What are the best places to travel to in winter?

In short

  • Christmas markets: Vienna, Munich, Prague, Nuremberg, Strasbourg, Copenhagen (late November-December).
  • Northern lights: Reykjavik, Tromsø, Bergen, Rovaniemi - best odds September-March on clear nights.
  • Winter sun: Egypt's Red Sea, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Southeast Asia (Bali, Thailand, Vietnam), Mexico's Caribbean coast.

Best cities for Christmas markets

Vienna and Munich have the most concentrated market density and Christmas atmosphere. Prague adds a fairytale old town, Copenhagen and Tivoli deliver a Scandinavian twist, and Nuremberg or Strasbourg give you the classic small-town Christkindlmarkt experience. Peak season is late November to December 23.

Best destinations for northern lights

Iceland (Reykjavik and the countryside), northern Norway (Tromsø), Bergen for fjords with aurora chances, and Finnish Lapland (Rovaniemi) are the top spots. Book 3-5 nights and drive or tour outside cities on clear nights to maximise your chance of seeing the lights.

Best winter sun destinations

Egypt's Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam) stays warm all winter. The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria) offer 20-24°C in January. For longer trips: Bali, Thailand's islands, Vietnam's Hoi An, or Mexico's Caribbean side.

Best skiing destinations

The Alps (Austria, France, Switzerland, Italy) for classic European skiing. Queenstown, New Zealand for June-October skiing during Europe's summer. Book ski hotels early on trip1 - alpine hotel inventory sells out fast for New Year and February half-term.

Related travel guides

best winter travel destinations - FAQ

For Christmas markets and cold-weather charm: Vienna, Munich, Prague, and Bergen. For northern lights: Iceland or northern Norway. For sun escapes: Egypt, the Canary Islands, or Southeast Asia.

Reykjavik in Iceland, Tromsø or Bergen in Norway, and Rovaniemi in Finland are top spots. Best odds are September-March, on clear dark nights.

The Alps (Austria, France, Switzerland, Italy) for classic European skiing. Southern hemisphere destinations like Queenstown, New Zealand offer winter skiing during Europe's summer.

Vienna, Munich, Prague, Nuremberg, Strasbourg, and Copenhagen are the classic Christmas-market destinations - November to late December is peak season.

Related Articles

When to travel

How do I choose a destination based on weather?

Start with the conditions you want, then find the month and place that deliver them. Use climate averages to pick a season and a forecast to pack.

Read more
When to travel

What are the best places to travel to in summer?

The best summer destinations are coastal Croatia, Sicily, Sardinia, Greek islands, the Algarve, and Costa del Sol - peak Mediterranean weather from June to September.

Read more

Still need help?

Our support team is ready to assist you with any questions.