Seeking the perfect gift to give this holiday season?
The best gift may be the one that can neither be wrapped in a box nor tucked beneath a tree. Travel offers the ultimate present in that it promises presence, togetherness, and cherished shared memories. Here are three idyllic itineraries sure to charm the foodie, satiate the thrill seeker, and captivate the beachcomber.
For the Foodie: Wine Country
With daily flights on American Airlines from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport directly into Sonoma’s Santa Rosa Airport, visiting Northern California wine country is easier than ever.
Begin at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, long considered Sonoma’s gold standard for culinary hospitality. The signature tour and tasting feels like a roaming celebration of flavor, with alfresco pours, chef-driven pairings, and seasonal dishes. Jordan is also unique in offering on-site accommodations. Stay in an elegant chateau suite or retreat to the whimsical Wildwood Cottage, which provides a storybook view of the estate.
From Jordan, Sterling Vineyards is a scenic 30-minute drive into Napa’s Calistoga region. There, take a sky-high solar-powered aerial tram adventure to its tasting room, which sits 300 feet above the valley floor. The ascent reveals a breathtaking panorama of Napa. Next, stroll through alcoves and terraces dotted with tasting stops. The Founders Experience is the pinnacle for food lovers, a seated progression of exclusive wines curated alongside thoughtful small bites.
A short drive leads to Charles Krug, home to Napa’s oldest tasting room. Here, history is paired with indulgent culinary flights featuring chocolate, caviar, or wood-fired pizza presented with modern flair in preserved heritage spaces.
To take the trip over the top, end at Vermeil Wines, founded by area native and NFL Hall of Fame coach Dick Vermeil. Its four-course dinner—a rarity in wine country—is revered for pairing legacy wines with dishes crafted to reveal their depth, creating a finale worthy of a pilgrimage.
For the Thrill Seeker: Park City
Park City sits just 30 miles from Salt Lake City, making it one of the most accessible mountain playgrounds in the west. Its story began with silver, which first drew miners to the area in the 19th century, before skiing transformed it into a winter capital. Today, Park City Mountain stretches across 7,300 skiable acres with 330 trails, 43 lifts, and eight terrain parks. Nearby, Deer Valley Resort offers a second option devoted exclusively to skiers and is currently expanding toward more than 5,000 acres of terrain.
Pendry Park City combines refined alpine luxury with direct lift access, making it the perfect home base. The resort features 175 guest rooms and suites dressed in warm textures, contemporary design, and sweeping mountain views. A full-service spa, rooftop pool, and elegant après venues create a polished retreat built for adventurers who crave indulgence between adrenaline-filled outings.
On the slopes, thrill seekers can carve through bowls, glades, and groomers, or join guided tours that reveal both hidden terrain and fascinating mining history embedded across the mountain. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the region also offers dog sledding through snowy valleys, snowmobiling across high elevation meadows, zip line courses that fly above the landscape, and Utah Olympic Park, where visitors can witness world-class training facilities and ride a bobsled along the professional track for a true Olympic rush.
For the Beachcomber
Less than two hours by plane from the Valley, Cabo San Lucas has become a perennial favorite for travelers seeking sun, sea, and a warm winter reset. Its position on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula delivers gentle breezes, endless blue water, and long afternoons that feel worlds away from desert chill.
Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos takes the experience several steps further for guests who want immersion in oceanfront living. Set along a pristine coastline, the resort blends bold natural beauty with contemporary elegance. Its 315 suites and penthouses offer generous living space, many with sweeping terraces and wide-angle views of the sea. Larger groups gravitate toward three- and four-bedroom residences that feature outdoor hot tubs, dining areas, and spacious gathering rooms.
Adventure begins outside, where eight glittering pools set the tone for the day. The adults-only rooftop infinity pool serves as the signature perch for sunset swims, craft cocktails, and panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. At Spa Imagine, groups can move through the Aqua Vitality Circuit, alternating saunas, plunge pools, and tailored therapies designed for rejuvenation.
Dining becomes part of the experience, with Japanese cuisine at Hiroshi, modern steak selections at BocaDos STK, and refined Mexican gastronomy at Blanca Blue. Winter also marks peak whale watching season, giving guests front row access to migrating giants that breach offshore.
Between water, wellness, and wonder, Garza Blanca delivers a winter escape defined by oceanfront bliss.
Here are three idyllic itineraries sure to charm the foodie, satiate the thrill seeker, and captivate the beach lover.
Less than two hours by plane from the Valley, Cabo San Lucas has become a perennial favorite for travelers seeking sun, sea, and a warm winter reset.