7 destinations to visit this winter
Have a ball in Vienna, and hang with the penguins in Patagonia


Start 2024 on a high note with a winter vacation you'll be talking about all year. Here are seven destinations to consider to start the year right:
Vienna
In Vienna, almost every professional guild holds an annual ball
Vienna feels extra magical in the winter, and one major reason is that it's ball season, with more than 450 taking place. These grand events reach their peak in January and February, and almost all are open to the public (you can buy tickets online in advance). Most of the city's professional guilds hold balls, with the Confectioners' Ball set for Jan. 11, 2024, followed by the Ball of Industry and Technology on Jan. 20, the Doctors' Ball and Viennese Ball of the Sciences on Jan. 27 and the Vienna Coffee House Owners' Ball on Feb. 2. When you're not being the belle — or beau — of the ball, bundle up and go on a walking tour of the city to see the stunning architecture and landmarks like the Hofburg Palace and Rathaus.
Zanzibar
The Residence Zanzibar has its own white sand beach
The Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean is where cultures converge. There are African, Arab, Indian and European influences on full display, especially in the historic Stone Town, with its buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and marketplaces (be sure to stock up on spices to bring home). It's hot and dry on the archipelago January through March, so plan on spending lots of time on the pristine white sand beaches or diving in the coral reefs at Mnemnba Atoll and Tumbatu. Wildlife lovers should also set aside a day to explore Jozani Forest, Zanzibar's only national park and home to the rare red colobus monkeys. For a relaxing stay, check into The Residence Zanzibar, a beachfront resort with accommodations that include private pools.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Patagonia
Magellanic penguins abound at Punta Tombo National Reserve in Argentina
Patagonia has something for everyone, especially this time of year. The region, which covers parts of Chile and Argentina, is known for its postcard-perfect landscape, with glaciers, fjords, rugged mountain ranges, deserts and lakes. December through February is summer in Patagonia, so it's the best season to venture out and go hiking and whitewater rafting. As a bonus, this is also prime penguin-watching season. Punta Tombo in Argentina has the largest Magellanic penguin colony in all of South America, and the Puñihuil Natural Monument on the coast of Chiloé Island in Chile is the stomping grounds for both Magellanic and Humboldt penguins.
Bangkok
The nights are electric in Bangkok
You can sleep on the plane ride home. In Bangkok, there's so much to see, do and taste you'll want to start your day early and not end it until well after dark. In January and February the weather is cooler and dryer, making it easier to cover more ground. Plan on stops at Wat Pho, home to Bangkok's largest reclining Buddha and Thailand's biggest collection of Buddha images; the Grand Palace; Lumphini Park; and as many night markets and food stalls as you can handle. The impressive Siam Kempinski Hotel, with spacious rooms and hosts who can answer any questions you have about the city, is a centrally located home base.
Banff
Lake Louise is stunning year-round
Banff is a winter wonderland. From skiing to ice skating to relaxing in hot springs, if it's a winter activity you can probably do it in this town high in the Canadian Rockies. The annual SnowDays festivities will take place Jan. 19 to Feb. 4, 2024, with events in Banff and Lake Louise. Massive snow sculptures will appear along the streets of downtown Banff, while ice sculptures will take shape on the lake. A word of caution: It's very cold here, and the weather is often unpredictable. Be prepared for blustery conditions (pack warm gloves, hats and coats and dress in layers), and stay on the beaten path.
Canary Islands
The Puerto de los Gigantes beach on Tenerife is a popular spot for vacationers and locals alike
With more than 500 beaches, the Canary Islands appeal to those looking for sand and surf. That's not all the islands have to offer, though. There are incredible forests to visit, like the Garajonay National Park on La Gomera, and volcanic landscapes, including Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. Visitors to Tenerife should check out the massive Acantilados de los Gigantes cliffs and Mount Teide, a volcano that is the highest peak in Spain. On Gran Canaria, a new family-friendly resort has opened on San Agustin Beach. The Paradisus Gran Canaria has all-inclusive rates that cover local activities and cultural experiences, plus programs for kids and teens.
Anguilla
The white sand beaches of Anguilla are known worldwide
Anguilla is a Caribbean dream, with its beautiful beaches like Shoal Bay East and swaying palms. Prepare to be in or on the water, as the snorkeling is exceptional and one of the best ways to take in the island's scenery is by sloop. Here, live music isn't just offered in restaurants on the weekends: You can go out every night and listen to singers and bands at clubs and beach bars. It's fun to hop from spot to spot, either on your own or as part of a guided nightlife tour.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
5 dreamy books to dive into this July
The Week Recommends A 'politically charged' collection of essays, historical fiction goes sci-fi and more
-
Rustle up some fun at these Western hotels and dude ranches
The Week Recommends Six properties that are ready to rope you in
-
The best film reboots of all time
The Week Recommends Creativity and imagination are often required to breathe fresh life into old material
-
Feel the groove with these music-centric getaways across the globe
Let the rhythm move you
-
5 high-concept animated science fiction shows for grown-ups
The Week Recommends How filmmakers are using a different medium to bring visionary science fiction to life
-
See the bright lights from these 7 big-city hotels
The Week Recommends Immerse yourself in culture, history and nightlife
-
8 recipes that require minimal effort for the best kind of summer eating
The Week Recommends It's the season of grilling and smart desserts
-
7 places across the country to experience the best of summer drinking
The Week Recommends Stops include a Basque-inspired spot and a bar where the menu overhauls twice a year