Holiday Travel Destinations: Warm or Cold

When you think of a blissful escape, are you thinking somewhere warm? This may be soft luxurious sand that you sink into with every step, the warmth of the sun beaming on your face ending with freckles and rosy cheeks, and running into refreshing clear water to cool off. Or are you drawn to a cooler place to maximize the winter weather? This may be finding nearby slopes to capitalize on the snow compounds, sipping something warm looking at snow-capped mountains, and looking forward to hot tub soaks to defrost from outdoor activities. Perhaps these opposing sides may both be calling your name, but differing from year to year. No matter the case, Noshable has everything you need to stock up and fuel you for your next adventure.

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Warmer destinations provide the opportunity to melt away the winter chill that may be difficult to shake. This embrace of the radiant sun not only raises air temperature but simultaneously boosts festive spirits. Imagine swapping snowflakes for the gentle sprays off the ocean waves, or fur hooded puffer coats and gloves, for more breathable clothing and sunglasses. Although you may not have the classic ‘white Christmas’ snow flurry, palm trees wrapped in multi-colored lights with Santa in tropical swim trunks can be just as festive. Hot chocolate becomes refreshing candy cane ice cream, or hot chocolate milkshakes! 

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A few go-to warm destination foods that should be added to your next Noshable cart include: fresh fruits and vegetables for snacking, deli meats and bread for poolside sandwiches, and holiday-styled popsicles/frozen desserts! This chilled food selection helps to refresh and refuel the body after being in the warm sun all day.

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If you'd rather adventure to a place just below 50 degrees to enjoy hoodies and jackets, or you are fully committed to the below-freezing temperatures for snow access, the crisp weather all has a similar effect; the feeling of exhilaration and glee will keep you on your toes– even though you may just stay moving to keep warm. Visiting a mountain lodge secretly tucked away, or a busy little town with snow-covered roofs and street lanterns lined in lights, these cold destinations showcase the perfect setting for unforgettable holiday memories. 

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These winter wonderlands can be enticing with the crispness in the air. The next time you're filling up your Noshable cart, consider these options to warm you up! Adding any nutritious protein, along with vegetables and broth into a crockpot can be as delicious as it is time-efficient. Leave the crockpot on warm to have it cook all day while you're busy adventuring, and come home to a fragrant kitchen that consists of a dish that will warm your soul. Stovetop soups, plates of pasta, and mac-and-cheese are sure to warm up any crowd. Sipping hot chocolate, coffee, or tea by a crackling fire, surrounded by good company brings enough warmth to carry you through all your holiday travels.

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Founders Faves: We asked our Noshable founders, plus a few of our employees, to give us their favorite holiday getaway experience! The results may surprise you, but their cherished memories may be inspiration for your next trip, or there could be similar ideas that resonate with you! 

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Connor : “My go-to spot for the holiday is Big Sky Montana, hands down. I get to do all the things I love, surrounded by the people I love. When I get the chance to make it out west, I typically go skiing, play pickup hockey with some buddies, and visit some local bars in the area. If anyone I knew were to visit, I’d definitely recommend the ‘Tips Up Big Sky’ bar. Not only is their lively spirit contagious, the whole place makes you feel like you are transported to a retro ski lodge. The neon colors, flashing arcade games, decorative skis and snowboards hanging from the ceiling, and their eye-catching pool table in the middle of the room, anyone who walks in their doors is guaranteed good memories. Visiting Big Sky Montana even just for one day is well worth it.” 

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Evan: “My wife and I’s happy place is traveling down to Naples, Florida. We have found a sense of homey-ness during the colder months to escape the chilly Cincinnati winter. Any chance I can swap grey gloomy days, for leafy green palm trees, sign me up. This is also the place where my wife’s grandparents have gone for many years during my wife's early childhood, so naturally she spent many of her vacations there. I fell in love with Naples when she invited me down for the first time early in our relationship. Since then, we’ve spent our honeymoon, babymoon, and nearly every special moment there! I see this tradition carrying on for many years to come, watching our kids build castles in sand, falling in love with everything it has to offer, just like my wife and I once did. Maybe it’ll even be our retirement spot a few decades from now.” 

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Mac: “My favorite winter holiday getaway is Big Sky, Montana. It’s absolutely stunning and full of ways to stay active. For instance I enjoy skiing, exploring and hiking beautiful trails, or ice skating in the heart of town. I love spending time here with friends and family—it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Not to mention the great food variety that comes along with it, and a cozy small-town vibe set against a gorgeous mountain backdrop that makes you feel like you're home away from home. (P.S. This is also my favorite place to travel in the summer!)”

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Molly: “The holidays are my favorite time of year to take a long weekend trip— every year, my family likes to drive down to bourbon country in Kentucky. We do a couple distillery tours in between Christmas and New Years, taking advantage of all the family time, and of course not skimping on souvenirs. I also take an annual cabin trip with my hometown best friends, my second family, and stay in a short term rental so we can enjoy a snowy hike somewhere where it's a little bit colder. I typically enjoy my winter travels feeling like I’m at home (away from home).”

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Ashik: “During the holidays, I usually love heading to warmer destinations like Miami, Florida, or the glamorous beaches of Hawaii. This is because it feels like the perfect way to unwind and escape the colder weather. Instead of bundling up, trading in my boots for sandals sounds idealistic. The combination of sunshine, waves, and relaxation always puts me in the holiday spirit. That being said, I’ve also been dreaming of visiting colder destinations like Aspen, Colorado, or Lake Tahoe in the future. The snowy landscapes and cozy mountain vibes feel magical and festive—something I’d love to experience more during the holidays.”

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Victor: “My favorite destination to travel to has to be the Dominican Republic. Not only is the culture, the history, and my family’s history there, it never fails to make me feel at home! The warm sun helps break off the chill of winter, the ample opportunities to be out in the yard playing sports is something you just can't get in the gloomy grey days in the winter most of the time– unless you're bundled up in 5 layers of clothing. Being able to cook a variety of foods, and enjoy them outside is the ultimate reward. Plus, the beautiful scenery is never a bad vibe. Enjoying an iced cold drink while watching the sunset is something I look forward to every holiday.”

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Abbie: “Typically my family stays put around the holidays. We try to visit family close to home whenever we get the chance. However, if I had the choice to visit a new destination, I would jump at the opportunity to either go to Montana or one of the Dakota’s. I enjoy being outside bundled up in warm jackets during the winter, but requiring hand warmers so I can keep them in my gloves and in my shoes. Being close to mountains or out in ‘no man's land,’ setting up campfires and playing cards games, or riding around in ATV’s playing in the snow, sounds like the perfect way to spend a relaxing holiday. You can't beat a sunrise with a mountainous view and a warm cup of coffee to start your day.”