5 Family Winter Getaways
From Ski Vacations to Off-Season Trips to the Beach
Summer vacations tend to hog all the attention but winter vacations are just as important. Why spend the dreariest season stuck at home when you could take a trip that invites adventure and cure that snow-day induced cabin fever. Here's our guide to favorite family winter getaways. 
Hit the Slopes
Skiing is a fun family activity, but it can be expensive and overly tiring for the little ones. Diversify your Colorado snow activities by visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, where in addition to skiing and snowshoe-worthy terrain you’ll also find a network of hiking trails to explore. Enjoy the scenery without worrying about buying lift tickets, renting gear or exhausting yourselves as you try to get your money’s worth. Say, Aloha!
The allure of tropical weather of Hawaii is hard to resist, so shed your boots and coats and hit the sandy shores of a family-friendly beach. Family winter getaways don't have to feel like winter at all. Hawaii is a natural choice; each island offers activities to appeal to everyone's tastes, like whale-watching, hiking through volcano parks and learning to surf or boogie board. Whether you choose Maui, Kauai or the Big Island, you and your family will find the catharsis you need to last you through the rest of the winter.Soak up the Sunshine
Want the beach but don’t want to leave the mainland? Florida is family-friendly without even trying, and the only trouble you’ll have is narrowing down which stretch of welcoming shoreline to visit. Sanibel Island is a crowd-favorite thanks to endless beachcombing opportunities (expect to do a lot of oohing and ahhing over the many found shells you’ll be presented with) and Fort Lauderdale, Destin and Disney/Orlando will also tempt you with their charm. 
Experience New Culture
Skiing, shopping, comfortable family winter vacation rentals and a unique history all place Taos, New Mexico among the smart options for a winter trip. Quality snow sports at high altitudes and a colorful array of distractions down at ground level make it easy to forget about the regular stuff you’re supposed to be worrying about, so embrace the opportunity to tour the Taos Pueblo, Carson National Forest, hot springs and the town of Red River. This has been a hot spot for thousands of years, and nothing’s about to change now. If you happen to be visiting culture-filled New York City for winter, make sure to check out our guide for what to do in NYC with kids.
Let it Snow
Always a warm and friendly place even when covered in snow, New England is a diverse destination that makes families feel right at home. Take Sugarloaf, Maine, for example. During the Children’s Festival in January kids are treated with great skiing deals, and regular facilities include a Turbo Tubing Park and the Carrabassett Valley Antigravity Complex. Two hours from Boston you’ll find another good bet; Waterville Valley, New Hampshire offers up the whole shebang, including skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and winter hiking in a tidy, stress-free package. Sounds like a recipe for a successful family vacation.Family winter getaways have never been so affordable to book, and easy to plan!