5 Perfect Winter Vacations

Jackson Hole, Wyo.
If your ideal winter vacation involves staying in a rustic cabin — with all the creature comforts — surrounded by snowy woods and icy peaks, then the Fireside Resort Jackson Hole, just outside Grand Teton National Park, has you covered. Its simple, compact cabins pay homage to the valley's original homesteaders. In addition to the requisite fireplace, they're equipped with pillow-top mattresses and down pillows, flat-screen HDTVs, Wi-Fi and colorful art. Doggie beds and fixings for s'mores are also available. The decks are roomy enough for snow gear, if you are so motivated, and free ski shuttles run hourly.

San Juan, Puerto Rico
Barely three hours from Miami, Puerto Rico delivers a Caribbean vacation free of customs, currency exchange, cellphone surcharges and premium winter prices. Well-preserved Spanish architecture — including some of the oldest European forts on U.S. soil and the 16th-century Ponce de León residence — contrast with San Juan's modern financial center and the Condado and Isla Verde beach resorts. The capital also has vibrant culinary and nightlife scenes. Several out-of-town attractions are nearby, including El Yunque rain forest to the east and, to the west, the Arecibo Observatory, which was featured in such films as Contact and GoldenEye.

Sedona, Ariz.
Winter is low season in Red Rock Country, but Sedona's florid landscapes, sunsets and energy vortices are no less intense. The cool days (highs in the 50s to mid-60s, with a bit of ephemeral snow late in the season) are perfect for exploring state parks and national monuments or visiting sacred sites. And this is the most relaxed time to frequent the city's popular galleries, cafes and turquoise jewelry shops. You can also indulge in wine tastings, take art walks, enjoy concerts and plays, and participate in both physical and metaphysical workshops and healings.

Also of Interest

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  Visit the AARP home page for travel discounts, tips and more