Trip to the USA in winter. An experienced journalist recommends 10 places

New York is the ultimate destination for holiday travelers

Even though I'm terrified of the New York sunset at 4:30 p.m. in January, February and March, the December holiday lights make up for my seasonal dip in mood.

Manhattan is wonderfully festive during the holidays, and visitors have almost unlimited options for what to do.

They can go ice skating under the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, shop at the Holiday Market in Union Square, admire the ornate storefronts on the Upper East Side, or watch one of the New York City Ballet's annual performances of “The Nutcracker.”

I also love heading east to the deserted beaches of Montauk or north to ski Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, a place with some of the highest elevation gain on the East Coast.

Vermont is a winter wonderland with some of the most challenging skiing in the northeastern United States

While I appreciate Vermont's bucolic beauty in the summer, I think it looks best when the mountains are covered in snow. Winter in Vermont looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale – with quaint cottages, charming towns, and rolling white hills.

The state has some of the largest ski resorts in New England, and I've made seasonal pilgrimages to places like Stowe, Killington, Mount Snow, and Okemo – my personal favorite.

These mountains are less steep than the Rockies, but in my opinion, if you grow up skiing in the East and maneuvering on packed ice, you can become a much better skier than those accustomed to more ideal conditions.

Colorado is a winter sports mecca, offering something for every active traveler

Colorado is a skiing hotspot in the West. It has over 25 ski resorts, and I had the opportunity to be one of the first to ski at Vail, Breckenridge, Winter Park, and Aspen Snowmass – my absolute number one.

Aspen has a reputation for promoting a “ski and be seen” ethos, but I celebrate its decadence and particularly enjoy the “champagne showers” at Cloud Nine, a raucous lodge atop Highlands Mountain.

See also: I help people plan their trips to Italy. Here are the six most common mistakes I see travelers make

During my last stay at Aspen Meadows Resort, I realized that you can simply relax among nature there. The place feels like a gated oasis of mountain views and aspen trees, even though it's only 1.6 miles from downtown.

Also in Colorado, the annual Ullr Fest in Breckenridge is not to be missed. It's a celebration of the Norse god of winter, full of colorful costumes, “shotskis” and Viking helmets. When I was there, a huge fire provided warmth even on the coldest winter nights.

Florida is perfect for escaping winter

I came to Art Basel in Miami for the first time completely by accident, due to a canceled flight. This glitzy, over-the-top art fair lived up to expectations — which pretty much sums up my feelings about Florida in winter, too.

It's quite a common pattern that people from the north of the USA fly south every December, but the short and frosty days make you really miss the “sunshine state”, as Florida is called

Winter is a great time for bird watching in Everglades National Park, which is the seasonal home to many American white pelicans.

Wildlife lovers can watch the migration of humpback whales to Hawaii

Watching the migration of humpback whales to the Hawaiian Islands is an extraordinary experience.

The first time I saw a humpback whale up close was on a trip to Maui with my mom when I was 12 years old. When I set out with PacWhale Eco-Adventures decades later, the experience was as wonderful as I remembered it.

Hawaii also offers a unique atmosphere during the holiday season. Holiday contrasts — garlands decorated with seashells and palm trees draped in lights — make this state the closest thing to paradise in the United States.

Louisiana in the winter offers mild temperatures and lots of fun

Louisiana is one of my favorite states in the US and really comes alive in the colder months. I prefer its relatively mild winters, with temperatures around 16 degrees Celsius, to the steamy summer heat.

I'm also always ready for a party. From the Cajun Festival of the Bonfires – when bonfires are lit along the levees of the Mississippi to light the way for Santa Claus – to Mardi Gras, the greatest holiday of all, there is no shortage of fun-loving events throughout the season.

The winter sun leaves the marshes around New Orleans bathed in golden light, and although alligators hibernate, they can still be seen on warm days.

New Mexico is a great place for a road trip leading from the desert to the ski slopes

The Enchanted Circle Byway takes travelers through many epic ski resorts, including the popular Taos Ski Valley. The Ski Torchlight Parade is a must-see, one of many annual events in New Mexico's ski areas.

I love the vast expanse of Albuquerque, the city with the most population in the state and the best air connections.

In winter, you can start your journey in this desert city, then head an hour north to Santa Fe to immerse yourself in the world of art and hit the slopes.

South Carolina allows me to experience true peace and quiet in the winter

I love visiting South Carolina any time of year, but my best memories in the state always involve winter.

Perhaps it's because I can't stand the summer humidity of Charleston, but regardless, a February trip to the city was exactly what I needed after two months of New York winter.

The city is at its most lavish during the holidays, when Christmas decorations adorn the beautiful cobblestone streets.

Finally, a recent winter trip to Brays Island, with its greenery and sunsets over the marina, was the quintessence of the romance and charm of life in this area.

Wyoming is full of mountain adventures and breathtaking views

Yellowstone National Park can be at its busiest and most accessible in the summer, but I prefer to explore the world's first national park in the winter – when I can snowshoe, snowcoach, or stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

Seeing Wyoming's rugged landscape covered in snow makes its vastness and majesty even more vivid.

Every winter I also go to Jackson Hole to ski, snowmobile in Grand Teton National Park, cross-country ski at Turpin Meadow Ranch, and go sleigh rides at the National Elk Refuge.

My favorite thing about winter visits to Wyoming is that I see fewer grizzly bears. They can still appear, but they usually hibernate so we can enjoy wildlife more leisurely.

Southern charm reaches its peak in Georgia during the holiday season

Charleston and New Orleans usually get all the attention, but travelers planning a winter getaway south often skip Savannah.

I have long been enchanted by the splendor, mystery and charm of this city, and – in my experience – the “Hostess City of the South” is most hospitable during the holidays.

December is a great time to visit – you can check out the Savannah Christmas Market and sign up for the annual Holiday Tour of Homes.

During one of my previous trips, I also discovered another Georgia gem – Aiken. Located in horse country, very close to the Masters tournament, this charming city boasts a center with beautiful hotels and delicious cuisine.

The above text is a translation from American edition of Business Insider