Amanda PhillipsThe 8 Most Desirable Winter Escapes this Year
Are you planning on a few winter escapes this year? Undoubtedly at this time of the year the whole world makes a massive effort to secure their place firmly at the top of the Christmas ‘place to be’ list. Here at Barrhead Travel, we would go everywhere if we could! What destinations would you add to our list?
Banff National Park
Canada is full of amazing landscapes and scenery that it is simply hard to pick one place to visit at any time of year. Moraine Lake, however, located in the iconic Banff National Park has to be one of the most popular and most visited tourist spots in the whole of Canada. Look out onto the lake as you see the reflection of the stunning peaks of the snowcapped valley behind it. A stunning location in the summer but an even better one in the winter.
Chicago
At wintertime, the ‘windy city’ transforms into the ‘snowy city’. January and February are the coldest months of the year here when temperatures drop so low that the waters of Lake Michigan freeze over making for a truly magical sight. Chicago truly comes alive as many visitors flock to watch the festivities that help to bring everyone together at this time of the year.
Plitvice National Park, Croatia
One of the most visited places in Croatia for tourists during warmer months, Plitvice National Park completely transforms into something else during winter. Their 16 turquoise blue lakes are taken over by the cold climate which leaves the place somewhat deserted during this period. An ideal place to sit and relax and take in it’s amazing winter atmosphere.
Prague, Czech Republic
Christmas markets in Europe are undoubtedly hard to beat but the most beautiful of them all lies in Prague in the Czech Republic. Roam around the fairy-lit huts that line up down the street where you can pick up authentic Christmas gifts for family and friends. Or why not join in with the music and festivities of the fair at Wenceslas Square as you wait for the chimes of the clock to ring.
Richmond Park, UK
London’s biggest park is most beautiful in the winter! Standing at 3 times the size of New York’s Central Park, this 2500 acre space inhibits winter and traditional English living all in one place. Walk around as you see children playing in the snow, deer wandering around in search of food and the sounds of people’s footsteps in the snow. You don’t need to travel far to experience winter at it’s most magical.
Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japan
Japan as a whole is a majestic paradise in winter but Jigokudani Monkey Park is a must-see attraction on it’s own! Watch the resident Japanese Macaques or Snow Monkeys as they are referred to, bathe in the steaming hot springs of the park. Their distinctive look and peculiar mannerisms make this an experience that you will never forget.
Lapland, Finland
The ultimate ‘go-to’ destination in winter, Lapland offers that traditional Christmas atmosphere that people crave in the winter months. If you are lucky enough to catch the spectacular Aurora Borealis display that dances through the sky – you will keep coming back each year just to see this natural phenomenon again and again.
New York, USA
New York epitomizes winter and Christmas time extremely well for visitors from all over the world. Whether you enjoy fighting your way through the crowds to pick up last minute gifts at Bloomingdale’s or taking in the scenery on a romantic stroll down to Central Park where you can watch the ice skaters on the rink, there is an ambience in this city that is second to none. A must visit at any time of the year!Come together this winter as you celebrate the most magical time of the year in one of these amazing destinations.