Australian summer can be pretty intense in some areas, and many locals are looking for the chance to escape the heat. Since schools are closed during the festive period, it becomes the perfect time to plan an overseas trip with your family, preferably to someplace cooler.
Get your travel documents, pack your bags and be ready to cool down this Christmas while checking out these international snow caps.
Banff, Canada
Banff is a resort town in Alberta, Canada. Its skyline features the picturesque peaks of Mt. Cascade and Mt. Rundle, which are part of the Rocky Mountains.
Many visitors compare Banff to the mythical winter wonderland because you can enjoy several activities besides the beautiful views. These include dog sledging, hiking, ice climbing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snow tubing.
Banff Avenue is the main road in the small town, with boutiques, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. If you don’t like the bustle of urban centres, you can retreat to the nearby parklands to see elks and grizzly bears. You can also relax in the hot springs.
Rothenburg, Germany
If you love small-town staycations, consider visiting Rothenburg in northwest Bavaria. The town is on Germany’s famous Romantic Road and was featured in Walt Disney’s Pinocchio and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a 1968 musical film.
In winter, this walled city exudes a romantic atmosphere. This peaks in the Christmas-New Year week when the markets transform into a dreamland. The narrow, winding streets are usually covered in snow and lined with stalls selling everything, from mouth-watering German pastries to traditional Christmas goodies.
Arachova, Greece
Due to its proximity to the tropics, Greece doesn’t experience extreme winters. Therefore, visiting Arachova is ideal when you desire mild winter conditions with sunshine on the horizon.
Arachova is a vibrant town near Mt. Parnassos in Viotia, southern Greece. It’s a suitable winter destination for tourists who enjoy breathtaking views using modern facilities. In addition, you can participate in outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Arachova also has exciting nightlife. Several restaurants, roadside food stalls, and entertainment spots come to life after sunset. History lovers can take a walk in the Byzantine churches in downtown Arachova to see the long-standing arches and frescos.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is the largest city in north-eastern France, but it’s better known as the Christmas capital. Its stylish wine taverns, night markets, and wooden stalls selling all types of festive goodies make it an ideal destination for travellers who want to enjoy a snow-white Christmas.
Besides, Strasbourg’s city centre is a UNESCO heritage site, and it turns into paradise when snowflakes cover the tiny, bright Christmas lights.
Sapa, Vietnam
Many people find it surprising that there’s snow in Vietnam because it’s close to leading summer destinations like Bali and Phuket. Although mountain activities are rare in this region, you’ll love how green rice fields turn white during winter.
Sapa is a hilly countryside located in north-western Vietnam. The main tourist attractions are the natural beauty of the rugged terrain and the cultural activities of the ethnic inhabitants. Like other Southeast Asian destinations, trips to this place are budget-friendly.
The Himalayas Range
Do you fancy seeing the world’s highest point? If so, visit the Himalayas range. Formed 80 million years ago, the range is so extensive that it covers six countries; Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet. You can see its beauty in these nations throughout the year.
Besides snow-capped peaks, you can enjoy many glaciers, lakes, grazing lands, and snow-fed rivers.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is among the best-preserved towns from the medieval era. In December, snow covers the town’s historical monuments, giving it a majestic outlook. You can enjoy winter in this city while roaming the streets, gazing at the architecture, or sipping hot beverages in an outdoor café.
Wrapping Up
Typical Aussie summers involve outdoor parties with lots of BBQ and swimming. However, this year, you can change the norm by booking a trip to a snowy destination to enjoy nature’s other side. It’s exciting, refreshing, and, more importantly, breaks the monotony of sticking to the ‘normal’ Australian summer culture.