Are you feeling dragged down by seasonal affective disorder? You’re not the only one. People all over North America suffer during the fall and winter every year. The lower levels of sunlight lead to higher levels of dissatisfaction. Luckily, the United States is a huge country, which offers a wide array of scenery all year. People looking to get away should consider these six places in the U.S. for a winter vacation.

Hawaii

It’s possibly the most obvious choice for people looking for a change of pace in winter. Hawaii is an island paradise, and it’s the ideal location for people suffering through northern winters.

Hawaii is close to the equator, meaning winter days aren’t significantly shorter than they are in summer. The weather is also very forgiving. Besides short rain showers, you should be in for clear skies. The beaches in Hawaii are some of the world’s best. You can also check out the Pearl Harbor Memorial or sample traditional Hawaiian cuisine.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has some of the most breathtaking mountain views anywhere in the U.S. And due to its proximity to those mountains, it offers incredible snow sports. You can easily access top-notch skiing and snowboarding slopes. But since Salt Lake City isn’t a resort town per se, so staying there won’t bomb your budget. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the winter weather rather than stew inside, hiding from the cold.

Enjoy the Winter!

New Orleans

New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind city. The French quarter boasts some of the most robust tourism opportunities anywhere. You can even plan your vacation to overlap with Mardi Gras, which occurs in February this year. There’s so much variety here, you may want to take an extended trip. If this is the case, make sure your home is in order before you pack up and leave. Compare homeowners insurance rates to ensure you’re totally covered.

Orlando

Orlando, Florida is home to one of America’s most memorable landmarks: Disney World. This is the ultimate destination for families with kids. It’s also great to visit in the winter due to more temperate weather and shorter lines. Don’t worry too much about expenses. There are a lot of hotels surrounding the theme parks; so, you should get a competitive rate.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is one of the least-frequented destinations on this list. That doesn’t mean that it can’t stack up against the competition. You will get to experience some fantastic southwestern architecture throughout the area. Additionally, it offers the draw of warm weather, as well as nearby skiing areas. Santa Fe can really offer the best of both worlds when it comes to winter vacations.

Denver

You might not immediately think of Denver when you consider vacation destinations. But this city has a lot to offer travelers. Like other cities on the list, it’s close to ski slopes and mountain hikes. Denver has undergone many changes over the past few years. A lot of new people have moved there and brought bustling culture and nightlife.

Winter is one of the best times to take a well-earned vacation. Break out of your cycle and get away to one of these fantastic destinations.

From camping in nature and braving bikes to traveling off-season and eating loads of hummus, travel in Israel doesn’t have to be super expensive.

Despite being a fabulous destination, Israel is unfortunately not the cheapest place on the planet. Sky-high hotel prices, super-expensive restaurant checks and rip-off cabs are often the hallmarks of a vacation in our little corner of the Middle East.

Luckily, though, it doesn’t have to be so. From old-fashioned concepts such as hostels and camping to smartphone-savvy solutions such as ridesharing apps or electric scooters, there are plenty of ways to make your trip that much more affordable and not at all less fun.

Check out our top tips below and, most importantly, welcome!

1. Stay at a hostel for a nostalgic feel

Before Israelis began regularly escaping the country for a breath of fresh air, annual summer holidays often meant staying a week or so at a local youth hostel. And despite the fact that we’re all apparently flocking to Dubai right now, the Israel Youth Hostels Association is still very much in existence, offering relatively affordable stays in top locations.

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ein Gedi, Masada, the Sea of Galilee, Eilat and many other areas boast these hostels, which give you basic yet comfortable and clean accommodation, breakfast and often additional facilities such as swimming pools. Not too shabby at all.

2. Camp in the middle of nature

Camping is another great way to travel Israel on a budget, since the country is absolutely loaded with camping sites bang in the middle of gorgeous nature spots. An overnight stay in a formal, authorized camping site isn’t free of charge, but usually guarantees clean surroundings, bathing facilities and lighting. Just make sure you pick a camping site where karaoke is forbidden, otherwise you’ll be spending the night wishing you were cocooned deep inside a five-star hotel.

3. Couch surf and make some new friends

Like so many other places around the world, Israel also has a vibrant couch-surfing community. There are some 100,000 hosts in the country, all ready to give up their spare bed or sofa and give you a chance to get to know and connect with us locals. This is a great choice for travelers preferring an urban stay, and can really cut down on expenses. Plus, there’s likely to be good coffee in the morning.

4. Eat hummus, falafel and other street food

Yes, Israel has a dazzling array of fantastic high-end restaurants. But that doesn’t mean you have to eat in them (although you really should, at least once). This is because Israel has an equally dazzling display of delicious street food such as hummus, falafel, sabich and shawarma – all of them pretty cheap, really good, relatively healthy and even somewhat vegan. We recommend that you opt for the busiest-looking places to guarantee freshness and taste.

5. Download Moovit and get to know public transport

It’s not wholeheartedly that we’re recommending Israel’s public transport, which is slightly notorious for its inability to arrive on time or with enough space to comfortably seat you. But it is a whole, whole lot cheaper than hailing a cab and really not that difficult to use. (And don’t worry about language barriers – you’ll definitely find a fellow passenger kind enough to tell you where to get off.)

The Moovit app presents bus and train schedules and routes, even carpools, in English as well as an option for paying for your ride; otherwise, buy a Rav Kav public transportation card at the airport and load it from your credit card for use across the country.

6. Do like locals and rent a bike or electric scooter

If you’re in Tel Aviv, this is an absolute must. Not only is this a cheap and super-efficient way to get around the city, but you’ll also manage to pass yourself off as a local at the same time. The city is strewn with bikes and scooters for rent everywhere, and they’re super simple to use and enjoy. But please keep your helmet on and adhere to traffic regulations to avoid any mishaps, which are unfortunately aplenty. Otherwise, we’ll have to write up a 101 guide to a trip to Israeli ER – an interesting yet hopefully unnecessary possibility.

7. Go food shopping at the market, it’s the best

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Acre, Ramla and Beersheva are all home to outdoor markets. While some of the items on sale are rubbish, they sell really great fresh produce, sweets, breads and drinks, and are perhaps the ultimate place to stock up for a picnic or dinner. They’re also usually less expensive than supermarkets and convenience stores, and also make for a more authentic marketing experience. An absolute must for any visitor to Israel, not just those on a budget.

8. Travel out of season where possible

Israel is usually packed with tourists around Christmas and the summer holidays, making these two seasons rather expensive. However, what these premium-paying visitors don’t know is that it’s actually much nicer to be here in the fall and spring, when temperatures are usually moderate and the prices significantly lower. We therefore highly recommend an off-season visit – chances are that the weather will be just great, and if it isn’t, you can always pop into a good museum or two.

9. Don’t change money at the airport

Unless you enjoy getting ripped off, consider changing your local currency into New Israeli Shekels either prior to the departure or once firmly inside the country’s borders. The exchange rates at the airport are somewhat horrific, and you don’t want to start your travel with less money than you have to.

10. Start and end your holiday in Eilat

Israel’s southernmost city, Eilat, is a worthy destination on any visit to Israel – think gorgeous beaches, snorkeling in the coral reef, tax-free shopping and plenty of hiking opportunities. And if you are traveling from a European country with direct flights to and from the nearby Ramon Airport, it can be much, much cheaper than getting in and out of the country at Ben-Gurion. And the Israeli government recently announced that it will grant airlines operating direct flights to Ramon subsidies per passenger, meaning that flights to the area will likely increase.

The list is based on the biggest increases in searches (to these locations) over the past 12 months

Skyscanner, a reliable travel aggregator that seasoned travellers abide by, recently released a list of the world’s most popular travel destinations in 2025. The compilation has been created by recording the biggest increases in searches (to these locations) over the past 12 months, with the results throwing up an exciting mix of beaches, hill stations, and surprisingly — many central cities. Here are some of the top picks.

1. Shillong, India

From housing one of India’s biggest live music cultures to offering the most grammable spots across the city, Shillong has a curated experience for all kinds of travellers — which is probably why it’s featured as one of the most popular travel destinations of 2025. Nestled in the North-East, the charming hill station is finally getting its due, with visitors flocking to misty waterfalls like Elephant Falls, hiking through the sacred Mawphlang forest, and balancing on the living root bridges near Cherrapunji.

2. Langkawi, Malaysia

This year, a significant chunk of Indian tourists have been opting for the numerous islands peppering Langkawi over Thailand’s overcrowded beaches for the ultimate seaside vacation. With its visa-free entry, short flight routes, and a serious upgrade in luxury stays, the archipelago is a highly convenient getaway for Indians, even offering a spate of activities like waterfall treks and mangrove kayaking for the more adventurous souls.

3. Tromsø, Norway

Chasing the Northern Lights? There’s no better place to catch them than Tromsø. This year, Skyscanner reports a 251 per cent increase in search in travel to the Norwegian city, especially through the months January to March when sightings are almost guaranteed. But Tromsø isn’t just about the skies — you can go husky sledding, visit Sami reindeer farms, and even take a polar fjord cruise.

4. Colombo, Sri Lanka

In 2025, Colombo has evolved from just a pitstop to a standalone hotspot. Popular beaches like Mirissa, Bentota and Unawatuna and hilly dreamspots like Ella and Kandy no longer hold the lion’s share of travel plans for Indian tourists, who have been on a mission to discover the capital’s charm. From heritage walks around the Dutch Hospital district to shopping at the Pettah Market and sipping Ceylon tea at Galle Face Green, Colombo offers an enriching travel experience.

5. Krabi, Thailand

This year, Krabi had been drawing in travellers for its quieter islands (like Koh Yao Noi), new eco-resorts, and a more conscious tourism vibe. From taking a sunset cruise across Phang Nga Bay to planning day trips to the Emerald Pool, hot springs, and Tiger Cave Temple, this resort town has featured as a popular travel destination for tourists from India, especially.

6. Tokyo, Japan

If your Instagram feed hasn’t been blowing up with content around visiting Tokyo… your algorithm seems off. In just the first quarter of 2025, Japan witnessed a footfall of about 10.5 million visitors, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization, out of which millions set their (temporary) base in the capital. Tokyo’s neon-lit nightlife, convenient ramen booths and tax-free shopping are just some of the reasons behind its massive draw. Indian travellers are especially drawn to Akihabara’s anime arcades, Harajuku’s street style, and the many vegan eateries that have propped up across the city.

Remove the lens, know the rules, and secure your batteries

Here are a few tips for flying with your camera, both through security and on the plane, that help keep your equipment safe and your flight smooth.

Get Informed

Before you do anything else, check the websites of both the airline and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) to ensure you know the rules. Whether you’re carrying it onto the plane or packing it in your checked-in baggage, regulations regarding electronic equipment might affect how you pack it.

Protect It

Pack your camera tightly. Look for a padded camera bag with separate compartments for lenses, camera body, flash units, and other accessories. Or, to save some money, repack the equipment in its original box and padding.

Take Off the Lens

Don’t pack a DSLR camera with the lens attached. If its packaging puts force on the lens housing, the delicate threads that connect the two could break. Pack the body and lens separately using the proper caps on both units. These caps should be in your original box if you still have it.

Smaller Is Better

Verify that your camera bag is small enough to fit into the overhead compartment or under the seat on the airplane. Otherwise, you might have to pay an additional fee to check a bag. TSA allows photography equipment in carry-on and checked baggage, but check with your airline; they might have other policies.

Keep It All Together

TSA may require you to scan your camera separately. Any portable ​electronic device, such as a digital camera, may go in a carry-on bag, given that it’s screened. However, a TSA agent could request to inspect the camera more closely after the X-ray procedure. In addition, these regulations could change at any time, so visit TSA.gov to see the latest.

Have Extras

Keep a fresh battery handy while you’re going through the security line. Security personnel might ask you to turn on your camera during screening. This follow-up doesn’t happen often, but it’s always a possibility.

Preserve the Batteries

Don’t carry loose batteries together. If their terminals come in contact during flight, they could short-circuit and start a fire. The same goes for contact with some metal, like a coin or keys. All batteries should be securely and separately stowed during a flight.

Turn It Off

Consider taping your DSLR’s power toggle switch into the Off position. (You might need to use duct tape for strength.) This step prevents the camera from accidentally turning on inside your bag if you leave the battery attached.

Don’t Fear the X-Ray

The X-ray procedure at an airport won’t damage the memory card stored with your camera, nor will it erase any stored data.

Keep an Eye On It

To prevent theft, don’t lose sight of your photographic equipment as it moves through security. However, if you do somehow lose your camera while negotiating a checkpoint, contact the TSA at that airport. The TSA website maintains a list of lost and found contacts for every airport in the U.S.

If you lost your camera somewhere else in the airport, contact the airport directly.

Use Extra Padding

If you must check your camera equipment, use a lockable, hard-sided case with padding on the inside. If you purchase a lock for your bag, make sure it’s a TSA-approved lock, which means security personnel have the appropriate tools to open it without having to cut it. Agents then re-lock the bag after inspection.

Insure It

Consider insurance against theft and damage, especially if your equipment would be expensive to replace. You’ll enjoy your trip more if you’re not worried. Before purchasing a policy, though, check your homeowner’s insurance; some policies cover such belongings.