• My husband and I spent $475 to stay in the the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Norway.
• Sleeping in the hotel, which is made of ice and snow, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Next time, though, I'd rather skip the sleeping bags and stay in a warm lodge.

When my husband and I traveled to Norway and the Arctic Circle last year, we decided to stay in an otherworldly ice hotel — the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel at Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge in Alta, Norway.

At $475 per night, this was the most we've ever spent on a hotel stay. However, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime chance to check off a bucket-list experience and stay at a place made of ice and snow.

Although the stunning hotel and scenery looked like something straight out of a fantasy, the closer it got to bedtime, the more I second-guessed our decision to sleep on ice.

Here's what our experience at the Igloo Hotel was like.

We arrived at the hotel a few hours early.

The ice hotel is open to the public for tours, so we didn't get access to our room until 8 p.m. However, due to the timing of our flight, we arrived around 1 p.m., which left us with plenty of time to explore.

We walked around outside, marveled at how dark it was, had some food, and hung out in the lobby, where we were fortunate enough to be able to see the northern lights.

We also visited the hotel's ice bar.

Aside from its rooms and suites, the hotel's star attraction is its ice bar. It's only open for drinks during specific time slots, but the sheer fun of having a shot glass made of ice slid across an ice bar made up for the limited hours.

Here, I was able to sit down with my drink on a reindeer-hide-draped ice seat and channel my inner ice queen.

Finally, we made our way to our room.

At around 10 p.m., we retrieved our bulky sleeping bags and pillows and toted them a short distance through sub-zero temperatures to get to our room.

The suite, which was entirely constructed of ice and snow and glowed with an otherworldly purple color, had two main sections: a sitting area and the main bedroom.

The bed was essentially a platform of ice topped with a comfy mattress and reindeer hides. Instead of a headboard, our room had a snow carving featuring an illuminated tree of life, an important symbol in Norse mythology.

Notably, there was no bathroom in the suite, so we were told to avoid drinking anything too close to bedtime — unless we wanted to walk to another building in the middle of the night.

Unfortunately, I didn't find it easy to sleep on ice.

Neither of us are campers, so burrowing down into sleeping bags and getting comfortable was a new process for us. Once we were settled, our room was very dark and incredibly quiet — you could almost feel the tons of snow overhead.

I tossed and turned most of the night (unlike my husband, who snoozed peacefully, as usual).

Our room wasn't uncomfortably cold, really, but I felt clammy inside the sleeping bag. Plus, the novelty of sleeping on ice felt too exciting for me to relax and fall asleep.

By 7 a.m., we were ready for warmth, coffee, and a wonderful Nordic breakfast buffet in the main lodge.

I'm glad we stayed in the Igloo Hotel — but I don't need to do it again.

Staying at the Igloo Hotel was incredible, but I'm happy to keep it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We loved everything about the Arctic, but considering how much time we spent contending with extreme cold, it was a little over the top to also sleep in an ice hotel.

If I were to return to the hotel, I'd take a tour, have a drink at its ice bar, and then go sleep in a cheaper, warmer lodge nearby.

• 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.

• 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've lived near Glacier National Park for 35 years and know it can get hectic in the summer months.
• However, I love snowshoeing, skiing, and taking in the park's beauty in the winter.
• When visiting during the offseason, it's important to come prepared for the cold weather.

Montana's Glacier National Park typically sees over 2 million visitors between May and August each year. Although I love taking in the park's beauty in the warmer seasons, this spike in visitation can often lead to long lines to enter the park.

However, after living near the park for 35 years, I've discovered the best time to visit is during the less-chaotic winter months.

Although many of the park's services are technically closed from early October through late May, I love the peace and solitude the park offers during this time.

Visiting Glacier National Park in the winter requires a bit more planning, but in my opinion, it's worth it. Here are my tips for visiting during the offseason.

Even if the entrance isn't manned, you need to have a pass to enter the park.

During the winter months, a pass is still required to visit the park, even if no one is manning the entrance. Luckily, though, the rates are typically cheaper than they would be in the winter months.

Entrance passes can be purchased online via the National Parks Service website.

Not all the roads get plowed — but that's part of the fun.

Many of the park's roads are closed in the winter, making for great opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Since our boys were young, we've loved strapping on cross-country skis or snowshoes to travel along Going-to-the-Sun Road for a couple of miles until we reach the bridge that crosses McDonald Creek.

In this section of the park, we pass through an area of dense, old-growth western hemlock and western red cedar that feels like the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Just keep in mind that if you decide to travel to higher elevations, you need to be prepared for changing winter conditions, and be familiar with avalanche safety.

If you don't want to explore alone, you can snowshoe with a ranger on weekends.

If you want to explore the area with a knowledgeable guide, head to the Apgar Visitor Center for one of the ranger-led snowshoe outings held weekends from the end of December to the middle of March.

If you don't have your own snowshoes, you can rent a pair for $2.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the park in the winter and look for signs of wildlife in the snow.

Be prepared for cold temperatures and limited cell service.

One of my most important pieces of advice is to not take the winter lightly when visiting Glacier. There is little or no cell service throughout most of the park, and the weather can quickly switch from idyllic to a blizzard.

Leave your cotton clothing at home, and instead opt for wool, alpaca, or synthetic fabrics that wick away sweat. Wear multiple layers, including a wind-breaking outer layer, a hat, and gloves.

Also, remember to fill your gas tank or charge your electric vehicle before entering the park, as you will not have the opportunity to do so once you get inside.

• As someone born and raised in Salt Lake City, I know Utah has more to offer than just skiing.
• Within Salt Lake City, I recommend enjoying a beer at a local brewery.
• For a unique experience, I also suggest checking out the nearby hot springs and Ice Castles.

Utah's tagline, "The Greatest Snow on Earth," isn't just a marketing ploy — the state really does have some of the world's most sought-after powder, making it a skier's paradise and pulling nearly 7 million visits to its 15 resorts each year. And at the heart of it all is the state's capital, Salt Lake City.

However, If you're visiting Salt Lake during the winter but aren't into skiing, don't worry — there are plenty of unique ways to enjoy the city and its surrounding areas beyond the slopes.

Born and raised in the heart of the city, I know how to experience Salt Lake without ever stepping into ski boots. Here are my top suggestions for first-time visitors.

Enjoy a beer at a local brewery.

Salt Lake City has quite the craft-beer scene, and there's no better way to waste a winter day than to curl up with a cold glass of Utah's finest.

Local favorites include Uinta Brewing Company, known for its winter lager and commitment to environmental sustainability, and Epic Brewing Company, which offers excellent small-batch beers.

My personal pick is Fisher Brewing Company, where I like to mix the lemon sour with the cerveza for a taste of summer in the middle of winter.

Take a dip in the nearby hot springs.

Utah has a robust geothermal landscape under its jetting mountains, giving way to beautiful, natural hot springs. If you want a snowy outdoor winter activity, relaxing in a hot spring might be your thing.

In my opinion, one of the best options is Fifth Water Hot Springs (also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs), located about an hour from Salt Lake City.

Just keep in mind that you'll have to hike a few miles to access the hot springs, where you'll find multiple steaming natural pools surrounded by snowy peaks. Make sure to bring boots and layers for the hike in, as it can be cold and icy.

Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, you can also find the Homestead Crater — a unique, 65-foot-deep hot spring inside a crater where you can snorkel, soak, or scuba all winter.

Reservations are required for this activity, so visit the Homestead Crater website ahead of time to secure your spot.

Visit the Ice Castles in Midway, Utah, for a truly magical experience.

If you're looking for a magical winter experience, the Ice Castles in Midway, Utah — located about an hour outside Salt Lake City — are a must-visit.

This village of hand-sculpted ice structures is lit up at night, creating a surreal display of ice caves, slides, and frozen tunnels.

Try your hand at curling or bobsledding.

Skiing and snowboarding aren't the only winter sports celebrated in Salt Lake City. If you're looking for a different experience, try curling or bobsledding.

The Utah Olympic Park in Park City hosted events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers visitors a bobsledding experience, where a professional driver takes them down the Olympic track.

For curling, head to the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns for a 2-hour class to learn the fundamentals of curling by a certified instructor.

Relax with a spa day.

If you happen to be staying at a ski resort but don't want to ski, I recommend enjoying the luxuries of the spa.

The Cliff Lodge and Spa at Snowbird is my personal favorite, offering stunning mountain views, a pool, and a variety of rejuvenating treatments.