The 7 Best Destinations For A Winter Vacation

Darkness, rain, cold, and gloom are common wintertime characteristics. However, this is not neccesarily There are a plethora of top spots that are especially lovely in the winter.  

Many of the world's most beautiful and interesting locations boast enticing wintertime attractions, from Lapland to Banff National Park.

Personally, I think it's wonderful to make the most of the time of year you're visiting. It is difficult to define a single time period as "winter" because so many places on Earth do not experience winter at all or at different times.

For simplicity, I've used a definition of winter that applies to the northern hemisphere. In this way, I can recommend a variety of fantastic winter destinations located all over the globe.  

Although many are frigid, I have some other cool (no pun intended) suggestions for you.  

Here are some of the top places to visit this winter: Enjoy your time away.

1.) Sweden's Iconic Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel in Swedish Lapland is one of the best winter destinations because it is completely carved and recreated every year.  

When we first arrived at the Ice Hotel, we were blown away by the beauty of the rooms, but soon discovered that there was so much more to do here than just sleep.  

An annual construction in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden (with a year-round, air-conditioned hotel next door), the Ice Hotel is, you guessed it, made entirely from ice.

Truly, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to sleep in a room where the beds are carved from massive blocks of ice. Absolutely everything about it was fantastic for us.

Sincerely, if you or a loved one enjoy nontraditional winter celebrations, the Ice Hotel is the place to go. It's fantastic, and you'll adore it.  

Not to worry, you won't be stepping into an icy hellscape; the rooms can be heated to a comfortable level. You'll have warm sleeping bags to use, too.  

More information: Top Activities at the Ice Hotel

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Our trip to Iceland, during which we stayed at the Blue Lagoon, was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

The hotel, spa, and geo-thermal pool complex is incredible. Spend as much time as you can in the hot springs, preferably two days, and forget about the freezing weather outside. Applying the silica found in the area around the outdoor pools will give your skin a healthy sheen and an awesomely hydrated face.

During the cold months, it is truly one of the most enjoyable places to be. However, be aware that during the winter months, daylight hours in Iceland can be significantly shortened.  

Here's a pro tip: if you book a room at the Blue Lagoon, you can use the private geothermal pool that's only available to hotel guests.

Traveling to Iceland? Here Are the Top 10 Activities

Thirdly: A Finnish Village Under the Northern Lights

It is possible to stay in a glass igloo or a wood cabin igloo in Finnish Lapland and enjoy a view of the Northern Lights without leaving the warmth and comfort of your bed.  

You couldn't ask for a more ideal spot to unwind

Enjoy the beauty of snow-capped mountains (with some hot cocoa, of course) and fall slowly to sleep while watching the Northern Lights

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one of the best winter destinations for snow and stars.  

Top tip: Try out their smoke saunas and ice swimming if you're in the mood for some extreme activities. A genuine taste of Finland

Finnish Lapland's Top Attractions and Activities: More Reading

Fourthly (4) New York, United States of America

New York combines the excitement of a major city with the beauty of winter weather. Skating on the ice is an additional option. After seeing the best of New York City, this is a blast.

Take a stroll up Fifth Avenue after bundling up (and maybe having brunch at Bubby's) to take in the breathtaking views from the Top of the Rock on a cold winter evening.

Take advantage of New York's many free attractions afterward, or check out some of the city's top attractions like the Vessel. Honestly, you’ll be busy with all the things to do and places to eat in the Big Apple

You should pack some sturdy, comfortable footwear. Nobody wants to risk falling all over the street.

The ice skating rink in Central Park is a must-see after a stroll up Fifth Avenue. Somewhere around 8 p.m., you will have a magical experience. When night falls, the rink is bathed in the glimmer of city lights. Wow, that's pretty cool.

More information: Top New York Attractions

5). The French Alps

If you want a more energetic and sporty winter break – head for some of the best places to ski across the world Tignes and Montgenevre were two of our favorite ski resorts.  

Both are some of the best places in winter to snuggle into a wooden cabin and head out for a few morning slopes

Top tip: You can also get some tutorial lessons That being said, don't worry; even the worst skier can have a fantastic winter vacation.

For more, see: Skiing's Top Resorts Around the Globe.

Finland's Arctic Lapland

Lapland is not just a fantastic vacation spot for families, but also for couples and singles.

I know I already mentioned the glass igloo adventures, but that's not all there is to do in Finnish Lapland.  

Travel to Lapland, the home of Santa Claus (Father Christmas), for an unforgettable experience of all things traditionally Christmas.

Enjoy a visit to Santa in all his splendor (great for the kids), then explore the wilderness via ski jets and reindeer for a taste of what makes Lapland so special.

Take some practice shots of the sky and get your camera ready before you go. Northern Lights viewing in Lapland is fantastic, so you'll want to be well-prepared.

Fun Activities in Lapland - Read More

Banff, Canada 7.)

If you want to see one of Canada's oldest and most beautiful national parks, you should go to Banff. While summer is the most popular time to visit Banff, the winter season is not to be missed.  

This is especially the case when visiting Lake Louise or taking a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. Really, this is one of the best wintertime destinations. It's enough to simply drive cautiously and always take common sense precautions in the snow.  

The following is a sample itinerary for a week spent in and around Banff.

Epic 1-Week Banff Itinerary In Winter (And Surroundings)

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