The sounds of French greetings and tourists' "Oohs," the sight of meandering cobblestone streets and soaring churches, the aroma of fresh-baked bread and strong cheese, and the taste of rich coffee and buttery croissants. You are in France, according to every sense. But you're in Quebec, therefore they're mistaken.

Long overshadowed by its neighbour, Montréal, Québec City, the capital of the Canadian province of Québec, was thrust back into the spotlight in 2008 as it celebrated its 400th birthday. Since then, tourists have come to this location to discover the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Québec City, the birthplace of New France, nevertheless upholds the traditions of its motherland. When you enter Old Québec's defensive walls, you'll find yourself in a setting straight out of a European art. Cobblestone squares are submerged in a sea of café tables, while buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries hold bakeries, bistros, and stores. And a piece of Québec City's rich history may be found at every corner.

• #1 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Canada
  
  
• #5 in Best Family Vacations in Canada

Country: Canada

Travelers from chilly winter regions are drawn to Cozumel, an approximately 185-square-mile island off the Yucatán Peninsula, by its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine sands. Cozumel's coastline is constantly dotted with cruise ships, and tourists' chatter frequently disturbs the peace on this endearing island. In fact, Cozumel's allures are so potent that they keep the shopping centers along the waterfront crowded for a large portion of the year.

However, you shouldn't let the crowds stop you from exploring this small Yucatán island's attractions, especially as Cozumel's true attractiveness is located far from the city center. One of the top diving locations in the world, you can hire a fishing or diving charter boat to explore the shallow reefs along the shore. You can also rent a glass-bottom boat to tour the island or just locate a secluded beach to unwind on. You should go to a neighborhood tavern for some live music and the inside scoop on this tiny island after the cruise ships dock.

• #2 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
  
• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Mexico
  
  
• #4 in Best Beaches in Mexico

Country: Mexico

San Miguel de Allende is one of the top places to have the Best Cheap Winter Vacations and also a picturesque city with roots dating back to the 16th century, set among the Sierra Madre Mountains in central Mexico. Its cobblestone lanes are lined with brightly coloured buildings. In the past 50 years, this sleepy town has transformed into a haven for expats and a well-liked vacation spot for travellers interested in exploring Mexico's off-the-beaten-path music, culinary, and arts scenes.

The 500-year-old colonial city's winding streets, baroque buildings, and artisan shops selling a wide variety of handmade goods make it simple to fall in love. Shopping breaks can be taken to explore the city's iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel church, enrol in studies at the renowned Instituto Allende art school, or visit the Another Face of Mexico mask museum to see handcrafted Mexican masks.

San Miguel's dynamic history is greatly influenced by its position in Guanajuato state, some 170 miles northwest of Mexico City. San Miguel was once wealthy due to the adjacent silver mines, but after numerous battles, including the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century, it was left in ruins.

Stirling Dickinson, a native of Chicago, stumbled upon the little hamlet in 1937, founded an artists' community, and immediately launched San Miguel's revival. Evidence of that inspiring re-emergence may now be found in the destination's many vibrant nooks and crannies.

• #3 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
  
• #9 in Best Places to Visit in January
  
  
• #12 in Best Places to Visit in June

Country: Mexico

Considering travelling to Banff if you want to experience the way of life in a Swiss skiing resort without having to pay for an expensive transatlantic trip. Traveling here will cut down on both your flight time and costs from the United States due to its location in the heart of the Canadian Rockies close to the southeast border of Banff National Park, Canada's first national park (although only marginally).

Banff caters to adventurous travellers who would rather relax at a luxurious hotel at night than rough it in a campground (though, there are plenty of those, too). There are many chances for adventure, so choose your sport: Ski down Mount Norquay, go on a hike to the enormous, free-standing limestone pillars called the Hoodoos, "scramble" up the face of Stoney Squaw Mountain, or go biking along Healy Creek. When you are worn out, retire to your warm and comfortable resort and refuel with a hearty serving of bison meat.

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Canada
  
  
• #4 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
  
• #4 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
  
• #6 in Best Family Vacations in Canada
  
  
• #7 in Best Places to Hike in North America
  
  
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in February
  
  
• #14 in World's Best Places to Visit

Country: Canada

It is not surprising that visiting the park is the most well-liked activity in this eastern Tennessee town as there are three gates to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park situated right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. In reality, Gatlinburg's population soars from less than 4,000 residents to more than 40,000 during the busiest travel times.

It's understandable why the park is so popular with the miles of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails, historical exhibits, and cabins, as well as the chance to observe black bears, elk, deer, and other species in their natural setting.You'll probably spend time admiring it from a number of Gatlinburg's major attractions, such as the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, when you're not in the park taking in its natural wonders.

Gatlinburg, however, serves as much than just a starting point for trips to the Smoky Mountains. Due to family-friendly attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, this tiny mountain hamlet has become a destination in and of itself. Avoid the tacky gift shops and instead visit one of the many local galleries, such as the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, to see how local artisans make anything from paintings and pottery to handmade brooms and jewellery.

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
  
  
• #2 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  
  
• #5 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in June
  
  
• #6 in Best Cheap Family Vacations
  
  
• #10 in Best Cheap Honeymoons in the U.S.
  
  
• #13 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
  
  
• #13 in Best Cheap Summer Vacations
  
  
• #14 in Best Family Vacations in the USA
  
  
• #15 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

Country: U.S.

Mérida may be referred to as the "white city" due to its assortment of homes made of white stone, but its vibrant culture and extensive history reveal a different picture. For a flavour of traditional Mexico, stroll down the Paseo de Montejo, which is surrounded with trees, or browse a bustling Sunday market. The Yucatan capital's Plaza Grande, the city's central public square, offers free Wi-Fi connection, and you can choose between opulent boutique hotels and rental properties fit for an Instagrammer.

The El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida is regarded as a must-see to understand the history of Mérida, and there are numerous art galleries and regional murals. Museum and art fans will also feel at home here. When it's time to eat, experience authentic Mayan cuisine like cochinita pibil, the Yucatan's signature dish that is made of slow-cooked pork that has been marinated in sour orange and a number of other spices.

No matter what time of year you decide to travel, you should plan on packing light, airy clothing, getting a golden tan, filling up on food, and learning more about this unique Mayan location.

• #6 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations

Country: Mexico

Santa Fe is a vibrant, cultural city that is overflowing with history and festivals that honour it all. This is the "City Different," with a distinctive culture built on a wide range of odd components, such as Gothic cathedrals, a passion for the great outdoors, chile-infused cuisine, and a strong emphasis on the arts. Although Santa Fe has structures that were constructed in the 16th century and have architecture with Spanish influences, one of the biggest draws for tourists is the art. The galleries are filled with the works of painters like Georgia O'Keeffe, Peter Hurd, Miro Kenarov, and Gustave Baumann, who were greatly influenced by the city's spectacular, lively, and changing nature.

Many of these well-known pieces may be found along Canyon Road, which is lined with galleries, whenever you visit Santa Fe. Visit an artisan market, explore The Railyard Arts District, or drop by Liquid Light Glass to observe glass-blowing demos for a taste of the next generation of artists. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the Museum of International Folk Art are two institutions in Santa Fe that highlight the city's eclectic art scene. There's more to Santa Fe's artistic side, right? It has music. Talented performers are welcomed at the Santa Fe Opera's site in the mountains.

The same settings that inspired O'Keeffe beckon adventurers all year long. Exploring the 1.6 million acres of the Santa Fe National Forest, skiing in the powder at one of the local slopes, and hiking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are all options for active vacationers. Looking for a way to end your day? Santa Fe is also a terrific spot to experience something unique; choose from any of the city's many fine dining establishments.

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in New Mexico
  
  
• #7 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
  
• #11 in Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
  
  
• #13 in Best Fall Vacations

Country: U.S.

Amazing, incredible, mind-blowing...Lake Tahoe is one of the top places to have the Best Cheap Winter Vacations. Despite your best efforts, it will be challenging to adequately describe Lake Tahoe's breathtaking beauty. On the boundary of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe has long been a popular vacation destination, drawing more than 2.7 million visitors annually.

As one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the United States, Lake Tahoe is known for its high granite cliff sides, towering mountaintops, and crystal-clear waters that entice tourists. The surrounding region, often known as Lake Tahoe, has miles of hiking trails, hundreds of picturesque panoramas, and some of the best skiing in North America. The gorgeous blue lake alone is worth the journey, though.

However, there's still more. The main characteristics of Lake Tahoe's neighbours appear to have been absorbed. Along the lake's north bank, you may indulge in upscale dining and shopping while playing your luck in the Reno-style casinos on the south shore. There are also many activities that Lake Tahoe is pleased to claim as its own, such as mountain gondola rides, hot air balloon excursions, and gorgeous boat rides across the water's mirror-like surface.

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in California
  
  
• #4 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
  
  
• #5 in Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.
  
  
• #5 in Best Family Winter Vacations
  
  
• #6 in Best Family Vacations in the USA
  
  
• #8 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
  
• #9 in Best Ski Vacations
  
  
• #9 in Best Ski Vacations in the USA
  
  
• #12 in Best Places to Visit in the USA
  
  
• #12 in Best Places to Hike in North America
  
  
• #13 in Best Winter Vacations
  
  
• #20 in Best Spring Vacations

Country: U.S.

Whistler's offers are suitable for any season, including snow-covered peaks and powdered slopes, glittering lakes and gushing waterfalls, strenuous hiking paths, and warm restaurants. Whistler Blackcomb, though, continues to be the city's most visited destination, and it makes sense. The enormous resort covers more than 8,100 acres of land, receives around 40 feet of snowfall each year, and has some of North America's busiest après-ski areas.

The entire community, which is located around 75 miles north of Vancouver, exudes a ski-chic vibe and hosts numerous festivals and competitions for skiing and snowboarding every year. The warmer months, when more outdoor enthusiasts venture outside to play, keep Whistler buzzing. Visitors can go bobsledding, go hiking or mountain biking. And there are lots of photo opportunities for visitors who come to the city. The Coast Summits provide the ideal backdrop; the greatest views may be had via a trip on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

While Whistler is a great vacation destination for those who want to stay active, more laid-back visitors will like the area's museums and art galleries, which are full with interesting exhibits. Along with a plethora of food options, the town also offers family-friendly activities and attractions including ice skating, summer concerts, and the b. You'll understand why so many people just want to pack their bags and head to Whistler with its pristine ski areas and abundance of outdoor activities.

• #1 in Best Ski Vacations
  
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in February
  
  
• #4 in Best Family Vacations in Canada
  
  
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in August
  
  
• #9 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
  
• #10 in Best Family Winter Vacations
  
  
• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Canada

Country: Canada

As one of the top places to have the Best Cheap Winter Vacations, Martinique has beautiful beaches and exotic jungles share a skyline with a commanding volcano, as do soaring churches. Fort-de-store-lined France's avenues and restaurant-filled back lanes are crowded with tourists and locals, yet a few kilometres to the north, forest cover muffles the noises of birds and hikers. Simply put: Martinique. This island does both, and does both quite well, if you want to enjoy the beach one day and get your heart racing the next.

Naturally, there is a catch. It costs a lot to enjoy the great cuisine, opulent resorts, and immaculate sand. The region is notoriously pricey for vacations, particularly in the winter. Your dollars won't go as far in Martinique because it is a French overseas territory and uses the euro as its currency. Nevertheless, there's a strong chance that your trip here will exceed your vacation budget because of the island's rich history, cosmopolitan culture with French influences, and diverse terrain that are unmatched anyplace else in the Caribbean.

• #1 in Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations
  
  
• #1 in Best Cheap Destination Wedding Locations
  
  
• #10 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
  
• #11 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean
  
  
• #13 in Best Beach Honeymoon Destinations

Country: French (Caribbean territory)