10 Unexpected Holiday Destinations Around the World

The climate varies dramatically between north and south Vietnam. The Mekong Delta—on the farthest southern tip of the country—is dry and balmy from December through April, making this the best time of year to visit. While there, visit Cai Rand and the delta’s other unique floating markets, float through the Tra Su Cajuput and Xeo Quyt Forests on a traditional sampan boat, and marvel at the ornate Vinh Trang Temple.

This archipelago set just off the coast of Tanzania offers an attractive mix of beach weather and captivating culture for a winter trip. Visit the UNESCO-listed Stone Town trading quarter on the main island of Unguja to learn about its mix of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences.

Then, venture into the lush Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park to spot the rare red colobus monkey or the Mikumi National Park to admire elephants in the wild. You can also slip on your mask and fins to explore the underwater world of the Mnemba Atoll and Zanzibar’s countless crystalline stretches of coastline.

If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean escape but don’t look forward to beaches and chain resorts bursting with holiday crowds, consider the lesser-known Out Islands in The Bahamas. These small outposts south of Grand Bahama are a paradise of quiet beaches and pristine nature on land and sea.

The Exumas and Eleuthera are the most popular, but Cat Island, Crooked Island, and Acklins further south along the archipelago are far off the tourist track. Snorkel or scuba dive along the coral reefs, kayak through mangrove forests, and try your hand at windsurfing, sailing, or fishing in the turquoise waters.

The Mediterranean island of Malta won’t have the tropical temperatures of The Bahamas, but its balmy December average of around 62°F (17°C) is ideal for a mid-winter break. Begin in the capital of Valletta, a golden-hued city with a historic cathedral, fortress, and gardens that you may recognize from scenes in Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and Troy.

Be sure to visit the historic towns of Mdina and Sliema, too, before striking out north to the islands of Comino and Gozo—if you catch a particularly warm day, you can even take a winter dip.

Set on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the UNESCO-listed Iguaçu National Park is home to one of the most spectacular natural wonders in South America: the massive Iguaçu Falls. The world’s largest waterfall system, Iguaçu (also spelled Iguassu or Iguazú) spans almost 9,000 feet (2,700 meters) and plunges 270 feet (82 meters) to the river below.

Take advantage of the warm temperatures to marvel at the falls by land or by helicopter and explore the vast national park, with its untouched jungle and unique wildlife.

Home to the highest peaks in the Balkan Peninsula, Rila National Park offers stunning alpine landscapes with a fraction of the visitors (and cost) of Switzerland’s Alps or Italy’s Dolomites. Mt. Musala pierces the sky at almost 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and the Borovets resort area has slopes and trails for skiing and other winter sports.

The park is also home to the picturesque Seven Lakes, 10th-century Rila Monastery, and the spa town of Sapareva Banya, with indoor and outdoor natural mineral-water pools fed by some of the hottest natural springs in the world.

Snow-covered Quebec City is a scene straight out of a holiday card. With its European aesthetic of cobblestone streets lined by 17th-century townhouses and churches, the old town is ideal for winter walks. Take in the Château Frontenac Hotel and Citadel of Québec, admire the St. Lawrence River from the Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk, and dive into the city’s unbeatable dining scene. For visits later in the winter, the city’s Winter Carnival in January and February is among the liveliest festivals in North America.

Set in the Ecuadorian Andes northeast of Quito, volcanic Mt. Cayambe is capped in snow all year round, making it the only location on the equator where travelers can get their winter fix. Hike the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve for views of the peak (or reach the summit over two days if you’re an experienced hiker) and explore the northern highlands, a hub of Andean culture, including the market town of Otavalo and the Cuicocha Lagoon.

The Arctic city of Tromso is an enchanting mix of chocolate-box charm and outdoor fun. Spot the Northern Lights from the dark wilderness that surrounds the town, explore by dog sled or reindeer sleigh, set off through the countryside on snowshoes or cross-country skis, whale watch in the Tromsøysundet strait, and explore the Arctic fjords. This remote outpost also entices with a surprisingly world-class dining scene, seasonal festivities, and a vibrant urban energy that belies its relatively small size.

Friendly Duluth is a surprise hit for snowy winter travel, especially for families. This northern city offers endless outlying trails for Nordic skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, and dogsledding, plus ski slopes and skating rinks. For seasonal spirit, the “Christmas City of the North” offers the Bentleyville Tour of Lights—the largest free walk-through light display in the country—and Christmas City Express train rides along Lake Superior.