It may seem tempting to try and hold onto summer for just a little bit longer, but you can’t argue with the fact that autumn is well underway, and winter won’t be far behind it. While the season brings with it longer nights and often gloomier days in regard to the wet and windy weather, there are plenty of ways to brighten up what can otherwise be quite a long and drawn-out time of year.
From religious festivals to New Year celebrations and winter sports trips to exploration of a range of snow-filled locations across Canada, Iceland, Norway and the like, winter has plenty of potential when it comes to fulfilling bucket list dreams.
If you’re not one for the cold and snowy sorts of weather then switching out a winter trip for a southern hemisphere destination may be more suited to you, but if you love to embrace the season and all that it brings, then there are plenty of ways in which to do this. From snowy city visits to remote sport-filled escapes and natural wonders to manmade marvels, take a look at the four trips below for some inspiration for your winter bucket list adventure.
New Year’s Eve in New York City
Along with other iconic locations such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and London’s Embankment, seeing in the new year in Times Square would provide quite the lifetime experience for you and your fellow travellers. And, of course, the city provides so much for any luxury seeking traveller, from multiple Michelin-starred restaurants to lavish five-star hotels, the best Broadway experiences and the finest designer shopping to some of the most notable sights and attractions on the planet. You certainly can’t go wrong in the city that never sleeps.
A Christmas break in a secluded setting
Nothing is more relaxing than heading off on a trip to a remote location and switching off for a few days. Taking some time to recharge with your loved ones or by yourself and restore in the ways that work for you, whether that’s through long walks, soothing spa treatments, reading a good book or other, is important for everyone. One way to elevate this type of trip is take the family away for a Christmas break in a luxurious setting, so you can reconnect by a roaring fire, enjoy each other’s company and simply have fun over the festive period. While some may wish to embrace having no o2 signal for a few days, others may crave a little of the outside world, so make sure you can all find a balance for the most enjoyable time.
An adventure in Iceland
The small but resplendent country in northwest Europe is truly a place of fire and ice and offers so much for travellers seeking a thrilling and educational time. From bathing in hot springs to taking thrilling helicopter tours around volcanos and exploring the capital city of Reykjavik with its many museums to sampling some of the local cuisine, you are sure to have a trip to remember. Of course, one of the big draws of a trip to Iceland during the winter months is the chance to spot the elusive Northern Lights (best spotted in mid-winter) and there are even some hotels that have an in-room alarm when they appear, so you don’t miss out on the enchanting display as it unfolds.
Have some fun in Finland
Though it’s a wonderful place to visit year-round for its beautiful scenery alone, Finland really comes into its own during the colder months. Families will love the northernmost region of Lapland where they can meet Father Christmas and enjoy a festive-filled break while sporty types will no doubt enjoy the range of winter sports to partake in. From ice hockey to skiing and Nordic skating, ice karting, dog sledding, ice swimming and snowshoe hiking, there is plenty of excitement to be had. While a traditional luxury cabin stay with roaring fires and cosy nooks will be the order or the day for some, others will prefer a different type of accommodation, and Finland can offer just this with ice hotels, glass igloos and the like providing something alternative to a typical hotel stay.
