The Atlas Mountains

Without question, Morocco should be on your winter getaway radar. First, the weather is gorgeous. Second, crowds are thinner than during high season. Third, if you do it right, you can be just as revived and restored as your friends who took to the Caribbean chasing the winter sun, but with better souvenirs. Bonus: it is also safer and more welcoming than you may be thinking. Yalla!

I'm the type that books restaurant reservations before flights. And I'm an LA-based boy mom, writer and my friends' go-to recs person.