Think about how you react to one simple word: Crowds. For some, the word is repugnant and has the whiff of chaos and exhaustion. For others the word is electrifying – crowds mean people, and people are fun.
There’s no right or wrong answer here. But the point is that not everyone feels the same way about crowds, and therefore not everyone likes the same kind of winter travel. If you’re an extrovert? You might crave some nightlife. Introvert? Perhaps something more focused on nature or skiing or the outdoors. If you’re an ambivert? Well, frankly, you’re easy as you get the best of both worlds.
No matter your travel style this winter, you can rest easy at Kimpton. (Photo Credit: @aertsonhotel)
So, instead of assuming everyone wants the same flavor of winter travel, here are some suggestions for extroverts, introverts, and ambiverts.
Winter Travel for Extroverts
A winter beach vacation can fuel the extrovert’s soul with pool parties, an endless string of nightclubs, and the glittering see-and-be-seen crowds of South Beach.
Or consider these two words: Mardi Gras. Yes, it’s true that Mardi Gras is in early spring, but the celebrations and parades low-key begin in winter — and it doesn’t hurt that the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is in the thick of the action.
For the extrovert: Imagine basking in the warmth of Miami with your closest friends, drink in hand. (Photo Credit: @anglershotel)
This is Miami in the winter — yes, please. (Photo Credit: @ngvyenxo)
Need something more classically winter? A ski trip to Bozeman brings the one-two punch of an adrenaline rush on the slopes and then a chance to mingle at après-ski events, the pubs on Main Street, or the rooftop bar of the Kimpton Armory.
Winter Travel for Introverts
What better way to avoid people than getting lost in museums? Get your culture fix (and respite from the cold) by gorging on the art galleries, museums, and stunning Spanish architecture in Santa Barbara, then soaking in the panoramic views from the rooftop of Kimpton’s luxe Canary Hotel.
Or consider a bookish getaway in Portland. With its cozy bookstores like Powell’s City of Books and quiet coffee shops, Portland is a sneaky haven for readers and introverts.
An introvert’s dream: A bathtub with a view, glass of red wine in hand. (Photo Credit: @riverplacehotel)
The flip side to Miami is a quiet vacation in Vero Beach, Florida, where introverts can enjoy long walks on the beach — and far fewer crowds — while being soothed by the sound of the waves.
Winter Travel for Ambiverts
Again, you’re lucky and you can basically go anywhere. But to give you some specific ideas… Nashville gives the best of both worlds: When feeling introverted, you’ll find refuge in peaceful nature like Centennial Park, and then when the mood strikes you can take advantage of the city’s world class live music.
Ski trips also work especially well for ambiverts — consider Salt Lake City, which has both the people-heavy après scene and then plenty of spas, massages, and heated stones to provide the necessary me-time.
For the ambivert: Bask in the music of Tennessee, a city with plenty of cozy corners. (Photo Credit: @aertsonhotel)
And don’t forget the fur babies. (Photo Credit: @aertsonhotel)
And finally, a trip to Grand Cayman offers another mix of social and solitude; the serene and crystal-clear water beaches (and vibrant coral reliefs) can nourish your inner introvert, and then beachfront barbecues, calypso music, or the Kimpton Seafire beachfront cabana can scratch that extroverted itch.
