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6 Travel Destinations for Winter Break

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at McGill chapter.

Winter break just seems so far away since we’re in the midst of finals and assignments. As a result, relaxing vacations are probably not even on your mind. However, we all need a break and what better way to spend it than to check out vacation locales for this holiday season? If you can’t go jet-setting this year, think of it as preparation for the near future.  

Los Angeles, California. The weather is perfect at this time of the year in Los Angeles. It’s not too hot or too cold, so you’re away from the Montreal chills and you’re not sweating up a storm. The urban California destination has so much to offer. There are the typical tourist attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, Universal Studios, and Disneyland. However, there’s also the Santa Monica Pier for those who just want to hang with the ocean and the Runyon Canyon Park for nature lovers.

New York City, New York. If you’re on a tight budget, this is the place for you. You can easily find coach tickets for less than $50. New York City is beautiful during winter, especially if you’re around during Christmas. They decorate Rockefeller Center with various assortments of lights and of course you can see the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square. Besides that, you can take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and try the food trucks.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec. Skiing and alcohol throughout the day. Who doesn’t love that? You can work the slopes during the day and dance the night away at Bar Café d’Époque or Le P’tit Caribou. If you’re looking to have a casual night, try Microbrasserie La Diable. They have several brewed beers on tap and a flavour of the month.

San Juan, Puerto Rico. This is the place for you if you’re looking for sunshine, beaches, and affordability. Not only is it ranked fourth when it comes to affordable American getaway spots, but it has amazing street food and more. You can work on that tan at the beach or visit the beautiful Cathedral of San Juan Bautista or its National Historic Site. Or, you can check out La Fortaleza, which is where the Governor of Puerto Rico resides.

Miami, Florida. Need I say anymore? Adriana Lima lives here and it’s the centre of Art Basel. It has a Cuban atmosphere and a gorgeous beach. Not to mention, it’s warm and that’s what everyone needs right now. Head down to Lincoln Road if you want to look at art because there are many studios and galleries there as it was a popular hangout spot for artists in the 1980s. Also, don’t forget to visit Gianni Versace’s mansion or the Wynwood Art District.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. If you’re heading to Santo Domingo, the Zona Colonial is an integral part of the Dominican Republic’s history. According to Reader’s Digest, “To walk along Calle de las Damas is to retrace the steps of the first Spanish conquistadors.” As for the beaches, there’s the Costa del Coco with its reef-protected white beaches where all the tourists flock to. Then, of course there’s the Constanza ‘Dominican Alps’ where you can be one with nature. Santo Domingo is another excellent sunny getaway for the perfect relaxing break. 

Sources:

http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/9-amazing-things-do-dominican-r…

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/travel/best-winter-travel-destinations.aspx

Images obtained from:

http://www.iiclosangeles.esteri.it/NR/rdonlyres/C83C4FE1-D329-4BED-A69D-…

http://img.allw.mn/content/www/2008/12/timesquarechristmastree.jpg

http://media.expedia.com/media/content/shared/images/travelguides/destin…

https://www.trespalmasinn.com/images/2012/01/old-san-juan2.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYmBKfQx5Nw/TvT4IPhsneI/AAAAAAAAMFc/tHcbV1bblE…

 

Erica is a writer for Her Campus. She is currently in her second year at McGill, pursuing a degree in English (Cultural Studies). She is also an aspiring writer who loves fashion, beauty, travel, and culture. She hopes that you enjoy her articles and her insights into the world around her.