It may be the middle of summer, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about your winter travels. Whether you’re dreaming of festive Christmas markets, a balmy beach escape, an unforgettable family adventure or ringing in the New Year somewhere spectacular, the best winter excursions are best planned months in advance.
Here are a few destinations I love for December and holiday travel:
For those looking for some beach vibes …
Costa Rica – December marks the start of the dry season, making it an ideal time to explore rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife reserves and beautiful beaches.
Maui, Hawaii – Enjoy warm temperatures, golden beaches, stunning sunsets and some of the best whale watching of the year as humpback whales return to Hawaiian waters for the winter.
Salzburg, Austria – Picture snow-dusted rooftops, festive Christmas markets, horse-drawn carriages and steaming mugs of Glühwein set against an amazing Alpine backdrop.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Cozy pubs, historic streets, festive lights and one of the world’s most celebrated New Year’s traditions, Hogmanay.
Patagonia (Chile & Argentina) – December brings long summer days in the Southern Hemisphere, creating perfect conditions for hiking, glacier viewing and exploring some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
Antarctica – One of the most extraordinary journeys on Earth. December offers extended daylight, abundant wildlife and ideal conditions for expedition cruising.
The holiday season remains one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The best guides, special experiences, transportation and accommodations are often secured well before autumn arrives.
If you’ve been thinking about a winter excursion, let’s start planning!
Auberge Collection, the celebrated portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts and residences, recently expanded into Africa with the addition of Auberge Safari. Comprising nine extraordinary properties across Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife locales,
Auberge’s curated collection draws together the region’s most respected camps and lodges under one elevated, design-forward philosophy. Think: seamless guiding, deeply immersive wildlife encounters and the kind of understated luxury Auberge is known for in its coastal and mountain resorts.
What makes this opportunity especially interesting is not just the spectacular locale that stretches across the Serengeti ecosystem, the private conservation areas and elephant-rich landscapes, but also the rich network that is now combined. The result is a more fluid, more intentional way to experience Tanzania, moving between dramatically different terrains without sacrificing comfort or continuity.
From front-row migration positioning in the northern Serengeti to private conservancies where wildlife feels unfiltered and exclusive, this is safari travel at a very elevated level that is still deeply rooted in authenticity and conservation. It is truly an experience not to be missed!
Long Weekends, ElevatedSometimes you don’t need two weeks away. Sometimes all it takes is three or four nights in the right place. When couples ask me where to go for a long weekend, I’m looking for more than a beautiful hotel. The destinations that truly stand out combine exceptional service, incredible food, memorable experiences and a setting that makes you forget about your inbox before you’ve even unpacked.
A few of my favorites:
Amangiri, Utah – Desert adventures, breathtaking canyons and world-class wellness in one of the most iconic settings in North America.
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland – A remote coastal retreat where whale watching, stargazing and authentic local experiences take center stage.
Little Palm Island, Florida Keys – America’s only private island resort, perfect for disconnecting and embracing barefoot luxury.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur – Dramatic ocean views, exceptional dining, wellness experiences and one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Los Cabos – Beachfront luxury, sumptuous sunsets and the kind of service that keeps guests returning year after year.
Twin Farms, Vermont – An all-inclusive countryside retreat (pictured above) known for extraordinary dining, exceptional wines and beautifully designed accommodations.
San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara – A legendary hideaway offering privacy, romance, renowned dining and the charm of California wine country.
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado – A restored ghost town turned luxury retreat, complete with natural hot springs and endless outdoor adventures.
Triple Creek Ranch, Montana – An adults-only luxury ranch where horseback riding, fly fishing and western hospitality create an incredible experience.
Four Seasons Tamarindo, Mexico – A stunning Pacific coast retreat featuring dramatic views, exceptional cuisine, wellness experiences and access to one of Mexico’s most beautiful coastlines.
Each destination offers something different, but they all have one thing in common: they make a long weekend feel like a true retreat. If you are looking to make plans for a quick getaway or an easy summer weekend, just visit the Jaunt Away website to gain seamless access to the Virtuoso booking platform. This tool allows you to book exceptional hotels anywhere in the world and unlocks preferred rates and exclusive privileges at more than 1,400 of the world’s most sought-after hotels, resorts and villas.
Enjoy thoughtful enhancements such as room upgrades, daily breakfast and hotel credits — all designed to elevate your stay. What location is calling your name?
Score Your Next AdventureGoing to a see the Algeria vs. Jordan World Cup match at Levi Stadium in San Francisco this month was amazing! The electrifying energy of the crowd and the massive wave of international excitement was spectacular, and it was all right here in the U.S.
I love going to sporting events when I travel. It is such a fun way to get a true taste of a new area. Whether you want to catch an iconic tournament or plan a jaunt centered on your favorite team, sports tourism is one of the most thrilling ways to experience a new city.
These trips give you an authentic taste of local culture, connect you with passionate fans and create memories that last a lifetime. A sports-centric vacation is the perfect bucket-list reward for yourself or an unforgettable gift for someone special. Let’s start planning your adventure!
