Places that I'd like to visit for a cold winter getaway

I've been lucky enough to enjoy travel all around the world, but when it comes to planning a holiday we tend to prioritise places with a lovely, warm climate. In fact I can only think of two places that we've visited that have been unbearably cold - Iceland in April and Chicago in December. Most of my holiday memories involve warm seas, cooling towels and an appreciation for air conditioning!

But that doesn't mean that there aren't places I would like to visit that enjoy much colder temperatures.  One place in particular that I've always wanted to visit is Hammerfest in Norway, the world's northernmost town. This was inspired by Bill Bryson, writing in Neither Here Nor There, which I've read many times. When he visited in winter he had to take a thirty hour bus ride from Oslo although I think the transport may be easier now - I know that my parents stopped there on a cruise a few years ago. 

Of course the main reason that people are prepared to brace freezing conditions is in hope of seeing the Northern Lights, and that's definitely part of the appeal for me! I had a glimpse of them in Iceland, before we had fancy phones that let you photograph the lights when they aren't visible to the naked eye, but it was a little late in the year to see them properly. I'm realistic and I know that they aren't as spectacular in person, but I'd still love to spend some time gazing at the skies.

Ideally I would be watching them from something like this - a glass igloo. I think that they look amazing, imagine lying in bed and watching the Northern Lights above you!

Photo credit Vincent Guth via Unsplash

Another type of accommodation that I'd like to try is an Ice Hotel. They are a bit of a novelty and definitely not designed for a long stay - mostly people visit them in the day just to look around and marvel with no intention of staying to sleep - I've never heard of anyone that has actually spent a night in one! I've been doing some research and it looks as though the rooms don't have luggage storage, a bathroom or even a door, so you literally just wrap up warm before you lie down in a sleeping bag on the ice block and go to sleep! I found some interesting information here if it's something you also like the sound of - Ice Hotel Guide. I think it would be a really unique experience!

Photo credit William Warby via Unsplash

Alaska is another northern place that I'd like to visit, ideally as part of an Alaskan cruise. We came very close to booking one earlier this year, but because the cruise lines that do the best tours aren't the big family ships we decided it's probably best to do one in a few years without the children. It's a good idea to look for the cruise lines that can sail all the way into Glacier Bay - and only a few are allowed each year. I love the idea of sitting on a balcony, wrapped in blanket with a hot chocolate and watching the glaciers pass by.

A little easier and closer to home, for a winter getaway I think that a European city break at Christmas is perfect. I do love a Christmas market, and while they can be found all over the world, Germany will always hold a special place in my heart. I love wandering around clutching a sticky mug of mulled wine and nibbling a decorated gingerbread heart.

I spent a year living in Germany as part of my studies, and it was fantastic to see the little town I lived in decorated for Christmas. They went all out with the decorations, even all that time ago, but it was really tasteful and gorgeously festive. I still remember the bus ride back to the airport before I came home for Christmas - many of the houses had a realistic life-sized Father Christmas on the roof or climbing up the chimney!

Which colder destinations appeal to you for a winter holiday?