10 Bucket List Worthy Destinations to Visit This Winter
10 Bucket List Worthy Destinations to Visit This Winter
For many people, wintertime means mountains of snow and ice, frigid temperatures, and long nights spent hibernating with Netflix or reading by the fire. But it doesn’t have to be that way! While it’s true that a lot of places become less friendly to tourists in the winter, there are still some beautiful destinations where you can enjoy the world around you in all its frozen glory. With this list of the 10 bucket list worthy destinations to visit this winter, you won’t be stuck at home twiddling your thumbs all season long.
1) Iceland
Yes, it’s cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go. But if you do want to go, be sure to start planning early: Hotels book up fast—especially during Christmas and New Year’s—and Iceland gets busy. Don't just take our word for it; Lonely Planet named Iceland as its #1 country to visit in 2017! If Reykjavik is on your mind, then there are plenty of city tours that will let you roam around in a guided van or bus (ideal if you're traveling with kids) and really get a feel for what makes Iceland so special: Geysers and gorges, delicious food and drink, Northern Lights galore—there's plenty of adventure out there!
2) Japan
Japan is known for its long winters and cold weather, but there’s no reason you can’t still enjoy exploring some of Japan’s many winter attractions. Consider visiting during February, when popular sites like Mount Fuji are at their most stunning. You might also want to see where sake is made at a traditional brewery in Osaka or learn how sake is stored at Fukuchiyama Castle – it makes for a fun activity on a crisp day! From hot springs to skiing, there are many ways to enjoy winter in Japan.
3) The Canary Islands
Tenerife’s biggest city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is a major departure point for European tourists, though it’s quite easy to get around even if you don’t speak Spanish. Sunbathing and swimming are both popular pastimes, but more active travelers can enjoy walking or cycling excursions as well. There are plenty of guided tours available for visitors looking for a deeper look into Canary Island culture and history. The top things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife include El Teide National Park (where you can see Teide volcano) and Playa del Inglés Beach.
New Zealand is an amazing country that has everything you could possibly want in one place—beaches, glaciers, mountains, cities, forests and fjords. You can fly into Auckland and rent a car on a fly-drive package where you can drive your own vehicle from city to city. It may seem like a long flight but once you get there and hit some of New Zealand’s legendary roads, you’ll wish it was longer.
5) Thailand
The country has a tropical climate which means winter months are warm and sunny with temperatures hovering between 72–75°F. Rain falls mostly in July and August, when heavy downpours occur, but don’t last long. Unlike what you might expect, snowfall is possible on higher elevations such as Chiang Mai or Northern Thailand’s Doi Inthanon National Park. While Bangkok is known for its high humidity year-round (though it's usually not overwhelming), you can escape that by visiting areas like Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan or Phitsanulok during winter where average highs hover around 75°F.
6) London, England
The city gets its name from a proto-Celtic word meaning landing place for chalk or limestone. Londinium was founded by merchants in 43 A.D., but it wasn't until two centuries later that Anglo-Saxons took control of Britain, converting to Christianity and building churches atop pagan temples. When William of Normandy invaded England in 1066, London was named capital and it has remained so ever since. The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral: all are testaments to English ingenuity and craftsmanship at their finest.
7) New York City, USA
Just two hours from Boston, New York City has everything—and more. From Broadway shows to Central Park, NYC’s got it all and is a big draw for wintertime travelers. The city never sleeps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t if you want to! Whether you catch a show at Radio City Music Hall or stroll through Central Park, there are plenty of things to do in NYC year-round. And with discount flights available online through airline deals sites, you can save hundreds on an otherwise pricey flight.
8) The Seychelles
The Seychelles are an archipelago of 115 islands in Indian Ocean east of Africa. It was one of earliest destinations for winter vacationers on account of its fabulous beaches, tropical climate and crystal clear waters; nowadays it's a well-established destination for holidaymakers looking for luxury accommodation and a quiet getaway. The Seychelles are also very popular with divers; you can explore 45 species of coral reef and some 500 varieties of fish here. Just make sure you don't leave without exploring Mahé Island; it's home to exotic wildlife and rare plants. Thanks to its tropical climate, Mahé is particularly pretty in winter when its forests come alive with color. It might be hard to leave!
9) Tenerife, Spain
Surrounded by blue waters, Tenerife is home to a number of beach clubs, including Superclubs, Bora Bora, and Blue Bay. Though technically in Spain (and within reach of North Africa), Tenerife is a Spanish municipality made up of two main islands; La Palma and El Hierro. If it’s your first time visiting the Canary Islands off Spain’s coast, head to Tenerife; it’s not only easily accessible from Europe but also happens to be one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
10) Beijing, China
Be sure to check out The Great Wall of China, a 2,000-year-old relic that was built as a protective barrier between China and its enemies. (Don’t forget your passport!) And if you're planning on visiting during February or March, be sure to watch one of Beijing's famous ice lantern shows at Longtan Park. The lake is lit with lights and ice lanterns throughout winter months. If you're looking for something a little more local, consider Beijing’s Temple of Heaven; one of Beijing's five Imperial Temples dating back to 1420 and visited by emperors for annual ceremonies. It’s said that Tiantan is where heaven touches earth making it particularly sacred in Chinese culture.
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