New Mexico’s ski towns offer a winter experience that feels refreshingly grounded. Instead of oversized resorts and overproduced après scenes, these mountain communities focus on what actually matters: strong terrain, real places to eat and stay, and a pace that lets you enjoy the day rather than rush through it. The three towns below—Taos Ski Valley, Red River, and Angel Fire—represent the best of that balance, each with its own personality. What follows is a practical guide to where to stay at different price points, where to eat from splurge meals to casual bites, how to handle rentals and lift tickets, and what to do when you step off the mountain.
Winter in Texas is a season of quiet discoveries, where the Lone Star State sheds its summer crowds and reveals hidden corners perfect for a long weekend escape. From the rolling hills of Hill Country to the breezy shores of the Gulf Coast, there are destinations where cozy lodging, local flavors, and scenic adventures combine to create a travel experience that feels both indulgent and restorative. Whether you’re craving fireplaces and wine tastings, historic inns and antique shopping, or fresh seafood with sunlit views, Texas offers a variety of winter weekend getaways within a few hours’ drive of Dallas.
These escapes are as much about the meals you share as the places you explore. Imagine savoring schnitzel and spaetzle in Fredericksburg, tasting brisket and pit-cooked pork in Llano, or enjoying oysters and Gulf fish in Rockport—all while staying in boutique inns, riverside cabins, or charming historic hotels. Each town has its own rhythm, and in winter, that rhythm slows just enough to let you savor the scenery, the cuisine, and the simple joy of stepping away from daily life. This guide highlights five of the best long-weekend destinations in Texas, with lodging, restaurants, and activities that make winter a season worth traveling for.
Traveling aboard Vietnam’s luxury train, SJourney, is less about reaching a destination and more about surrendering to the rhythm of the rails, noticing the small details, and absorbing the country at a pace that invites true attention. The polished carriages balance vintage charm with modern luxury, rolling past flooded rice paddies, winding rivers, quiet villages, and misty mountains while offering a suite of amenities that make every moment indulgent. Safety is woven seamlessly into the experience: secure cabins, highly trained staff, and meticulously maintained tracks allow passengers to relax, sip a cocktail, or simply lean against the panoramic windows and watch Vietnam drift by.
There’s a certain magic that strikes the traveler who steps onto Irish soil: a gentle mist curling over emerald hills, the distant call of seabirds over rugged coastlines, and the hum of centuries of stories woven into every street and stone. Ireland is a destination and it’s a living tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights, where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony. From the bustling streets of Dublin to the artistic heart of Galway and the culinary and historical richness of Cork, a journey through this island is a journey through time itself.
Thanksgiving in Dallas often means traffic jams, crowded kitchens, and the usual holiday frenzy. This year, you’ve decided to do something different: pack a bag, grab the keys, and let the road take you northwest to the Texas Hill Country. Your mission is simple—wine, quiet hills, and a slower rhythm of the holiday. No rushed grocery runs, no turkey meltdown; just a long weekend of vineyards, boutique inns, and the subtle magic of autumn in Fredericksburg.
Cancún is a destination that dances effortlessly between turquoise seas, sun-drenched beaches, and a culinary scene that rivals the world’s most celebrated destinations. If you’re chasing indulgent resorts, fine dining, local flavor, or late-night beats, the city offers layers of experiences that satisfy every craving.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is where adventure meets chill vibes in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains. Beyond the historic bathhouses, this city pulses with energy—think scenic mountain trails, lakeside escapes, craft cocktails, and Instagram-worthy spots around every corner. Whether you’re planning a weekend with friends, a romantic retreat, or a solo reset, Hot Springs offers a perfect mix of outdoor thrills, lively downtown energy, and experiences that make every trip feel spontaneous and memorable.
Where glaciers meet tundra, and every appetite finds its place.
Alaska’s Kenai and Denali regions invite travelers into landscapes that shift from tidewater glaciers to alpine tundra, each step carrying the quiet drama of wild country. In Seward, the salt air lingers with the smell of kelp and diesel as boats edge into Resurrection Bay. A day on the water brings you close to puffins, sea otters, and the thunder of ice calving into the sea. Back on shore, Exit Glacier trails bring hikers face-to-face with ancient ice, while the harbor’s boardwalk doubles as a front-row seat for sea lions and eagles.