Get out and see the world! Machu Picchu, Peru.

Winter is one of my favorite times of the year to travel (and plan more travel!). You have the perfect combination of smaller crowds and cooler temperatures in popular destinations that don’t offer air conditioning during heatwaves. There are also some phenomenal deals, especially in early December and January through March. (We paid $386 in October for a roundtrip ticket to Paris from CVG in March!)

So, pack a coat and some comfy walking shoes, and let me introduce you to five of my favorite winter destinations from CVG.

The JW Marriott Miami Golf Course looks incredible. Photo: VisitFlorida

#1 The Sunshine of Miami / Ft. Lauderdale

Florida is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from the Cincy region. It’s so nice to escape those gloomy, chilly winter days and spend a weekend (or a week) basking in the sun.

Winter is everyone’s favorite time to escape to the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale area. By this time of year, the rainy season has wrapped up, and the risk of a hurricane interrupting your plans is nearly zero. Bars and restaurants are hopping, and there’s a wonderful rejuvenating energy in the warm air.

The Ft. Lauderdale Lighthouse at Hillsboro Inlet Beach at Pompano Beach. Photo: VisitFlorida

With nonstop flights on American, Allegiant, Delta, and Frontier, it’s easy to plan a long weekend that fits your schedule.

And if it does happen to rain, step into one of the excellent indoor activities like the Museum of Discovery and Science, NSU Art Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, or the giant guitar-shaped Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Are you looking for more Florida tips? Check out these Fabulous Florida Finds.

The face when you find out what happened inside The Tower of London

#2 Lovely London

A few years ago, I asked my wife, “hey, flights are on sale… want to go to London for Thanksgiving?” Of course, she said yes, and we spent four days exploring the city.

Patiently waiting for the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.

Now, it’s easier than ever to get to London with nonstop service on British Airways. (We could have almost had a full fifth day on our trip with the time we’d have saved on a connecting flight.) With four nonstop flights departing each week from November through March—and five flights per week April through October—it’s only about a 7.5-hour plane ride from CVG to Heathrow. The departure time is perfect, generally between 9pm and 10pm, allowing you to save a vacation day, leave after work, have dinner onboard, fall asleep, and wake up around 10am local time.

You might even catch a few holiday light displays in London.

You’ll enjoy the charm of the city as you take in famous sights like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Stroll along the River Thames, and try some authentic British cuisine.

Read more about London and Britain’s Best Bets in a previous Jet with Jay article.

Welcome to New York (It’s been waiting for you).

#3 The Big Apple

As a teenager, I was fascinated with New York City. I made it my first big solo trip at the age of 18. After one visit, I knew I wanted to move there and was lucky enough to spend about two years in my early twenties in one of the tiniest apartments you’ve ever seen. Seriously, it was 170 square feet!

If you’ve had a chance to visit, you know there’s something special about the city. There’s an energy that draws people back again and again, and winter is an awesome time to go. Temperatures can often be quite comfortable (although you might see a little snowy magic), and the kids are back in school so there are shorter lines at popular attractions like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, or stroll through Central Park (grab a sandwich and drinks from a deli for an inexpensive picnic lunch)!

There are so many ways to get to the City: many days at CVG, there are more than 20 nonstop flights offered to the three airports that serve the Big Apple (LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark, NJ). Even better? You can pick your favorite airline as American, Delta, United, Frontier, and Allegiant all offer nonstop service!

And hey, don’t be afraid to take the Subway. Everyone else does!

Beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado

#4 The Rocky Mountains of Colorado

If it feels like I’m always recommending Colorado, you’re right. And there are many good reasons. Colorado is gorgeous any time of the year, but skiing, snowboarding, winter fishing, and hiking draw tourists from around the world each winter. Nonstop flights to Denver on United, Frontier, and Southwest can be very inexpensive (sometimes on sale for around $125 round trip), and there’s a lot to see and do.

The obvious attractions are some of the best ski resorts in the country. But if you aren’t big into skiing, it’s also the perfect time to visit charming mountain towns like Estes Park, Breckenridge, Idaho Springs, Silverthorne, and Golden. Shops and restaurants are bustling, and towns spring to life after fall break.

Another tip if you’re trying to find affordable accommodations and you aren’t there to hit the slopes is to look at towns at the base of the mountains or in areas away from ski resorts. Denver enjoys about 300 days of sunshine every year and is a great place to spend a few days.

For the colder/rainier/snowier days, there are many options, including breweries, indoor kids’ play areas, outlet malls, and cozy bookstores.

Check out more Jet with Jay recommendations for your mountain vacation.

We made it to Machu Picchu!

#5 Lima, Peru (and beyond)

Speaking of mountains, one of the biggest bucket list travel destinations—and most Instagrammed places on Earth—is Machu Picchu, Peru. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to step foot in such a magical place. We spent two weeks in Peru, and it was one of the most life-changing trips I’ve ever taken.

Flying into Lima is easy with one-stop options from CVG on American, Delta, and United. And the flight time isn’t too bad at all. Once you get to Atlanta or Miami to connect, for instance, it’s only another five or six hours onward to Peru.

Winter is a great time to visit, especially for last-minute types like me. With fewer crowds, wait times are shorter for attractions, and you may not have to book in advance for some popular destinations. (But double-check to be safe.)

Musicians and dancing in Lima, Peru.

We enjoyed our visit to the Sacred Valley with stops in Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, and Cuzco. The natural beauty, warm and friendly people, and affordable prices make this an outstanding adventure for solo travelers, couples, or families.

It’s important to note that December through March is the rainy season, and some attractions can be closed or have limited operating hours. The end of March can be great for mild weather and good deals.

Ceviche is always a good idea. Lima, Peru.

Have a great winter travel idea? I’d love to hear it! You can find me @JayKruzOfficial on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

-Jay