With winter around the corner, it may be the perfect time to pack your bags and enjoy a quick vacation to end the year on a good note.
Whenever December swings around, there are always two vacation plans we tend to clinch onto for a quick winter break: either a sunny, tropical island getaway, or a snowy fairytale adventure.
Whatever choice you choose to take this year, there’s one thing to agree on: winter is a magical time to take a break after a long and tumultuous year.
For this year’s World Tourism Day, Doha News has compiled a list of best places to vacation this winter – from glorious, yet bizarre options, to budget-friendly gems.
Japan
The Asian country has some of the best winter sports available around the world, from skiing, snowboarding, or even skating. The northern island of Hokkaido is particularly renowned for its ski resorts and powdery white snow. Hakuba, just outside of the city in the northern alps, is considered the country’s best all-round ski destination.
But fun is never complete without a full stomach. Japan is also famous for its seasonal specialties, and some things are only available during the coldest time of the year. If you visit Japan during the winter, you will find delicious, warm dishes that will blow your mind.
However, temperatures during Japan’s winter seasons depend on where in the country you want to visit. In places like Kansai and Shikoku, temperatures can reach around 10ºC or even higher.
Puerto Rico
Not only that, but you can find a culturally stunning view or a fun activity around ever corner.
The Miramar Museum of Art and Design, which has beautiful pink walls ready to make your selfies pop, is a great place to start.. Travellers can also take a walk through Old San Juan to visit historic monuments such as El Morro and Museo Castillo Serralles, or have a drink and relax at the tens of beautiful and lively beaches across the country.
A 7-day trip can cost you around $1,314 if you are a solo traveler, $2,360 for couples, and $4,424 for a family of 4 (excluding the plane tickets).
Overall, the trip is worth it and this place should definitely be on your travel list.
Contrary to its name, the country has one of the most stunning icy views, in addition to the most naturally beautiful scenes on the planet. In addition to the glaciers, the world’s biggest non-continental island has magnificent fjords, colourful villages, and fields of sheep that are perfect for a relaxing getaway.
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Travellers can also experience dog sledding in East Greenland as well as visit all the towns and settlements north of the Polar Circle in West Greenland. But the best part? Northern lights are visible in Greenland from August to the beginning of April, so you can experience one of the most beautiful views on earth.
As a wise person once said: winter in Greenland is, without a doubt, an Arctic paradise.
The island’s Indian Ocean waters are as clear as crystals, and the resorts are very budget-friendly for those who want the perfect beach trip without spending too much.
Did you you know the small island may also be home to a lost continent hiding beneath the waves?
The already stunning country glows up during winter, giving all its travellers a look at the city’s Gothic architecture with stunning ice decorating the buildings.
The average temperature in December stays at 0°C, with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Chances of snow are high – 69% and you can expect just about two hours of sunshine every day. So you can say it’s pretty much the opposite of Doha.
Prague is also very affordable compared to most of Europe and has plenty of amazing accommodation options at super reasonable prices.
