The Best Places to Visit in Winter: Top Tourist Destinations for Winter Vacation

Guest Contribution – Are you worried about finding the best tourist destinations to visit with your family this winter? Our travel guide has got lots of options for you. We review top attractions to explore top winter destinations for a snowy winter wonderland escape and more here. You’ll also find handy tips on how to maximize your visit in each location, regardless of your holiday budget!

And, for those who would like a little bit of distractions while on such tours, betting on sports can provide just that. Just make sure you are using the right bookmaker and have the suitable ways of making payment in your holiday location. For context, if you are visiting the Philippines and would be engaging in some form of betting while there, ensure to have payment channels like GCash and credit card.

As Evelyn Balyton, a betting expert at MightyTips mentioned, after choosing a sportsbook, the next big call you have to make is the method of payment. And the same strategy applies to when choosing a casino. If playing at casino sites is your thing, before picking a site, it is advisable to go through reviews and guides of online casino credit card philippines so you can choose reliable operators.

7 Best Places to Visit in Winter

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” – Aristotle.

The perfect winter getaway hands you memorable winter activities to escape the cold and enjoy the winter weather with friends and family. Here’s our list of the best places to go for winter magic.

1. The Ice Hotel, Sweden

Sweden’s Ice Hotel isn’t just a hotel, it’s a lifetime adventure for winter travelers. The top winter destination offers visitors plenty of exciting activities, ranging from ice sculpting to cross country skiing. 

Of course, the hotel itself is a world-class resort, featuring high-quality beds topped with reindeer skins and thermal sleeping bags for a comfy stay. If you love private time, the indoors here can be excellent for exploring  alone or with friends.

Otherwise, you can take on breathtaking snowmobile tours and enjoy memorable food tours with others over locally made meals. Moreover, you can jump on a horseback ride surrounded by the Swedish mountains and the euphoria of northern lights, far away from light pollution and the drabness of everyday life.

2. The Canadian Rockies

A visit to the Canadian Rockies during the colder months sets you up for tons of fun winter events – beyond the skate board or frozen lakes. The destinations let you enjoy a sleigh ride, soak in hot springs, or see wildlife.

Visitors can also explore national parks and hike to frozen waterfalls in Johnston Canyon. If you’re lucky, you may see the Aurora Borealis in regions with less light pollution and artificial holiday lights, like Jasper. Lastly,  remember to visit the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains and Insta-worthy shots. 

3. The Blue Lagoon, Iceland

One of the best places to visit in December, the Blue Lagoon offers a deep dive into a magical experience. Here, the warm water creates a stunning contrast against the ambient cold, offering a temporary escape from the harsh, snowy landscape.

Who knows? You might even get to see the Northern Lights if you’re visiting at night. Remember to book your visit well ahead of time to beat many other willing tourists. Also pack appropriate luggage and stay hydrated to maintain optimal health throughout your winter travel to the amazing turquoise waters of The Blue Lagoon.

4. The Northern Lights Village, Finland

If you had a little chance of viewing the bright lights glittering and swirling overhead in other travel destinations, your chances are higher here. That’s because Finnish Lapland is at the right latitude within the northern hemisphere. Talk about the perfect place for a winter holiday!

Choose accommodations far away from light population, such as in wilderness camps or Santa Claus villages to further boost your chances. If you’re passionate about catching a vibrant winter nightlife in Finland – and you don’t mind the cold – the best time to visit is in December.

Lastly, whether you’re viewing from your lodge bed or outdoors, remember to capture the colorful moments and give yourself a lifetime souvenir.

5. New York, USA

Granted, the wind sometimes can be brutal during the colder months and New York gets a decent amount of snow. The winter here might be a little harsh, but that doesn’t take away New York from being one of the most beautiful places for the perfect winter escape during the festive season.

If you’re visiting during Christmas, consider hunting for a Christmas miracle on 34th street or visiting the Rockefeller Center for ice skating adventures. Regardless of the time you’re visiting, the key is to take advantage of all attractions in the region to suit your weather preferences – indoor or outdoor.

6. France (Christmas Markets, Alps)

If you’re looking to visit France during winter, the French Alps can give you and yours a captivating experience. Shared with Switzerland and Italy, the Alps area entertains visitors with tons of fun things to do.

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, mountain hiker or nature photography aficionado, the French Alps never disappoint. As in many other destinations here, a visit to the French Alps lets you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, ice diving, and fat biking.  If you don’t want to go skiing, consider visiting the villages to enjoy the local ambiance and cuisine, or go horse riding.  

During Christmas, France lets tourists in on one of Europe’s most popular Christmas traditions. The traditions are enjoyed by millions of French people during Advent across hundreds of markets. 

From the renowned Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg to more ‘exotic’ places such as Nice, Bordeaux, or Perpignan, France’s Christmas markets are a delight to be at. While they’re littered virtually everywhere in the country, Alsace’s Christmas markets are the most popular among tourists.

Alsace is home to the iconic Strasbourg Xmas Market (which has over 300 stalls) and the unique Medieval Ribeauvillé Christmas Market. You can also visit Nice. Thanks to milder winter temperatures and remarkable stalls, Nice easily makes the list of the top Christmas markets in France.

7. The Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites, Italy, hosts some of the world’s best winter destinations. These range from memorable dining experiences to outdoor adventures like bobsledding and skiing. If you’re a little less coordinated on the slopes or prefer sitting down, an exhilarating toboggan ride can be a great option. Or, you can take in the sights of the starry night sky from L’ astronomical observatory.

For many visitors, going to watch or participate in Bobsledding is a favorite destination activity. If you’re interested in this exciting sport, head to the Eugenio Monti Bobsleigh and Skeleton Track to observe the competitors in action. 

If you have more time during your winter travel to the Dolomites, Italy, visit the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio – the Olympic Ice Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo. This stadium is open to the public for skating, ice hockey, national and international ice skating shows and competitions. Then there are ice bouldering, an adventurous indoor climbing activity that resembles traditional rock climbing

Conclusion

“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration of nature’s beauty.” – Henry David Thoreau.

The best places to visit during the next winter season don’t just give you plenty of fun outdoors. They also contain exciting adventures to soak in indoors at world-class lodges with friends and family. Whether you prefer skiing, snowboarding, dine with locals, or just hope to catch the Northern Lights with your camera, these places are worth your stay and time.

Remember to pack appropriate winter clothing for your visit to avoid any unpleasant surprises during your tour.

This article was provided by Evelyn Balyton.

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