If your birthday is during some of the coldest months of the year, consider taking an unforgettable birthday trip to a cozy and comfortable Hilton Grand Vacations resort. Choose an off-the-beaten-path travel destination for your winter birthday to enjoy a special experience and the many benefits of off-season travel.
Benefits Of Off-Season Travel
Planning a winter vacation isn’t difficult when you consider the benefits of off-season travel. Skip the ski towns and consider visiting settings traditionally considered single-season destinations, such as beach towns.
- Fewer crowds. Many towns in popular destinations, like Florida and California, see far fewer crowds between October and January. Fewer people means less time spent waiting in line for attractions, restaurants and other activities.
- Lower costs. Last minute birthday trips in the winter months don’t require huge budgets. Many hotels offer lower rates to off-season travelers; plus, Members can maximize their HGV ClubPoints by avoiding peak-season travel and weekend stays. Some stores may discount merchandise like souvenirs and other hospitality businesses tend to offer incentives for visitors arriving in the off season.
- Unique experiences. When you visit a town known for its beaches and it’s too cold to swim, you’re free to explore the town’s other attractions. From interesting museums and engaging activities to hiking trails and natural landmarks that change with the seasons, alternative winter travel destinations offer unique experiences for all ages and abilities.
Your Hilton Grand Vacations membership makes all-season travel possible: We encourage Members to explore our resorts in off-season travel destinations and discover how you can convert your HGV ClubPoints to Hilton Honors™ Points to celebrate your birthday at a Hilton Grand Vacations resort.
Perfect Presents: Hidden Gem Birthday Trip Ideas In The U.S.
Blow out your candles from coast to coast at these off-the-beaten-path vacations that make great birthday trip ideas in the United States.
1. Sapphire, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a gorgeous sight no matter when you visit, though the winter months significantly see fewer crowds. Sapphire is a small community located roughly 50 miles south of Asheville. Close to the South Carolina border and minutes from Gorges State Park, Sapphire is a breath of fresh air for a nature lover’s birthday.
How to celebrate:
- Play a round of golf at Sapphire National Golf Club and celebrate your birthday at their 19th hole, the Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company.
- Pose for photographs at the many dazzling waterfalls around the area, including Turtleback Falls, Greenland Creek Falls and Whitewater Falls.
- Cast a line and reel in trout, bass, catfish, walleye and more from the shore or from a boat on Lake Toxaway.
Where to stay: Fairway Forest Resort is a quiet retreat with 1- and 2-Bedroom Suites, each of which features a king-size bed and a private furnished outdoor space. Whether you join the crowds at the Sapphire Valley Ski Area only two miles away or find solitude in the area’s peaceful hiking trails, return to the resort and warm up in the indoor pool and hot tub.
2. Scottsdale, Arizona
Look to Scottsdale, Arizona, for winter vacation ideas in the U.S. that keep your family far from the snow. No fluffy coats or mittens required for this birthday trip; instead, you’ll see the city come alive and embrace the “cool” weather (which means highs in the 70s).
How to celebrate:
Where to stay: Have your cake and eat it, too, at Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club. A heated outdoor pool and a separate children’s pool keep everyone in the family entertained while 1- and 2-Bedroom Suites with kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens add home-like convenience — including being able to bake a cake from scratch.
3. Mishawaka, Indiana
If you’re a sports lover looking for where to go for your October birthday, Mishawaka, Indiana, is a touchdown. The Hoosier State is home to the University of Notre Dame and Mishawaka is a fantastic place to stay for celebrating both a birthday and a Fighting Irish win.
How to celebrate:
- Watch the leaves change and the snow fall around the Mishawaka Riverwalk.
- Attend a Fighting Irish college football or basketball game at the University of Notre Dame.
- Take a day trip to the Indiana Dunes National Park, an off-the-beaten-path destination and underrated national park.
Where to stay: Varsity Club South Bend, a Hilton Vacation Club is only four miles away from the University of Notre Dame and features a private courtyard with fire pits and a glass-enclosed indoor pool so you can keep warm no matter the weather.
4. Virginia Beach, Virginia
While Virginia Beach does offer a quintessential summer vacation, don’t rule it out when considering where to vacation in December or surrounding winter months. Not only does the Virginia Beach Boardwalk stay open year-round, November brings events like the VA Beach Jeep Fest, Coastal Virginia Auto Show and Virginia Bourbon Invitational.
How to celebrate:
Where to stay: Turtle Cay Resort’s spacious Studio, 1- and 2-Bedroom Suites are right on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, keeping you footsteps from the best attractions in the area.
5. Stuart, Florida
Off-the-beaten-path beach vacations in smaller South Florida cities are great places to celebrate a birthday for any age. Just north of Palm Beach, Stuart’s waters can be warm enough to swim year-round, though there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the winter sunshine in America’s Happiest Seaside Town.
How to celebrate:
- Charter a boat and try your luck reeling in large fish in The Sailfish Capital of the World.
- Shop the boutiques in Historic Downtown Stuart and take a walking food tour.
- Stroll or rent a bicycle to explore the coastal ecosystem of Hutchinson Island.
Where to stay: Plantation Beach Club at Indian River Plantation is a quiet South Florida hideaway featuring barbecue grills, an on-site golf course and driving range and a recreation program.
Milestone Birthdays In Memorable Places
Whether you’re planning a surprise birthday trip for a loved one or using your points to gift yourself an unforgettable solo birthday trip, these international destinations are great places to celebrate a milestone year.
6. Vancouver, Canada
Not all ways to celebrate a 30th birthday in Canada involve hitting the slopes. While others pack the ski lodges, stay in the heart of downtown Vancouver at Embarc® Vancouver. Spacious Studio Suites near Robinson Square create a perfect birthday trip idea for couples who desire a calmer winter city break.
7. Perthshire, Scotland
Let your 40th birthday trip take you to a magical place like the Scottish Highlands. The Kenmore Club is located in a small village at the edge of Loch Tay. Disconnect from the stress of everyday life at this laid-back resort and consider booking a red deer safari so you can go “over the hill” in Scottish style.
8. Costa del Sol, Spain
Snowy weather shouldn’t stop you or your child from turning sunny 21st birthday trip ideas into a bright reality. Warm rays shine on the Costa del Sol year-round. At Sahara Sunset, you’ll have everything you need for a complete stay — including amenities like mini-golf, a sauna, outdoor pools and on-site bars.
9. Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
Popular 18th birthday trip ideas like a Caribbean Sea cruise aren’t always ideal in the hurricane-season months of October and November. Instead, soak up the sun on the Pacific Ocean’s shoreline at The Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta for incredible views, a lazy river and a spa that offer the all-inclusive amenities you’d expect from a cruise.
10. Odawara-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
When it comes to 50th birthday trip ideas, Japan is a golden choice. Leave Tokyo and Kyoto behind and travel to an off-the-beaten-track destination in the Japanese countryside at The Bay Forest Odawara, a Hilton Club. Relax in bliss with a dip in the spa’s authentic Japanese onsen baths.
Read “5 Must-Visit Adventure Destinations In The United States” for more ideas for where to vacation in October, November and December.