Much to the dismay of those who live to hit the slopes, there are those who just don’t (gasp!) ski. Even so, there’s no reason for those non-skiers to hibernate throughout the snowy months in New England. There are plenty of options for non-skiers who still want to enjoy the winter season with a getaway.
Here are five winter vacations that Foxy Travel experts recommend for the ski-averse traveler.
Tammy Cullen, travel agent, says, “Looking for a hot destination at a reasonable price?” Take a look at Cancun or Riviera Maya in Mexico right now. There are many choices of all-inclusive hotels to fit a variety of needs, whether it be a family getaway full of activities for the kids or an adults-only property. Not looking to sit on the beach or in the pool the whole time? Visit the Mayan Ruins, snorkel in a cenote, zipline, ride ATVs or take a ferry to Cozumel to explore for the day. You can be as busy or as relaxed as you’d like to be, and for less money than many other tropical destinations, say Foxy Travel experts.
Sharon Smith, a travel agent with Foxy Travel, touts Stowe, Vermont, as a favorite destination.
“In the winter season, while my family takes to the slopes, I enjoy walking around downtown Stowe,” says Smith. “It’s a quintessential historic New England town, with its many unique little shops, restaurants, artisan galleries, craft beer pubs, coffee shops, and a general store, plus its own sidewalk-covered bridge.”
While in Stowe, Smith is partial to staying at the Trapp Family Lodge, being a fan of the “Sound of Music.” Whether it be in one of the guest rooms in the main lodge, or in one of the guest houses, the atmosphere can’t be beat with fresh air and mountain views.
“Take in some afternoon tea or a glass of wine in front of the fireplace,” continues Smith. “Wander the Lodge, where you’ll find hidden sitting rooms, and learn the history of the Trapp Family by viewing captioned photographs that line the hallways. You can also relax in the 20-person outdoor hot tub while snowflakes land on your head, or watch the Scottish Highland cattle in the fields. No matter how many times my family and I have been in this area, there is always something new to see and do. Or just plain relax.”
Jay Peak, a ski village in Vermont, offers resort-style accommodations in a gorgeous, country setting. For Foxy Travel’s Tiffany Cutting,it’s an ideal getaway that allows her family the option to ski, but so many other attractions that one does not have to be a skier to be enthralled with the vacation.
“While my family enjoys the slopes, I enjoy the Tioga Spa, indoor waterpark, the arcade, fitness center, indoor ice skating, guided snowshoeing tours, fat biking, hockey games and the Clips and Reels movie theater, or guided snowmobile excursions or a day trip to Canada. There are also 16 on-site restaurants and three cafes, from cafeteria style food to gourmet, sit-down dining. Jay Peak has many options to keep everyone in the family happy.”
When Donald Menard, founder of Foxy Travel, wanted to “break up the winter,” he took his wife to Montego Bay, Jamaica, which is known for its white, sandy beaches, fantastic hotels and nightlife.
“In a matter of a few hours, we could be on the beach at a Sandals resort with a pina colada in our hands, and no kids,” said Donald. “It was a great way to unwind and spend quality time with her.”
Donald’s son Keith, who steers the Foxy Travel ship these days, says he’s “embraced the cold” in recent years, and names his personal favorite getaway as a trip to Iceland.
“We planned a trip to see the Northern Lights, but we fell in love with the entire island!” says Keith. “Amazing food, cute shops and an abundance of natural beauty made seeing the Northern Lights the icing on the cake. We have done London, Banff, and other destinations that you wouldn’t think of as places to see in the winter, and what I love about it, is you have fewer tourists. You also don’t get that cold shock when you come back home.”
Interested in a getaway before the winter slips away? Talk to us here at Foxy Travel. Call 508-234-4585.
Looking for a getaway in December for 10 women
Hi Linda, We offer a NYC Overnight tour on December 11th – 12th, Saturday/Sunday that your group may enjoy. We currently have space available but this tour does sell out annually, so I wouldn’t wait too long to decide. If you are looking for a trip specifically for your group of 10, please contact our in house travel agent Tammy at [email protected] and provide further details such as budget, destination, and dates of travel, so she may put a quote together for your group. Thank you!