Plan your winter vacation with these places in mind

Travel & Leisure released their list of best places to travel in and outside the U.S for December.

Ski instructor Tomas Sbertoli shares simple skiing safety tips beginners should know before hitting the slopes.

Now is the time to start planning your December vacation.

Whether the snowy mountains of Colorado or the sunny beaches of Cancun are calling your name, there’s the perfect winter destination for everyone — even those who want to stay surrounded by the holiday spirit and festivities.

Solvang, California

Jump into the culture of a Danish town founded in 1911. Located in Santa Barbra County — also known as coastal wine country — Solvang has an eccentric European atmosphere, with shops, restaurants wine tours and more.

Vail, Colorado

High in the Rocky Mountains, Vail is a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding. There are two modern villages at the bottom of the slopes, Vail Village and Lionshead Village. Both offer local shops, restaurants and lodging. For those wanting to take advantage of ski packages, they’re on sale right now, but will see price hikes after November 20.

Ocala, Florida

Enjoy warmer temperatures, golfing, lakes, rivers and the world’s largest equestrian complex at this Florida town south of Gainesville. From the Calluna Spa to great food and shopping, you’ll find everything you need to truly get away from it all.

Cape Town, South Africa

From whale watching to creating your own crafts and indulging in local food and shopping, Cape Town is one of Africa’s most toured cities. In addition to some of the best beaches in the southern hemisphere, Cape Town is filled with trails for hiking, biking and climbing.

Venice, Italy

During the summer months, Venice is thronged with tourists squeezing their way to gondola rides and overflowing from charming cafes. But when winter comes, you can experience one of the most romantic places in the world without the crowds. Plus, the city celebrates the holidays in its own unique way.