Winter is fast approaching, and with it comes the question of your next USA vacation! Where should you go? TripAdvisor's new Winter Travel Index will help you find your winter travel destination in the USA!
The cold season is shaping up to be a busy travel season, according to the recently released Winter Travel Index from Tripadvisor. The most popular destinations in the US indicate that winter travelers in 2024/2025 will be driven by both a yearning for snow flurries and festivities and a desire for adventure in the sun.
The Winter Travel Index 2024 lists the following top destinations in the USA:
City highlights with pompous Christmas decorations? Or an escape to sunny oases? There's something for every type of traveler in the USA, even in winter!
New York City is a unique experience in winter. With twinkling lights and world-famous attractions, the city offers countless opportunities to make your winter vacation unforgettable. Whether you're strolling through the snowy streets of Manhattan or pirouetting on the ice, the Big Apple has something for everyone.
No visit to New York is complete without a stop at the iconic Rockefeller Center, and Central Park also transforms into a veritable fairyland in winter. A horse-drawn carriage ride is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the snowy idyll. Snuggled up in warm blankets, you can experience the tranquility of nature in the middle of the metropolis.
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Pack your warm clothes and let the winter in New York enchant you!
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Las Vegas is a feast for the senses in winter and the Strip is the beating heart that shines with a special glow at this time of year. The winter exhibition at the Bellagio*, for example, is an absolute highlight. Every year, the famous gardens are transformed into a spectacular scene of twinkling lights and artistic sculptures. You can admire giant snowmen, candy canes, and poinsettias here — a perfect backdrop for Instagram photos.
The ice rink on the roof of the Cosmopolitan* not only offers a great skating experience, but also fire pits, seasonal cocktails, and open-air movies. You can grab warm blankets and watch classic movies like Home Alone or Elf with a view of the Strip — a unique winter experience in the middle of the desert!
And it should be no secret that New Year's Eve is a particularly good time to let it rip in Las Vegas. Everything here is just that bit crazier than in other places in the USA.
If you want to travel to the USA in winter, you should get your electronic travel authorization now! ESTA is faster, easier, and cheaper than a US visa and allows you to travel to the USA for up to 90 days without a visa!
By the way: when the temperatures drop, Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas becomes the perfect backdrop for hiking or mountain biking tours. The pleasant coolness and the breathtaking scenery of the red sandstone cliffs make your visit in winter an unforgettable experience, without the usual sweating!
Orlando in hot and humid Florida is world-famous for its amusement parks, which unfold a special magic in winter. How about a Christmas trip to Harry Potter's Diagon Alley at Universal Studios*? Or a New Year's Eve countdown in front of the magical Disney Castle? While the temperatures remain mild and pleasant, the parks will surprise you with festive decorations, special winter events and exciting attractions.
Winter is also the best time to observe Florida's gentle giants, the manatees, in their natural habitat. Numerous providers near Orlando organize kayak tours where you can experience these fascinating animals up close in clear springs such as Blue Spring State Park.
In the winter months, hot air balloon rides are also a fantastic way to enjoy Orlando and the surrounding countryside. The cool morning air provides a clear view of the glistening lakes, the city and the wide open spaces.
Winter is the high season for surfers in Honolulu. But even if you're not a surfer, you can still enjoy the impressive show at beaches such as Waimea Bay or Banzai Pipeline.
The famous Waikīkī Beach offers the perfect mix of relaxation and activity in winter. Enjoy the turquoise waters or try stand-up paddling, canoeing, or surfing in the temperate winter waves.
From December to April, Honolulu is also the best place to spot humpback whales. These majestic animals migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed. Boat tours from Waikīkī or nearby harbors bring you very close to the whales — a magical experience that will remain unforgettable.
In the evening, beach bars and restaurants tempt you with fresh seafood and breathtaking sunsets. And the festive winter atmosphere doesn't stop at the tropical backdrop: the Honolulu City Lights Festival lights up the city center in December!
Key West, the Southernmost city in the USA, is a paradise for winter vacationers looking to escape the cold — with temperatures around 23-27 °C, turquoise blue water and a relaxed island lifestyle!
Smathers Beach, one of the longest beaches on the island, with its white sand and calm waters, is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and kayaking. For snorkeling fans, there are nearby coral reefs that reveal a fascinating underwater world.
However, the festive spirit also finds its way into tropical Key West: during the Lighted Boat Parade, locals decorate their boats with lights and Christmas decorations and sail through the harbor — an unforgettable sight!
In addition to our top 5, other US locations have of course made it into the Winter Travel Index 2024. These include New Orleans in Louisiana, Anaheim in California, Chicago in Illinois, Miami Beach in Florida, and Sedona in Arizona.
The data analyzed by TripAdvisor shows that winter is increasingly being used as the main travel season in the USA. Over a quarter of respondents even plan to visit three or more American cities during their winter trip.
Didn't find your perfect winter destination? Then you're sure to find it here:
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