Winter is a terrific time to take a break and get away from school, your job or the drab winter months for a change of scenery. Whatever your preferences, there is a place for an ideal winter break retreat for you, so do a little research and get ready to pack your bags. Almost any budget will open the possibilities of a place to go by yourself or with friends or family. The top winter vacation spots of the past few years include the Alps, the Caribbean islands, Belize, Panama and Costa Rica. Western states in America offer everything from snow sports to horseback riding and hiking.

Are you interested in the club scene, hiking through the forest, laying out in the sun or speeding down a snow-covered mountain? Would you enjoy quiet solitude, the excitement of a casino, studying the architecture of ancient ruins or learning something about your own heritage? If you want to plan the perfect winter vacation, then you need to know what you want and need. Winter break comes only once a year, so make it count.

If you want to escape the frigid temps, look to destinations with sun and beaches such as Southern California or parts of Florida such as Key West or Fort Lauderdale. Internationally, consider places such as Costa Rica or the Caribbean islands; Costa Rica is well-known for its nature and yoga retreats. But maybe you're not just looking for a warm climate; maybe you also want to experience the warmth of people such as those in Thailand, aka "The Land of Smiles," or Iceland, where they say the warmth of the people makes up for the chilly climate.

On the other hand, snow lovers and skiers will find wonderful slopes in the Alps in France, Switzerland or Italy, as well as some wonderful sightseeing opportunities. Or you can stay close to home in the United States with ski resorts in Colorado, Vermont and Alaska -- and in Canada, the Canadian Rockies and Alberta. Whether you book a full-service lodge, a private chalet or an Airbnb, you will be able to find slopes and amenities that offer both thrills and relaxation. Resorts tend to offer a multitude of activities and will make it easier if you are traveling with others.

You should also consider what cultural attractions you're interested in. If you are looking for specific Christmas- or holiday- related destinations, plan a visit to Rome, the Middle East or Rio de Janeiro, or experience a Cajun Christmas in New Orleans. If you are the studious kind, make the rounds of one or more historically significant places, such as the Louvre, the Colosseum, Stonehenge, the Benjamin Franklin Museum or Mount Rushmore. If your priority is entertainment, see Broadway shows, Vegas shows and nightclub acts and Hollywood revues. Consider a visit to Queensland, Australia, where you'll find snorkeling and scuba diving and be able to visit the world's oldest rainforest. There are world famous casinos if you like games of risk: visit Macau in China, Singapore, Las Vegas or Monte Carlo in Monaco.

If you're traveling with children, you might look for amusement parks and places the kids will learn something, such as Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, or children's museums in Boston, Pittsburgh or Toronto. Sports fans will enjoy roaming through places such as the National Baseball Hall of Fame in New York, the Chicago Sports Museum or Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

There are also many wintertime cruises available from top cruise lines including Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Disney. Each cruise line offers itineraries and amenities to fit singles, seniors and families; popular offerings include amusement rides, adults-only lounges, teenage clubbing, room service, dining, casinos, spas and poolside relaxation. Popular winter cruise destinations include warm paradises such as Aruba, the Galapagos Islands, New Zealand, Argentina and the Mediterranean.