Winter is a time for great reflection. It starts with a bang as the holiday season ushers in countless festivities and seasonal celebrations. After all of the hoopla of the holidays, winter sets in – a time of retreating and recharging as we embrace a new year and new opportunities. And, of course, the potential for winter and holiday travel experiences!

While many seek warmer climes and easy breezy beach vacations at this time, we love to look beyond the obvious travel choices for ways to embrace this beautiful season in all of its glory. This is a great time of year to discover iconic European cities, ski and mountain escapes, or head to the southern hemisphere for epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Here are some of our favorite winter and holiday travel experiences to consider if you’re itching to get away during the colder months:

Festive European River Cruises

Visions of enchanting Hallmark towns and captivating European Christmas Markets have many of us dreaming of a winter wonderland. Bring these fairytale dreams to life with a European Christmas Markets river cruise. With festively decorated ships and seasonal cuisine, you’re enveloped in the holiday spirit from the moment you board. Your itinerary can take you to picturesque, tiny towns and villages bursting with festive flair where you can drink Gluhwein and shop for trinkets until your heart is content. Culturally immersive experiences like tastings, bike rides, and historical tours round out the magical experience.

Epic Adventures

Winter is ideal for adventures like African safaris or visits to Australia and New Zealand. In Tanzania, it’s calving season, with thousands of newborn animals attracting predators for exciting safari experiences. In South Africa, enjoy a mix of world-famous wines, cuisine, and safari.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef offers perfect weather for snorkeling, diving, and whale watching. New Zealand’s natural wonders beckon hikers and beach-goers, with adventure activities like scenic helicopter rides over Milford Sound, water sports, and jet boating.

Charming Mountain Escapes

Channel your inner “Emily in Paris” in French Alpine towns like Megève or Chamonix, perfect for skiing or après-ski charm and an exclusivity hard to match.

Cross the border over the French Alps and you’ll end up in the Aosta Valley – Italy’s authentic Alpine region. See Mont Blanc – Europe’s highest peak – from an Italian perspective, while indulging in hearty comfort foods like Fontina Cheese, creamy polenta, and rich meat dishes like carbonade. 

Leave the Alps behind and head to the breathtaking peaks of the Dolomites. The Dolomites offer a winter wonderland of picturesque markets, moonlit sleigh rides, wellness resorts, and charming mountain huts. Consider a ski safari, visiting multiple ski areas, and indulging in gourmet cuisine as you move between chalets.

Holiday Travel City Breaks

Early December or post-holiday visits to iconic capitals like Paris, London, and Rome offer a chance to explore famous monuments without summer crowds (or prices!).

The cities sparkle in all of their holiday splendor with avenues lined with twinkling lights, hotels decked out in their Sunday Best, and artisan markets and festivals all around. Ice rinks and Christmas Trees pop up in parks, and an array of seasonal food delicacies like panettone, pain d’Epices, Bûche de Noël, and roasted chestnuts leave delicious smells permeating the air. What could sound more indulgent than warming up with a High Tea after a brisk day’s explorations?

In Lyon, you won’t want to miss the magnificent Festival of Lights every December. Millions flock to the city to discover this art display while indulging in Lyonnaise cuisine.

Winter Wellness Travel

For reflection and revitalization, consider a mindful retreat in Europe for a complete reset. Spa resorts in the mountains, Nordic wellness experiences in Scandinavia, or seaside meditations on the Mediterranean.

If you need that extra bit of warmth to properly rejuvenate after a long year, why not escape to a holistic retreat in Asia? Luxurious wellness resorts in Thailand, Bali, or India offer personalized experiences around holistic health ideals in stunning settings – renewing spirit, body, and soul.

As winter whispers promises of new beginnings, let its embrace inspire your soul. Whether you’re drawn to the fairy-tale allure of Europe’s Christmas markets, the thrill of exotic adventures beneath southern skies, or the serenity of mountain and wellness escapes, each journey offers an opportunity to indulge in the season’s magic and forge unforgettable memories.

Ready to plan your Winter and Holiday Travel? Get in touch HERE.