This week at my school is Fall Break, which has got me thinking about Christmas Break and what I might do during that time. I love to travel, so if you're a travel-lover as well, I have a list of my top 9 favorite places that I've visited or have thought about visiting.
If You Like The Cold and Want to Embrace It/ You Live In Arkansas, So For Snow You Have to Go Elsewhere
1. Branson, Missouri 
Branson is one of my all time favorite places to go. Although, I love all of the exotic places I have been, Branson is easier to travel to multiple times. Branson has tons of excitement. There are all kinds of musical shows, comedy shows, showboats, Christmas shows, and my personal favorite, the Dixie Stampede. The Dixie Stampede provides a homecooked, country style meal while watching an equestrian/comedy show. It's a battle between North and South, so you get the chance to cheer on your side of the country in a competitive environment. It's also owned by Dolly Parton. In addition to the shows, there are also amusement parks, such as Silver Dollar City. At Christmas time, there are also a variety of places to view Christmas light displays, as well. (They also have summer only attractions.)
2. Winter Park, Colorado
I have been to Colorado as a small child, so I don't remember much. However, I would like to go as an adult. Through research, I found out that they have a ski resort, hiking, camping, ice skating, mountain tours, dog sled rides, and "fat bike" riding. From what I can tell, it's a regular bicycle, but the tires are wider to accommodate the terrain.
3. New York City
I've never been to New York, but have always wanted to go. Christmas Break is a great time because it hosts dropping of the Time Square ball and the New Years Day Parade. In addition, they have Broadway and The Radio City Rockettes for entertainment. They also have great shopping complexes (as if anyone from Arkansas could go on a shopping spree in New York, though). New York is also home to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, Times Square, the American Museum of Natural History, and my favorite TV characters from 'Friends' and 'How I Met Your Mother'.
4. Alaska
Personally, I don't enjoy going places that are super cold, but my mom really wants to go to Alaska. (IDK why, she's the coldest natured person that I know). But, after doing some research, I found out that Alaska has some pretty great things to check out. The Alaska SeaLife Center features some pretty interesting animals that we don't see very often like sea lions, puffins, and octopuses. Alaska has Museums and National Parks. In El Dorado, Alaska, near Fairbanks there is a gold mine that tourists can visit. Hiking, skiing, and ice fishing are also some noteworthy activities that Alaska has to offer.
If You Don't Like the Cold, So You Want to Go Somewhere Hot
5. The Bahamas
It is suuuuper hot here. I traveled here during the summer, but I'm sure it's still hot in during the winter. The water is a very pretty blue color, and the beaches are absolutely beautiful. There are so many excursions and fun activities to do in the Bahamas. From submarines and dolphin rides, to ATVs, bicycles, and horseback rides, the Bahamas have it all.
Note: Watch out for solicitors who will follow you around for twenty minutes and ask if they can braid your hair for like $6 a braid. Otherwise, everything is beautiful.
6. Maui, Hawaii
If you're looking for somewhere beautiful to visit, Maui is the place to go. It is a lot like the Bahamas as far as water and sand. It is a lot more relaxing, however, and is closer to home. Plus, you don't have to get a passport to go here. Maui also has great attractions like snorkeling and dolphin watching.
Note: If you are from the South, bring your own Sweet Iced Tea. They don't have any. On the plus side, it's a great time to start that water only diet.
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is a little different than Maui. If you enjoy night life over relaxation, visit Honolulu. It is popping! Honolulu doesn't feel much like Hawaii at all. It has skyscrapers, clubs, and tons of people walking around the streets. It kinda gave me a Florida vibe. To be honest, the only way I could tell that I was in Hawaii was the pineapples I received as a side at McDonald's.
8. Walt Disney World/ Universal Orlando Studios
This is a great place to go for a family with children, or for college students. Everyone loves Disney (Minus waiting in line). There are also a lot of other fun attractions to do in and near Orlando, as well. Sea World, WonderWorks, the Kennedy Space Center, and nearby beaches(about a one hour drive) are just a few examples.
9. Uruguay, South America
I've never been here, but watching episodes of JoJo Fletcher living it up in Uruguay, it sure looked like a beautiful place. From visiting the sandy beaches in Punta del Este, to yacht rides, to sand surfing, to cliff diving, to becoming a gaucho (cattle ranchers) Uruguay has it all.
