Winter fairy tale: 5 ideas on planning a winter trip
Winter is in full swing now, and it's a great reason to plan a vacation. The weather can be mild at this time, and you don't have to give up traveling. Even if there is ice under your feet, you will have the opportunity to visit interesting places, enrich yourself culturally, and get a dose of new experiences.
Where to spend your winter vacation? The Hindustan Times offers some ideas.
Traveling in North America
First of all, you can go for a hike in the parks of New York or its outstanding places. Moreover, in winter, the park opens an ice-skating rink. Also, from January 16 to February 4, the city hosts Restaurant Week. During this period, menus in restaurants can be purchased at a fixed price, as well as special offers. Thus, restaurant owners try to "hold on" to their business because winter is a low tourist season. Moreover, housing prices are low at this time, and there are no long queues in the city.
Boston, Chicago, or Montreal are perfect for a winter vacation. However, these cities have more snow. So before you go, don't forget to check the weather forecast and take warm clothes.
Northern Lights
Scientists predict that 2024 may be the best year to see the Northern Lights. So don't miss this opportunity and book your tickets to Iceland, Scandinavia, or Alaska. However, don't forget to check the weather forecast. If the sky is cloudy, you won't see the lights. In addition, cruise trips are now offered to see this natural wonder. Check out the offers of tour operators in your area.
Iceland's ice cave and Finnish sauna
The "happiest" country, Finland, will also be interesting for tourists in winter. The country's capital, Helsinki, has cozy cafes, Market Square, and the Old Market. And, of course, what can you do without a sauna! The Loyly sauna is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, so after warming up your body, you can dive into the cold waters of the sea.
Outside the city, you can also see and feed reindeer in Nuuksio National Park, but for a real adventure, head north to Lapland and book a reindeer ride.
As for Iceland, it is famous for its hot springs, and health resorts have been built around them, where qualified doctors practice thermal and mineral water treatment.
But we also can't miss the ice cave in Vatnajökull National Park. Once you arrive here, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide. But we warn you - the expedition is not for the faint of heart. The crampons attached to your boots give you the necessary grip to descend the stairs carved out of pure ice. You spend an hour walking underground around a frozen canal with walls of blue ice and ceilings covered in icicles. But if you are claustrophobic, it is better not to go on such an excursion.
The nature of the wild west
From the east of America, we are now moving to the west! If you are traveling in this region, we recommend staying at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and enjoying excursions on snowmobiles, carriages, snowshoes, or cross-country skis. Yellowstone is more likely to see wolves in winter than in summer. Bison, elk, otters, and other wild animals also live here.
What clothes to bring with you
January is usually the coldest month. Therefore, you should prepare for your trip and take clothes for all occasions. We advise you to choose a time when there are at least 6 hours of daylight - the end of January to February. This way, you have a chance to do everything planned. A typical set of clothes includes thermal underwear, fleece, a warm jacket, a buff, a scarf, a hat, and warm mittens. Now you won't be afraid of low temperatures!
