As the holiday season approaches, travel prices rise and many northern cities become more crowded than ever. Taking trips over the holidays has been a favorite of mine since I was a little kid. It was always a tradition to take a family trip to see snow and enjoy all of the activities that we didn't get to experience in Florida. Over the years I have had the opportunity of going on some amazing holiday vacations. From waking up to a white Christmas, to sleigh riding slope side on Christmas Eve for a secluded dinner, I have always had a soft spot when it comes to chilly weather over the holidays. Of my holiday trips, my favorites have stayed the same throughout the years, Vail, Chicago, and New York.

1. Vail, Colorado

Ah... Colorado. My memories in Colorado start out at about age 6 when my parents thought it was necessary to sign me up for ski school. I, on the other hand, was not thrilled. As I've gotten older I've come to love the snowy mountaintops and settling by the fire every night to end my days. Vail, Colorado is a place that could easily be on everyone's bucket list. Although people tend to think of the mountains for just skiing and snowboarding, Vail offers a list of fun activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Alpine slides, snowmobiling, and snow tubing are just a few things that I grew up doing over the holidays. In Vail Village, you can also enjoy the beautiful architecture, mountain views, and amazing fine dining restaurants. These dinner places line the fountains and three ice rinks that are scattered throughout the town. Vail offers a plethora of activities that make for an amazing getaway around the holidays. It is the perfect place to spend a day on the slopes or simply curl up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. It truly lives up to its motto, "Like no place on Earth."

2. Chicago, Illinois

My love for "Chitown" also started at a pretty young age. Leaving the mountains and traveling to the windy city was an easy transition for me. I began traveling to Chicago to visit my family and I quickly saw why so many people were addicted to the fast pace life. A must see in the city and one of my absolute favorites is known as the Magnificent Mile. It was always a must when visiting to spend a day on Michigan Avenue enjoying the holiday decor, festive restaurants, and amazing shopping windows that are always decked out for Christmas. Another favorite tradition with my family, though not centered around the holidays, is the Chicago Bean in Millennium Park. To get your festive fix while there, Millennium Park also offers ice skating, which is fun for the whole family. After a day of adventuring through the city, Giordano's is the only way to end the day and the best way to eat pizza; Chicago style. Lastly, visit the infamous Garrett's Popcorn and grab a bag (or two) to go.

3. New York, New York

The city that never sleeps; if you stay in Time Square you'll truly learn what that means. Obviously, Time Square is a huge key point while visiting New York. I definitely enjoyed midtown Manhattan the most though, for obvious reasons. Lining the streets of Midtown are huge red ornaments and gigantic Christmas lights, both that make for perfect photo ops. Just around the corner, you will find Rockefeller Center and the iconic Christmas tree, which is 75-feet tall this year and will be lit on November 29th. The sights of NYC can be seen on a carriage ride around Central Park followed by lunch at the famous cafe, Tavern on the Green. Walk off your lunch by shopping of Fifth Avenue and end your perfect day with a night on Broadway. New York is an amazing city that offers the fast pace lifestyle as well as the quaint atmosphere that can be found when strolling off the beaten path. It is a must for the holiday bucket list.