Sleds, geysers, sushi, and tons of snow: a wild winter like you’ve never experienced before!
Winter is coming, and while everyone else is talking about sofas, blankets, and TV series, we say: wake up!
Winter is made for traveling and discovering incredible places, outrageous adventures, and stunning landscapes!
Have you ever wondered what Santa Claus, Gladiator, geysers, dried cod, and ice sculptures all have in common?
An absolutely crazy winter — that’s what!
Have you ever thought about racing across Lapland on a snowmobile? Or seeing a snow-covered volcano in Japan? And what about getting lost among the markets of Marrakech in winter?
If you haven’t, now’s the time to make up for it.
Here are the five winter destinations for 2024 that will make you say: “Why on earth didn’t I go there sooner?!”
Read also: How to dress in Vietnam: practical tips so you don’t melt in the heat — or freeze instead!
Lapland: speed through the snow on a sled in search of Santa Claus and set sail on an icebreaker ship
Ah, Lapland! The land of winter wonders — and not just for Santa Claus.
Get ready for husky sled rides with the fluffiest dogs around, and for journeys on trains crossing spectacular snowy landscapes straight out of the Polar Express.
But the real highlight is the Northern Lights: a light show so surreal it feels like stepping into an incredible screensaver. And just when you think it can’t get any better, we’ll take you aboard an icebreaker ship cutting through the frozen sheets of the Baltic Sea. It’ll feel like you’re inside an epic action movie.
And after all that excitement, guess where we’ll take you to sleep? Inside a real igloo.
Iceland: where the geysers say hello!
Iceland in winter is like a giant psychedelic nightclub created by nature: geysers blasting steam, waterfalls that seem to have fallen straight from the sky, and glaciers so enormous they’ll make you feel like a tiny, insignificant speck.
And then there’s the Golden Circle, the very best of the best: Thingvellir, the national park where you can literally walk between two continents; Geysir, shooting boiling water high into the air; and Gullfoss, the queen of waterfalls.
Then there’s Jökulsárlón, the glacial lagoon, where massive icebergs float like ice cubes in a giant cocktail. And while you’re there, stop by Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice look just like diamonds. It’ll feel like stepping into a scene from Frozen, just without the songs every five minutes.
Norway: paradise for fjords lovers (and dried cod too!)
The Lofoten Islands are pure paradise. When you arrive, you’ll probably think: I must have been unbelievably good in life to end up in heaven! But the moment you catch the unmistakable scent of stockfish, you’ll know you’re very much alive.
In this magical Arctic destination, you’ll see mountains plunging into the sea, breathtaking fjords, postcard-perfect fishing villages, and jaw-dropping views.
One of the Lofoten villages we’ll take you to is called Å: supposedly because it’s the only thing amazed tourists can say when they see it: “Ah!”
No, just kidding — it actually means “small river,” but trust us, there’s nothing small there, not even the cod.
Svolvær, Reine, and Hamnøy are absolutely mind-blowing: colorful houses reflected in crystal-clear waters, snow-covered peaks, and that perfect mix of wild nature and peace and quiet.
And yes, you can see the Northern Lights here too. Seeing them in person is one of those experiences that truly changes you.
And even if it sounds a little too romantic, we have to say it: trust us, you can’t really say you’ve lived until you’ve seen the lights dancing across the northern sky.
Japan: hot springs, ryokan, sushi, and ice statues
Now close your eyes and imagine this: you’re relaxing in an onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring, with snow gently falling all around you, while thinking about the sushi dinner waiting for you.
This is winter in Japan!
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, turns into a city of ice thanks to the famous Snow Festival: giant ice sculptures, nighttime events, and lots of fun.
Just one tip: don’t put your tongue on the ice sculptures unless you want to become part of the artwork.
Then there’s Mount Fuji, dressed in its finest white for winter, as if it were wearing a wedding gown.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go trekking too (though not all the way to the summit, unless you’re a mountaineering superhero).
But that’s not all: you’ll also be able to admire Mount Koyasan, sleep in a real monastery, and then enjoy Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara with its famous deer.
And of course, there’s time to unwind in ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), complete with views of snowy mountains.
Amazing!
Morocco: the most alternative winter possible!
You didn’t expect that, did you? In winter, Morocco becomes even more fascinating!
Marrakech wraps you in the scents of spices, the vivid colors of its markets, and its fairytale atmosphere.
The Medina is a maze of fascinating alleyways, while Jemaa el-Fna Square comes alive with snake charmers, food vendors, and street performers.
But that’s not all! From the city’s vibrant energy, the journey continues toward the Atlas Mountains and the desert.
Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou look like places straight out of a movie. And in fact, many epic films were shot there, including Gladiator.
The temperatures are mild, but the charm remains the same. You can even take a camel excursion and sleep under the stars in a desert camp.
And don’t forget Chefchaouen, the blue city, which looks like something out of a dream. Its streets, painted in endless shades of blue, are a feast for the eyes — and in winter there are fewer people, which means you can enjoy this wonder without the crowds.
Ready for an unforgettable winter?
In short, enough with the usual boring winters! Adventures are waiting for you in Lapland, Iceland, Norway, Japan, and Morocco. Whether you’re a snow lover or prefer the warmth of the desert, there’s a perfect destination for you.
As you’ve seen, it ranges from Santa Claus and powerful geysers to giant Japanese ice statues, cod, camels, and snakes... there’s something for every taste!
So grab your backpack and get ready to experience a memorable winter you’ll be talking about for years.
So what are you waiting for? Are you still here?!
Discover our 5 wildest destinations for winter 2024:
- a trip to chase the Northern Lights in Lapland;
- a mega tour among glaciers and geysers in Iceland;
- discovering the Lofoten Islands and the fjords of Norway;
- an amazing journey through Japan with hot springs and sushi;
- discover the magic of Morocco.
Choose your trip and book now!
Let’s go!
