It’s official, we’re on the cusp of the winter season. And if you’re anything like us, we can’t help but stress with December quickly reeling in.
Don’t worry, though. There’s still plenty of time to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and plan your next getaway. And while it’s hard to resist the temptation to go into full hibernation mode as the temperature cools down, we’re all about embracing the colder months this year.
One way to make sure your winter doesn’t suck? Dress the part. After all, as the age-old piece of wisdom goes: “there is no bad weather, just bad clothes.”
With travel restrictions easing, the upcoming months are prime-time for a holiday up north. This year, we want to see the Northern lights—and maybe hop on a dog sled. And instead of swimwear on a secluded island, we want to embrace the art of layering.
We’ve rounded up some (unusual) winter getaways for you to book this winter.
Kirkjufell, Iceland
This fantastical-like mountain was one of the many shooting locations for Game of Thrones, and this is your chance to live your Nordic winter fantasy. You can also visit the nearby picturesque towns like Grundarfjörður while you’re here.
Salalah, Oman
A gulf city that’s known for its lush green landscapes and heavy rainfall? Sounds fictional, right? Well, it’s not. It’s very real and it’s called Salalah – a literal oasis on the southern coast of Oman. Situated in the Sultanate’s Dhofar region, Salalah is known for its monsoon season, known as the khareef, when the desert landscape turns completely green. And the winter months is the perfect time to visit.
Lapland, Finland
If you’re all about the holidays and looking for the ultimate winter experience: the Finnish Lapland is where you need to be this December. It’s where you can catch the Northern lights, take an actual dog sled ride, meet real raindeer, and visit the famous Santa Claus Village.
Budapest, Hungary
Europe is always a good idea in the winter—and Budapest is particularly great, especially if you’re looking for something more low-key. This time of year, you’ll find the city chockful of Christmas markets. And when you’re looking to wind down, be sure to visit its renowned thermal bath.
Hallstatt, Austria
If you are in the mood for a fairytale like winter getaway, this small town in Austria can be the perfect pick for you. Often dubbed “the most instagrammable town in the world”, Hallstatt attracts a huge number of tourists during the winter who come to the town to live their Frozen (yes, the movie) fantasy. Don’t worry, we are not shaming you if you are a Disney adult.
