Do the winter blues get you down time and time again? Or better yet, do you love winter so much that you want to experience some of the coldest, most winter-Esque places on planet earth? Whether you're into sweater weather or bikini weather, traveling in the winter can lead you to some of the world's sunniest beaches or frigid temperatures. If you're having trouble deciding where to head this winter season, check out this list of options for all types of travelers.
10 Finland
Are you looking for a playful experience to get in touch with your inner child? If so, Rovaniemi, Finland, is the winter wonderland you need! Known to be the home of Santa Claus, confirmed when you land at Rovaniemi's airport, which says "Welcome to Santa Claus's Official Hometown," Rovaniemi is a popular option for families with young children. Even if you're not traveling with kiddos, a trip to Rovaniemi is a near-perfect destination to visit during winter. Aside from Santa Claus's Village, Rovaniemi offers snowmobile rides chasing the Northern Lights, dog-sledding, a reindeer farm, and a fun nightlife scene with some exquisite dining. Just remember to pack layers!
9 Svalbard (Norway)
Are you an adventure traveler looking to go somewhere totally off-the-beaten-path, where there are so few people that polar bears outnumber them? Look no further than Svalbard, a northern Norway territory. Literally translating to "cold shores," Svalbard is so far north that it doesn't see a sunset for five months of the year. Perks to being so far north is that it's one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Also, if you were ever to get stuck in Svalbard in an end-of-the-world disaster, you'd be in luck. Svalbard is where the "Doomsday Vault" is buried, formally known as The Global Seed Vault, holding all of the world's seeds. You'll also be heavily protected there; it's not only legal but mandated to carry a gun in certain parts of the country. Certainly a quirky place, it's a great option for adventurers looking for a thrill of a winter getaway.
8 Sweden
If going to a northern Norwegian territory is too risqué and going to a Finnish winter wonderland is too childish, Scandinavia might still have you covered with the funky country of Sweden. From the rockabilly capital of Stockholm to the northern city of Kiruna, enjoying all the different aspects of Sweden is ideal for a winter vacation. The Christmas markets in Stockholm are plentiful, and you can buy souvenirs, ornaments, sweaters, scarves, and more to bring home to your friends and family. While walking around, make sure to grab a famous Swedish street hotdog, a surefire way to get a good meal without breaking the bank. Sweden, like its other Scandinavian neighbors, is ideal for chasing the Northern Lights.
7 Antarctica
Are you a winter fanatic and a bucket-list adventure chaser? If you've got a bit of extra money to spend and you share the two aforementioned traits, a trip to Antarctica is fitting for a perfect winter getaway. Often starting at $5,000 but going upwards of $20,000, a trip to the seventh continent is a commitment, both time-wise and financially. A journey to Antarctica typically starts in Ushuaia, Argentinian's southernmost city, where you'll board a large cruise to head over the dreaded Drake Passage. Going over the Drake Passage takes approximately 24 hours and is not for the faint of heart, but it will certainly be worth it when you are hanging out with penguins, whales, and leopard seals in the least visited continent of the world.
6 Slovenia
If you're looking to go to a lesser visited European nation but still want all of that classic European charm, Slovenia is a great winter option. Stroll through the capital of Ljubljana and shop at one of the city's many Christmas markets. Head to the mountainside, where you'll see icy snow-capped mountains surrounding one of Slovenia's many castles. Slovenia's cuisine consists of hearty meals, such as štruklji, or dumplings, beef soup, turnip soup, and of course, a nice mug of mulled wine to keep you warm.
5 Brazil
If your reason for wanting to travel during winter is to get away from winter-like conditions, then heading to Brazil is certainly a feasible option. Remember, the Northern Hemisphere's winter is the Southern Hemisphere's summer, meaning December and January are prime summer seasons in sunny Brazil. Head to Rio de Janeiro to explore Copacabana Beach and one of the world's seven wonders, Christ the Redeemer. Drink caipirinhas and enjoy a samba dance performance. Face your fears of venomous snakes and jaguars and head to the Amazon. Brazil is South America's largest country and is nothing short of a thrill.
4 South Africa
As mentioned, the Northern Hemisphere's winter is the Southern Hemisphere's summer, so a trip to South Africa is a great idea for a proper winter getaway if you're looking to indulge in some nice weather. Hike Cape Town's Cable Mountain for some stunning views of the most southern country on the continent. Face your fears and go diving with Great White Sharks. Grab some vetkoek (South African donuts stuffed with minced meats) on the go. Definitely don't leave the country without learning of some of its dark past at one of the many museums. If you have time, go on a safari and test your chance at sighting The Big 5!
3 Australia
The land down under has some of the best beaches in the world and provides a perfect sunny, warm escape from those frigid winter blues. Sydney's Bondi Beach is a great place to catch a wave or watch some surfers. Interested in scuba diving? The obvious choice here is to head to the Great Barrier Reef, closest to Cairns International Airport. If you have a few extra days to kill, get PADI-certified in The Great Barrier Reef. Imagine not only visiting Australia and seeing the Great Barrier Reef but getting certified to dive there. How's that for a vacation story? Keep in mind that Australia is huge, and though it might look small on a map, the best way to travel from Point A to Point B is by flying, similar to the United States.
2 Costa Rica
If you don't have as much time and want to head somewhere that's a quick flight from the States, Latin America is a great choice, and nowhere is going to appeal to every traveler the way Costa Rica will. With two international airports, San Jose and Liberia, Costa Rica has plenty of direct flights from several cities in the United States. If you're looking for an oasis of a getaway, La Fortuna is the place for you. La Fortuna perfectly blends adventure with its many hanging bridges, canyon swinging, and river cruises with relaxation with its many natural hot springs. With such a quick flight to this tropical paradise from the US, Costa Rica ought to be at the top of your bucket list for winter getaways.
1 Seychelles
Are you ready to get away from it all? If you're looking for a long flight to a remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a winter escape to Seychelles has your name written all over it. Head to the picturesque island of La Digue, with its famous gray and white jutting rocks against white sands and crystal clear waters. Take a look at the native coco de Mer, or sea coconut, a nut that is extremely large and oddly resembling a butt! Seychelles might look like the Maldives, but it provides ample activities, giving you the option to either relax or go on a full-fledged adventure. With December's average temperature being 85 degrees F, it's surprising you haven't started googling flights yet.