Some people really enjoy the winter cold, even if most of us have brought out our SAD lamps as well as weighted comforters. We have compiled a list of the top cold-weather vacation spots just for them (and their families). Here are the best places to spend the winter (pun intended) if you're a sucker for a crackling fire and sunsets at five in the afternoon. Here are a few of our favorite winter destinations, spanning from the Maine coastline to the French Alps!
A hilly territory that includes parts of the Dolomites range, the northeastern Italian region of South Tyrol sits nestled away near the frontiers of Austria as well as Switzerland. At about 6,000 feet above sea level, the five-star Forestis hotel offers the finest view in all that countryside. The cold winter weather at that elevation actually helps the body refuel by enhancing the delivery of oxygen to every cell. Get a deep breath!
Northern Turkey's hilly Bolu Province, around halfway between Ankara and Istanbul, is home to some of the country's top winter sports destinations and recreational options. With its prime location in Kartalkaya's ski hub, the Kaya Palazzo Ski & Mountain resort is a great home base from which to look into the region's historical churches, galleries, as well as national parks.
The Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski path is a major draw for tourists, spanning over 111 miles and also passing through mountains that reach an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet. However, the area is known for a lot more than its world-class mountains. In addition to an 18-hole sports course, five-star hotels, and numerous restaurants with Michelin stars, the Alpine community has undergone a multibillion-dollar renovation throughout the last fifteen years.
Hallstatt is a small Alpine village in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. It is perhaps most known for supposedly serving as the inspiration for the locations in Disney's Frozen films. Day trippers go there to see the picturesque lake vistas and the historic Old Town, both of which are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.
As the holidays light up the farmer's markets, the sight of snow-capped mountains draws skiers and snowboarders to some of the top ski resorts in the territory, and the spirit of small-town America is in the air. Sitting on Lake Champlain, Burlington has breathtaking views, skating on ice, as well as NHL hockey field.
If you prefer more rural, northern communities, Greenland compensates greatly for its absence of large cities. If you're looking for an adventure, Greenland is the place for you. There are plenty of activities, like dog sledding and trekking, and you should definitely try to see the northern lighting.
The Scottish Highlands are a lovely place to visit in the winter if you're curious about seeing Loch Ness or hiking in the biggest national park in the United Kingdom, Cairngorms. Plan a tour of the area's castles or book a room at Braemar's historic Fife Arms, a Victorian coach inn that plays host to the Highland Games every September.
St. Louis is a Midwestern town with something for everybody, including foodies who will flock there for its broad and affordable dining scene. The choice is yours, whether it's a night at the arena watching the St. Louis Blues play hockey or just taking photos facing the iconic Gateway Arch.
Netflix has been a huge boon to South Korean television over the past few years. Have you seen "Squid Game? Seoul in wintertime is perfect for indulging in a spicy pot of budae jjigae as well as visiting a nearby palace gallery to live out the Joseon-era fantasies, even though you haven't been compiling a list of must-visit spots from the latest dramas.
In addition to housing a world-renowned mermaid, this lovely city is also home to some of the finest museums as well as restaurants in the world, such as the Thorvaldsens Museum, which is stylist Colin King's preferred spot. Cheers to the cold, and then take a look at some stunning Nordic areas.
This posh mountain village is over simply a ski resort. Although the town is always changing, its rich history (it was the first Alpine tourist attraction) gives the area an air of old-world appeal, making it an ideal starting point for an unbelievable holiday. Imagine polo on frozen lakes, skiing till the sun comes up (2 a.m. ski-sesh, anyone?), and unparalleled apres-ski facilities.
Dublin has a wealth of cultural institutions, from modern art galleries to Gothic churches. You can enjoy a guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse as well as a pint after a day's journey to the chilly Atlantic coast to see the Cliffs of Moher. Afterward, return to the city to relax.
No matter the season, Kennebunkport never fails to wow. The lovely town's allure, with its picturesque shoreline and attractive downtown businesses, remains long after seafood rolls as well as beachcombing period have passed.
In the winter, there are usually two groups of jet setters. Sun or snow? Ice skating or tennis? A fireplace's crackling or the sound of waves lapping against the shore? Now is the time to escape reality for a few days or weeks and do whatever makes you happy. This winter or vasant ritu, be it packing a cashmere suitcase and going skiing, lounging on the shore with a good book, or everything in between, try everything you want.
