Winter vacations in Europe

Whether you’re traveling through the fairytale-like streets of Prague or exploring the beautiful architecture of Budapest, chances are you’ll come across a Christmas market. Christmas markets are for both the young and the young at heart. Pick up a colorful ornament to adorn your Christmas tree, sip on nutmeg-y mulled wine or sing along to festive carols.

From sweet Spanish polvoron to comforting Italian soups, feast on traditional dishes that will warm you up and make your mouth water. Whether you'd prefer to sip on fruity Rakija in Croatia or soak up your stew with soda bread in Ireland, sitting down to enjoy a hearty meal is the perfect end to a day of adventuring.

Just because it's winter doesn’t mean it’ll be cold. Walk through the grand boulevards, palaces and churches of Lisbon while enjoying a temperature of 68°F, or take in the architecture and historical sites of Istanbul’s Old City under the winter sun. The weather might not be hot, but it’s still pleasant enough to spend your time outside exploring.

Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience, explore the imperial buildings of Vienna’s Hofburg Palace and wander through the art-filled rooms of Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow. The best part? You don’t have to compete with the crowds that come with traveling in the summer.