There’s nothing quite like leaves changing colors in the height of autumn. The short window when fall colors are at their peak is coveted for seasonal travel and roadtrips through parts of the US such as Acadia National Park, the Great Lakes, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s the time of year when we trade cozy knits for beach towels, and warm apple cider for lemonade. The time of year when the sun sets earlier, so that s’mores around the bonfire are an after-dinner treat rather than a late-night snack. The sweet smell of leaves on the ground permeates the air alongside the warm spices from freshly baked goods. It’s one of the best times of year to slow down and soak in every moment, especially since it feels like the shortest of all seasons. 

Nothing beats a hot cup of cocoa by a roaring fireplace while wearing comfy sweats wrapped in a blanket. Add a good book during a heavy snowfall, and it’s about as perfect a day as it gets! Invented by the Danish, “hygge” simply means cozy, and it’s how we should all winter. According to the official Visit Denmark website, “hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people…Perhaps hygge explains why Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.” Inspired by this way of life, we’ve put together 8 destinations to visit this winter to embrace a hygge vibe for a well-deserved break.