3 Places to Visit in the Winter and Why

If you’re anything like me, when the temperatures start dropping and the holiday season is winding down, you become more of a homebody than you have been for months. “Comfy” and “cozy” become your mantras and you cuddle up with your people and pets, hunkering down to wait for spring. While it is very tempting to go into full-on hermit-mode during these sometimes-all-too-long months, winter is actually an excellent time to pack your bags and go on a trip. Airfares are down, hotels are cheaper, and schools are in session (enough said).

Here are 3 places to visit this winter to cure your post-holiday blues:

1. A place to embrace the cold: Washington, D.C.

In general, our nation’s capital should be on everyone’s “to see” list. In today’s highly political climate, it is important that we have a realistic perspective on our country’s roots and how far we’ve come as a nation. Going to D.C. in the winter allows you to skip the lines and the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and stroll down the National Mall with ease. One of my favorite things to do in Washington D.C. in the wintertime is to visit the Smithsonian museums—which all have free admission every day. It’s warm inside, and you can spend hours learning about history, science, aviation, animals, culture…the list goes on and on. You also have a better chance to score reservations at amazing restaurants by traveling in this off-season. Speaking of, if you’re looking for a tasty and savory meal that’s unforgettable, you’ll want to make a stop that the Federalist Pig. This restaurant is praised in The Washington Post as one of the top restaurants of the 2018 year. This homegrown smokehouse is known for their tender briskets and mouth-watering Thursday beef short rib special. Another personal favorite restaurant is Old Ebbitt Grill, founded in 1856, making it the oldest saloon in the city. (Try the crab cakes.) And, of course, you can’t go to D.C. without seeing the monuments and war memorials. Just remember to bring a scarf, a hat, and some gloves!

2. A place to escape the cold: Los Angeles, CA

Last year my husband was sent to Southern California for work from the end of December through the beginning of March. With some long weekends and Southwest miles, I was able to get down to visit him three times, and it was a ball! We went to the beach, went kayaking, walked boardwalks, and drank margaritas. We rented bikes from the hotel we stayed at in Redondo Beach and rode between rows of palm trees. I wore shorts, sundresses, and sandals. It was such a nice respite to the ho-hum of the rainy, cold weather I had left behind up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Also, insider’s tip from a Californian who knows, after Christmas and before spring break is the absolute best time to visit Disneyland! The crowds are down, and the sun is up! Do it. You won’t regret it.

3. A place that everyone should go, so why not now (when it isn’t hot and humid): The South

Charleston, South Carolina. Savannah, Georgia. New Orleans, Louisiana. These places are hands down some of my favorite cities to visit. The atmosphere is straight out of a novel or a Hallmark movie. The food and drinks are killer. And, unlike the summer in these places, the air in the winter isn’t as thick as the native accents. Also, there is something about the south that is enchanting and romantic. May I suggest a Valentine’s Day getaway? February in New Orleans means Mardi Gras and all sorts of lively and fun entertainment that lasts through the night. When my husband and I visited, we took a 2 a.m. trek from our hotel down to Café Du Monde for their famous beignets and chicory coffee and the streets were still buzzing with music and voices.

So ladies, let’s not get stuck moping around town this winter. Hop on those discount airfare sites and go on an adventure that leaves you refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to take on the rest of the season!