Top 10 Winter 2025 Bucket List Travel Experiences
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When winter rolls around, many travelers picture cozy cabins, twinkling holiday markets, or powdery ski slopes. With winter just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what to check off (or add to!) your bucket list to round out the year. Whether you’re chasing Northern Lights, sipping mulled wine in Europe, or escaping the cold for a tropical beach, I’m here to share some inspiration to get started.
Here are my top 10 winter 2025 bucket list trips to inspire your next getaway:
1. Skiing, Hot Springs & Northern Lights in Banff, Canada
Banff National Park is winter magic at its finest. With world-class skiing, steaming hot springs, and charming alpine towns, it’s also a more budget-friendly ski destination (especially compared to popular U.S. resorts). And yes, you can even spot the Northern Lights here on clear nights, making it the ultimate all-in-one winter getaway.
Sunshine Village is a must-visit ski resort in Banff National Park, offering expansive slopes, stunning mountain views, and guaranteed snow well into spring. It’s ideal for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Other great options nearby include Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay, both of which provide a variety of terrain and unique experiences.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: HI Banff Alpine Centre Hostel – Simple, cozy, and steps from downtown Banff. Perfect for families or solo travelers looking to save.
Moderate: Buffalo Mountain Lodge (Banff) or Falcon Crest Lodge (Canmore) – Comfortable, scenic, and great for ski or snow adventures with moderate pricing.
Luxury: Fairmont Banff Springs or Rimrock Resort Hotel – Iconic mountain resorts with fine dining, spa facilities, and breathtaking winter views.
Nearby Towns: Consider staying in Canmore, just a 20-minute drive from Banff. It offers slightly lower prices, charming shops, and excellent access to skiing, hiking, and hot springs.
Travel Advisor Tip: Book ski & lodging packages early to lock in savings, and add an aurora-chasing tour for a bucket-list bonus.
2. Christmas Markets in Germany & Austria
The holiday season is an amazing time to visit Europe, but Germany & Austria steal the show for us when it comes to Christmas Markets. From Frankfurt to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, and Vienna to St. Wolfgang in Austria, Europe’s Christmas markets are pure holiday magic. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with wooden stalls, sip mulled wine, and shop handcrafted gifts while choirs sing carols.
WHERE TO STAY:
Frankfurt, Germany
Budget: Premier Inn Frankfurt Messe – Affordable, clean, and conveniently located near the Frankfurt Messe and Christmas market.
Moderate: Fleming’s Hotel Frankfurt Main-Riverside – Comfortable modern rooms near the river and market areas.
Luxury: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof – Iconic 5-star hotel in the city center, perfect for a festive and luxurious stay.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Budget: Hotel Garni Zugspitze – Simple, family-friendly, and ideal for ski or Christmas market trips.
Moderate: Riessersee Hotel – Comfortable, scenic hotel close to town and ski lifts, perfect for winter adventures.
Luxury: Schloss Elmau – 5-star wellness resort with alpine luxury, perfect for a festive winter retreat.
Vienna, Austria
Budget: Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna – Affordable, central, and close to public transit, making it easy to explore Vienna’s Christmas markets and city sights.
Moderate: 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier – Stylish, central, and perfect for exploring Vienna’s holiday magic.
Luxury: Hotel Sacher Wien – Legendary 5-star hotel near St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Vienna’s Christmas markets.
St. Wolfgang, Austria
Budget: Gasthof Weisses Rössl – Cozy, traditional Austrian inn right on the lake.
Moderate: Gasthof Hotel Fürberg – Charming lakeside hotel with scenic views of Wolfgangsee, comfortable rooms, and easy access to St. Wolfgang’s Christmas markets and attractions.
Luxury: Romantikhotel Im Weissen Rössl – Luxury lakeside retreat with elegant rooms and festive ambiance.
Pro Tip: Combine a few markets with a festive river cruise for the ultimate holiday adventure.
3. Ski & Après in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland is the definition of winter chic… world-class slopes, cozy chalets, and indulgent fondue dinners by the fire. Resorts in Lauterbrunnen and Zermatt offer not only incredible skiing but also luxury spas and après-ski culture.
WHERE TO STAY:
Zermatt
Budget: Hotel Bahnhof – Simple, clean, and centrally located near the train station and slopes.
Moderate: Hotel Sonne Zermatt – Cozy, modern rooms with great views and easy access to the ski lifts.
Luxury: Mont Cervin Palace – Iconic 5-star hotel offering luxury, spa services, and ski-in/ski-out convenience.
Lauterbrunnen
Budget: Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Interlaken) – Affordable, cozy, and conveniently located in Wengen, making it a great base for exploring Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfrau region.
Moderate: Hotel Silberhorn – Comfortable alpine lodge with stunning valley views and easy train access to ski areas.
Luxury: Grand Hotel Belvedere, a Beaumier Hotel (Wengen)– Upscale boutique hotel with panoramic mountain views, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service in the Jungfrau region.
4. Iceland’s Fire & Ice Adventure
In winter, Iceland feels otherworldly. Chase waterfalls framed in ice, soak in steaming hot springs, and explore volcanic landscapes dusted in snow. Add a guided Northern Lights tour for a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: KEX Hostel – Trendy, affordable, and centrally located with easy access to downtown and tours.
Moderate: Fosshotel Reykjavik – Comfortable, modern hotel with great amenities and a central location.
Luxury: Hotel Borg – Iconic 5-star hotel in downtown Reykjavik with historic charm and sophisticated comfort.
Nearby Towns: Stay in towns like Selfoss, Hveragerði, or near Geysir in the “Golden Circle Area” for quick access to Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park. These locations are perfect for exploring Iceland’s iconic sights while avoiding long daily drives from Reykjavik.
Other options on the South Coast include Vik, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, or Hella for closer access to black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, and other dramatic South Coast scenery. These towns make early morning sightseeing easier in winter’s limited daylight.
For adventurous travelers, renting a camper van in Iceland is possible in winter, though it requires careful planning. Choose a 4x4 camper, check road conditions daily, and be prepared for limited daylight. This option provides flexibility to explore remote areas and chase the Northern Lights on your own schedule, but make sure you’re comfortable driving in snowy conditions.
5. New Year’s Eve in New York City
Times Square’s ball drop is iconic, but winter in NYC offers so much more: ice skating at Rockefeller Center, Broadway shows, and holiday window displays. For a more elevated celebration, consider a rooftop NYE party with skyline views.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Pod 51 or YOTEL New York – Affordable, modern, and central for first-time visitors.
Moderate: Arlo NoMad or CitizenM Times Square – Stylish, mid-range options with easy access to holiday attractions.
Luxury: The Plaza or The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park – Iconic, luxurious, and right in the heart of Manhattan’s festivities.
Nearby Towns: Consider Brooklyn (Williamsburg, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights) for boutique hotels and apartments with Manhattan skyline views, or the more budget-friendly Queens (Long Island City, Astoria) with fast subway access into Manhattan.
6. Tropical Escape in ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar is your dreamy winter sun getaway. Picture white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, spice farms, and a vibrant local culture. It’s a unique alternative to more crowded tropical destinations while still offering luxury resorts and adventure.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Tembo House Hotel in Stone Town – Affordable, centrally located, and full of local charm for travelers who want easy access to markets, restaurants, and cultural sights.
Moderate: Serena Hotel in Stone Town or Diamonds Mapenzi Beach – Comfortable, centrally located options offering a mix of cultural immersion in Stone Town or a beachfront retreat, perfect for exploring Zanzibar’s attractions and relaxing by the ocean.
Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar or The Residence Zanzibar – Stunning ocean views, private villas, and world-class amenities for the ultimate tropical escape.
Travel Advisor Tip: Splitting your stay between Stone Town and a beachside resort lets you experience both Zanzibar’s culture and its pristine beaches.
7. Caribbean Island Getaway
For a closer-to-home tropical escape, the Caribbean is calling. From the white sands of Turks & Caicos to the vibrant culture of Jamaica or the luxury resorts of St. Lucia, it’s the perfect winter warm-up.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Bay View Suites Paradise Island in Bahamas, or Casa Valeria Boutique Hotel in Puerto Rico – Affordable, clean, and centrally located for exploring local beaches, restaurants, and attractions.
Moderate: Divi Aruba All Inclusive or Jewel Paradise Cove Resort & Spa in Jamaica – Comfortable, mid-range resorts offering pools, beach access, and family-friendly amenities.
Luxury: Sandals Royal Caribbean (Jamaica), Sandals Grande St. Lucian, or Beaches Turks & Caicos – All-inclusive luxury resorts with private beaches, pools, water sports, and world-class amenities perfect for a tropical winter escape.
Travel Advisor Tip: The Caribbean often offers better value than long-haul tropical escapes like Zanzibar—and shorter flights too!
8. Winter Safari in South Africa
For an unexpected twist, head south! December through February is summer in South Africa, making it an ideal time for a safari in Kruger or a coastal escape along the Garden Route. You’ll spot wildlife, enjoy warm beaches, and escape the Northern Hemisphere chill.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Sabie River Bush Lodge or Crocodile Bridge Safari Lodge – Affordable stays that offer close proximity to Kruger National Park with an authentic safari atmosphere, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Moderate: Nkuhlu Tented Camp or Kruger Gate Hotel – Comfortable lodges and tented accommodations with easy access to game drives and scenic spots, offering a great balance of amenities and value.
Luxury: Kruger Shalati, Leopard Sands, Lion Sands Narina Lodge, and Simbambili Game Lodge – Top-tier safari lodges with private game drives, luxury accommodations, and exceptional service for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
9. GLOBAL disney winter magic
Disney parks around the world are a bucket list experience in winter! We’re currently working on checking off all of the Disney parks around the world from our own, and getting close. Highlights include:
Epcot at Walt Disney World – Ring in the New Year with spectacular fireworks, global celebrations, and seasonal treats.
Disneyland Paris – Enjoy festive parades, seasonal shows, and wintery castle decorations.
Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea – Experience unique Japanese holiday overlays, seasonal snacks, and light displays.
Hong Kong & Shanghai Disney – Explore limited-time winter events and smaller crowds for a magical experience.
Travel Advisor Tip: Book dessert parties for a stress-free way to view fireworks or parades with little ones.
10. Southeast Asia Winter Adventures
Winter is the perfect time to explore Southeast Asia. You can chase cultural experiences like the New Year’s Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, explore ancient temples in Cambodia, or relax on idyllic beaches in Vietnam or the Philippines. Cooler temperatures and dry season make travel comfortable and picture-perfect.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Hanoi Royal Premium Hotel or Borei Angkor Resort & Spa – Affordable, clean, and centrally located, perfect for travelers seeking cultural immersion in Hanoi or Siem Reap.
Moderate: Riva Arun in Bangkok – Boutique riverside hotel with comfortable rooms and a central location for exploring Bangkok’s temples and markets, or Peace Laguna Resort & Spa in Krabi – Mid-range beachfront resort with easy access to islands and beaches.
Luxury: Hoi An Four Seasons or Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur – Iconic luxury stays offering stunning views, world-class amenities, and unforgettable cultural experiences in Vietnam or Malaysia.
Travel Advisor Tip: Combine a city/cultural adventure with a few days on the beach for the ultimate winter escape.
Where Will Winter Take You?
Winter travel is about choosing your own magic, whether that’s a snowy escape, a festive city, or a tropical hideaway. No matter your style, there’s a winter 2025 bucket-list trip waiting for you.
As a travel advisor, I can help you design your dream winter getaway, whether it’s securing hard-to-get Christmas market river cruises, arranging Disney holiday packages, or booking your ideal ski + sun combo trip.
📩 Contact me today to start planning your Winter 2025 adventure!
