Here are strong winter travel picks, depending on the trip vibe you want. For sun, winter escapes, and seasonal city breaks, current travel coverage highlights places like Sharm el Sheikh, Cartagena, MĂ©rida, Jerusalem, and warm-weather options across Central America and the Maldives, while snowy travelers are looking at Fairbanks, West Yellowstone, Banff-style escapes, and Lapland-like winter experiences.

Quick Scoop

  • For winter sun: Sharm el Sheikh, Cartagena, MĂ©rida, the Maldives, and parts of Central America are good bets for warmth and easier beach time in the colder months.
  • For snowy scenery: Fairbanks, West Yellowstone, and northern Europe-style winter destinations work well if you want snow, auroras, or classic cold-weather activities.
  • For a city break: Jerusalem and Lviv offer atmospheric winter trips with cooler weather, historic streets, and strong food-and-cafĂ© appeal.
  • For something less obvious: Travel coverage this season is also pushing under-the-radar winter sun spots with temperatures roughly in the 15C to 30C range during January and February.

Best by travel style

Style| Good destinations| Why they work
---|---|---
Beach and sun| Sharm el Sheikh, Cartagena, MĂ©rida, Maldives, Central America 11| Warm weather, easier outdoor days, and a clear break from winter.
Snow and adventure| Fairbanks, West Yellowstone, Lapland-style trips, Banff- style trips 91012| Great for skiing, aurora watching, snowmobiling, and winter landscapes.
Culture and food| Jerusalem, Lviv, Cartagena, MĂ©rida 9| Walkable old towns, winter atmosphere, and strong local dining.
Offbeat escape| Lesser-known winter sun destinations| Good if you want fewer crowds and a more relaxed feel.

Best picks

  1. Sharm el Sheikh if you want a warm holiday without a long-haul feel. It is being described as a strong winter sun choice right now.
  2. Cartagena if you want heat plus history, color, and nightlife in one trip.
  1. MĂ©rida if you want warmth with a slower pace and less tourist pressure than the usual beach hubs.
  1. Fairbanks if your idea of winter travel is auroras, dogsledding, and deep cold scenery.
  1. Jerusalem if you want a meaningful winter city break with cool weather and strong atmosphere.

Simple rule

Choose sun if you want to recharge, and choose snow if you want the trip to feel seasonal and memorable. The current travel trend leans both ways: warm-weather “winter sun” escapes are still popular, but snowy adventure destinations are also getting attention for 2026 travel.

TL;DR

Best overall winter travel picks right now: Sharm el Sheikh, Cartagena, MĂ©rida, Fairbanks, and Jerusalem. The “right” one depends on whether you want beach weather, snow, or a city break with winter atmosphere.