10 Best Places to Visit in Winter

Winter is the season that makes many beautiful places shine at their brightest. It is the most awaited holiday season of the year when most people plan a trip with their family and friends, making the most of their holidays. There are many striking places in India and around the world worth exploring especially in December and January. However, with so much to visit and experience in this wide beautiful world, it can be a little complicated to know where to start when it comes to going for a trip in winter. Planning a vacation in winter will require you to have a great understanding of the best tourist places in the world. Here is the list of the top 10 places to visit in winter that will make you experience the season at its best.

New York City

One of the most visited cities in the world, New York City turns into a magical place during winter. The city comes alive for the holidays and festivities like Christmas and New Year. Winter is the time of the year when the entire city is festooned with glittering lights, decorations, and gleams. So, if you are planning a Christmas holiday in the USA, visit New York City, as it celebrates Christmas like no other. You can experience the exquisiteness of the legendary Rockefeller Christmas Tree, shop on Fifth Avenue, see the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square, enjoy Ice Skating on a New York City Ice Rink, and more.

Dubai

Being a desert location, Dubai has a more bearable and pleasant winter season. It is also the busiest time for travel and tourism in the city. Those who want to escape the bitter winter chill and avoid wearing heavy coats and gloves should consider Dubai for vacation in winter. It is also the season when loads of shopping festivals and events are organised to attract tourists from across the world. Also, Dubai is home to a spectacular range of outdoor dining spots and restaurants, and winter is the best time to take full advantage of these open bars and restaurants, admiring the skyline and other wonders in Dubai. One of the best tourist places in winter, Dubai is an ideal location to enjoy al fresco dining, roam around the parks and popular outdoor spaces, enjoy a thriving party scene and experience the sparkling street vibes.

Austria

Next on the list of winter places to visit, Austria is one of the hidden gems in Europe. With plenty of natural, cultural, and architectural attractions, Austria remains a truly magical destination throughout the year. However, it is known to offer the best vacation experience during the winter season. While the snow-capped mountains of the Austrian Central Alps draw ski and winter sports lover all year round, the stunning Christmas markets, dreamy shores of lakes, and an unbeatable music scene make winter an ideal time to visit Austria. It is one of the most beautiful snowy places to visit, where you can have the best time of your life.

Thailand

Thailand, the jewel of Southeast Asia, is famous for its pleasant weather conditions and seasonal celebrations, ensuring a memorable vacation experience. From island hopping to heritage places and adventure activities, the land of smiles has everything to attract visitors. Mild temperatures, clear skies, and sunshine make winter an ideal time to visit beaches and enjoy some adventurous watersports activities. You can head to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for visiting unique temples and lively night markets, go to the Pai area for exploring canyons, waterfalls, and caves and visit Ko Lanta for a relaxing vacation. Thailand is world-famous for its laid-back culture, and winter is the best time to enjoy the best of Thailand.

Gulmarg

One of the cold places to visit, Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station and popular skiing destination in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Known as the Meadow of Flowers, Gulmarg receives heavy snowfall from December to February months, making the entire town gets buried under white blankets. It is the perfect place to try or learn skiing. So even if you are a beginner, you can try skiing in Gulmarg, as there are many special slopes and instructors to help you learn the basics. In addition, many ski competitions are held, attended by tourists and ski lovers from across the country. Some other winter activities you can enjoy in Gulmarg are snowshoeing, snowboarding, sledging, ice skating, heli-skiing, and more. Do not forget to enjoy Asia’s highest (and the world’s second-highest) gondola ride to catch the mesmerising sights of the snow-covered landscape of the hamlet.

Maldives

Maldives is a year-round destination and can be visited in any month of the year. However, if you want to get some sun rays and warm vibes, visit it between December and February. Known for its serene beaches and coral reef, Maldives is one of the best places to visit in winter for Indians. The tropical islands of the archipelago, Maldives, is an ideal place to enjoy Snorkelling, Scuba diving, water flying, and the most exotic aquatic life. If you are planning a trip to Maldives in winter, do not forget to explore Meeru and Male Island, sail on the pristine lagoons, rejuvenate with spa sessions, and visit the historical parts of Maldives.

Himachal Pradesh

Also called the Land of Snow, Himachal Pradesh receives heavy snowfalls during the winter season that transform the area and create an experience that you will not find anywhere else. With snow-capped mountains and dense alpine forests covered with white snow, Himachal Pradesh makes one of the most magical places to visit in winter, providing a spell-binding experience. There are many festivals and events held in the state, providing tourists with opportunities to enjoy winter sports, especially at the Rohtang Range and the ski slopes of Solang Valley. One such festival is the winter carnival, which is organised to celebrate the winter season in Himachal, attracting tourists from all over the world. Some of the most beautiful winter places to visit in Himachal are Kufri, Kullu, McLeodganj, Manali, Spiti, etc.

Goa

One of the most popular travel destinations in India, Goa turns into a party hub in winter, especially in December. With spectacular lights, foot-tapping music, electrifying beats, barbecue, drinks, and bonfire, Goa sets up the best mood to party throughout the night, making it one of the best tourist places in winter. While Goa is blessed with pleasant tropical weather conditions throughout the year, visiting Goa in winter will be a different feel. Christmas and New Year celebrations bring lots of excitement and are the highlights of Goa.

Turkey

While most people think Turkey is a summer destination, winter is a great season to enjoy Turkey's sights without the crowds and relax in luxurious hotels for little money. In Turkey, winter starts in the middle of December and lasts until March. Winter in Turkey is something you will never forget, as the natural wonders in the country look more striking and captivating. From soaking in open-air hot springs to enjoying winter hot balloon rides and visiting ice-crested mountains, frozen lakes, and snow-dusted caves, Turkey will give you a feel of wonderland in winter. Some of the most beautiful snowy places to visit in Turkey are Lake Cildir, Cappadocia, Ishak Pasha Palace, Ephesus, and more.

France

France is a remarkable place to visit year-round, but it gets a distinctive charm in winter. There’s nothing more beautiful than walking in the cool and chilly air along the River Seine, admiring the magnificent buildings in the clear winter light. Also, France has some of the largest ski areas in the world, giving you the best winter sports experience. In addition, fewer crowds and the off-season make winter a great time to visit France. Some of the snow places to visit in France include Nice, Monaco, Paris, The French Alps and the Pyrenees, and more.

The world is full of magical destinations having both natural beauty and uniqueness. You can book one of the domestic or international holiday packages from India and be ready for the best winter escapes.