If you are from Europe, North America and many other destinations around the world, then you may be wanting to get away during the cold winter months. In Europe and North America, the colder temperatures tend to be from around November until early March. In this post I will give you ideas on places you could visit from far away beach destinations, places to ski, spas, as well as cities in Europe that are still fantastic to visit in this season. This article isn’t just about Europe though and includes destinations further away in South East Asia, tropical destinations and more.
So keep reading. Here are some of the best destinations to visit this winter in 2023/24.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn makes for a wonderful winter destination. The city has a large range of things to do and is well-equipped for the snow and ice. Tallinn is also darn beautiful, and if you visit when there’s snow then you are in for a magical treat. While here be sure to enjoy some of the museums such as the Tallinn City Museum and the Estonia Maritime Museum. Also, be sure to enjoy some of the viewpoints including Patkuli Hellemann Tower and Town Wall, where you may be able to capture icy winter views such as below.
Want to know more about Tallinn and things to do? Head to post Travel Guide to Tallinn.
South Thailand, Thailand
If visiting a city isn’t quite what you’re after, and you want a warmer destination, then head over to Thailand and visit the Islands and beaches in the south. A few options include the fantastic Ko Phi Phi islands, Phuket and Ko Samui. At these top destinations you’ll be able to catch the sun, swim alongside exotic fish, go on boat rides and basically wear anything but that winter coat.
Riga, Latvia
Another great city to visit in Europe would be Riga in Latvia. The food is often very hearty and warm, and a top recommendation, if you were to visit, would be to go to Folkklubs ALA pagrabs as the food is next level. Similar to Tallinn mentioned above there is plenty to do around the city. From walking the beautiful parks, visiting museums, heading up St Peter’s Church and lots more. You can also easily get between Riga and Estonia as well should you want to combine both cities into a Baltic multi-destination trip.
Bad Gastein, Austria
For skiers and snowboarders then head over to Bad Gastein in Austria. This resort is pretty fantastic with 208km of slopes for you to ski and snowboard, including runs for beginners through to the most advanced. Afterwards, you could head to the 600m2 spa to completely relax, warm up and forget about the cold winter.
Bali, Indonesia
With average temperatures of between 26-27oC from November to March Bali would be a great destination to visit during the Europe and North American winter. Throughout the Island are beautiful beaches, temples, monkey sanctuaries, a large water park and also amazing luxury hotels such as Padma Resort in Ubud. Bali is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Indonesia and is perfect for adding to an Indonesia itinerary.
Bled, Slovenia
Bled is an almost magical destination, and although a lot of people visit in the summer, actually visiting in the winter may be nicer with fewer crowds. Around the lake are several hiking spots which you can climb for top views over the lake with mountains in the background. During the winter you may even visit when there’s snow as well and this adds something even more special to the destination.
If you wanted a treat then consider staying in Grand Hotel Toplice, which has an amazing thermal pool that is actually quite cold but super refreshing.
Bled is near to Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana and you can easily get there via public transport.
New Zealand
A nice winter getaway (although quite far from Europe and North America) would be to visit New Zealand. Between November-March you’ll be looking at temperatures from 15-18oC and a great way to experience this country would be to go on a road trip, where you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes.
New Zealand is one of the world’s best outdoor destinations with stunning lakes, mountains, ski resorts and countless things to see. You can discover some of the highlights using the links below.
Also, available for New Zealand are mult-day guided tours. These are a great way to explore the islands and see many of the top highlights that are available and without having to plan much yourself.
Golden Triangle, India
A great escape from the winter is to head over to India. Here you’ll experience lots of heat and not just from the sun, but also in your food. A good way to discover India is to go on the Golden Triangle route, where you’d visit Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This is possible independently using public transport, or you can also find lots of multi-day guided tours.
Also, consider heading down to the south of the country to the likes of Goa and Kerala where you could enjoy houseboats, beaches and tea plantations.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a pretty city to visit in the winter and comes with heaps of things to enjoy. From exploring the East Side Gallery, visiting museums, walking around wintery parks, enjoying local beer and currywurst, or partying at one of the city’s many awesome nightclubs.
Sometimes it snows as well and this makes the city great for some winter photography. Read 8 Top Instagram and Photography Spots in Berlin for ideas of what to see.
The Maldives
An ultimate beach destination and the perfect winter getaway is to the Maldives located in the Arabian Sea. Here you’ll be able to relax in an exotic paradise and in temperatures ranging from 27-29oC (November to March). The Maldives doesn’t tend to be the cheapest destination, so make sure you have a deep wallet if you are visiting.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a fantastic city to visit at any time of year, including the winter. The city is incredibly photogenic with highlights such as Charles Bridge and Prague Castle and you’ll find lots to see throughout the city that will keep you busy during the winter months. This combined with affordable hotels, tasty food, beautiful cafes, and super cheap beer makes it one of our favourite destinations to visit.
During the Christmas months, the city is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and this is located at the Old Town Square. Here you can enjoy warm winter drinks and tasty festive snacks whilst browsing the gift and souvenir stalls.
For those that wanted to see a bit of nature during your time in Prague, then go on a hike with Northern Hikes where you’ll get to see part of the stunning Bohemian Switzerland and Saxon Switzerland National Parks. If it’s been snowing as well during your visit then this is even more magical.
South Tyrol, Italy
A great experience to do in the winter is to go to a beautiful spa, such as at Alpen Palace Resort and Spa which comes complete with indoor and heated outdoor pools, a salt cave, massage facilities and more. As well as this the hotel serves a fantastic selection of food for breakfast and dinner.
If you’re a skier or snowboarder you could also go to the nearby Klausberg or Speikboden ski resorts, which is the perfect way to experience the Italian landscapes and enjoy the snow. Read more about those ski areas on kronplatz.com.
Alberta, Canada
Alberta in west Canada makes for a wonderful winter destination. This province of Canada is one of the most beautiful in the country and here you can admire the Canadian Rocky Mountains, ice skate on frozen lakes, explore frozen canyons, go on snowshoe walks, ski along scenic pistes and much more. Read more about things to do in Alberta in the winter.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a beautiful city and in the winter you’ll find some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. As well as the Christmas markets you’ll find plenty of other experiences and things to do including skating on the ice rink outside Rathaus (the city hall), relaxing in a spa such as Therme Wien (which is fantastic), going to a ball and lots more. Sometimes during the winter it snows and exploring the city when it’s covered in a winter coat is a magical experience.
The Three Valleys, France
For skiers and snowboarding then consider heading to Les 3 Vallées (The three Valleys) in France. This is one of the best ski resorts in France and includes the resorts of Val Thorens, Meribel, Courchevel, Les Menuires and Brides Les Bains. Here you’ll get to enjoy over 300 ski runs and 600km of piste with runs which are perfect for beginners through to the most advanced skiers and snowboarders. As well as skiing you’ll find plenty of non-winter activities too which will be sure to keep you busy during your trip.
Summary
Of course, there are so many amazing destinations to visit in the winter. Whether to make the most of the cold and snow or to completely get away from it. Whatever you fancy I hope this post gives you some ideas of beautiful places to visit.
Also, have a read of 9 Beautiful Exotic Destinations to Visit Around the World for more ideas on where to escape if you’re looking for some sun. Or if you’re wanting more of a winter Europe destination then read this article.
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