Are you one of those who have been working from home for too long, and you don’t want to stay there for the upcoming holidays as well? Or, you want to run away from snow and enjoy yourself on a tropical island? Or, on the contrary, are you looking forward to escaping deep into the silence of evergreen forests covered with snow?
Whichever the case, the following destinations are the world’s top destinations this winter. All of them have a lot to offer: either a lot of sun, places for passionate snowbirds, or amazing cultural diversity. The choice is yours.
This country actually has no winter. Located in the middle of the desert, it is sunny throughout the whole year. And not only that. It is home to one of the oldest cultures in the world. If you are up for some sightseeing on a camel and some Arabic cuisine, Egypt is the right destination for you.
Things you can do in Egypt are impossible to count: you can go and see the legendary pyramids, the Sphinx, the Luxor temples, cruise the Nile, and so on. Also, visiting the Sinai peninsula and exploring the Red Sea reefs is highly recommended. We suggest booking a luxury tour through Inside Egypt to get the most out of your vacation with the best cuisine, expert tour guides, and 5-star accommodations.
According to some estimations, the top cities for winter holidays in the US are in Florida. Therefore, if you imagine yourself in an urban and yet warm place, Florida should be your next destination this winter. Although, if you go there during the winter months, don’t expect to be able to swim, but the temperature shouldn’t fall under 20°C.
The experiences Florida offers are diverse and exciting. You can go snorkeling at the seaside, enjoy city nightclubs, or hike in Everglades National Park. Since you’re there, don’t miss restaurants with amazing seafood and famous Key Lime pie. One way to enjoy Florida is to sample one of its oldest cities, Jacksonville, on the Atlantic coast, and then head inland to Orlando, home to Walt Disney World. While your first impulse might be to rent a car for the 2.5-hour journey, consider taking the bus from Jacksonville to Orlando instead to enjoy the scenery along the way. (If you stay at a Disney World hotel, you won't need a car.)
Aruba is a Dutch tropical paradise, located in the Caribbean. It is a common getaway for Europeans running away from continental cold winters. Apart from being a great family destination, it has white beaches, rich wildlife, and thrilling nightlife.
Visiting some of its national parks, seeing the famous natural bridges, or engaging in Bushiri Karting Speedway is only a small portion of all the things you can do in Aruba.
Here is something for true snowbirds. Norway is a country with some of the most unique scenery in the world. On the one hand, the coastline doesn’t have sandy beaches, but it has fjords whose deep waters and steep cliffs evoke the Viking settings. On the other hand, there are polar forests that will cure your overworked soul with their silence or various ski/snowboard opportunities.
Finally, seeing mesmerizing colors of the Aurora Borealis is one of the main reasons tourists come to visit this beautiful country. Winter months are perfect for Aurora hunting, as the northern parts of the country are very close to the Polar Circle and the light pollution is minimal.
If you are up for some original Asian food, Japan is your next winter holiday destination. This little island country is packed with so many experiences. Apart from refined cuisine, you can enjoy both urban and rural ambiences, go skiing, visit winter festivals, and much more.
Nagano prefecture is particularly popular among snowbirds. Located close to Tokyo, Nagano was a host of the 1998 Winter Olympics - and for a good reason. It has amazing skiing infrastructure, but also hot springs to warm up your bones.
If you want to entirely escape the Northern Hemisphere winter, New Zealand is probably one of the best choices you can make. The beauty of New Zealand’s nature became famous after the trilogy Lord of the Rings was filmed there. Although notoriously marvelous, this country is off the map for most tourists, because it takes some effort to get there.
However, if you are willing to make the effort, New Zealand will award you with its mild climate, rich wildlife, and wonderful southern sky in the evenings. Also, there are many urban destinations to visit as well, Sky Tower in Auckland and Canterbury Museum being some of the most popular ones.
Once you decide which one of these destinations fits your needs in the best possible manner, you can start packing. If you go to Norway, remember to bring warm shoes. If you choose some of the tropical destinations, don’t forget safety razors if you want to look good in a swimsuit.
