Dreaming of frollicking in the snow, hitting the slopes or indulging in an endless flow of mulled wine at the end of the year? Well, you’ve come to the right place. If you, like many, aren’t the biggest fan of the notorious heat that is synonymous with summer, chances are you’re already planning to escape the warmth by setting off on a winter adventure this holiday season.
Today, we share 6 iconic winter destinations you must see this summer. So dust off that parka that has been sitting in storage and read on to find out more!
Finland
There is no place more magical to visit this summer than the home of Santa Claus himself – Finland. No stranger to snow covered villages and icy forests, Finland offers the perfect backdrop for winter holidays. Your first stop should be the capital Helsinki, a vibrant and welcoming city that is filled to the brim with incredible bars, pubs and cosy cafes.
For families looking for a snow-filled Christmas away from home, we highly recommend heading to Korvatunturi fell in Lapland – a town nestled right on the border between Finland and Russia. Home to roaming herds of reindeer and often blanketed in snow, the Korvatunturi fell is believed by many to be the site of Santa’s secret workshop. But be sure to keep this secret between us!
Top Tip: A great tip that will help you save during your trip is to lock in your AUD to euro exchange rate or buy foreign currency on a travel money card.
Switzerland
Surrounded by the glorious Alps, it is no secret that Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Amazing mountains, beautiful lakes and the hustle and bustle of beautiful villages are just a few of the many sights and sounds that you’ll witness on your trip to this veritable wonderland, so be sure to rug up and to pack your finest ski gear if you’re up for braving the many slopes this particular destination has to offer.
Switzerland gets especially lively around the Christmas period, with numerous Christmas markets, pop-up ice skating rinks and parades just waiting to be explored. While you’re at it, don’t forget to indulge to your heart’s content in a nice pot of molten cheese fondue; Switzerland’s national dish!
Quebec City
Cobblestone streets, historic sites and European architecture all make Quebec City one of the world’s most sought after Winter destinations. The perfect urban escape in winter, Quebec City is a festive, welcoming and wonderfully safe holiday destination that is rich in heritage, storied past and European charm. If you arrive during the Christmas season, heading to the city’s two most notable Christmas markets – the Market at the Old Port and the German Christmas Market – is an absolute must. Here, you will be able to indulge in a variety of different artisan foods, souvenirs and festive treats to delight all your senses.
All through November to March, you’ll be able to hurtle down a toboggan slide – easily one of the most unique Quebec City attractions. While you’re at it, don’t forget to stop by the Quebec City Ice Hotel (Hotel de Glace is the only ice accommodation in America) and to hit the streets of the historic Vieux-Quebec. Walking through Quebec City, it is all too easy to forget you’re in Canada, instead of Europe back when Vikings were still roaming the seas!
New York City
If you’re someone who is accustomed to city living and are looking for a winter home away from home, there is no better place to visit than the Big Apple: New York City. The holiday season in New York is truly a magical experience, filled with copious amounts of good food, music, laughter and fun. Head to the Rockefeller Centre to see some of the world’s most iconic Christmas trees, get lost at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or lace up your ice skates at the William Vale Hotel for a uniquely Brooklyn ice-skating experience. But don’t just stop there – be it the 2.4-km-long show at New York Botanical Garden Glow or the world famous NYC Winter Lantern Festival, the city is decorated with lights everywhere come Wintertime.
When it comes to iconic eats, no trip to New York City is complete without indulging in some world famous pizza at Lombardi’s on Spring Street or feasting on a variety of different bodega sandwiches from all over the city. If you have a sweet tooth, the Banana Pudding at Magnolia’s Bakery and the Green Tea Mille Cake at Lady M Cake Boutique are just a few of the city’s most famous desserts that you cannot miss out on.
Harbin, China
China probably isn’t the first country that comes to mind when you think of winter wonderlands, but don’t let preconceptions rob you of an amazing icy adventure this holiday season. Aptly nicknamed the “Ice City” and home to the world’s largest snow festival, Harbin is the spectacular capital city of northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province.
The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival begins in the first week of January and lasts for about a month. A perfect getaway for families and children, this amazing experience features a number of artistically detailed castles and enormous ice sculptures that make the festival reminiscent of a frozen Disneyland. Aside from the ice and snow festival, don’t forget to pay a visit to the myriad of attractions and historic buildings on offer, including the Unit 731 Museum, Volga Manor and Zhongyang Pedestrian Street.
Dolomites, Italy
Last on our list of wonderful winter getaways, but by no means the least, is the Dolomites in Italy. If you’re looking for bundles of fun in the snow, this is one destination that you definitely have to add to your bucket list. With its powdery slopes, jagged peaks and the 138 kilometre Great Dolomites Road, the Dolomites is the perfect day trip away from Venice and one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations and a terrific place to visit for snow. If you’re an avid skier, you must hit the slopes of Cortina, Arabba and Selva Gardena.
If skiing isn’t quite your thing, there are still an endless number of attractions to visit, including the stunning Lago Di Braies, the Rainbow Lake of Lago Di Carezza, and the Val Di Funes among many others. In a nutshell, the Dolomites are a safe and welcoming destination for all, filled with plenty of family-friendly activities, locations, and enough variety to keep everyone entertained.
And there you have it – 6 iconic winter destinations that you absolutely must visit this upcoming summer. Now that you’ve had a healthy dose of winter wanderlust, it’s time to start dusting off your snow and cold weather gear and start packing your bags to head off to any of the six destinations we’ve outlined above.
