Everyone always lusts over a tropical beach vacation with sunny skies and hot weather—and don't get us wrong; those kinds of trips are obviously amazing.
But winter landscapes don't get nearly enough love and they are equally (if not more) awesome. There are so many places that will make you see why they're worth witnessing when there's a chill in the air and fresh snow on the ground.
This list of beautiful spots to explore are actually even better to visit in the winter time. Mix it up a bit, instead of always picking places to pack the sunblock and bikini, opt for a cozier option—you won't regret it.
From Montreal and Aspen to Paris and Berlin—the world has a never-ending supply of pristine places that take it to the next level in winter.
The holidays are also a magical time of year to spend in a faraway place. And no matter what anyone tries to tell you, the holidays are so much better when it's cold outside. There's something so stunning about it being that time of the year—when you can stay warm by the fire and look outside at snow blanketing the trees.
It doesn't matter if you're an avid skier, snowboarder, snow tubing enthusiast or just love the picturesque backdrop of a snow-covered town — these places will inspire you to book a trip, bundle up and have the time of your life.
What are you waiting for? Embrace winter and start plotting the ultimate getaway to do just that.
20 Berlin - Winter is Germany Is One Of A Kind
Book a trip to Berlin during winter time to do the holiday season right. Germany is known for their epic Christmas markets, with other areas of the world even trying to mimic them. But one thing is for sure—no one can do it as well as Germany can. Their display of festive decor and delicious eats can't be beat.
Germany's capital, Berlin is full of history, charm and is a breathtaking place to visit in the winter. See the remarkable Französischer Dom nestled amongst the snow and take in all the gorgeous scenery the area has to offer during the most wonderful time of the year.
19 Montreal - A True Winter, Eh
Dash through the snow at this picturesque city in Quebec. Wander through the snow sprinkled cobblestone streets and explore the many magical sights there are to see here. Wintertime in Montreal means a whole lot of free activities to soak up the season.
Visit the Winter Village at Olympic Park with a 65-foot Christmas tree, twinkling lights and a fire pit to cozy up next to with a loved one or your best friends. Roast marshmallows after enjoying some ice skating time on the free rink. Of course, nothing beats witnessing the snow-capped Mount Royal, a must-see for any visitors to Montreal in the Winter time.
18 Tadami River - A Post Card In Real Life
Find this absolutely amazing gem in Fukushima, Japan. The major tributary of the Agano River covers an impressive 8,400 kms. Take a train ride over the river or just explore on foot. The reflection of the bridge and snow-covered trees in the water are hard to beat.
This place is so jaw-dropping it will make you feel like you've stepped out of the real world and right into a post card. The icy waters and snow-capped trees make for an incredible photo opportunity, so take advantage and get some epic shots to share of your winter trip here.
Feeling inspired to explore the cold yet? Try something new this year and explore an all-new city in the winter for an enchanting vacation of a lifetime.
17 Paris - The City Of Love
Everyone knows Paris is a must on any travelers bucket list, but it's also a great place to visit in the colder months. With gentle falling snow and the Eiffel Tower as the ultimate backdrop—you can't go wrong. Plus, it's chock-full of adorable little boutique shops and cozy cafes to stay warm in.
Take a leisurely walk down the glistening Champs-Elysees for a truly enchanting winter experience that won't even seem like real life. Visiting in the Winter also allows you to experience the city more like a local. Tourists tend to flock here mostly in spring and summer so winter is the perfect time catch a glimpse of Paris that is less populated than usual.
16 Chicago - The Windy City
It may be known as being the windy city, but it's also pretty awesome when it's covered in the snow. Chicago serves up the ultimate comfort food (hello, deep-dish pizza) which will keep you warm even in the coldest of winter months.
Experience Lake Michigan completely frozen over for a beautiful sight. They also put on an incredible Zoo Lights Festival at Lincoln Park and you can go for a skate at Millennium Park. If all else fails, just go for a romantic stroll along Michigan Avenue and immerse yourself in your surroundings. The beautiful city does not disappoint in Winter.
15 Fairbanks - The Northern Lights
It doesn't get much more picturesque than this. We simply can't create a winter escape bucket list without including beautiful Alaska. Witness the Northern Lights right before your very eyes for a truly mesmerizing experience you will never forget.
The vibrant Northern Lights are an amazing sight to see that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime. Alaska also has a lot of other amazing things to offer with its abundant wildlife, quaint towns and outdoor activities. Alaska is a major skiing destination and is one of the most stunning places you will ever travel to.
14 Nagano - All About Those Hot Springs
It's no secret that Japan has a lot of incredible attractions. Head over to Nagano for a winter vacation that will make your jaw drop. First of all, they host an annual snow festival, which is basically the most winter-y thing you can do.
They're also known for their awesome slopes to go skiing down. If that wasn't enough, they have an epic hot spring resort with adorable wooden inns to stay in. Check out Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can take a dip in the hot springs with a friendly visitor; monkeys—Japanese macaques to be exact.
13 Prague - Perfect Place To Spend The Holidays
The Czech Republic is known for its absolutely incredible history, stunning architecture and natural beauty. This is only highlighted during the macaques months. The Prague Christmas Market in Town Square is definitely a must-see.
The city of Prague is full of charming historic cafes where you can cozy up with a hot beverage before you go back out and brave the cold again. Go for a romantic skate at one of the outdoor rinks with the most breathtaking backdrop you could ever imagine. It looks just like a postcard. Walk down the snow-covered streets to see cool Gothic churches and colourful Baroque buildings.
12 New York City - The Big Snowy Apple
You didn't think we'd create a winter list without including New York, did you? NYC is arguably one of the best places to visit when it's cold. The snow just makes the city look even more beautiful than usual. The Big Apple is such an exciting place to travel with a never-ending list of things to do.
But going during the holidays makes it even better. Ice skate at Rockefeller Centre, see where Home Alone was filmed and go for a romantic horse carriage ride around Central Park. Whether you go around Christmas or New Years Eve, the city is absolutely bustling with all the action and shopping you need during winter.
11 Banff - A Scenic Mountain Town
The Banff area is quite possibly home to some of the most beautiful landscapes you will find in Canada, and in the world. The charming mountain town is a fun place to check out in the winter, whether you like skiing or snowboarding. Explore the outskirts of Banff like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, which are truly incredible all times of the year, but a little more magical when they're frozen over.
Go for a skate, see incredible ice sculptures or go dog-sledding for a true Canadian winter experience. This place is so picturesque, it won't even feel like real life but more like you're just dreaming with your eyes open.
10 Yellowstone National Park - Bucket List Worthy
The snowy landscapes are to die for. I mean just look it. The park is home to a plethora of trails for you to explore on back-country skis, snowshoes or just on foot. There's a good chance you will spot some wildlife while here, like wolves, elk, bison and more.
Go snowmobiling or take a dip in one of the hot spring pools. This is definitely the place to go for outdoor enthusiasts. With so much to see and explore, you'll never get bored. Make sure to bring your camera to capture all the beauty this special place has to offer.
9 Aspen - A Winter Wonderland
Head over to this beautiful city in Colorado for a truly magical winter season you won't ever forget—trust us. Aspen is known as being one of the best places to go skiing in the U.S. and in the world. While it's a great place to visit all year long, with a lot of activities to offer every season—winter is where it really shines.
The ski resort town is a charming and quaint place to enjoy the pristine snow and the serene beauty of the mountains all around you. Even if you don't ski, the village is a great place to spend a weekend away and get back to nature.
8 Montana - Soak Up The Mountains
Montana is a gorgeous state but that is heavily escalated in the winter. It's a popular spot for winter sport enthusiasts so head over here if you want to hit the slopes. They also have tons of adorable little huts to have the ultimate winter vacation.
The wildlife and scenery here can't be beat. Bring your camera and capture the puffy bounds of fresh untouched snow glistening in the sun. Montana just may be one of the most under-rated states to spend the holidays in. Nothing beats enjoying the cold here, there's so much to do and see, you'll wonder why you haven't made the trip sooner.
7 The French Alps - Obviously
This is where you need to go to enjoy the Alpine season. The French Alps offer one-of-a-kind views that will make all your Instagram followers green with envy. Discover feet upon feet of fresh powder and go on a winter adventure of epic proportions. You can always stay warm in your very own ski chalet that is as charming as it is luxurious.
Hit the slopes or just enjoy the snow-capped mountains from a distance while you sip on some hot chocolate and cozy up by the fire. Winter here is incredible and a must if you love the colder season.
6 Sweden - *The* Place To Experience Winter
Sweden is home to the coolest accommodation ever, literally—the Ice Hotel. Just like it sounds, the hotel is made from using several blocks of ice from the Torne River and it's definitely a bucket list item. While here, you can experience a lot of popular winter activities, such as snowmobiling, dog-sledding and arctic gastronomy.
They also have the epic Jokkmokk Winter Market. Besides all of that, the Northern Lights can also be seen here and it's just a beautiful spot to visit when it's snowy. They also do ice-driving every February where professional drivers take the latest Mercedes and Porsche models for a spin on frozen lakes like Baksjon and Are.
5 Wyoming - Quaint And Cozy
Nothing says winter vacation quite like staying somewhere quaint and cozy. Wyoming is a charming little place that is a little slice of heaven when it's completely covered in pristine snow.
The winter wonderland has a plethora of activities to take part in through the colder season, like sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating and of course—skiing the magnificent slopes. It's also just a great place to get back to nature and enjoy the great outdoors—you can never get enough of that. Breathe in the fresh cool air and bask in the incredibly serene surroundings for a magical vacation.
4 Park City - Best Adventures Had In Winter
Looking to fully embrace winter head-on? Then there's no other place for you like Park City, Utah. This spot is the place to be in the chilly winter months. Stop by at the awesome Sundance Film Festival or you can hit the slopes with your skis or snowboard.
If you're feeling brave, go for a whirlwind ride down a bobsled to feel like an Olympic athlete. Did we mention they also have a distillery you can ski right into? Yeah, add this place to your bucket list now if you can't get enough winter and love all the sports involving snow. You won't regret it.
3 Whistler Village - A Hub For Winter Lovers
British Columbia's Whistler Village was home to the 2010 Canadian Winter Olympics and it is an awesome place to visit during the colder months. It's incredibly picturesque for one, and there's tons to do in the winter time—skiing, snowboarding, wandering around the quaint village and visiting the Olympic park—just to name a few.
They also have the incredible Scandinave Spa which features various hot and cold baths, saunas and steam rooms to relax in. The spa is all outdoors so when it's blanketed in snow, it's even more magical. Hit up the spa after an epic day on the mountains.
2 Reykjavik - A Glacier Paradise
Visit Iceland for an immersive winter experience complete with massive glaciers and soothing hot springs. Reykjavik is full of fun things to do to soak up the Winter season. These things include: the Northern Lights, skiing, snowboarding and exploring various glaciers, lagoons and ice caves.
When you've had enough of the cold, warm up in the hot springs while overlooking all the incredible sights of Iceland. This place is truly the highlight of many travel bloggers and it's easy to see why. You can choose from a variety of tours to explore ice tunnels, glaciers, ice caves and a glacier lagoon.
1 Lake Tahoe - Winter Paradise
This California hot spot may seem like a given during the warm Summer months, but it's also a great place to visit in the Winter time. There's so much fun to be had in this spot. Go on a snowmobiling trek, try snow tubing, go on a snow shoeing trek, check out sledding, try sleigh rides or simply just sit by the fireside with hot chocolate in hand and make some s'mores.
If all else fails, you can always slip on some skates and go for a spin around the rink. Soak up all the beauty winter has to offer by adding this spot to your list of places to vacation in the colder months.
References: TripAdvisor