There’s a sense of enchantment in the air, with laughter and music bringing pure joy! A soft, sparkling layer of snow blankets the city, creating a peaceful atmosphere that makes everyone long for a warm cup of hot chocolate. Winter is the perfect season for those looking to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy quality time with family during the Christmas holidays.
However, there are some destinations that will make your winter experience even more unforgettable—and have your friends and neighbors wishing they were with you.
So, which winter getaways should be on your bucket list? Let’s explore!
Prague (above image)
Prague is a city that feels like it’s lifted from the pages of a fairytale. Visit during the winter, and you’ll experience its true enchantment. The snow-dusted cathedrals, bridges, and winding cobblestone streets enhance the city’s charm in the colder months. Recently, the addition of gas lights in the city center has made it an even more perfect spot for a romantic evening. On top of that, Prague is home to one of the most amazing Christmas markets in the world!
Iceland’s name can be quite misleading—it’s not as cold as many people assume! In fact, during winter, the average temperature hovers around 32°F degrees. The country’s snow-covered mountains and dramatic fjords are even more breathtaking in the winter months. The real highlight, however, is the polar twilight. From November to March, Iceland is enveloped in a constant, magical dusk. You can explore Reykjavik, or for a more secluded experience, head to Selfoss, where you can enjoy the mesmerizing polar twilight amid the backdrop of active volcanoes!
Recommended tours in Iceland:
This Norwegian city is always a pleasure to visit, but the capital of the Arctic is best visited during the winter months. The Northern Lights are definitely one of the greatest miracles on the planet, and Tromso is the best place to spot them, especially in winter. You can satisfy the inner adventurer in you by going husky sledging, whale spotting, or even set off on a mini Arctic expedition! For the more culturally inclined traveler, the Polar Museum and Tromso Museum are a must-see. Oh, and no matter what you do, don’t forget to grab a hot cup of chocolate to keep you warm.
Hokkaido
If you are seeking some warmth in the cold winter months, you could head to the maiden of the east, and spoil yourself in Hokkaido, Japan. This part of the Japanese countryside is littered with hundreds of hot springs (some of them are even red in color!) and active volcanoes. There is no experience better than taking a dip in a natural hot spring, while the snow falls gently on top of you. Do visit Noboribetsu and the Oyunama Brook for a traditional Japanese experience, and treat yourself to some wasabi-zuke and jasmine tea.
Amsterdam is the city of the free and the perpetually young. Visit it once during winter, and you’ll never want to leave! Winter is not a tourist season in Amsterdam, which means you get to enjoy the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum without having to fight a huge throng of people. Amsterdam’s Christmas Market is absolutely stunning, with some of the finest foods and drinks, and some of the heartiest performances around. The Christmas market and Royal Carre Theatre are huge hits with the children, so if you’re traveling with kids, this is your ideal winter destination.
Recommended tours in Amsterdam:
Not a lot of people associate Ottawa, Canada with “ideal travel destination”. But, during winter, the city comes to life, and revels in its own glory. Ottawa hosts the Winterlude Festival in the months of January and February each year. Visitors can enjoy wonderful food from across the world, outdoor concerts, and crazily enough, toboggan courses! Around Christmas time, the entire city gets lit up with Christmas lights, and it is definitely a sight to behold! Ottawa’s numerous parks and museums will keep you occupied, but if you want to do something more adventurous, you could take a shot at skating the length of the Rideau Canal, the largest natural ice rink in the world!
This heart shaped island in Vietnam is probably one of the coziest places you can visit during winter. If you hate the biting cold and darkness of winter, escape to this tropical paradise, with its sandy beaches, sky blue waters, and dense forests. The best part? The island is still pretty secluded, so you’ll get some time away from the hustle and bustle of your life! Relax, and enjoy a long swim at the beach, or explore the forests with a guide. Phu Quoc is famous for fish sauce (nuoc mam), and fresh seafood, so bon apetit!
Tanzania’s warm sun, and lush landscape will provide a welcome getaway for anybody adventurous enough to seek it. The country boasts of some of the best national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the world, so you can have a different adventure every single day. Head down to the Serengeti National Park to spot lions, zebras, rhinos, and wildebeests in the wild. January is when you get to become a part of the Great Migration phenomenon! If you are there in February, you can also enjoy the Sauti za Busara music festival, a socially charged event celebrating the diversity of African music.
Recommended tours in Zanzibar:
Yucatan Peninsula
What do you feel like doing this winter? Escaping the snow by relaxing in the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea? Exploring a dense forest, and discovering fascinating new species of animals? Exploring the ruins of an ancient culture? You can do all of this and more in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun has been the holiday destination for a long time, and for a good reason- who does not want to escape the cold of winter by basking in the sun, on the white sandy beaches! If you are in the mood for something more off-beat, you could explore the Mayan ruins in Tulum, Chichen Itza, or Coba!
Canary Island
The Canary Island is a welcome home for the weary traveler. It will greet you with open arms, and give you more opportunities to relax, unwind, and refuel than you’ll ever need. The warm weather is a gift for those from the cold lands. There is no end to what you can do in Canary Island- you can splurge at a resort in Costa Teguise or explore Spanish culture and art at Arrefice. For those more inclined to connect with nature, the Timanfaya National Park or Palmitos Park would be ideal destinations.
So, which one of these destinations have made it to your winter bucket list? Feel free to let us know in the comment below.