As winter approaches, are you looking for winter tourist destinations worth visiting this season? Winter travel destinations are numerous, but we have chosen the best ones for you to enjoy an unforgettable trip.
Winter Destinations Worth Visiting
1- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Winter is the best season to be in Dubai. The desert climate makes Dubai very hot during the summer, with temperatures exceeding 40°C along with high humidity levels. The short spring quickly connects to summer, making winter the ideal season for outdoor activities, exploration, and desert adventures far from the bustling city center.
Some of the top activities to enjoy in Dubai during winter include:
- Enjoying the Fun of Skiing
You can ski indoors at “Ski Dubai,” an indoor resort covering over 22,000 square meters with multiple slopes and areas for ski equipment rental.
- A Stunning View of Dubai from Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 828 meters, offers visitors a unique panoramic view of the entire city from its 124th-floor observation deck.
- Exploring Old Dubai Districts
The old districts of Dubai offer a glimpse into the city’s history. You can enjoy a local meal at a café and shop in traditional markets.
- A Thrilling Sand Dune Safari
Experience an exciting adventure in the Dubai desert, with many tour companies offering off-road drives in 4×4 vehicles. You can also try camel riding and enjoy a barbecue meal outdoors.
2- New York, USA
New York is a magical city during winter, with snow adding a special charm to its streets, markets, and neighborhoods. Winter officially begins in December, and the city is known for its long, cold, and snowy season, with low temperatures and snowfall sometimes starting before December. As a tourist, it’s essential to be prepared for winter weather if visiting between November and March.
Top Places to Visit in New York During Winter:
Museums, galleries, and theaters make for ideal winter destinations. While outdoor exploration is beautiful, the winter cold makes discovering cultural indoor spaces even more appealing. Take advantage of the chilly weather to visit museums like the Met Museum or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), catch a Broadway show, spend an evening at the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, or stroll through Chelsea galleries before warming up with a cup of cocoa at Chelsea Market.
3- Rovaniemi, Finland
Experience winter near the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland. Snow and Christmas lights add a festive glow to Rovaniemi in winter, making it a beautiful season to experience. If you love the Christmas spirit, Rovaniemi combines the magic of Christmas with a snow-covered landscape, drawing visitors from around the world to meet Santa Claus.
Top Activities in Rovaniemi During Winter:
- Dog Sledding Adventure
Dog sledding is one of the thrilling activities to try in the polar winter. These trained dogs know the routes, making the experience safe and enjoyable for adventure lovers.
- Snowmobile Riding
Riding a snowmobile is an exciting way to navigate frozen trails like rivers and lakes, allowing you to move swiftly through forested and snowy areas.
- Northern Lights Viewing
Watching the Northern Lights is a magical experience that never loses its allure. Head out on clear nights to witness the sky’s beauty.
- Stay in a Glass Cabin
Glass cabins offer one of the most enjoyable experiences, where you can relax and watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.
- Walk Along the Banks of the Ounasjoki River
The Ounasjoki River stretches for a long distance and is surrounded by a small forest ofbirch trees. Covered in snow during winter, it’s a perfect place for daytime walks or viewing the Northern Lights at night, especially when the river is frozen, providing an open view of the sky.
4- Verbier, Switzerland
The village of Verbier is situated on a sunny plateau overlooking the picturesque “Val de Bagnes” valley. Over a million visitors come each year to enjoy skiing, golf, and stunning views, with all the necessary facilities for a perfect holiday available. Verbier is located in the heart of the “Les 4 Vallées” ski area, one of Europe’s largest skiing destinations, offering over 400 kilometers of ski trails suitable for all skill levels. Some ski trails remain open even in the summer, and Verbier provides a variety of summer sports for golf enthusiasts, mountain bikers, and hikers.
Top Winter Activities in Verbier:
- Winter Forest Walk
Take a scenic walk through the Clambin forest in Verbier, starting from the Medran station and reaching “Chez Dany” restaurant. The return route is about 6 km through the Carrefour area, where you can stop for another drink. This hour-and-a-half trek with gentle slopes is perfect for adventure lovers.
- Cable Car Ride
Take a cable car up to the Mont Fort peak, standing at 3,330 meters, where you can see the Matterhorn on clear days. For an exhilarating experience, return via the Mont 4 zipline, the highest and longest in the Alps, descending from Mont Fort to Col de Gentianes at speeds of up to 130 km/h over a 1.5 km distance.
- Paragliding Over the Alps
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps from the sky with a tandem flight. These flights begin at an altitude of 2,191 meters and land in Le Châble. It’s recommended to book in advance and check weather conditions. Special tickets are available for transportation between Le Châble and Verbier.
- Relaxation and Wellness in the Spa
Verbier boasts luxurious spa resorts, so pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak season. The nearby Spa des Bains, about 30 minutes away, offers natural hot springs with discounts for cable car ticket holders.
5- London, England
London is enchanting and vibrant during the winter. The city, famously known as “The Big Smoke,” is filled with beautiful sights and fun activities. Traditional markets fill the city with unique displays and seasonal foods, making this time of year perfect for exploring the capital. Despite the chilly weather, the spirit of winter makes city exploration a warm and memorable experience.
Fun Winter Activities in London:
- Explore free museums and galleries that showcase world-class art and historical artifacts.
- Visit prominent landmarks for a day of free activities.
- Look for discounts on theater shows, dining, and more.
- Enjoy discounted theater tickets to watch special performances.
- Savor delicious meals at some of the city’s best budget-friendly food spots.
- Enjoy a memorable night out without a large expense; fun in London doesn’t have to be costly.
6- The Maldives
December brings a surge in visitors to the Maldives due to the variety of activities it offers. While there may be occasional showers in the first half of the month, the weather becomes dry and warm in the latter half, allowing for wonderful outdoor activities and more time spent on the beaches. With the holiday season approaching, many resorts organize year-end celebrations, adding a special touch to your visit.
Top Winter Activities in the Maldives:
- Water Sports: The calm, clear waters are ideal for kayaking, surfing, water skiing, and parasailing.
- Relax in Wellness Resorts: Many luxurious resorts offer wellness sessions and treatments overlooking the sea or in beach huts, where you can relax to the sound of the waves.
- Dining Underwater: Enjoy a unique experience dining underwater with marine life surrounding you.
- Glowing Beaches: At night, you might witness bioluminescent plankton illuminating the beaches.
- Fishing Trips: Head out on nighttime fishing trips or big game fishing. Guides can help you catch fish like tuna and barracuda, and many resorts will prepare a meal from your catch of the day.
7- Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in winter is an incredibly beautiful destination, even for those who may not favor cold weather, as there are many activities to enjoy. Winter might be the best time to visit, as the snow adds a magical, romantic touch and there are fewer tourists, making the experience more personal.
Top Winter Activities in Prague:
- Enjoy the Christmas Spirit
Christmas celebrations in Prague are among the most beautiful, with locals considering this a time for peace and joy with family and friends. The Christmas market is a great place for tourists to learn about local traditions and try traditional foods.
- Visit the Museums
During winter, fewer tourists visit Prague and the Czech Republic in general, making museum visits quieter and more enjoyable. Museums also offer warmth on cold days.
- Free Walking Tour
Put on a warm coat and join a free walking tour to see major sights like Prague Castle, the Old Town Astronomical Clock, and the John Lennon Wall.
- Stroll Through Holiday Markets
If you’re in Prague during the holiday season, don’t miss the holiday markets scattered across the city. They’re decorated festively and offer a variety of gifts, including pottery, jewelry, and ornaments.
Conclusion
Winter tourism has its own unique flavor, offering travelers a sense of tranquility and relaxation. This feeling is enhanced in tourist cities that provide all means of enjoyment and relaxation. Make your winter travel decision and choose one of the cities we have recommended in this article.