Winter Escapes: Top Destinations for Sun, Snow, or Serenity
Which escape calls your name?
Read on to find your perfect winter adventure.
Winter has a way of dividing us: some want to flee the cold, others can’t wait to dive headfirst into it, and a few dream of simply pressing pause.
Whether your idea of the perfect escape involves basking in warm sunlight, carving through powdery slopes, or retreating to a haven of calm, this season is the perfect excuse to pack your bags.
At Luggage & Labels, we’ve rounded up some of the best winter travel destinations to chase the sun, embrace the snow, or find your serenity this winter.
Chasing the Sun: Winter Warmers
Because the only ice you want in your winter is in your cocktail glass.
Maldives: Eco-Friendly Luxury with a Side of BlISS
The Maldives is all about overwater villas and sipping cocktails at sunset—but it’s also a role model for eco-luxury.
Resorts like Soneva Fushi and Baros Maldives are going green in style. Picture solar-powered villas, coral regeneration projects, and guilt-free indulgence. Because who says you can’t save the planet while lounging in a hammock?
Why to Go:
Turquoise waters
Sunsets that look like they’ve been painted by a master
Enjoy luxury without leaving a heavy footprint.
What to Do:
Explore the Maldives' underwater marvels as coral reefs teem with colorful fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks.
Join a coral conservation tour
Visit a local Maldivian island to discover traditional crafts (and maybe score a handwoven mat to jazz up your living room).
What to Pack:
Lightweight resort wear (aka your "I woke up like this" look)
A wide-brim hat for drama and UV protection
Reef-safe sunscreen—because the fish deserve to look good too.
Insider Tip: Book a private sandbank picnic. You, the ocean, and an unforgettable moment of pure tranquility..
2. Dubai – Sunshine and SophisticatioN
If you’ve ever thought, “I want luxury, but with camels,” then Dubai is calling your name. Here, you can hop between a skyscraper and a desert dune in the same day, all while basking in year-round sunshine.
Why to Go:
Futuristic architecture
Incredible shopping
The kind of service that makes you feel like royalty.
What to Do:
Embark on a desert safari
Shop in opulent malls
Dine at the top of the Burj Khalifa
For a change of pace, explore the city’s traditional souks (markets) like the Gold Souk or Spice Souk. Wander through stalls brimming with fragrant spices, handcrafted jewelry, and textiles—a sensory experience that offers a glimpse of Dubai’s trading history.
What to Pack:
Glamorous yet modest outfits (think flowing maxi dresses or linen shirts)
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses - to shield your eyes from the sparkle of it all.
Insider Tip:
For a unique experience, visit the Al Fahidi Historical District for a taste of Dubai’s pre-skyscraper era.
Wander through its narrow lanes, explore traditional wind-tower architecture, and sip on Arabic coffee at a hidden café. It’s a refreshing contrast to the city’s glitz—and Instagram gold!
3. Cape Town, South Africa – Summer at the Tip of Africa
While the Northern Hemisphere is layering up, Cape Town is kicking off its summer season.
Pi
cture vibrant streets, panoramic views, and a destination where the wine is as breathtaking as the scenery.
Why to Go:
Stunning natural beauty
Vibrant culture
Vineyards galore
What to Do:
Hike up Table Mountain for breathtaking views
Tour the wineries of Stellenbosch
Hang out with penguins at Boulders Beach
What to Pack:
Lightweight yet chic clothing
Hiking shoes
An empty suitcase for all the wine you’ll want to bring back.
Insider Tip: Take the Chapman’s Peak Drive at sunset—it’s one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife like baboons or Cape fur seals, and stop for a quiet moment to soak in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a drive that’s as calming as it is breathtaking.
Embrace the Snow: Winter Wonderlands
Because sometimes you want your hot chocolate with a side of snowflakes and roaring fireplaces.
Zermatt, Switzerland: Fondue and Finesse
Zermatt in winter feels like stepping into a snow globe, complete with candlelit streets, and heaps of alpine charm that makes you forget emails exist.
It is also the kind of place that makes you appreciate the art of the cozy chalet—complete with roaring fires, warm drinks, and views of the Matterhorn that belong in a fairytale.
Why to Go:
World-Class skiing, though optional
Indulging in Swiss fondue and après-ski vibes is non-negotiable.
Postcard picture views
What to Do:
Explore the vibrant village for local crafts and Swiss treats.
Take the Gornergrat Railway for Alpine views.
Dive into the Matterhorn Museum to hear tales of daring climbers, dramatic ascents, and questionable 19th-century climbing gear (spoiler: it’s terrifying).
What to Pack:
Thermal layers (because nobody likes a frozen nose)
Ski gear
Snazzy après-ski wear — think cozy chic, not couch potato.
Insider Tip: Try raclette at a local restaurant. It’s hot, melty, and pairs wonderfully with a glass of Swiss wine—or two.
2. Lapland, Finland – A Storybook Arctic Escape
Lapland is the stuff of winter dreams, where snow-draped forests, Northern Lights, and Arctic adventures combine to create a truly magical experience.
This is where fairy tales meet the Arctic—complete with reindeer sleighs and cozy igloos.
Why to Go:
Pristine Arctic wilderness
Unique cultural experiences
Enchanting adventures that feel straight out of a storybook.
What to Do:
Ride reindeer sleighs or husky sleds,
Stay in a glass igloo to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed, and warm up with local delicacies like cloudberry jam.
For the adventurous, try snowshoeing or ice fishing in untouched landscapes.
What to Pack:
Thermal gear
Waterproof boots
A notebook to jot down all the tales you’ll tell when you return.
Insider Tip: Visit a Sámi village to learn about Indigenous traditions. If you’re lucky, you might even learn to lasso a reindeer!
3. Banff, Canada – Nature’s Playground in Winter
Banff National Park is a winter playground where snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and cozy mountain lodges combine for a quintessential Canadian getaway.
Why to Go:
Dramatic Rocky Mountain views
Outdoor activities for every adventurer
Iconic après-ski vibe
What to Do:
Hit the slopes
Skate across Lake Louise’s frozen surface.
For a deeper connection with the land, explore Indigenous-led experiences that highlight the area’s rich cultural heritage. Learn about the Stoney Nakoda Nation, who have called these lands home for centuries, and hear stories about their deep connection to the wildlife and mountains.
What to Pack:
Layered clothing for all kinds of weather,
A sense of adventure
Your favorite cozy sweater for evenings by the fire.
Insider Tip: For a magical experience, head to Johnston Canyon and explore its frozen waterfalls. The Ice Walk trail is well-maintained, and with the right footwear (ice cleats recommended), you can admire glittering ice formations up close. It’s a quieter way to immerse yourself in Banff’s winter wonderland.
Seek Serenity: Zen Winter Retreats
For when you need a vacation from people. Yes, all of them.
Kyoto, Japan: Winter’s Zen Retreat
Kyoto’s winter charm is like a painter’s delicate brushstroke—soft, serene, and perfectly balanced.
Snow dusts bamboo forests, temples bask in peaceful stillness, and bowls of yudofu (tofu hot pot) steam like little hugs for your soul
Why to Go:
Temples dusted with snow
Gorgeous scenery
Tea ceremonies that invite you to slow down and savor the moment
What to Do:
Stroll through illuminated bamboo groves
Savor a traditional kaiseki meal
Warm up in an onsen (hot spring)—it’s like a spa day for your soul.
What to Pack:
Comfortable layers for temple visits
Qalking shoes (you’ll be clocking those steps)
Stretchy waistbands for all the meals you won’t want to skip.
Insider Tip: Visit the Golden Pavilion early in the morning after a snowfall—it’s pure serenity. Bonus: fewer tourists in the background of your photo.
2. Iceland – Rugged Beauty, Peaceful Retreat
Where else can you soak in a geothermal lagoon while surrounded by snow-dusted lava fields?
Iceland’s untouched landscapes offer a peaceful escape for those seeking serenity with a side of adventure.
Why to Go:
Otherworldly landscapes
Natural hot springs
Mesmerizing Northern Lights.
What to Do:
Start your day with a glacier hike
Unwind in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon
Explore ice caves or stargaze under clear skies.
What to Pack:
Waterproof gear
Cozy layers
A camera—you’ll want to capture every jaw-dropping vista.
Insider Tip: Venture beyond the Blue Lagoon to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. It’s less crowded, more affordable, and just as enchanting. Surrounded by natural steam vents and bubbling hot springs, it offers a more tranquil geothermal soak with a touch of rustic charm.
3. Big Sur, California – Misty Cliffs and Crashing Waves
Sometimes, serenity is less about snow and more about misty cliffs and crashing waves.
Big Sur offers the perfect antidote to modern life.
Why to Go:
Breathtaking coastal scenery
Disconnect to reconnet
Nature therapy at its finest
What to Do:
Hike coastal trails
Practice yoga overlooking the ocean
Enjoy the luxury of being unreachable for a while.
What to Pack:
Layers for cool evenings
Hiking gear
A bunch of books with which to unwind.
Insider Tip: Venture beyond the Blue Lagoon to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. It’s less crowded, more affordable, and just as enchanting. Surrounded by natural steam vents and bubbling hot springs, it offers a more tranquil geothermal soak with a touch of rustic charm.
FAQ: Your Winter Travel Questions Answered
Q: What are the best warm winter destinations?
A: The Maldives, Dubai, and Cape Town are perfect for travelers seeking sunshine during the colder months.
Q: Where can I experience the Northern Lights in winter?
A: Lapland & Iceland are top spots for viewing the magical Aurora Borealis.
Q: What should I pack for a snowy winter escape?
A: Thermal gear, waterproof boots, and layers to keep warm while exploring snowy destinations like Zermatt or Banff.
Your Winter Escape Awaits
Ready to pack your bags?
At Luggage & Labels, we’ll help you create a custom winter getaway, tailored to your dreams.
Whether you’re lounging under the sun, embracing a snowy adventure, or finding peace in nature’s quiet, your perfect winter escape is just a click away.
