Does your idea of a winter vacation involve kicking back on a beach and soaking up the sun? Maybe you have the urge to carve up on ski slopes, gaze in awe at the northern lights or even attend a world-famous festival? Whatever your desire, these destinations around the world are best seen during the winter months and will surely tempt you to start packing your bags.
Lake Como, Italy
A longtime respite for Hollywood stars, Lake Como is undoubtedly one of Italy’s top travel destinations, but with an influx of tourism comes higher hotel prices and less availability, especially during the summer. Winter is the low season in Como, so off-season pricing, quieter restaurants, and splendid holiday decorations — all set to the backdrop of the snowy Alps — make up for the brisk temperatures.
Ferry rides are still available during winter because Lake Como never freezes, so take advantage and explore the quaint Italian villages surrounding the lake, sans tourist season crowds. If you visit during February, the annual Schignano Carnival is a must-see. Rooted in ancient legend — a rivalry between Brüt (the ugly) and Bèi (the beautiful) — the festival features paraders in hand-carved wooden masks and colorful outfits, celebrating in the streets.
Montreal, Canada
You’ll need to bundle up during this getaway, as Montreal temperatures hover around 20℉, but it's all part of the wintry ambiance. As snow falls in French-influenced Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal), lamp-lit streets are lined with twinkling holiday store displays. Peak tourist season is during the summer, so winter visitors are treated to smaller crowds at museums and historic sites, such as the ornate Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
Walking around Montreal in brisk winter temperatures is no trouble. The Underground City is a network of subterranean walkways, metro stations, and shopping plazas that allows pedestrians to shop, dine, and play without stepping foot in the snow. After cozying up in a coffee shop or enjoying some retail therapy, head over to Bota Bota, a historic river ferry turned upscale spa docked in the St. Lawrence River.
Goreme, Turkey
Known for its whimsical “fairy chimney” rock formations and hot air balloon rides, Turkey’s Cappadocia region is a tourist hot spot, and the town of Goreme is at the heart of it all. The busiest time to visit is the summer, but this is also the hottest and most expensive season. If you’re willing to pack a jacket and some sweaters (temperatures hover around 40℉) you'll save lots of money visiting during winter.
A fresh layer of snow adds a unique perspective to this desert landscape, and the winter air provides plenty of clear, low-wind days perfect for hot air balloon tours. Relaxing at a hammam (a traditional Turkish steam bath) is also more enjoyable when the weather outside is chilly. Winter hikes, horse rides, and historic tours are also available (and at reduced prices).
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio boasts a lively winter season where tourists can enjoy Brazilian hospitality without the sweltering summertime heat. (Note that winter runs from June through September in the Southern Hemisphere). Winter temperatures rarely fall below 65℉, and highs reach 80℉, making beach days very possible and even more enjoyable with fewer tourists.
The annual Festas Juninas (June Festivals) are a Catholic tradition in Brazil to celebrate four saints on three different weekends in June. Throughout the month, the festivities include a variety of street performers, dazzling costumes, traditional dancing, tasty food, and vibrant music.
Edinburgh, Scotland
With its picturesque Old Town and stylish Georgian New Town, Edinburgh has the fairytale feel all year round. But with the onset of winter, when snowfall drapes Edinburgh Castle, it really comes into its own. Arrive late in December for the Hogmanay Festival and celebrate the arrival of the New Year at open-air concerts and spectacular firework displays. Later in January, Burns Night honors the poet Robert Burns with traditional haggis dinners and folk dancing. Besides partying, you can go skiing at Pentland Hills Regional Park and admire the winter flowers of the botanical garden. Then end your day sipping on a single malt while sitting next to a fire in an age-old pub.
Akureyri, Iceland
Heading to Iceland during winter might seem counterintuitive, but adventurers who brave the cold weather are in for an epic adventure. Akureyri is situated on the northern end of Iceland’s famous Ring Road, and its proximity to some of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders makes it a popular year-round spot for tourists.
During the winter, enjoy fewer crowds and ample opportunities to view the northern lights. See 19th-century Icelandic architecture at the Laufas Turf Houses, hit the slopes at Hlidarfjall ski area, or visit Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. A trip to Akureyri isn’t complete without a visit to Bjorbodin Spa (“Beer Bath Spa”) where you can soak in a relaxing bath filled with warm beer — it’s said to soften the skin and hair.
Niseko, Japan
Niseko is fast becoming one of the places to be for winter sports in Japan. Take Niseko United, which is made up of four ski resorts situated on Niseko Annupuri mountain. The modern beginner skiing facilities make it one of the best ski areas for first-timers. When you are not skiing, you can be dabbling in a host of adventure activities such as cat skiing, reindeer sledding and snowmobiling. And after a busy day, the many onsens (hot springs) are perfect for rejuvenating the body. Being Japan, the sushi is exceptional and Niseko Brewing is worthy of a pitstop for a glass of refreshing amber nectar.
Honolulu, Hawaii
As the rest of the U.S. cools down for the winter, sunny Honolulu sees highs around 80℉, making it an idyllic warm-weather getaway to shake off those winter blues. As the main hub of the island of Oahu, there is no shortage of year-round activities, but winter offers something special. In the neighborhood of Waikiki, holiday decorations adorn the palm trees and shops are stocked with holiday goodies.
The Honolulu City Lights Christmas festival and Electric Lights Parade downtown is one of the most popular events of the season. Nearby, the Chinese New Year celebration in Historic Chinatown usually kicks off in February. Don't forget to enjoy the natural wonders of Hawaii during your visit by booking a whale watching tour — winter is the best time to spot a humpback.
Queenstown, New Zealand
To get the best out of a vacation in the Adventure Capital of the World you’ll want to be here when there’s snow on the ground. Take heed that New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so winter here is actually summer in the US. From bungee jumping off a mountainside to whizzing over an icy river on a speedboat and scenic hiking trails, it’s all a little more magical when done in the snow. Furthermore, The Remarkables Ski Area is open for skiing and snowboarding fun. Queenstown is as lively as it comes for nightlife in New Zealand. Head over to Winnies, where a retractable roof opens up for you to dance beneath the stars and falling snowflakes.
Valletta, Malta
Malta is Europe’s sunniest destination and in winter it is a joy to stroll the streets of the medieval capital city in balmy 15°C (59°F) temperatures. You can be outside all day marveling at the Baroque cityscape and people watching at pavement cafés. Go for a wander on Boat Street, which winds around the peninsula, and take the ferry across to Silema resort town. The glorious sands of Golden Bay Beach are less than an hour’s drive away, as are some of Malta’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
