Top 5 Best Places for Your Family Vacation This Winter

This week we are thrilled to feature a guest post by Brady Johnson of the C Lazy U Ranch and Resort in Colorado.  A lover of the great outdoors, he shares a few of his top picks for family fun!  Whether you are a fan of winter or just counting the days until summer, Brady's got the perfect destination for your family!  Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

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When the weather outside is frightful, cabin fever may cause your family to feel a little stir crazy. Winter is an excellent time to take your family on a vacation. From snow to sun, there’s a vacation that can fit every individual’s needs. Why not take advantage of the cold by taking your family somewhere they can experience fun in the sun or snow, discovering both what is familiar and brand new. To have a new family adventure this winter, here are the top destinations.



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Vermont Wildflower Inn

For many, winter isn’t the same without snow. Whether or not you have snow where you live, travel north to find it on your winter vacation. One beautiful destination for a traditional winter experience is the Vermont Wildflower Inn, located three hours from Boston. The Inn offers a wide range of winter activities, including old traditions like sledding, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides as well as modern fun like snowmobiling and snowboarding.

Mohonk Mountain House

For a northern winter vacation on a different scale, visit Mohonk Mountain House in upstate New York, a Victorian-style resort castle, which is an easy drive from New York City. Located beside Lake Mohonk on the southern edge of the Catskill Mountains, Mohonk Mountain House provides a lovely year-round blend of outdoor activities and indoor elegance. Winter activities include ice skating and Victorian "skating chairs," snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing. The indoor amenities include a heated pool for kids, and a spa for parents.

C Lazy U Ranch

To experience a western take on the winter vacations, visit C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado, a dude ranch that provides a full range of activities for kids so the whole family gets to enjoy the experience. All-inclusive vacation packages include luxury lodging and gourmet cooking combined with winter activities including cross-country and downhill skiing, playing hockey on a frozen pond, and indoor or outdoor horseback riding. Adults will enjoy soaking away stress in the hot tub or getting a massage.

Sedona

Instead of a snowy winter, some people want a break from the cold for their winter vacation. And what better place is there to go for a sunny break than Sedona. Sedona is a scenic, year-round destination for enjoying the outdoors or for a luxurious getaway, and winter is a great time to soak up some rays and enjoy comfortable temperatures. Sedona's climate means many nontraditional winter activities such as hot air ballooning, jeep or horseback tours, or golf are available. There are many hiking trails in the area, and cooler winter temperatures make for a more pleasant hiking experience than summer's typical heat. You may even see a little snow on the peaks of Sedona's red rocks, but don't worry. It tends to melt away fast.

Disney World

Many would argue that there's never a bad time of year to visit Disney World, but a winter trip to see Mickey in Orlando is special. Winter is an excellent time to visit Disney, with less lines and more opportunities to spend quality time with your family. Disney World offers winter enticements and deals that make it an appealing place for everyone. Disney World recently opened their FantasyLand expansion in Magic Kingdom, which allows more opportunity for princess meet and greets and character sightings. In addition, parks like Animal Kingdom and Epcot provide a cultural and worldly view through fun activities. Be sure to book a Disney hotel, and make reservations for a character breakfast. The opportunities for magic and excitement are endless.

No matter if you want to have a snowy traditional winter vacation or escape the cold, either to experience the great outdoors or tuck into luxurious surroundings, these top five winter vacation destinations offer something magical for you and your family this season.

About the Author

Brady Johnson works as the Sales and Marketing Director at C Lazy U. Brady handles all marketing and advertising efforts for the ranch along with booking group events and retreats. Since Brady is an avid outdoorsman he will often also take guests on guided mountain bike rides and ski trips on Ranch’s private ski hill or the lead a ropes course session in the summer.