Although winter is the ideal time to cozy up by the fireplace while enjoying your novel, it’s a season filled with infinite possibilities for avowed adventurers. From skiing to snowboarding and playing sports, there are lots of fun destinations to visit during the colder months of the year.
If you can’t stand the idea of staying indoors any further, you should start planning for your winter vacation now. But with countless options to consider, you may be wondering where to start. Well, worry not because you’ve landed in the right place.
Here are the best ideas for winter vacation if you’re as adventurous as when you play at the Hit N Spin casino. So, get your winter gear out and brace yourself for the very best adventure in the great outdoors.
Hokkaidō, Japan
Japan boasts a near-legendary status among most skiers and snowboarders. Not only thanks to its mythical ‘Japow’ (dry, fine powder snow that never sticks or clumps), but also its visual appeal. Japan’s second-biggest island, Hokkaidō, boasts some of the country’s finest resorts—including places like Niseko, where you’ll come across snow-dusted pine trees and pristine, powder-covered slopes.
Hokkaidō’s resorts are top-notch in terms of aesthetics as well, whether it’s the temple-like artwork-filled village townhouses of Kasara Niseko or the Ritz-Carlton Higashiyama Niseko Village, which offers in-room onsens and sightings of Mount Niseko Annupuri.
Northern Pakistan
Located in the middle of the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, Northern Pakistan’s spectacular winter destinations attract travelers with exciting festivals and quiet frozen lakes.
The Shandur Pass is the highest polo ground in the world. It morphs into a winter paradise during the annual Shandur Lake Ice Festival. On the ice lake, travelers can engage in ice skating and enjoy cultural performances that promote the rich traditions of the region, as well as enthralling polo games played on ice. The Ice Festival is a unique mix of natural beauty, culture, and sports, offering a memorable experience.
West Antarctica
When the Northern Hemisphere is in the thick of winter, it’s hot down south. While the sea ice surrounding Antarctica starts to thaw, Chilean and Argentinian cruises set out to visit the west of Antarctica between November and April.
By January, West Antarctica boasts warmer and longer (20+ sunlight hours) days, and penguin chicks start hatching, taking their first shuffling steps. Moreover, it’s the last opportunity to trek or fly to the South Pole.
In February, Wilhelmina Bay experiences a mass gathering of humpback whales. Moreover, the reduced sea ice makes it the perfect time to cruise past the Polar Circle to witness the midnight sun illuminating the peninsula.
Greenland
Filled to the brim with ice and mystery, Greenland is arguably the most naturally gorgeous destination in the world. The largest non-continental island on earth, Greenland offers so much more adventure than just glaciers (Of course, the glaciers are magnificent nevertheless).
Think spectacular fjords, massive fields of sheep, and colorful villages. Throw in a few sightings of northern lights, and you’ve got one unmatched winter vacation destination.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Although this is a Southern Hemisphere location, Queenstown offers one-of-a-kind experiences during the winter. Activities like snowboarding and skiing at the Remarkables and Coronet Peak, respectively, are well-known attractions, while wine exploration in the Central Otago vineyards nearby offers a relaxing option. Those seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure can also give jet boarding or bungee jumping a try.
The highlight of a winter vacation in Queenstown is the annual WinterFest, which celebrates the colder months with a range of outdoor activities, fireworks, and live music, letting visitors enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
Maldives
Looking for the best tropical escape or romantic winter getaway? If so, travel to this 1,200-island archipelago in the Indian Ocean, where some of the most beautiful beaches in the world await, along with mid-80s temperatures and dry weather.
Although you can expect pricey accommodations and long travel days, Maldives’ exclusivity makes it worth every penny. Spend your days island hopping through catamaran, sunbathing on the warm luxury beach sand, and snorkeling among hordes of colorful fish.
Honolulu, Hawaii
As temperatures start dropping in other regions worldwide, the capital of Hawaii remains comfortable courtesy of the average low 80s max. During the winter, you can marvel at the city’s month-long Christmas showcase or visit Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts should plan their travel around annual events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing or Hawaii’s Sony Open Golf Tournament. Bear in mind that Hawaii’s high season is at this time, so make early reservations and be prepared to share the beach with many other sun-starved visitors.
Have a Wonderful Vacation This Winter!
Winter travel has different meanings for different people. For those who love warm weather, the goal is to escape the ice and snow for sunny climates. For others, winter is the time to ski, cozy up by cabin fires, or engage in metropolitan shopping.
Whether you’re enchanted by the first snowfall of winter or want to escape the frigid weather, you’ll find the perfect vacation in our list above. Use these suggestions to begin planning your next winter getaway if you haven’t already.