Vacationing during the icy-cold winter season may seem a little extreme to those who are not fans of the chilly weather, but for lovers of the cold and snow, going on vacation in the dead of winter is the dream! They relish exploring places covered in inches of powdery snow while sporting thick windbreakers to withstand the cold.
But there is no denying that going on excursions in winter is a little wearying. Bundling yourself up in layers of knitwear, dealing with flaky skin due to the dry air, and always being at risk of getting the common cold can be vexing. However, at the same time, sipping hot chocolate and snuggling under the covers are some pretty compelling winter charms that get extra sweet when traveling. And if you are a fan of sub-zero temperatures, then you must love everything about winter travels and always be on the lookout for new destinations to explore next. We decided to give you a list of winter vacation spots that will blow your mind to help you with that.
Buckle up to expand your winter-jaunt portfolio!
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Lapland, Finland
If you are a fan of huddling up in an igloo while everything outside the icy structure is snow and some more snow, then Lapland Finland is the place for you. It’s a gorgeous location with endless activities to spice up frigid vacations for winter lovers.
The mesmerizing polar lights, skiing ranges, Levi Ice Gallery, and the Sauna Raindeer experience are all features of the magical Lapland that lend the place a fairytale-like feel. If you want to spend some time with freezing nature in a scarcely populated and infrequently visited sub-zero paradise, then head to Lapland for your next winter holidays.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a quaint winter paradise, brimming with rustic charm and winter fare. The mighty mountain ranges peppered with snow next to frozen lakes and a settlement of wooden homes all make the Austrian town a fantasyland.
If you want to experience what it feels like to be in a fairytale, you should visit Hallstatt when the winter gales take over the city’s reins. Be sure to take a stroll on Lake Hallstatt, visit the Dachstein Ice Cave, explore the Hallstatt Salt mine, and check out the Market Square and 5 Fingers lookout point during your stay in the dreamy location straight out of a Disney movie.
Schloss Neuschwanstein, Germany
Germany is a treat for architectural enthusiasts, especially those interested in gothic art. And Schloss Neuschwanstein is no different when it comes to pleasing appreciators of pointy arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and large stained glass windows. But this German town offers more than just ancient architecture and a rustic aura; a touch of magic and dreaminess in the winter season.
Located on a hill above Hohenschwangau in South-west Bavaria, Schloss Neuschwanstein is fraught with magnificent gothic-style buildings that soar above the surrounding dense forests, making a sight for sore eyes. But this already magical view turns even more breathtaking in wintertime, with snow blanketing the trees in the woodlands, the entire aura of the place shifts and becomes unbelievably enchanting.
A stupefying scenery is not the only thing the town offers; you can also do many fun activities such as hiking along Pollat Gorge or paragliding over the Neuschwanstein Castle.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Located next to Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a gorgeous travel destination for the winter season. It has some of the most mesmerizing sights to offer and an endless stream of adventures. Hop on a flight to the New Zealander town to enjoy exhilarating adventure sports such as Bungee Jumping, Sky Diving, Skiing, and Jet boating.
But if you don’t like to be around large crowds, then perhaps you should think before boarding a plane to Queenstown because it’s a popular tourist destination; hence it is packed with travelers all year round.
Northern Lights, Iceland
Northern Lights, Iceland is known for its awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis, so including it in our list of mind-blowing winter vacation spots was a no-brainer. While the polar lights in this European region are unquestionably stunning and warrant a visit to this Nordic State, there are also plenty of other natural wonders that are worth seeing.
Once you have sufficiently admired the beauty of Aurora Borealis, you can check out the Snæfellsjökull National Park, Rauðasandur Beach, Blue Lagoon, and the Black Sand Beach.
Alberta, Canada
When listing the top vacation spots to explore in wintertime, mentioning Alberta is a must! You cannot say you are a true winter traveler if you don’t visit the serene Canadian State at least once in your life.
It is inarguably among the most splendid winter vacation spots, and rightly so. The place is bursting with lakes that are encircled with chalky snow during the winter. Out of all the wintery activities one can do in Alberta, kayaking in Banff, Ice Climbing, and Canyon Ice Walk certainly take the cake. But that’s not all.
The chilly Canadian Region is also home to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a delight for the intellects.
If you want to witness a winter wonderland up close while basking in the freezing goodness of nature, you need to add Alberta to your bucket list.
Shirakawa, Japan
Shirakawa is not the most popular traveling destination in Japan, but it is no less gorgeous than the other mainstream Japanese vacation spots. Snowfall begins around mid-winter in Shirakawa, and before you know it, the entire town is covered under lush layers of snow. To make the magical town even more mystical, the locals put up light shows on selected Sunday and Monday evenings in January and February.
The Japanese village is dotted with abundant GasshoZukuris, and a house-made wooden beams joined at the top to form a steep thatched roof. These traditional Japanese villas lend Shirakawa a fairytale-like vibe that is enhanced in the winter season.
The Ending Note
The world is full of mind-blowing winter vacation spots that are ever ready for visitors. If you haven’t visited any of the places mentioned on our list, then you have got yourself a starting point for your future winter trips.
