For the latest installment of our Getaway Guide series, T asked readers what types of trips they had in mind for their winter vacation this year – and to share their approximate budgets, not including airfare – so that, with the help of travel experts, we could make suggestions. Below are a few of the queries that caught our attention. Rates are for December unless otherwise noted.

In the Douro, she suggests spending a few nights at the riverside Octant hotel, which has three pools, including one indoors, and is close to hiking trails (from about $515 per night for a suite that sleeps four during Christmas week).