While some of us are looking forward to the hot weather and beach vacations that summer will bring, others are already looking ahead to their next cold weather winter vacation. Whether it’s ski resorts, chalet towns, or festive markets that draw you to a winter vacation, these off the beaten track winter vacation ideas have something for everyone.
Catskill Mountains, New York
Serene forests, stunning mountain ranges, ski resorts, and cabins, the Catskill Mountains of New York state are an exciting alternative to more popular ski locations in North America. The area is filled with welcoming towns, like Catskill, Hunter, and Windham, and plenty of resorts and lodgings for a winter getaway. Families will love the activity-packed Catskills whilst friends or couples will enjoy a scenic getaway. Check out New York Catskills tourism information and guides to see the wealth of activities and beauty this area has to offer.
Bergen, Norway
The historic city of Bergen is the jewel of the Norwegian fjords. In Bergen, you can venture into the mountains for skiing, hiking, and stunning, panoramic views of the fjords. Or you can stay in the city, explore the historic wharf, Bryggen, with its colorful wooden houses and the city’s wealth of museums and galleries. As beautiful in the winter as it is all year round, Bergen is the perfect Scandinavian getaway for this winter.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is another great winter vacation spot for anyone who loves to stroll around the cobbled streets of historic cities that are a stone’s throw away from scenic outdoor hiking spots. Quebec City is a city that is meant to be seen in winter. With festive markets, ice skating rinks, and even Hôtel de Glace – a hotel made of snow and ice – Quebec City is the perfect blend of fairytale festivity and cosmopolitan fun. Enjoy Quebec City’s vibrant French-Canadian culture and food and the beauty of a historic city without leaving North America.
Kinosaki, Japan
Japanese hot springs in winter are truly idyllic getaways. Perhaps none more so than the Kinosaki onsen. Kinosaki is a resort area and part of the city Toyooka, in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan. With onsen facilities over 1000 years old, visitors to Kinosaki will love strolling along the river and marvelling at the snowy, historic town. Kinosaki has lots of free bathhouses, which are free for anyone staying at one of the local Japanese inns (ryokan). Kinosaki is also known for its crab, which is at its freshest in winter.
Tallinn, Estonia
If you like to spend your winter vacations in Europe but are tired of popular destinations like France, Germany, and Switzerland, make your way to the Baltic and explore the quaint city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. With an Old Town boasting buildings over 600 years old, trendy neighbourhoods, and a beautiful coastline, Tallinn has something for everyone. If festive markets are your thing, you can expect one of the best Christmas markets in the world in Tallinn as well as finding yourself in one of Europe’s safest cities.
