13 Winter Destinations in the U.S. That Aren’t Worth the Hype

During winter, we dream of snowcapped mountains, cozy cabins, and postcard-perfect scenes from a Hallmark movie. Lest we forget, not every winter wonderland is a hit with the holidays. Some are just plain crowded, overpriced, or overrated.

If you’ve been contemplating whether or not to take a road trip or fly cross country to chase the “perfect” winter escape, it’s worth taking a second look. These destinations don’t always work out, and sometimes you end up with empty pockets and broken dreams. Here are some U.S. winter spots that are popular, but might make you say, “That’s it?”

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Travel ads might make Lake Tahoe look picture-perfect, but in winter, it’s pure chaos. Skiers jam roads to overcrowded slopes and accommodation costs go through the roof. Don’t think you’ll be having a peaceful snowy retreat. At lesser-known resorts in Idaho or Montana, you’ll find better snow and fewer crowds.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen has become shorthand for luxury winter vacations, but unless you’re okay with spending thousands on a hotel and $20 hot chocolate, it’s far from dreamy. It’s beautiful, but boy, does it bring an avalanche of tourists and sky-high prices. The locals suggest that Crested Butte or Telluride is a better value, less stress.

Park City, Utah

Park City was once charming, and now it feels more like a snow theme park. Star power comes with the Sundance Film Festival, but so do swarms of visitors, traffic jams, and inflated prices. If solitude in the snow is what you’re after, forget it—ski runs here are busier than a shopping mall on Black Friday. If you want to spend your time skiing, you might be better off in Ogden or Snowbasin, where the crowds are smaller, and the skiing is just as good.

Niagara Falls, New York

Just when you thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be in Canada during the celebration of winter, turns out that winter at Niagara Falls will involve cold enough to bite, and slippy pathways to walk on. Much of the view is blocked by ice-covered railings, and freezing winds will have you running for cover. This is one of the first major disappointments because tourists come in expecting a winter wonderland. All you will see is a giant ice slushie.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is on everyone’s bucket list, but not in winter, when it’s not the postcard dream you’d expect. Most of the park is inaccessible thanks to heavy snow, and wildlife sightings are few and far between unless you’re okay with long, frigid hikes. Visitors often leave disappointed by how little they can see with only a few of the sections open. If you’re looking for winter wildlife, Alaska or Montana will give you a better experience without the crowds.

The Hamptons, New York

Summer in the Hamptons is all glitz and glamour, sure, but winter? It’s a ghost town. There are overpriced accommodations, and all of the businesses are literally closed for the season. By January, it’s eerie and lifeless. It’s a beautiful place but out of the off-season.

Lake Placid, New York

Unless you’re into competitive events, Lake Placid bills itself as a winter sports hub — but it’s a letdown. The town is small, the accommodations are old, and it’s really cold. The Olympic legacy is tired, and the events don’t quite match the hype. You may find a more authentic winter charm than a quiet Vermont getaway.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge has great ski runs, but the town is a winter tourist trap. Every corner is packed and good luck getting a reservation at a decent restaurant. Better conditions and more space can be found in lesser-known towns such as Salida, where skiers often go.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Rather than a little mountain town, Gatlinburg feels like a crowded theme park in the wintertime. Tourists overrun the charming facade, and tacky attractions can’t be covered up by winter decorations. When visibility is low, even the Great Smoky Mountains, which are nearby, lose their appeal, and the trails are icy. If you’re seeking a quieter escape, head further into North Carolina.

Boston, Massachusetts

In winter, Boston’s historic charm doesn’t quite shine. Walking through the city is more of a chore than a delight, the snow, slush, and bitter cold. And then add in flight delays and freezing winds off the harbor, and it’s not exactly a cozy getaway. Visiting in the fall is better because the city’s spirit as well as the weather are much more accommodating.

South Lake Tahoe, California

All of the Lake Tahoe area deserves a second mention, but South Lake Tahoe in winter is especially disappointing. A casino-focused downtown strip and overcrowded ski resorts don’t make for a peaceful mountain retreat. The alternative charm without the headache, however, resides in the smaller towns of the Sierra Nevada.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is often hyped as New England’s perfect winter escape, but many visitors leave underwhelmed. Crowds can be as big as at bigger resorts, and there are only so many ski runs. On top of that, unless you stay in a pricey lodge, finding lodgings is tough. Because of this, nearby towns like Woodstock, or Manchester work better for a more laidback vibe.

Sun Valley, Idaho

There are plenty of people who are diehard fans of Sun Valley but for the average traveler, the hype doesn’t warrant a visit. The prices are high, and the mountains are exclusive — the only worthwhile part is the decent slopes. You get a lot of hype for what you get. Montana and Wyoming resorts deliver better snow without the sticker shock nearby.

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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

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