Best Winter Holiday Destinations Around the World | Luxury Travel Blogger
Summer isn’t the only time to have an unforgettable holiday. There are dozens of destinations across the globe that are brilliant for a magical Winter holiday, whether it’s flying out to Aspen for some skiing or heading to Europe for snow and Christmas markets.
There are destinations for skiing, Winter camping, exploring, or simply relaxing. Here are the best destinations to travel to this Winter.
Hallstatt:
Hallstatt looks like a town right out of a fairytale. It can be found on the Hallstatter See in Austria, and the city is filled with quaint and beautiful 12th-century churches and homes that look magical. Only around 1000 people call Hallstatt home, and it is a must-visit town no matter the time of year. However, with the snow-covered mountains and roofs, Winter makes you feel like you’re living in a snow globe.
Nuremberg:
Germany has always been a favorite amongst travelers around Winter and Christmas time. The bustling markets, delicious food, and cozy atmosphere draw tens of thousands of people each December. However, most people choose to visit Berlin or Hamburg and forget about Nuremberg. The city has the best Christmas markets in the country, with the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt being the epitome of Winter and Christmas cheer.
Rovaniemi:
One of the most exciting parts of Christmas is waiting for Santa Claus to arrive, but why wait when you can visit him? Rovaniemi is a small town in Finnish Lapland, and just outside of the city, you can find the Santa Claus village. The Santa Village is the epitome of the Christmas experience; you can visit Santa Claus and even go on a reindeer-pulled sled. Rovaniemi also has everything you would want to enjoy a holiday, activities, good food, and very friendly and welcoming people.
Edinburgh:
The pull of London is hard to miss for most travelers when they’re in the UK, yet Edinburgh is a not-so-hidden gem that is a Winter wonderland when Christmas comes calling. The ancient city with its cobbled streets and picturesque views is hard to match no matter where you look. Edinburgh is another city famous for its Christmas markets, with visitors from across the UK and Europe flocking to its streets for a hearty meal in one of the local pubs. Even if it’s just for a day, Edinburgh in Winter is a must.
Reykjavik:
Reykjavik has undoubtedly grown in popularity amongst tourists over the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. The vast snow-covered land and mountains, incredible hotels dotting the horizon, and hot springs to relax surrounded by white, powdery snow. While activities are limited compared to other destinations, there are still restaurants to visit, tours to go on, hiking, relaxing at the hotel, or waiting until night-time and maybe catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
New York City:
Whether it be what we’ve seen on TV or in the movies, Winter in New York is a must at least once in your life. The bright lights, street food, and snowfall all combine to create a scene that looks like it comes straight out of Hollywood. Not to mention spending a few extra days there and experiencing New Years Eve in the Big Apple. The Ball Drop is one of the most famous celebrations globally, and being a part of the festivities leading up to it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Colorado:
Colorado is a skier and snowboarder’s dream. Aspen is one of the most famous ski resorts on the planet and is visited by hundreds of thousands of Winter adrenaline junkies for a reason. Large amounts of snow and winding slopes provide hours of skiing fun every day. If you head to the town, you will be met with an old-timey mountain feel with all the modern-day amenities you want. Restaurants, shops, bars, it has it all. If that’s not for you, spending the day in your lodge looking at the mountains is not the worst way to kill a few hours.
Zermatt:
Switzerland, France, and Italy are famous for their Winter resorts, and Zermatt in Switzerland is best. It can be found at the upper end of the Mattertal and is a year-round holiday destination, with the town being equally as popular in Summer as it is in Winter. It is made up of houses, cabins, lodges and hotels that are pulled straight out of a book, with breathtaking views of the mountain and valleys. While it is perfect for Winter sports enthusiasts, nobody will regret visiting it.
Canary Islands:
Winter doesn’t always mean snow, and the Canary Islands, off the West Coast of Africa, have become a favorite amongst European travelers when the cold weather hits. Who can blame them? Clear water, beaches, and soft sand line the coast, and while sitting on a lounger and enjoying a drink sounds idyllic; it isn’t the only thing you can do. Diving, swimming, and hiking are all offered across the island, allowing you to explore the beautiful water and jungles, maybe even catching a glimpse of a rare fish or two.