For the Love of Mountains: 6 Incredible Vacation Ideas for Elevated Escapes

“Would you rather visit the mountains or the beach?”

I never knew what to answer when someone asked this icebreaker question. In my mind, I loved them equally. That is until I visited Norway and Iceland in 2022. That’s when I realized I’m definitely a mountain person. Between the crisp fresh air, the soft trickle of streams and the delicate beauty of wildflowers bursting forth in unseemly places, the mountains capture my heart in a way that stays with me long after returning home.

If you or someone you love feels most at home where the air is crisp and the landscapes are majestic, here are six mountain-inspired vacations worth dreaming about:

1. Banff & Lake Louise, Canada - Postcard-Perfect Peaks

In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park offers jaw-dropping beauty in every direction. Paddle across glacier-fed Lake Louise, ride the Banff Gondola for panoramic views, and soak in hot springs surrounded by snow-capped peaks. In summer, the hiking is spectacular. In winter, it becomes a snowy wonderland for skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. The distance between cities is easy to drive on your own, or select a guided tour for some extra camaraderie and elevated experiences.

2. The Swiss Alps - Storybook Scenery and Scenic Trains

Switzerland’s mountain villages seem lifted from a fairytale. Stay in charming towns like Zermatt or Grindelwald, ride the Glacier Express for one of the most scenic train rides in the world, and wake up to views of the Matterhorn. Summer travelers enjoy alpine wildflowers and hiking trails, while winter promises world-class skiing and cozy fondue dinners by the fire. A rail journey is the perfect way to soak in all of the glorious views.

3. Patagonia, Argentina & Chile - Rugged Beauty at the Edge of the World

For travelers seeking dramatic landscapes and a sense of true wilderness, Patagonia delivers. Towering granite spires, shimmering glaciers, and emerald lakes stretch across the southern reaches of South America. Whether you’re trekking through Torres del Paine, cruising past glaciers, or simply marveling at the vast open sky, it’s a place that humbles and inspires. Guided land or cruise tours allow you to enjoy these dramatic landscapes in worry-free ways.

4. Japan's Japanese Alps - Tradition Meets Tranquility

While Japan is often associated with bustling cities and cherry blossoms, the Japanese Alps offer a quieter side of the country. Stay in an onsen (hot spring inn) in the mountains of Nagano, explore samurai-era villages like Takayama, or hike the old Nakasendo Trail that once connected Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s the perfect blend of nature, culture, and serenity. You might even catch the snow monkeys enjoying the hot springs!

5. The Smoky Mountains, USA - Misty Views and Mountain Charm

Closer to home, the Great Smoky Mountains are beloved for their misty beauty and welcoming feel. Whether you’re exploring the trails of the national park, enjoying the arts and music of Gatlinburg, or relaxing in a cabin with a front porch view, this Appalachian gem offers comfort, connection, and charm year-round.

6. Iceland & Norway - Nordic Peaks and Northern Lights

For travelers craving both mountain majesty and otherworldly beauty, the Nordic region delivers in spades. Iceland’s volcanic peaks and dramatic fjords offer a wild, elemental landscape where waterfalls tumble over basalt cliffs and glaciers glow blue beneath the midnight sun. Across the sea in Norway, the fjords and towering coastal mountains feel like nature's grand amphitheater. Whether you’re driving the winding Trollstigen road or hiking beneath the northern lights, these lands offer the perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and awe. Many cruises combine these two majestic regions, making it easy to experience both countries on one incredible vacation.

Ready to plan your next mountain escape?

Whether you're dreaming of a far-flung adventure or a peaceful retreat closer to home, there’s a perfect peak waiting for you. If one of these destinations caught your eye—or if you’d like help discovering others—I’d love to help you plan your elevated getaway. Reach out any time to get the planning started.