Like me, you are probably looking forward to escaping the daily grind of life and heading on a vacation. A vacation is no longer simply an escape to a tropical climate. You can find a huge number of winter vacation spots available to provide a different option for each of us to enjoy during the cooler months. The holiday season is fast approaching and finishing the year with a trip to a wintry landscape can make us all feel happy at a time when the night draws in and the temperature dips down low.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
A perennial winner in lists of the best global locations to spend the holiday season, Prague is a city offering a throwback to a bygone time. The magic of Prague is definitely found in the beautiful architecture in the baroque and Gothic styles that add drama to every location within the city. Travel & Leisure Magazine counts the walking tour of the Gothic masterpiece, Prague Castle, among the best things to do in the city. The European tradition of the Christmas market is alive and well in Prague and opens every day in December to provide local crafts and products for sale.
2. Rome, Italy
The city of love offers a range of activities enjoyed in either the summer or winter months. The bonus of heading to the Eternal City in the winter is the lack of crowds at some of this location’s most historic sites, particularly the Colluseum and the Trevi Fountain. For food lovers, enjoying a pasta-based meal is a joy to behold, according to U.S. News. Religion plays a huge role in life in Rome with the Vatican a must-see. This is a time when visitor numbers are low, but the chance to enjoy the second religion of Rome, soccer, should not be missed. The two teams of Rome, Lazio and Roma play home games throughout the winter months in a spectacle unlike any global travelers will have ever experienced.
3. Anchorage, Alaska, USA
House Beautiful reports a Winter trip to Alaska is no longer the novelty it used to be, with the city of Anchorage stating its credentials as a top winter vacation location. There is plenty to do and see in Anchorage with the city attracting visitors for its unique festivals, dog races, and ice fishing opportunities. The northerly location of Anchorage means the northern lights are on show throughout the winter months and can be viewed from some beautiful landscapes as you take a nighttime dog sled tour. So slip on some women’s or men’s waterproof work boots and head for wonderful, snowy Alaska.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
What could be a finer way to round off the year than with the traditional Scottish Hogmanay celebrations in the capital city of this Celtic nation. Edinburgh provides an ancient city with its impressive castle sitting atop the hill and a history like few others to chill the bones around Halloween. Ghost walks telling the story of the exploits of the grave robbers Burke and Hare, along with the story behind the classic Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde are a must. Without a doubt, Edinburgh comes alive at Hogmanay with more than 150,000 revelers flooding the streets to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Edinburgh offers a mixture of the traditional and the ancient with the Scottish Parliament building a modern design joy to behold.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
A list of winter vacation spots would not be complete without Jackson Hole as one of the entries. Three mountain resorts make this a winter sports enthusiasts perfect location with much more to do than simply ski or snowboard. The local museum includes an impressive modern art collection headed by works by Andy Warhol with the downtown area decorated with shed deer antlers formed into arches crossing the narrow streets. The granite hot springs are a great way to reduce the aches and pains of tired muscles after a long day on the slopes. The elk is a major part of life in the Jackson Hole area and is home to the National Elk Refuge which is a location not to be forgotten after being visited for the first time.
