Traditionally, the summer is when most people choose to go on holiday. With the promise of a sun-soaked beach and clear ocean water, who can blame them? However, this type of holiday isn’t for everyone, some people aren’t so keen on spending hours basking in the sun.
The winter holiday is becoming increasingly popular. It can offer something a little different to the summer holiday experience, the chance to see the world from a different perspective and even spend the festive period in another country. If the thought of a winter holiday appeals to, we’ve listed three of the most amazing winter holiday destinations to give you some inspiration. Read on to check them.
The French Alps
France is one of the world’s most visited countries. While millions of tourists flock to the capital city of Paris every year, the country has so much more to offer, not least it’s fantastic mountain skiing opportunities.
The French Alps mark the border France shares with Switzerland and Italy. This iconic mountain range is home to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps and in Western Europe. With stunning scenery and regular snowfall, the French Alps have long been a popular skiing destination, and the region has hundreds of ski resorts dotted throughout the mountainous expanse.
Skiing is a fantastic winter holiday activity. It gives you the opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors, soak in the scenery, and get some exercise into the bargain. What’s more, French ski resort towns are often bustling and vibrant, full of fantastic bars and restaurants to enjoy in your down time off of the slopes.
If you’ve decided to head off on a winter skiing holiday, don’t go unprepared. Read up on skiing info from Piste Pro, this way you’ll know what to expect when you arrive and will be able to make the most out of your trip.
Aurora Spotting
The aurora borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a phenomenon that creates incredible light displays in the sky, with huge moving curtains of vivid colours that appear to dance across the night sky.
The Northern Lights are regarded as almost legendary, and for many of us spotting them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are caused by solar storms which send electrically charged particles into our atmosphere. These collide with particles in our atmosphere over the earth’s magnetic poles, heating up and giving off energy in the form of the light we see.
The Northern Lights occur throughout the year but are most visible in winter when the nights are long and dark. An aurora spotting trip can be an incredible winter holiday adventure, journey north to Scandinavia or even the highlands of Scotland for the chance to see this spellbinding natural phenomenon.
Take a Winter Cruise
If you’re a fan of luxury and relaxation, you’d be hard pushed to find something more perfect than a cruise. Cruises usually make us think of the sunny Caribbean with tropical waters and white sand beaches, but cruises sail year-round, and taking to the seas in the winter is an increasingly popular option.
If you want to really push the boat out, why not take a cruise to the unexplored seventh continent, Antarctica? A journey to this icy expanse involved crossing the infamous Drakes Passage but will offer you the chance to step foot on a mysterious land that we still know very little about.
While you’re there, you’ll be able to spot and even interact with the native wildlife, such as the Emperor Penguin.
Conclusion
A winter holiday can be a magical experience quite unlike a summer vacation. Visit the French Alps, go aurora spotting, or take a cruise this winter for a holiday you’ll never forget.
