Families looking for winter getaways or snowy adventures often choose Honolulu beach retreats and Aspen ski paradise as ideal locations. Either one can provide great winter vacation experiences!
Seek out the Northern Lights in Lapland or experience Alaska Railroad through “The Last Frontier”, passing pristine landscapes and wild moose along its route.
Finland
The world’s top winter travel destinations provide endless adventure. Some highlight local traditions while others give travelers an opportunity to witness breathtaking natural wonders.
Lapland is one of the most desirable regions to visit during wintertime for its breathtaking landscapes and exciting winter activities, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and searching for the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Additionally, visitors can stay in an ice hotel, drink cloudberry wine and experience classic Nordic sauna sessions.
For an effortless winter travel experience in Finland, take an overnight train ride from Helsinki. Not only will the beds offer superior comfort for restful restful sleeping, but you may even discover new horizons along this exciting adventure!
Rovaniemi draws many winter visitors as it serves as Santa’s “official” home. You can meet Santa and his reindeers at Santa Claus Village, participate in festive activities and try your luck catching sight of the Northern Lights here! Muonio offers snowy wilderness and Sami traditions that you’re sure to enjoy, offering opportunities for ice fishing and staying in glass igloos with breathtaking starry night views. Take part in a classic kicksled tour or search for the Northern Lights; both offer incredible experiences that you should plan ahead for! Just remember to pack warm clothing as temperatures can drop well below freezing; layering is key with thermal base layers, insulating tops and wool hats gloves and scarves providing extra insulation against the chill.
Switzerland
When the temperature outside is subfreezing, it can be tempting to either embrace the chill or seek warmth wherever they may exist. This winter, some US travelers have taken to taking the latter approach – taking flights to some of the most breathtaking places worldwide such as Asia and Switzerland for activities and scenery to help make up for what might otherwise be dull winter travel experiences. Travel + Leisure’s Best Winter Travel Destinations list features several such locations where travellers can relax after taking flight from colder climates.
Switzerland is an enchanting nation, but during wintertime its appeal becomes even stronger. Glimmering lakes and snow-clad mountains form an idyllic vision in this winter wonderland.
Travel to Lucerne will transport you into its fairytale world. Nestled along the shores of a gorgeous blue lake and encircled by majestic snow-clad mountains, its architecture boasts both old and modern structures; some buildings dating back more than 700 years!
Zermatt, located in Switzerland’s mountain town of Zermatt, is an idyllic winter ski destination. Home of Europe’s highest peak – the Matterhorn – it also offers plenty of restaurants, shops and museums to keep visitors occupied during their visit.
Rustic wooden chalets provide the ideal ambience for an enjoyable Swiss winter escape, offering cozy accommodations complete with cozy fireplaces and plenty of blankets. Additionally, many chalets come fully-equipped for wintertime with saunas or hot tubs – the ideal way to unwind after an exciting day on the slopes or hiking through snow-dusted mountains – not to mention romantic candlelit dinner options in nearby restaurants!
Canada
Canada is an irresistibly beautiful winter wonderland that provides something for visitors of every interest and background. Cities shimmer with fresh snowfall while its wilderness boasts frozen lakes and dense conifer groves dotted throughout. Finally, Canadians celebrate winter through festivals, sports events and activities that offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
Skiing and snowboarding are among the most beloved winter activities in Canada, drawing thousands to the slopes in Whistler-Blackcomb and Banff each winter to experience its thrilling slopes. Visitors who don’t wish to join these active snow enthusiasts can still take advantage of all that these towns have to offer by exploring them by foot or even ice skating – or both!
Cape Spear in the eastern region is an idyllic winter destination, boasting scenic icy views of the North Atlantic Ocean and being home to an abundance of seabirds. Quebec City also makes an excellent winter spot, and boasts world-class activities like skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and ice skating – not forgetting all-inclusive vacation packages that may include these activities as well.
Quebec region offers an ideal winter escape for families. There is plenty of activities geared specifically toward kids and all-inclusive resorts offer an unforgettable experience – Club Med Quebec Charlevoix provides alpine skiing, snowshoeing and much more for you and your group to enjoy!
Toronto offers visitors a great way to immerse themselves in Canadian culture through ice hockey games, while Churchill provides visitors with the chance to spot polar bears roaming Hudson Bay. Montreal provides the ideal way to experience Canadian culture through French heritage and its festive winter atmosphere.
Japan
Japan is famous for its snowy landscape and offers various winter experiences depending on which region one visits. Hokkaido, in particular, is an all-time favorite destination among skiers and snowboarders with its ample powder snow and welcoming apres-ski culture.
Attractions to Japan in winter abound. Witness the spellbinding trees at Zao Onsen in Yamagata that transform into mysterious beasts and ghostly silhouettes when illuminated at night – it truly makes for an extraordinary natural phenomenon!
Shirakawa-go is a small village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that allows you to step back in time 300 years, giving a fascinating look into Japanese life during that period. Encompassed by traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, this is particularly beautiful when covered by snowy landscape.
Sapporo in northern Japan offers another popular winter destination thanks to its annual Snow Festival and world-class ski slopes. Take a stroll along Otaru Canal for some winter fun or gaze upon Lake Akan’s red-crested tancho cranes from Asahikawa for some serene moments before looking down upon Hakodate’s star-shaped Goryokaku fort clad with snow for unforgettable sights!
Active visitors may enjoy exploring Bibai Snow Land in Sapporo by snowmobile, while Niseko Mountain Resort provides many snowy activities. Eiheiji Temple in Fukui features hundreds of snow lanterns for an uplifting spiritual experience amidst its snow-covered setting; Eiheiji’s serene atmosphere makes for the perfect wintertime retreat.
Austria
Winter in Austria is an incredible adventure for outdoor adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike, offering charming alpine villages to vibrant ski towns that will leave you breathless with beauty. These best winter travel destinations in Austria provide unforgettable experiences you won’t forget soon after your vacation has concluded!
Skiing is a beloved winter activity in Austria, and world-class resorts provide ample opportunity for beginners and advanced skiers alike. Kitzbuheler Alpen region is famed for its snow-covered landscapes and slopes while Schonleitn makes for an idyllic escape away from crowds; similarly, Alpbach provides a relaxing winter retreat thanks to its traditional wooden architecture and relaxing environment.
Austria’s capital city of Innsbruck provides an exciting urban winter holiday, boasting both culture and outdoor sports activities. From historic attractions such as Golden Roof and Ambras Castle to lively Christmas markets, Innsbruck has something to offer everyone – its location at the base of the majestic Alps makes it even more desirable for skiers!
Prague offers the ultimate winter fairytale experience, with its historic charm shining through even brighter under the blanket of snow. Stroll along its picturesque cobbled streets, visit Christmas markets, sip spiced mulled wine by the fireplace and sample delicious local cuisine such as potato-meat schnitzel, apple strudel and Kaiserschmarren (shredded pancakes). There will also be ample opportunities to sample locally produced beer or schnapps.
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