Are you thinking of going away this winter but are unsure of the best places to go? If you’re looking to embrace the cold, read on to discover the best places to visit and what activities to get involved in.
Are you looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip? Travel to Antarctica via a 14-night cruise with Celebrity Cruises. During this cruise you’ll sail through frozen waters to be able to catch a glimpse of some extraordinary sights including beautiful creatures in their natural habitat and awe-inspiring ice sculptures.
At the Antarctic Peninsula You’ll see magnificent mountains such as Rojas Bryde Peak and the Petzvol Glacier that rise up high above sea level. Around these areas Minke whales are sometimes seen feeding their young, as well as Gentoo penguins going about their business. Cruise through the Schollart Channel and see what appears from the distance.
Canada is another great place to visit if you’re looking for a cold, winter getaway. Here you can ski, hike and snowshoe, depending on the weather conditions. Put your snowshoes on when there’s plenty of snow to allow you to explore the beautiful scenery and discover hidden gems.
During a snowshoe tour in and around Alberta, you’ll get to take a chairlift up to the top of the mountain - alongside skiers and snowboarders - and slowly make your way down. Take in the enchanting landscapes in the Banff National Park, including the frozen lake in Kananaskis Country.
Why not travel a little further afield to Japan and discover the unique sight of Japanese Macaques bathing in a hot spring in Yamanouchi? The Jigokudani Monkey Park is the only place in the world where people can see these snow monkeys bathe in their natural habitat.
The area is covered in snow during January and February and, if you get a close enough look, you’ll see snowflakes resting in the monkey’s eyelashes. To get to this park in the Jigokudani Valley, you’ll have to walk through a forest, encountering a few friendly monkeys along the way.
Visit Bergen in Norway to see multi-coloured buildings topped with snow; walk through narrow, cobbled streets; and visit a wide selection of art galleries and museums. Why should I visit during the winter, you may be asking. Well, the answer is Christmas markets and sledging.
Bergen holds magical Christmas markets throughout November and December where you’ll discover handmade crafts and seasonal food and drink to warm you up. To finish your perfect, winter city break, take a cable car to the top of the Mount Fløyen and sledge down to get that feeling of being a kid again. You never know when the Aurora Borealis will appear, so keep your eyes peeled during the evenings.
Although Ecuador may not be as cold during the winter as the previous places mentioned, its permanently snow-capped volcano provides the opportunity to have the best of both worlds. Enjoy mild temperatures throughout the day in the town and cooler winds on a climb up the slopes of Mount Cayambe.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer or not, Mount Cayambe provides a selection of trails for all abilities. Take a casual hike or challenging climb up the steep slopes. Whichever you decide, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the city when you reach the top.
If you would like to book a trip to one of the places mentioned above, call us on 0800 021 3237 or contact us via our website. Alternatively, you can visit our Ipswich, Framlingham or Woodbridge Travel Agents to speak to a member of our team.
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