As summer winds down, cooler temperatures and changing leaves signal the start of a new travel season. Fall and winter are some of the best times to explore new destinations, enjoy festive celebrations, and take advantage of seasonal promotions. Planning early gives you the best selection, pricing, and access to exclusive travel perks.
For families, Walt Disney World Resort transforms into a magical destination during the holidays. From Halloween celebrations to dazzling Christmas festivities, guests can enjoy themed entertainment, festive décor, specialty treats, and exclusive event nights with shorter wait times. Younger children will love meeting their favorite characters and splashing in resort pools, while older kids and adults can experience world-class attractions, dining, and entertainment. Seasonal offers can also make a Disney vacation even more affordable.
If theme parks aren’t your style, consider setting sail on a cruise. Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line are two of my favorite options for families. Both offer exceptional kids’ clubs, giving children unforgettable experiences while adults relax at adult-only pools, lounges, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s the perfect balance of family time and personal downtime.
For travelers seeking luxury and relaxation, Punta de Mita and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico offer breathtaking beaches and exceptional resorts. During my stay at the new SĪARI, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, I experienced unforgettable whale watching while enjoying sunset cocktails overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This region blends natural beauty, world-class accommodations, and authentic Mexican culture, making it ideal for both relaxation and adventure.
Adventure travelers should put Costa Rica at the top of their list. Ziplining through the rainforest, waterfall rappelling, deep-sea fishing, wildlife encounters, and soaking in natural hot springs are just a few of the unforgettable experiences awaiting visitors. Nearby, Belize is quickly becoming one of the Caribbean’s rising destinations. As the only English-speaking country in Central America and home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Belize offers incredible snorkeling, diving, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches—all within a country roughly the size of Vermont.
For a truly magical holiday experience, consider a Christmas Market River Cruise through Europe. Sail along picturesque rivers while visiting charming Christmas markets in Germany, France, and Austria. Enjoy festive traditions, local cuisine, guided walking tours, wine tastings, and beautifully decorated medieval towns. For holiday river cruising, AmaWaterways remains my top recommendation, with many sailings offering excellent seasonal promotions.
No matter where your travels take you, working with an experienced travel advisor can make all the difference. From personalized recommendations and itinerary planning to assistance before, during, and after your trip, I help ensure every vacation is as seamless as possible. As a Virtuoso and Marriott STARS & Luminous advisor, I can also provide access to exclusive amenities, VIP benefits, and special offers at many destinations around the world.
Wherever you choose to travel this fall and winter, I hope the season inspires you to discover somewhere new, reconnect with loved ones, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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