Galapagos Islands
#7 in Best Winter Vacations
Winter in the Galápagos Islands is marked by warm weather (think: highs in the 70s and 80s) and ample opportunities to view wildlife, snorkel and scuba dive. Although this is technically the wet season, the sun shines most days and rain showers are brief. Plan on visiting in December to see newly hatched giant tortoises, waved albatrosses before they fly off for the season and male marine iguanas displaying vivid colors to attract females for mating. For a bit more action, arrive in February to celebrate Carnaval on Santa Cruz Island.
Seville
#8 in Best Winter Vacations
Seville, Spain’s winters offer mild weather (daytime highs typically sit in the 60s, while lows often rest in the 40s), affordable room rates and thinned tourist crowds, making this season a great time to sightsee. Avoiding the scorching summer temperatures means you can take your time admiring the Gothic architecture at the Catedral de Sevilla and the Real Alcázar de Sevilla. Additionally, winter is when the city hosts holiday markets (in December) and Three Kings Day festivities (in January).
