Cozy evenings spent with your loved ones, wearing your favorite winter coat and enjoying the festive season: here are 5 winter travel destinations you need to visit. Whether you love the cold or want to escape to a sunny island, our list has something for everyone.

San Diego

The beautiful city in Southern California is the perfect winter escape for US travelers. Perched on the Pacific Ocean, San Diego has a great variety of beaches for you to relax, snorkel or surf all day long. Located just north of the border, San Diego has wonderful influences from Mexico, which essentially means the local cuisine is amazing. You’ll be greeted with a charming laid-back attitude and endless possibilities of things to do. Walk along the beautiful harbor front at sunset, visit a museum, enjoy fresh seafood… you can even go whale watching! San Diego just has it all!

Aspen

Can’t get enough of the winter days? Then Aspen is the place for you! Definitely at the top of the list when it comes to ski resort towns, Aspen has four skiable mountains surrounding its historic center. You can even catch a gondola to go from downtown straight up the mountains. Aspen’s old town is home to many upscale restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. The surrounding area is renowned for its many hiking trails, you’ll definitely want to come back in the summer! Aspen is a magical place to wind down from your hectic life and enjoy a luxurious atmosphere.

Morocco

The winter season is a great time to visit Morocco: Less crowded, not as hot and the cooler air makes for some stunning views! Explore the country’s mesmerizing cities: Marrakech, Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fez will be less crowded in the winter and you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful markets, enjoy the local cuisine and relax in a hammam spa. The weather on the coast will still be mostly sunny, but it can get chilly at night. Surfers will find the winter on the south coast particularly appealing!

Iceland

If you are not afraid of really cold temperatures… Come to Iceland! Iceland is truly a winter wonderland. Traveling to Iceland in the winter will give you a chance to see the Northern Lights. Chasing the Northern Lights is an otherworldly, breathtaking experience. Surrounded by darkness you’ll see the sky illuminate in magical colors. To add to the magic, Iceland loves Christmas. In fact, the island celebrates the festive season from November to January with many festive traditions. You will also have a lot of fun if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding. The winter scenery in Iceland is simply stunning: explore frozen waterfalls, glacier lagoons and ice caves. Your winter trip to Iceland is one you’ll never forget!

Mauritius

Another great winter escape is Mauritius. One of the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean has something to offer for every type of traveler. It’s also a great destination for families and a magical place for a winter honeymoon! You’ll find luxurious resorts to treat yourself after a long year of work. Mauritius is a world renowned destination for diving with divers traveling from all over the world to see the island’s incredible marine life. After a few days on the coast, head into the mountains and immerse yourself in nature. Don’t forget to eat your way through Mauritius’s local cuisine!