• I've visited the Smoky Mountains with my husband every winter for the past 15 years.
• With large-scale holiday events and snow-capped mountains, this area is perfect for a getaway.
• There's so much to do, including visiting museums, going to Dollywood, and dining out.

About 15 years ago, I moved to Nashville and was excited to learn that it was located just a short drive away from Tennessee's Smoky Mountains.

Since then, it's been a regular trip for my husband and me. Our favorite time to visit is during the winter, and we make a point of doing so every year.

The mountain area is perfect for a couples' getaway (or family one) with its many activities, eats, and scenic views.

I love the range of hotel options in the area

When we visit the Smoky Mountains, we typically stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, the two main tourist towns in the area.

Both have a variety of hotels for a range of budgets.

My favorite in winter is Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Its luxe, rustic feel sets the perfect tone for the season, and I love its on-site dining options.

I also love the Margaritaville Island Hotel, which has a year-round tropical vacation feel. Its location is ideal as it has several restaurants and tourist attractions steps away.

The food scene is pretty awesome

I've dined at many restaurants in the area, and my favorite is definitely Smoky Mountain Brewery.

The local spot has its own craft beers on tap and tasty bar classics, like pretzels with housemade beer cheese. There's often live music, which makes it the perfect place to relax after a busy day.

I also love that Pigeon Forge has several dinner shows to choose from.

One of my favorites is the Dolly Parton Stampede, which combines a thrilling show with horses and aerial performances with a multicourse meal.

Breakfast is also a huge deal in the Smoky Mountains. The area has tons of impressive breakfast spots, and my favorite is Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe.

The food is excellent, and the restaurant is highly themed with dozens of animatronic chickens. It's unlike any place I've ever been to.

There's also so much to do in the area

I love Dollywood year-round, but the theme park is extra special during the winter because of its Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration.

This time of year, Dollywood is adorned with gorgeous decorations and tons of lights. Plus, the park has special seasonal shows and incredible winter-inspired menus.

As a seasoned theme-park reporter, Dollywood's holiday celebration is well worth the visit alone — it's my favorite theme-park event.

While in the area, I'll also typically stop at the Titanic Museum. I'm continually impressed with how it honors the passengers.

The exhibits feel top-notch with real artifacts, and my favorite is the tribute to the ship's onboard musicians.

I particularly enjoy the interactive nature of the museum experience. At check-in, visitors are assigned a passenger, and you learn about them and follow their journey throughout the exhibit to ultimately learn their fate.

There's no shortage of thrill activities in the area, either. Although I don't ski, I'm a big fan of indoor snow tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow.

The indoor snow park is a great spot for anyone who wants to have wintery fun without being outdoors.

Plus, there are great places to shop and walk around

I always visit The Island, a large dining and entertainment district that reminds me of Downtown Disney at Disneyland.

Of the many shops and restaurants, one of my favorites is Ole Smoky Moonshine, which offers tours and tastings. The area also has rides, including an observation wheel and SkyFly: Soar America, an attraction similar to Disney's Soarin'.

When we visit the Smoky Mountains, we also stop in The Christmas Place, which is considered to be the largest Christmas store in the South.

The massive shop has thousands of ornaments, nutcrackers, and other decor.

Visiting the Smoky Mountains has become my favorite winter tradition

Of course, I must mention how all of these experiences are set against the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.

The mountains are beautiful all year but particularly pretty in the winter when the tops are capped with snow. Exploring the area in December feels magical, like being inside a real-life Hallmark movie.

I love our annual tradition of visiting East Tennessee. With such a range of activities, each trip offers something new to try.

• I'm a luxury travel advisor, and these are destinations I'll be recommending to clients this winter.
• For a sunny and sandy getaway, I suggest going to Palm Beach or Oil Nut Bay.
• St. Moritz and the Dolomites are popular ski destinations for my clients.

I'm a luxury travel advisor based in Los Angeles and I book five-star hotels and vacations for my wealthy clients around the world.

Many of them try to travel to upscale destinations with luxury hotels that feel exclusive without the large crowds of tourists.

These are a few destinations I recommend to my clients looking to get away this winter.

Palm Beach is a solid pick within the US.

I've found that this tiny island in the south of Florida is quickly emerging as a popular destination among wealthy travelers for its beaches, shops, and sunshine.

One highlight is Palm Beach's Worth Avenue, a retail paradise with a range of designer stores and high-end restaurants.

I recommend staying at The Breakers Palm Beach, a historic hotel with a golf course, tennis courts, and four pools. It's especially great for couples and families with kids.

The area also has exciting developments in the works for 2025. World-renowned chef Thomas Keller plans to open a new restaurant and The Vineta Hotel is set to open in the spring.

St. Barts is a popular escape from cold temperatures.

This French-Caribbean island is where many jet-setters and celebrities vacation during the winter months.

Its many beaches are great for families with kids, and its vibrant nightlife scene can be great for young couples who want to have fun.

I suggest travelers also stop by the nearby Colombier Beach — a stunning white-sand beach and natural reserve that is mainly accessible by boat.

Most of my clients stay at the luxurious Eden Rock St. Barths, a five-star hotel adjacent to Nikki Beach and Gypsea, two lively beachfront lounges.

I recommend the Dolomites for those who want snowy slopes.

For clients looking to hit the slopes, I recommend the Dolomites, a chic Italian mountain town and a great alternative to the Swiss or French Alps.

The mountain range is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 18 peaks.

I've also got my eye on the many luxury hotels sprouting up there in the next few years, including The Aman Rosa Alpina, set to reopen in 2025 after extensive refurbishments, and Hotel Cristallo in Cortina d'Ampezzo, which is being rebranded into a Mandarin Oriental.

St. Moritz is also a great choice for skiers.

This small resort town in Switzerland has a monthslong ski season, so I recommend it to clients who love to ski.

A popular spot for celebrities and royalty, St. Moritz is dotted with designer stores, cozy restaurants, and high-end hotels including the glamorous Badrutt's Palace Hotel St. Moritz and Grace La Margna.

St. Moritz also has plenty of nightlife and entertainment options.

Billionaire St. Moritz — an experience combining fine dining and live entertainment — debuts at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski this season. I've also heard the exclusive, members-only club Dracula is worth a visit if you can manage to get an invite.

Lastly, if you're headed to St. Moritz in February, you won't want to miss the International Concours of Elegance, where you can watch rare cars zip across a frozen lake.

For those who want to relax on a beach all day, I recommend Costa Palmas in Mexico.

Costa Palmas is the perfect place for travelers who want to lay low and relax.

This exclusive community in Baja's East Cape is home to nearly 2 miles of swimmable beaches, a yacht marina, and a small village with special restaurants like Mozza by Nancy Silverton and Delphine by chef Ludo Lefebvre.

My clients typically stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Costa Palmas, but an ultra-luxury Amanvari is set to open in 2025, so that's also on my radar.

Oil Nut Bay is my pick in the British Virgin Islands for larger groups.

This serene private island in Virgin Gorda is perfect for big groups or families with its beautiful turquoise beaches, rentable villas, and range of activities.

Oil Nut Bay has a private marina, heliport, beach club, and resident-owned luxury villas that can be booked for short-term stays.

Villas typically have one to seven bedrooms, and some can accommodate a dozen guests. To make the trip more luxurious and laid-back, you can arrange for private-chef service throughout your stay.

Oil Nut Bay also has water activities, a spa, hiking trails, sunset boat charters, and a nature center so there's something for everyone without even leaving the property.

• I go to Las Vegas often, and love visiting in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• The city goes all-out with holiday decorations, especially MGM's Bellagio, which has epic displays.
• It also has unique seasonal activities, like ice skating on a rooftop rink below fake-snow showers.

The desert seems like an unlikely place to visit for some of the best holiday displays in the country, but the Las Vegas Strip is full of surprises.

I've been on dozens of trips to Vegas, but one of my favorite times to visit is still the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There's something extra special about exploring a city fully decked out in holiday cheer while daytime temperatures are still pleasantly high.

Here's why visiting Vegas during the holidays is a tradition that brings me joy each year.

Las Vegas has some of the most incredible holiday decor and displays that I've seen

Sin City glitters year-round, but it puts its best foot forward during the holiday season with lights, trees, garlands, and more.

My favorite property this time of year is MGM's Bellagio, which typically hosts the most spectacular holiday displays.

This year, the resort's botanical gardens are running a themed exhibit called "'Twas" through January 4. Visiting felt like exploring a poem that's been brought to life.

I was mesmerized by the towering 45-foot tree dressed with over 35,000 mini LED lights and 8,700 ornaments and crowned with a glistening Swarovski star.

My other favorite vignettes here included a miniature train, a gilded sleigh pulled by reindeer made of botanical elements, Drum Major Dolly (the Bellagio Bear) covered in 7,500 preserved red and black roses, and a carousel of giant horses.

This year, I found another beautiful spot while having brunch at Veranda at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas (housed within Mandalay Bay).

I was obsessed with the space's wintery colors and dreamy grand staircase, and I hope to visit it again next year.

The city has unique festive activities

I never miss the ice rink at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The rooftop Boulevard Pool undergoes a magical transformation into the ultimate winter wonderland featuring a 4,200-square-foot ice rink with amazing views of the Strip.

I enjoy watching classic holiday films on the 65-foot marquee, toasting s'mores over a fire pit, sipping festive cocktails at The Chalet (a reimagined mountaintop village), and watching the enchanting faux-snow showers held every half hour most evenings.

If you're traveling with little ones, stop by Mandalay Bay for the Santa in the Shipwreck at Shark Reef Aquarium.

With each paid admission, children 12 and under receive a complimentary photograph with Santa Claus. He's known to put on scuba gear and plunge into the exhibit, too.

I also love getting spa treatments in Vegas, and ones with added holiday flare really get me in the spirit of the season.

Some highlights include the peppermint body polish at Voie Spa & Salon at Paris Las Vegas, and the wintery massage at The Spa at Flamingo Las Vegas that uses notes of cinnamon, pine, and clove.

Vegas also has tons of places for holiday shopping

Las Vegas has some of the best shopping in the country, with mainstream retailers and designer brands aplenty.

I found no shortage of holiday cheer at The Forum Shops at Caesars, where over 150 retail stores featured Black Friday sales against a backdrop of seasonally decorated statues and columns.

The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood also have over 150 shops offering sales all month long.

When I visit Vegas around the holidays, I even pack an extra tote bag, so I have room to fly my new purchases home.

• I've skied at over 20 resorts in the US. After visiting Brighton Resort twice, I wouldn't go back.
• The resort isn't as impressive as its neighbors in terms of vertical drop and skiable acres.
• I thought it was too crowded on my visits and I'd rather try somewhere new next time.

I've had the opportunity to ski at over 20 resorts across the United States, and five of them were located in Utah.

The state is home to some of the most iconic ski resorts in the US and lots of snowfall, truly making it a powder skier's paradise.

When I close my eyes and think of skiing there, I picture myself gliding down black-diamond runs, indulging in the après-ski scene, and soaking in breathtaking mountain views.

Although that's the experience I've had at most resorts, one beloved Utah destination has let me down: Brighton Resort.

After skiing there in two different years and in two different months, I've realized this popular spot is one I just don't need to return to.

Brighton's lift lines were significantly longer than other ski resorts I've been to

Brighton is part of the Ikon Pass, a famous ski-lift pass that many skiers and snowboarders have around the world.

The ski resorts on the pass are known for their excellent runs, top-notch amenities, and overall upscale atmosphere, which attracts many tourists.

Due to the pass's popularity, you can generally expect larger crowds at Ikon Pass destinations across the country.

However, I've skied at numerous Ikon destinations around the country, and the lift lines at Brighton during my visits felt significantly longer than any others I've encountered.

This is likely because Brighton only has six lifts that service dozens of trails. In comparison, the majority of Ikon destinations in the US have at least 10 lifts — some more than 20.

I wish the resort would install more lifts or make existing ones larger to better alleviate some of the crowding.

Its terrain doesn't measure up to neighboring resorts

Brighton has over 1,050 skiable acres of terrain. Although it's not necessarily small, it seems relatively compact compared to neighboring resorts like Alta and Snowbird, each home to over 2,000 skiable acres.

Brighton's vertical drop is also at least 780 feet smaller than the ones at those nearby resorts.

This results in fewer challenging runs and allows skiers to reach the bottom more quickly, leading to longer waits in lift lines for the next run.

I felt the nearby après-ski options were limited and a bit disappointing

I really enjoy the après-ski experience and love hanging out with my husband and friends after a long day on the slopes.

At well-known resorts, I can typically find a wide variety of choices for post-slope drinks, appetizers, and meals throughout the surrounding mountain and village areas.

However, at Brighton Resort, I felt the options were limited. Most of the nearby dining spots were located by the base of the mountain, which meant they could get pretty crowded.

During our trip, we struggled to find available tables in the packed — and, thus, often loud — restaurants we visited in the area.

I also found the views from the dining options we visited to be less impressive than those I've experienced at other ski resorts in Utah.

Many people love skiing at Brighton, but I don't plan on going back

Utah attracts over a million visitors yearly, with many of those skiers and snowboarders heading to Brighton to enjoy its snow and runs.

Although I'm glad to have checked this resort off my bucket list, I ultimately doubt I'll return. I felt I spent too much time in lift lines, was not particularly impressed with the terrain, and found the après-ski options didn't meet my expectations.

That said, if you view lift lines as part of the experience, don't mind cruising down more moderate terrain, and aren't particularly concerned about après-ski selections, you might enjoy this resort.

Brighton Resort did not respond to a request for comment.

• Paris is great, but I prefer Bordeaux in the winter because it's less crowded and magical.
• The city is two hours south of Paris and has incredible holiday markets, shops, and food.
• Bordeaux has great wine and is a day trip away from famous spots like Saint-Émilion or Margaux.

As the oft-repeated saying goes, Paris is always a good idea. And although that's true, it can feel crowded and congested, especially during Christmastime.

That's why I now prefer to go to Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, during the busy winter season.

This elegant city, just two hours south of Paris by train, is a real stunner filled with classic Haussmanian buildings, dramatic 18th-century neoclassical architecture, and picturesque cobblestone streets.

At less than half the size of Paris, Bordeaux gets a fraction of its millions of tourists a year, which makes it the perfect place to enjoy French esprit de Noël without feeling overwhelmed.

Bordeaux starts to get fully festive in November

In late November, Bordeaux transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights and illuminated backdrops.

The season officially kicks off with a concert at the Opéra National de Bordeaux on Place de la Comédie, followed by the lighting of a 36-foot-high Christmas tree made of steel and glass.

For a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, start your trip with the Les Caneles Cruise, an hour-and-15-minute ride up and down the Garonne River.

You'll learn about the city's fascinating (and troubling) history, architecture, and culture while sipping wine and munching on canelés, a famous local pastry. It's the perfect way to acclimate to Bordeaux.

The city has great seasonal shopping and eats

If holiday shopping and sampling local culinary specialties tops your list of must-dos, grab a cup of vin chaud (mulled wine) or chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) and wander through over 100 petite wooden chalets at the Grand Marché de Noël in Bordeaux's city center.

At this holiday market, local purveyors sell everything from hand-poured candles to grilled chestnuts. This year, the market has several workshops where you can make your own candles, maple butter, cosmetics, and more.

Or head to Darwin, the right bank's eco-district, for an alternative Christmas market featuring handcrafted goods, art, live music, organic food, and more. It's where all the cool kids hang out.

You can also wander along Rue Sainte-Catherine, Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street.

Maybe visit the posh Chartrons district north of the city center, where you'll find Rue Notre Dame, one of my favorite streets in Bordeaux.

It's filled with hip boutiques like the Do You Speak Francaise concept store, antique shops, restaurants, and my favorite place for canelés — Micheline and Paulette Bakery.

Warm up with wine, culture, and art

Bordeaux isn't called the wine capital of the world for nothing. There are wine bars are everywhere, serving the best vintages from the region.

Two of my top picks are Yarra Wine Bar and Le Bar à Vin. The latter is in a magnificent 18th-century building across from the Bordeaux Tourism office.

Here, you can order affordable regional wines by the glass and cheese plates, charcuterie, and other snacks. A top-notch glass of bubbly will only set you back about four euros.

If the weather isn't cooperating, you can always wander through the city's many museums, including the must-see Cité du Vin, an immersive wine museum, or Bassins des Lumières, the largest digital art center in the world located in a former submarine base.

Plus, it's in a prime location if you want to explore other parts of France

Another reason to spend the winter holidays in Bordeaux is you can easily visit nearby villages without having to elbow your way through hordes of tourists.

Weather and time permitting, you can take a half-day or full-day chateaux or winery tour to Saint-Émilion or Margaux, two of the world's most famous wine destinations.

I look forward to returning to Bordeaux this year to experience even more holiday joy and the city's many charms. Maybe I'll see you there?

• I recently traveled to three American towns that seem to mimic the alpine style of Bavaria.
• Frankenmuth, Michigan, and Helen, Georgia, had some beautiful architecture and views.
• Having visited Germany several times, only Leavenworth, Washington, felt like the real deal to me.

In the past year, I spent time in three of America's most popular Bavarian-inspired towns: Frankenmuth, Michigan; Helen, Georgia; and Leavenworth, Washington.

Each offered me a fun chance to stroll an alpine village in the US without needing a passport.

I loved exploring these European-style towns, but as someone who's visited Germany several times, only one made me truly feel like I was back at Oktoberfest.

Frankenmuth, Michigan, offered wintery vibes but lacked an alpine landscape.

I grew up in Michigan and visited the delightful German-inspired town of Frankenmuth several times in my youth.

After not visiting in years, I went back last December and found that the city is still very darling with Bavarian-style architecture and a glockenspiel that signals the time regularly.

It snowed during my visit, and the light dusting of white atop seasonal holiday décor greatly enhanced my feelings of being in Europe.

Unfortunately, the area doesn't have mountains, which made it feel a bit less immersive.

The town is home to the "World's Largest Christmas Store," which is worth a visit any time of year.

Christmas ornaments may have originated in Germany, but Frankenmuth has a lot to offer for those looking to deck their halls this holiday season.

The town's Bronner's Christmas Wonderland is more than 7 acres and calls itself the "World's Largest Christmas Store." It has thousands of items for sale in its endless rows of ornaments and décor.

Helen, Georgia, has a backdrop of rolling hills and pleasant year-round climate.

Northern Georgia is home to the alpine town Helen.

Here, I found a hillier landscape that better evoked feelings of Bavaria. The town's cobblestone streets and beer halls made this an enchanting getaway spot.

Helen's relatively warm year-round weather drew me there in early spring. I enjoyed beautiful, sunny weather that was more appealing than what's found in more northern towns like Frankenmuth at that time.

With daytime highs topping 70 degrees Fahrenheit during my stay, Helen is also much warmer than Munich in April.

It's close to wineries and outdoor adventures, which enhanced my stay.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen offers a variety of outdoor adventures ranging from waterfall hikes to tubing.

The area is also home to many wineries, which made it a great option for my annual girls' trip.

Leavenworth, Washington, felt bigger than I expected, and its theming was on point.

Breathtaking mountain scenery — check.

Charming Bavarian-inspired buildings — check.

German eateries slinging up hefty liters of beers — check.

When it comes to enjoying authentic year-round Oktoberfest vibes in the US, there's nowhere that beats the charm and European-style beauty of Leavenworth.

Set in the Cascade Mountains, the town offers a rugged landscape just begging to be explored.

I visited in summer, when hiking and careening along the town's alpine coaster was on the agenda — but the region also offers great skiing in the winter.

Even though Leavenworth is technically smaller than Helen and Frankenmuth by square miles, it felt the largest to me because of its many offerings.

Plus, the heart of the downtown area is free from vehicle traffic, making it very walkable.

Of the villages I visited, Leavenworth is the only one that made me feel like I was in Europe.

I fell in love with this adorable town as I walked its pedestrian-friendly streets, passing a statue of a lederhosen-clad bear and restaurants filled with cheerful accordion music.

I really feel like Leavenworth transported me back to my past visits to Bavaria.

My husband and I enjoyed skipping between beer gardens and munching on giant pretzels — just like we did on our honeymoon in Munich.