The  annual New York Times wrap up  is a great guide for travelers seeking guidance for planning their next winter getaway.

As the winter season is about to arrive in the northeast, many families, couples and solo travelers are beginning to think about where to go on their winter vacation. Many travelers browse the glossy pages of Conde Nast and other top print and online travel publications while others prefer the “word of mouth” style of TripAdvisor to inspire and influence their destinations.

Top Online and Print Publications Help Plan Trip

For those seeking a luxurious getaway, it’s critical to consult the gold standard in travel publications like Departures, NY Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic Traveler, Huffington Post Travel and others. Finding an ideal luxury hotel out of the myriad of options is made easier when you look at recent and past press coverage. The rich descriptions and vivid experiences described in these publications help travelers imagine themselves there and then decide whether it seems like a good fit.

The New York Times offers an annual roundup story that helps travelers narrow down their search by seeing the best of the best in locations across the globe.

Check Out TripAdvisor for Insider Insight

After you’ve read about the property in various online and print publications and gotten a sense of its offerings, it’s very wise to consult TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor contains user reviews of hotels around the world. Of course, every traveler’s experience is objective, but TripAdvisor is helpful because it helps identify patterns and the overall rating should be high, even if there were a few unhappy patrons.

Properties like Esencia Estate in Mexico and Sublime Samana in the Dominican Republic have consistently been awarded TripAdvisor’s “Traveler’s Choice Award” for the highest quality overall guest experiences. When reviewing TripAdvisor for reviews on hotels, travelers can rest assured that properties with this and the “Certificate of Excellence” rating are going to be some of the best bets.

Here’s to an enchanting winter and exciting new travel adventures!