What are the best places to travel to in winter?
The best winter destinations depend on the vibe: Vienna and Munich for Christmas markets, Reykjavik for northern lights, the Alps for skiing, Egypt for winter sun.
Updated
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.
