In the summer, the Mississippi Delta can be pretty sultry. In the winter, temperatures are pleasant, humidity is low, and you can check out all the amazing sites without the amazing crowds.
Vicksburg is the Key to the South and played a crucial role in America’s early development along the Mississippi river and the Civil War. It’s also the birthplace of American music. If you love history, you won’t want to miss Vicksburg National Military Park, the Old Court House Museum, and the Cedar Hill Cemetery.
If art and music are more your jam, you’ll want to explore the Mississippi Blues Trail and some of the city’s best art galleries, like the Attic Gallery. Spend your night enjoying the live music at LD’s Kitchen and 10 South Rooftop Bar and Grill.
Don’t miss a traditional Southern breakfast at Bovina Cafe. After visiting the military park, hit up Roca for lunch and enjoy upscale European dishes with a Southern twist. If you’re in the mood for seafood, Rusty’s Riverfront Bar and Grille gets consistent props from locals and visitors alike.
For historic dining and old-style Southern cuisine, try Walnut Hills Restaurant. The only real worry will be choosing from the perfectly fried catfish, the sticky barbecued ribs, or the shrimp and grits.
The Big Easy
New Orleans is another place you’ll love visiting in the winter when temps are cooler and crowds are smaller.
Make the historic and gorgeous Jackson Square the center of your adventures. It’s an iconic New Orleans landmark in its own right, but you can also jump off from there to check out St. Louis Cathedral, the Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina exhibits, and The Cabildo.
Then take a carriage ride through the French Quarter and learn about New Orleans life 200 years ago.Take an evening French Quarter Ghost Tour and get your blood pumping.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, take a leisurely jazz brunch tour on the historic steamboat, the Natchez. For a filling and possibly boozy breakfast, head to Brennan’s, which has been pleasing locals and wowing visitors since the 1940s. If you’re in the mood for burgers, Junction serves filling grass-fed burgers seasoned with an amazing dry rub.
Visit Cochon for standard, and amazing, Cajun cuisine. You’ll love the alligator and the rabbit and dumplings. For authentic French Creole flavours, Antoine’s is not to be missed. Their Oysters Rockefeller are world-famous.
If you are considering changing things up for this year’s vacation hotspot, consider these three vacation destinations. Not only will they offer so much to do, but these options will also be available no matter what month you decide to visit.