7 Ultimate Holiday Vacation Destinations

Holiday travel planning can be overwhelming and sometimes even daunting, but there are great options throughout the United States and Canada to satisfy any kind of traveler. Check out all the great places Marriott Bonvoy has to offer when you plan your next getaway!

1. Want snowcapped mountains? How about Aurora, Colorado?

Boasting skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing for the adventurous traveler and plenty of opportunities to kick up your feet by a roaring fire for the slightly less active members of your party, Aurora is an ideal winter holiday vacation. If you do travel there, check out the amazing "ICE!" exhibition at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, where A Charlie Brown Christmas will be meticulously re-created via a 17,500-square-foot installation made from 2 million pounds of ice! Go see it for yourself!

2. Coastal holiday perfection awaits in San Francisco!

Not as cold as a snowy getaway and not as warm as a tropical holiday spot, San Francisco is the perfect West Coast middle-ground trip. From Union Square shopping to Golden Gate Bridge sightseeing or even a leisurely stroll through Dolores Park, San Francisco has something for every kind of vacationer. And this holiday season, you can post up at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, which has all kinds of holiday treats from the city's largest sugar castle, a brand-new pop-up champagne bar (called, appropriately, Pop! Lounge), and more!

3. Hawaii is a tropical holiday paradise!

For something a little warmer, you can't go wrong with Hawaii. With sunsets that will make ringing in the new year just a little more special, surfing for those who want to get out on the water after opening presents, and views that will make for the perfect backdrop for next year's holiday card, Hawaii has much to offer any traveler! And with plenty of holiday events and amenities just for the season, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, located on the Big Island, is unbeatable! Enjoy wonderful holiday events like a Christmas parade, a New Year's Eve luau, and so much more! 

4. Ontario, Canada is a literal winter wonderland!

A veritable winter wonderland, this charming area features Lake Rosseau as the centerpiece. There's no better location for a frosty winter holiday retreat than this beautiful township. Be sure to check out the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, which has countless amenities as well as limited-time engagements like fine dining in private ice caves (with transparent domes overlooking the lake), guided snowshoe and bike tours, and more!

5. Florida's Amelia Island has something for everyone.

Located in beautiful Nassau County, Amelia Island features sunshine and mild temperatures. Explore everything the island has to offer in winter: gorgeous Christmas light displays, historical home tours, and even the New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop Festival(!), with events for the whole family. Relax and stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and maybe even take in the SS Amelia, the world's largest gingerbread pirate ship! Whoa.

6. Amazing options await in Chicago!

Button up that peacoat and head to Chicago for an array of festivities that will make your holiday head spin! Between Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk and The Westin Chicago River North, there are special events to keep you occupied from Christmas Eve through New Year's Eve. From gingerbread house workshops to the fireworks display along the river, there are enough choices to keep the pickiest and most particular members of your party busy and smiling for the entire trip!

7. Old Town Alexandria is historic holiday perfection!

Among the many things you can do in Virginia's little slice of tucked-away cobblestone and townhouse-filled American history, Alexandria has hundreds of restaurants and boutiques sure to provide plenty of holiday cheer (and then some!). Make sure your end-of-year travel is that much better by booking a stay at The Alexandrian, Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection! This winter, they've transformed their 3,000 sq. foot courtyard into King & Rye’s Winter Wonderland, with individual temperature-controlled igloos with music choices you control and Southern-style Tapas and cocktails! Come experience it!

imagery courtesy of Marriott

Let Marriott Bonvoy take some of the guesswork out of your holiday, whether you're about to book tickets or just gathering inspiration for your next trip.