5 European Winter Vacations
With the Alps winding their way through a sizable chunk of the continent, you’re spoiled for choices when it comes to winter vacations in Europe. Even those who don’t typically thrive in a snowy environment like the Alps will be mesmerized by all the region has to offer. But if you really would like to avoid seeing a single snowflake as much as possible, don’t be quick to write off a trip to Europe entirely. It may not be the Caribbean, but there are still wonderful experiences to be had in the northern hemisphere’s coldest months.
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1) Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Home to some of the most postcard-worthy imagery of the Alps, the Bernese Oberland is the epitome of European winter vacations. This is one of the best places in the world to embrace the snow, whether you’re looking for a bucket-list ski trip or prefer to unwind aboard cogwheel trains that will carry you to some of Switzerland’s most famous peaks. Even for more casual strolls you’ll have to bundle up, but the castles and lakes you’ll encounter will be well worth it. Every night you can retire to towns like Thun or Grindelwald that ooze old-world charm and delve into pots of luscious cheese or chocolate fondue alongside a roaring fireplace.
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2) Dolomites, Italy
Only in Italy could a place like the Dolomites go relatively overlooked. The Dolomites are a section of the Alps that’s well-known by hikers and adventure travelers, but are oft-forgotten by most visitors who flock to renowned areas like Rome or Venice. This jagged landscape sparkles in the winter when it’s dressed up with a coat of fresh snow, and you can choose to embrace from a distance in a cozy lodge or up close on the slopes. There are few better places in the world to try your hand at snowshoeing to uncover sceneries that are equal parts serene and stunning. The proximity to such Germanic countries like Austria and Switzerland will also be felt through the cuisine, with spätzle and beer frequently sharing menu space with tagliatelle and wine.
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3) Canary Islands, Spain
Spain is known as a land of sunshine and, come wintertime, the Canary Islands are no exception. As the place with the most sunlight hours in all of Europe and springtime temperatures through the coldest months of the year, Northern Europeans flock here for milder weather as their homes get bogged down with snow and rain. Though it can often get a little too cold to enjoy the beaches of the Canary Islands to the fullest in the winter, there are plenty of other adventures to be had.
It’s up to you if that means summiting Mount Teide in Tenerife, windsurfing off the coast of Fuerteventura or sipping wine from the volcanic grounds of Lanzarote. Just know options won’t be and scarce, and you should end any day by taking in the dazzling light show that appears overhead each night, as the Canary Islands are home to some of the clearest skies in the world for stargazing.
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4) Austria
Austria is a relatively small country, and any location has the capability for splendid winter vacations. City-dwellers will thrive in Vienna and Salzburg, roaming through Christmas markets and medieval streets. These cities are also a haven for foodies who might like to fill their bellies with warm, hearty cuisine such as schnitzel, goulash and apple strudel. And for those who prefer to flee the bustle of cities, there are countless lakefronts and mountainsides lined with rustic lodges for as calm or as active of a getaway as you’d like. All in all, it’s also a cheaper alternative to wallet-busting Switzerland.
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5) London, United Kingdom
If mountains and snow aren’t your thing, the capital of the United Kingdom may entice you. With notoriously cloudy skies and spotty rain showers year-round, people don’t tend to plan a trip to London based on the weather. The Palace of Westminster, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, to name just a few, look the same on winter vacations as they do in the summer. If anything, they earn the benefit of smaller crowds in the off-season.
Winter temperatures in London are pretty mild compared to some of the other options on this list, which means crawling from pub to pub at night isn’t too frigid of an endeavor. And if you do happen upon a day where the weather outside is truly frightful, wander your way through any of the countless museums the city has to offer. View Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone in the British Museum, admire a variety of art forms at the Victoria and Albert Museum and end your day at the Tate Modern, which also has a sweeping view of the city from its iconic pillar.
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