Top Winter Wonderlands to Visit Around the World

Beaches and coastal towns are the places that first come to mind when planning a winter holiday. This is also why Dubai is filled with tourists between November and March. But as a resident of the UAE, you may want to take a break from the crowd and explore somewhere more quiet and serene. Moreover, after coming out of the harsh summer of the UAE, a few days in a chilly climate would do you good. If you are dreaming of a winter vacation where you can enjoy fewer crowds while having fun, visiting a winter wonderland would be a good idea. Snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, cozy indoors, holiday festivities, seasonal activities, and unique experiences await you in these winter wonderlands. If you are ready to cover yourself in layers to beat the chill, here are some of the best wonderlands around the world you must visit this winter.

Quebec City, Canada

Snowfall in Quebec City begins somewhere at the end of November and goes on till March, and winter in the city is all about snow-covered pathways, festive vibes, outdoor activities, and cozy experiences. The Christmas markets in Quebec City are something you must check out, while New Year’s Eve is celebrated with pomp and splendor. It is also a great spot for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. A must-visit place in Quebec City is the Ice Hotel, where you can eat and sleep in rooms made of ice. The city also hosts numerous interesting festivals, including the Quebec Winter Carnival and Snow Pentathlon in winter. The best part is you can easily get your Canada visa from Dubai to make your winter holiday in Quebec City a reality.

Reykjavik, Iceland

A magical, white winter awaits you in Iceland, a European country located between Greenland and the North Atlantic Ocean. The temperature in Reykjavik, the capital of the country, goes below 0 degrees C during winter. The snow-capped mountains and volcanoes, the gorgeous ice glaciers, and the mesmerizing snowfall make the city worth visiting in winter, although you will find hardly any daylight during these months. You can take part in plenty of festivals, attend concerts and plays, and explore seasonal exhibitions. You can also take a dip in its geothermal pools. These pools remain naturally warm even during the winter season, making it perfect to give your body a break from the cold outdoor weather. Of course, if you are lucky, you may also get to see the fascinating Northern Lights.

Zermatt, Switzerland

For a mystical winter holiday, there is no better place than Zermatt in Switzerland. While Switzerland is gorgeous all year round, winter brings a different kind of beauty to the place. One of the most important mountains of the Swiss Alps, the Matterhorn, is located here. Skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding are popular winter sports to pursue here. You must also go for the Gornergrat Cog Railway Ride, which lets you admire the breathtaking snowy landscapes of the place. You can also enjoy winter hiking, staying in an igloo, paragliding, and devouring some warm Swiss cheese fondue. As Switzerland is one of the Schengen countries, you can visit Zermatt with a Schengen tourist visa.

Bergen, Norway

The second largest city in Norway is another Schengen location where you can enjoy a magical winter holiday. A historically rich city, Bergen is also known for its dramatic landscapes, which are endowed by the seven mountains and prominent fjords. Exploring the fjords is one of the best things to do in Bergen in winter. As it is a historic city, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where you will also learn about the city’s history. A ride on the Floibanen Funicular will give you the chance to enjoy the incredible beauty of the snow-covered landscapes. You can also go on a cable car ride to see the seven mountains. Visiting Bergen in December will let you enjoy the Christmas markets and light shows. You will also get to visit the largest gingerbread town in the world here.

Boston, Massachusetts, The United States of America

Boston is one of the coldest cities in the USA, with temperatures falling below freezing point, especially in January and February. The city is less crowded in this season, making sightseeing a pleasant experience. You can walk on the cobbled streets of Downtown Boston to check out its numerous historic buildings. It is the perfect time to visit Boston’s Theater District and watch an opera or a Broadway show. You can also enjoy numerous outdoor activities, like snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating here. The Boston Common Frog Pond is one of the city’s best places to learn and enjoy ice skating. SoWa Winter Festival & Holiday Market, Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, etc., are some of the things you will get to experience in the winter season in Boston.

Lapland, Finland

Finland’s Lapland is another place in the world that can easily be called a winter paradise. The temperature in Lapland easily falls to –40 degrees C. Despite the extreme temperature, visiting Lapland in winter is worth it. One of the highlights of visiting this Finnish city in winter is that it is one of the best places to see the spectacular Northern Lights. The best part about Lapland is that you get to explore the landscapes and forests of the place in unique ways, like through reindeer safari, snowmobile safari, and husky safari. Creative people can try their hand at ice sculpting here. Ice fishing, ice-karting, ice-climbing, and fat biking are some other interesting activities to try here in winter. The spa experience here is also something unique. Here, you go through several rounds of alternating between dipping yourself in a frozen lake and relaxing in a sauna, which has been proven to be good for your blood circulation, skin, and heart health.

Travel Tips for Visiting Winter Wonderland

All the winter spots mentioned here have temperatures below sub-zero, and hence there are some important tips that you need to remember to ensure a safe and successful holiday.

• It is best to pack lightweight fabrics (like cashmere) and dress in layers so that you can pack your suitcase comfortably and also remain warm during your holiday.
• A winter coat or jacket is essential. Also, do not forget scarves, hats, beanies, gloves, etc.
• It is important to pack thermal underwear for your trip to any winter destination. Opt for cashmere or silk rather than cotton thermal underwear, as the latter traps moisture easily and may make you feel cold.
• When it comes to footwear, waterproof boots or shoes are necessary to keep your feet warm and dry. It also keeps you safe, preventing from slipping or falling into the snow.
• Cold climates can be drying, and so you must carry your moisturizer, sunscreen, and lip balm with you.
• Dehydration does not happen only in warm climates. Being out in the snow, especially while indulging in snow-related activities, can cause fluid loss. So, remember to drink lots of water and stay hydrated at all times.
• A few essential items you need to carry are a phone charger with a universal adapter, your daily and emergency medicines, and some cash.
• If you plan to drive in these places, buy a physical map if the GPS stops working. Drive carefully, especially on roads covered with snow.

A winter vacation from Dubai or the UAE will allow you to take a break from the vast, golden desert and enjoy the pristine heaven of sparkling, white snow.