The Best U.S. Trips to Take During the Holiday Season

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(NATIONAL) While some may agree that there’s “no place like home for the holidays,” for others, Christmastime means vacation time. If you’re thinking about heading out of town for the holidays, here are seven destinations to put on your list. 

Best Places to Visit in November 

Montpellier, Vermont. From the changing colors of the leaves to the mouth-watering smell of freshly-baked desserts to bonfires to pumpkin everything, autumn is an all-around cozy season—this is especially true for those who live in Montpellier, the capital city of Vermont. Montpellier is a picturesque city located in New England. It’s filled with European charm, breathtaking architecture, maple syrup farms like Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, and vineyards. In the fall, Vermont gets a bit chilly, so you may need to bundle up. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors. Vermont is one of the nation’s top destinations for experiencing fall foliage, after all. 

Charleston, South Carolina. If you’re looking for somewhere that’s romantic and irresistibly charming, Charleston is the place to go. This small city has an interesting history, (several) delicious food options, and several boutique hotels to choose from. A few standout restaurants include The Grocery, Fleet Landing, and Oak Steakhouse. What’s more? In the fall, temperatures range between 58- and 76-degrees Fahrenheit—perfect weather for wandering one of the many cobblestone streets. And, if you’re a fan of ghost stories, you’ll be delighted to know the town offers spooky ghost tours, including a tour of Magnolia Cemetery and The USS Yorktown. 

Wilmington, North Carolina. Just three hours north of Charleston sits Wilmington. Wilmington and its nearby beaches—Kure, Carolina, and Wrightsville—makes it a fantastic place to visit, no matter the season. This coastal college town is home to the Seahawks (the mascot of the University of North Carolina Wilmington), various museums, including the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science and the Cameron Art Museum, and scrumptious shrimp and seafood. Whether you’re interested in dancing the night away downtown, lounging on the beach, or shopping till you drop in Mayfaire, Wilmington has a bit of something for everyone. Just be sure to stop at The Dixie Grill for a bacon, egg, and cheese scramble before you leave! 

Scottsdale, Arizona. Phoenix isn’t the only gem in Arizona. Scottsdale is a beautiful city to visit in the fall. The average temperatures range between 49- and 74-degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for hiking one of the city’s many trails, strolling the Scottsdale Artwalk, horseback riding, or viewing the Sonoran Desert while floating in a hot air balloon. (It’s typically colder at night, so you may want to bring a sweater or a light jacket.) Thanks to its scenic views and mild fall temperatures, Scottsdale is also perfect for al fresco dining. If you’re willing to splurge a bit, consider vacationing like a celebrity at the Sanctuary Resort—it’s known for its high-end spa, luxury amenities, and enormous five-star suites. 

Best Places to Visit in December 

New York City, New York. New York City is cinematically referred to as one of the world’s greatest cities—and for good reason. From viewing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to ice skating in Central Park to shopping on Fifth Avenue to browsing the holiday markets, there’s always something to do in New York City. In addition to museums, Broadway, and general entertainment, New York City is also home to some of the most prestigious restaurants in America. You can find any cuisine you’re craving. For tasty Thai food, head to Laut NYC. For a romantic evening and live piano, visit Chez Josephine. Before you get too excited, you should know that the average daytime high in NYC is 42 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do decide to visit NYC in December, be sure to bring a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. 

Salt Lake City, Utah. If you’re an avid skier, December is the best time to hit the slopes of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, which are approximately 2 1/2 hours from Salt Lake City. In addition to skiing, Salt Lake City has a variety of festive holiday activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides through Temple Square and Christmas at the Grand American Hotel, a five-star hotel known for its delectable breakfast options. If you’re traveling with children, you may choose to have breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village or see the ZooLights! at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. 

Duck Key, Florida. Tired of battling the frigid weather? Escape the cold and travel to Duck Key. Duck Key gifts its visitors with sunny weather and the opportunity to enjoy a carefree lifestyle year-round. From boating and swimming to fishing and paddle boarding, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Duck Key, from sunup to sundown. Duck Key is on the small side, so you may want to walk or hop on a bicycle. Some vacationers opt to ride a golf cart around the island. If you’re interested in living life in luxury, book a villa or hotel room at the island’s premier resort Hawks Cay Resort. 

If you’re looking to get away this holiday season, you’re sure to find a family-friendly adventure at one of these amazing destinations! What are you waiting for?