9 Amazing Destinations You’ll Want to Visit in the Winter

Winter is a cold time of the year guys. Unless you live in Australia, where it’s the hottest time of the year since they’re in the southern hemisphere. But that’s neither here nor there. The point is: when the snow starts to fall and the chilly wind begins to blow, you just want to stay at home and wrap yourself in blankets, right? No! You want to get out there and make the most of the winter wonderland destinations both near and far. But with so many to choose from, where should you go? Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. We scoured around searching for the best places in the world that make for idyllic winter vacations. Check out these 9 stunning locations to spend your winter vacation.

Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv in western Ukraine has everything you could possibly need: cobblestone streets, cozy coffee houses, an elegant opera house, amazing (and cheap!) food, an eclectic mix of architecture influenced by the Hapsburg Empire, the Polish Kingdom, and…Nikita Krushchev, of course. In winter, the city center gets transformed into a true Christmas paradise, with wooden booths offering roasted meats, cookies, hot mulled wine, and medovukha, a honey-infused vodka drink that you will want to consume in moderation, unless you’re cool with passing out in the snow.

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

If you only visit one national park in Canada in your entire life, you might as well make the trip to Banff National Park. In the winter time, the snow covers the Canadian Rockies and provides unforgettable views. You can go hiking, ice fishing, and take part in all of your favorite winter sports. Perchance you’ll encounter a penguin or twelve? No. But the buffalo and other enchanted wildlife roam the area.

Harbin, China

From March through December, Harbin is just a regular Chinese city. But in January and February, it gets transformed into a magical world of ice. Visitors can explore castles made of ice and even go down an ice slide. But beyond their world-famous ice sculptures, you can enjoy dog-sledding, ice skating, and marvel at the lantern art.