Japan

The "actually we should do this one" option that gets surprisingly good as a winter destination. Late December / early January is cold in Tokyo (2–10°C) but dry and clear — snow dusts the temples of Kyoto with unreal Instagram-ability, the ski season in Hokkaido / Niseko is in full swing (the powder is genuinely the best in the world — yes, better than Whistler), and Japanese New Year (Oshōgatsu) is a cultural experience in its own right (shrines packed, hatsuhinode sunrise watching, osechi-ryōri special foods). Michael: sake tastings, whisky distilleries (Yamazaki, Nikka), the best-in-the-world beef (A5 wagyu), kaiseki meals, an entire food floor in every department store. Tova: tea ceremony, zen gardens, temple-run through Kyoto's Philosopher's Path. Charlotte: Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, a million conbini (convenience stores) each better than the last. Cohen: Akihabara electronics district, Pokémon Café, arcades, actual giant robot statues.