In January and February, we often use our long weekends to find some sun and warmth, such as Death Valley or Hawaii. Sometimes our planning goes in a different direction, such as wandering a wintry, European city when it is quiet and when we can get last minute miles tickets.
These trips are organized around MLK and Presidents’ Day long weekends.
Death Valley
Mesquite Dunes · Zabriskie Point · Badwater
January is one of the best times to visit Death Valley: sunrise hikes, desert peaks, and unexpected water in the driest place in North America. Three days covers a lot of ground if you start early.
Day hiking
Trip guides
Hawaii
Kauaʻi · Big Island · Oʻahu
Hawaii in January and February looks different depending on the island. Kauai for the Nā Pali coast and Waimea Canyon; the Big Island for Volcanoes National Park and Kona; Oahu for a long weekend of walking, food, and beaches. Three islands, three different trips.
Day hiking City Beaches
Paris
Museums · Walks · Food
Paris in January: Christmas crowds gone, decorations still up, and the city mostly to yourself. Bundle up and walk — the neighborhoods, the museums, a chocolat chaud (or two) somewhere along the way.
City
Trip guides
Budapest
Buda Castle · Parliament · Cold War museum
Budapest in February: Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament, and a Cold War museum. A last-minute trip — and a strong case for the short European winter city break.
City
Trip guides