Last-Minute Winter Getaway? Consider Winter in Europe!
With the winter here, you might be scrambling to book a last-minute winter vacation—literally, last minute since the season is almost halfway through. But have you seen those flight prices? Yikes! I’m not about to break the bank or dip too far into my savings for a 10-day trip.
If you’re like me, I totally feel you. The best thing to do is travel somewhere during the “off-season” like let’s say… Europe!
I love traveling during the "off-season" for three main reasons:
Fewer crowds
Cheaper airfare
Easier to book activities, hotels, etc.
Sure, there are some hurdles—like European business owners taking month-long holidays due to fewer travelers in the winter. Case in point: Venice. When I visited in summer 2018, the crowds were unbelievable. But on my honeymoon in January 2023? It was a ghost town. Many places were closed, and you could walk the entire city without bumping into anyone. It’s all about finding what works for you and planning accordingly.
Speaking of planning, in January 2024, my family and I took a trip to three amazing countries to celebrate my parents’ 50th birthdays. I, being the eldest daughter with Type A tendencies, planned the whole thing for 6 people. For 4 of them, it was their first time in Europe, and for all of us, it was our first time in Paris and Switzerland. Here’s a look at our journey!
Paris – Where the Adventure Began
We flew direct to Paris from Philadelphia on a Friday night and arrived around 8 AM. After a quick rest, we all met up with my brother and his girlfriend, whose flight landed just 90 minutes later. Pro tip: An overnight flight is the way to go for a transatlantic journey—but only if you can get some sleep! From landing to getting into a taxi, the whole process took about 30 minutes, which is one of the perks of traveling in winter.
Safety Tip: Always follow the taxi signs at CDG or any airport, and don’t get into a car unless it’s in the designated taxi zone.
Day 1: The City of Love
We checked into Le Dokhan's, Paris Arc de Triomphe, a 5-star boutique hotel that was amazing. The elevator was tiny, but it’s decorated in Louis Vuitton leather (so chic). Every morning, we enjoyed breakfast at the Champagne Bar, Paris' first champagne bar, and in the evenings, we sipped bubbly and curled up by the lobby’s fireplace. The hotel was also perfectly located for easy walking access to major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre.
After resting, we walked about 2.5 miles (roughly 90 minutes) to the Louvre, wandering along the Seine and grabbing some food along the way. We didn’t book a tour because we wanted the flexibility to explore at our own pace. The Louvre tickets are affordable and easy to purchase online. We spent the afternoon taking in masterpieces, then did some shopping on the Champs-Élysées before winding down at Restaurant Victor for a French family-style dinner. To end the night, we enjoyed a glass of champagne back at the hotel bar. And to go back it being the off-season, it was so easy to navigate the city with fewer crowds!
Day 2: Versailles & More
Our whirlwind 48 hours in Paris was packed. We took a Viator tour to Versailles, a must-see for my mom, who’s obsessed with the Marie Antoinette film by Sofia Coppola. Our tour guide, a history professor, gave us an in-depth tour of the palace, followed by a couple of hours exploring the gardens—yes, even in winter, the gardens were beautiful.
After Versailles, we checked out the Notre Dame and visited the bridge that once featured love locks. Then, for my ultimate foodie moment, we dined at Girafe, a trendy yet five-star restaurant with stunning Eiffel Tower views. I’d booked it as a special treat for my parents’ 50th birthdays. The food was beyond amazing, and they even brought out a special birthday dessert with sparklers to make the evening even more memorable.
Switzerland – Skiing the Alps
My dad has always dreamed of skiing in the Alps, so I figured if we could work that into this trip, it would be a dream come true. So, after Paris, we headed to St. Moritz, where we stayed in Champfèr at Giardino Mountain, a hotel that felt like a scene from The White Lotus (seriously, IYKYK). The experience was as luxurious as it gets, with views of snow-capped mountains and incredible food.
Day 3: The Glacier Express
We took a scenic train ride from Paris to Zurich and then onto Chur. The train ride from Chur to St. Moritz was like something out of a postcard—through UNESCO World Heritage sites, mountains and lakes. If you’re looking to experience some of Switzerland's most stunning views, take the Glacier Express.
Upon arrival, we checked into the hotel—a gorgeous hotel with a spa, amazing food and, of course, skiing! We rented skis from Ivo’s Sportshop and set off to explore the slopes of Corviglia.
Day 4: Skiing in the Alps
Skiing in Switzerland was a whole new level of experience. The runs are above the tree line, and there are multiple lifts to take you to the top. While the blue slopes— their version of green— felt like intermediate runs back home, the scenery was breathtaking. After skiing, we relaxed at the hotel’s indoor pool and hot tub before enjoying a delicious dinner at Hide and Seek in the hotel.
Day 5: A Snowstorm and a Michelin Star
On day 5, we faced a snowstorm that made visibility difficult. We didn’t last too long on the slopes, but that was okay because we had some down time to relax at the hotel spa. For dinner, we dined at the Michelin-starred Ecco restaurant at our hotel, which was an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend the truffle pairing!
Day 6: Exploring St. Moritz
On our last day in St. Moritz, we took a leisurely stroll through the chic town. Designer boutiques, beautiful views and chocolate shops were the highlights. But the best was yet to come—an afternoon of horseback riding at Gina's Reitschule. We rode through snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, making it a truly magical experience.
For our final night in Switzerland, we dined at Carlton Hotel for a fondue experience in a gondola overlooking the mountains. A must-do in Switzerland!
Milan – The Fashion Capital
Day 7: Goodbye Switzerland, Hello Milan
We left St. Moritz for Milan in a private car, which took about three hours, and arrived at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia. After a quick rest, we explored Milan’s Galleria and the outside of iconic Duomo, which you might recognize from the opening scene of Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy Milan episode. Then, we went on a food tour, indulging in local delicacies while learning about the history of Milan. It was a great way to end our culinary journey!
Day 8: A Last Taste of Milan
On our last full day, we climbed to the top of the Duomo (definitely worth the climb!) and enjoyed some serious shopping in the heart of Milan. For our final meal in Europe, we dined at a local spot serving traditional Milanese cuisine. While it wasn’t exactly what we expected, the wine helped smooth things over!
Day 9: Homeward Bound
Our last day started early with a 7 AM taxi ride to Milan’s airport (MXP). We flew directly back to JFK and made the short drive home to Philadelphia.
This trip was truly the trip of a lifetime—a beautiful blend of food, culture, and adventure. It truly does make or break a trip if you travel with people with open minds and I’m glad that my family was open to each experience. And yes, we did want to kill each other at times (family trips, am I right?), but at the end of the day, it was all about making unforgettable memories together.
