Everything You Need to Know about Cold Holiday Vacations

Cold and snow.

Do these two words send shivers up and down your spine? Or do they make you giddy with excitement for outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding?

Winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21; however, you can count on it to show up at popular destinations such as Aspen, CO, New York City, NY, and Budapest, Hungary.

Some cities are quiet during the winter; therefore, it may be the best time for you and your family to visit. It will seem as if you have the entire place to yourselves. Not only can it be easier to get a table at a restaurant, but you can enjoy your time without feeling rushed.

Don’t spend your holidays at home. Book a winter holiday vacation now. Imagine skiing and then relaxing by a roaring fireplace or soaking in a hot tub. Sound good? We think so. Read on to learn about winter holiday vacation destinations – places where you can have friendly snowball fights or build a snowman. Just make sure you don’t put a magical hat on top of the snowman because it may come to life.

11 of the Best Winter Holiday Vacations

Brussels, Belgium

Visit Brussels during Christmas time and you’ll be treated to the Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter Wonders) festival. Buildings are dressed in colored lights and enhance the holiday season. Festivities include a Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, toboggans, and market stalls where arts and crafts and food and drinks are sold.

The French Alps

is the perfect winter holiday destination for families. It’s located in the Savoy region and features 34 chair lifts and 50 green and blue pistes. You’ll enjoy exploring a 17th century church, eating authentic Savoy cuisine at one of the many restaurants, and even bowling.

New York City, New York

Even though it may or may not snow when you visit New York, you can enjoy the brilliance of the city. Ice skate in Central Park and see the tree lighting in Rockerfeller Center. Enjoy a slice of authentic New York pizza and see show. Don’t forget to shop! New York is a fashion capital filled with clothing and accessories that you may not find in your hometown.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Lonely Planet named Zermatt one of the best cities to visit in 2015. It’s not hard to see why. Zermatt is a famous resort and treats guest to incredible views of the Matterhorn along with some of the best ski slopes in the world for all levels of skiers.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has stunning architecture and a famous Christmas Fair (November 12, 2015 – January 6, 2016) in Vörösmarty Square. It’s filled with unique gifts that will please the toughest people you have to buy for. Have fun ice skating in the City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya). Afterward, warm up with an ornate thermal bath.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

When you think of a winter holiday vacation, you probably don’t think of Santa Fe. Think again. The snow season is from November to March making Santa Fe a perfect destination for those who like to ski and snowboard. The town is transformed into a winter wonderland for all to delight in.

Alberta, Canada

Book a holiday family vacation to Banff/Lake Louise in Alberta and stay at one of three resorts: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Mountain Resort. Skiers can hit the slopes while non-skiers can have fun tubing. Relax with a spa day and treat your taste buds to a culinary feast. Kid-friendly activities include tobogganing, snowshoe tours, trivia nights, winter hiking, and more.

Copenhagen, Denmark

A visit to the home of Hans Christian Andersen during the holidays will put you in the mood for celebrating. Kids will appreciate a visit to the 19th-century Tivoli amusement park that’s lit up around Christmastime. It may bring out your inner child, too. Kick back with coffee or tea and desserts at a cozy café.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen has become a world-class ski resort and presents you with stunning mountain views, art, and culture. From skiing to annual festivals, top-notch dining and possible celeb sightings, Aspen offers you a touch of elegance during your winter holiday vacation.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay, a famous New Year’s celebration. The three-day festivities start with a torchlight procession and spills over into a huge street party. Visit Edinburgh Castle and brave eating culinary favorites like Haggis, a dish made from sheep’s heart, liver and lungs; combined with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, salt, and stock. It’s traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach. Who knows? You may like it.

Dig Out Your Skis and Book Your Holiday Vacation

Imagine skiing one of the top slopes in the world during your holiday vacation, but this time when you reach the end and stop, your family and/or friends are waiting for you.

Instead of staying home for the holidays, you’re vacationing and enjoying winter activities at a mountain resort. Once you’ve finished ice skating or snowboarding, you can cozy up to a fireplace and drink hot chocolate or perhaps a brandy.

Just picture the beauty of winter surrounding you. The peace and quiet and stillness covers you like a warm blanket.

Imagine looking up at the night sky and seeing the stars shine like diamonds. You shed a tear because of the wonder and beauty of it all.

Sound good?

To ensure that you end the year on high note, choose one of the 11 best winter holiday vacations and contact your Travel Planners International  travel agent today. They’ll help you plan your travels – all you have to do is focus on having a wonderful time.

 by Amandah T. Blackwell, Savvy-Writer