Although winter and the holiday season are usually seen as a time for families to get together at someone’s home, exchange gifts, and enjoy each other’s company, among other winter-related activities, there are plenty of families that use the season as a time to get out of the house and travel. For some families, the weather is the deciding factor: families that live in warm climates often want to have a traditional white Christmas, an option that is impossible in a location that never sees snow, while families that are tired of snow will take the holiday season as the perfect opportunity to head to an aforementioned area with a warm climate. Whether you are escaping the snow or seeking it, there are plenty of fantastic holiday travel destinations that will allow you to enjoy the holiday season in comfort and style. Here are some of the most popular winter travel destinations.

One of the most popular winter travel destinations for those who want to stay far away from the cold is the Caribbean. The many beautiful islands located in that region of the world offer tons of exquisite travel opportunities for the warm-blooded family or couple looking to get out of the cold air. For example, Barbados has long been a popular choice for British honeymooners, but the lush Caribbean island is perfect for those looking to get out of the cold. Barbados has over 150 hotels, several of these hotels serving as all-inclusive resort destinations, so there are plenty of places to choose from. Among the most popular of the hotels in Barbados is the Crane Beach hotel, which offers extraordinary ocean views, romantic seclusion, and delightful proximity to beautiful beaches. Another popular Barbados hotel is the Fairmount Royal Pavilion, an upscale hotel that is known for extreme elegance and refinement, with a beautiful dining room and a fantastic ocean view. Jamaica is another Caribbean hotspot that offers plenty of all-inclusive resorts for those who want to enjoy beautiful weather during the winter. Although families certainly travel to Jamaica during the winter, it is a very popular destination for couples, with plenty of all-inclusive resorts geared towards providing the most romantic time possible.

Of course, people that never see snow often want to escape from the heat, and one of the best opportunities to do this involves a ski lodge. Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York was named 2008’s best budget ski destination by Town and Country Magazine, and considering the amount of luxury and fun that awaits a family at Whiteface Lodge, $355 a night is truly a steal. Two Winter Olympic Games have been held at this ski lodge, which is surrounded on all sides by Adirondacks forest. Although many luxury ski resorts tend to be a bit uppity and snooty, there is none of that attitude at Whiteface Lodge, where the people are down-to-earth and real. Lake Placid itself offers the quintessential winter village atmosphere: there are plenty of restaurants, shopping opportunities, and other touches that make it one of the finest places to visit for your winter travel experience. Amenities included in your stay at Whiteface Lodge include use of the spa, the fitness center, a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hot pools, ice-skating rinks, an outdoor lounge, and a movie theater. Of course, the skiing is excellent as well, with several snowshoe and cross country trails.

Another potential bargain destination is Hawaii, the quintessential vacation destination. The current state of tourism in the islands is such that tourism boards are trying to slash prices to draw visitors to the islands. Unusually low airfares coupled with attractive packages at several resorts throughout the islands make a vacation to Hawaii very affordable and feasible for the average family. There are plenty of things to do in and around Hawaii, whether you are into adventure travel, surfing, or just lounging on the beach, and the beauty of spending your winter in Hawaii is that you can do all of this without having to worry about bundling up in sweaters just to go outside. Considering the state of the economy, there are plenty of price reductions being added to many vacation packages and airline tickets to and from Hawaii, so with a bit of research into the subject, you will be able to find excellent deals. Each of the islands of Hawaii has their own distinct character as well, so if you plan to go island hopping, the adventure is well worth it.

If one would rather enjoy the cold, he or she need not leave the continental United States to get the experience. The Rocky Mountains dominate the western half of the United States and they create plenty of beautiful areas in which families can spend the winter vacation. Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah are some of the states that claim a piece of the Rocky Mountains, and each of these states is filled with ski resorts that are cutting prices in anticipation of a slower holiday season. If you have the means, this winter will be the perfect time to seize the opportunity and take that ski vacation you have always dreamed of at a charming lodge nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Ski destinations in New England are not experiencing the same amount of slowdown as the Rocky Mountain ski resorts, but that does not mean that the quality of the ski resorts in the Rockies is lacking; in fact, the Rocky Mountains are home to some of the finest ski resorts in the world. An important thing to note is that many of these price reductions come when you book your vacation early, so make sure to figure out quickly when you will be able to travel so that you can seize on some fantastic money-saving vacation opportunities. All in all, if your family is one that prefers to spend the winter bundled up indoors next to the fire or roaring down the slopes on skis, the Rocky Mountains are the place to be.

While it may not be instantly obvious to the winter vacation traveler, Ireland’s reputation as a cozy winter hotspot is quickly growing. For example, the Castlemorris House in Tralee is a beautiful bed & breakfast that is both charming and comfortable. The house is a four-storey Georgian house with six huge bedrooms, with old wardrobes and chests of drawers and, of course, very comfortable beds. Delicious goodies are baked for you during teatime and the extreme hospitality of the host is legendary and certainly Irish. Rooms start at about $110, making the experience both affordable and extremely memorable. Another wonderful travel experience in Ireland can be found at the Dolphin House in Clifden, known for the fact that you can see dolphins playing from your window in Dolphin Beach. Run by welcoming and hospitable sisters, the Dolphin House is perched on the shore with a remarkable view of the ocean. Two sitting rooms allow you to relax and enjoy the home, taking in the views and the fresh, delicious food. The bright, modern bedrooms are extremely comfortable and under-floor heating allows you to keep warm. All in all, Ireland provides many unique opportunities for the perfect winter travel experience.