Winter Wonderlands - Full-Time Travel

Winter Wonderlands

Winter Wonderlands

We're Bundled Up and Ready for These Cold-Weather Trips

Who else has been bitten by the travel bug now that winter is setting in? Instead of escaping the cold, lean into the season by traveling to a fairytale-worthy winter wonderland. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the slopes or a cozy fireside reading nook—you’ll be swooning over the beauty of these snow-covered destinations. This winter, we’re ready to sleigh all day.

@Fox Jia

Lapland, Finland

Can you think of anything more magical than cuddling up under the stars in your own glass-ceilinged igloo to watch the northern lights? Didn’t think so. The Lapland region of Finland is full of resorts that take advantage of this beautiful natural phenomenon and make for the most romantic winter getaway—sleigh ride included.

@Max Adulyanukosol

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark is the birthplace of “hygge,” a word and concept that means the feeling of coziness, contentment and enjoyment of simple pleasures. Pack your comfiest cable-knit sweater and prepare to get majorly into the holiday spirit as Denmark’s capital city wraps you in hygge, from its quaint cafes to its trendy local shops.

@Nellia Kurme

Zermatt, Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are famous for their ski resorts and eye-catching peaks. What better way to embrace the winter season than with iconic views of the the Matterhorn and rustic old-fashioned chalets? Whether you’d prefer to hit the slopes or the spa, Zermatt is home to the winter vacation you’ve been daydreaming about.

@Daniil Silantev

Moscow, Russia

With holiday markets in Red Square and the swirling peaks of Saint Basil’s Cathedral rising over the city, it doesn’t get more festive than this. The old-world cityscape of Moscow mixes with snow to create a breathtaking urban exploration like no other.

@Ryan Stone

Banff National Park, Canada

No, it’s not an Instagram filter — the water really is that pristine shade of blue! Moraine Lake and its turquoise banks are just one of the reasons to visit Canada’s Banff National Park. Its hiking trails are world-renowned, and it boasts the largest cave system in Canada (looking at you, adventure junkies).

@Thomas Kelley

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride combines the charm of an old coal-mining town with the adventure and luxury of a world-class ski resort, making it an unbeatable winter getaway. Ski bums and foodies alike will be thrilled by the experience of dining at Alpino Vino, the highest elevation fine-dining restaurant in America, which sits at over 12,000 feet.

@Yonatan Anugerah

Cappadocia, Turkey

Largely known as a hotspot for lovers of archeology and geology, Cappadocia transforms in the winter season. The most exciting way to view the snow-covered loveliness? By hot-air balloon, of course! Hold on to your hats!

"This sculpture is called "Transmission" by artist Daniel Popper. Its a reminder that we are all rooted in love, unity and the divine. She stands a towering 28 feet tall and is located on Mojave Moon Ranch in Joshua Tree. The land is private property, so you can see it from the viewing platform off of Sunfair Road. And take it from me, it's best viewed at sunset."

Reel: @johnofah
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There's more to Greece than the white and blue buildings and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. If you're planning a visit, check out these places below!

📍Kokkinopilos. Preveza
📍Verliga Dragon lake, Thessaly
📍Ithaca island, lonian Sea
📍Aoos springs lake, Epirus
📍Lake Prespes, Macedonia
📍Balda di Stringa waterfalls, Epirus
📍Meteora, Thessaly
📍Pelion, Thessaly
📍Lake Zorika, Epirus
📍Mt Lakmos
📍Crete island, Aegean Sea
📍Gistova Dragon lake, Macedonia

Reel: @farawayfarers
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Swim or kayak through the limestone cliffs of the Twin Lagoon, a must-visit destination for those traveling to Coron, Palawan, Philippines. It is called "twin" lagoon because it consists of two lagoons separated by a limestone cliff, with one lagoon on top of the other. The water in the inner lagoon is warm and clear, with a stunning turquoise color that makes it popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Reel: @travelifejournal
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Take a dip in a series of seven saltwater lagoons located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The Lagoons of Baltinache are known for their beautiful turquoise waters and unique geological formations. The high concentration of minerals in the water gives it a unique buoyancy that makes swimming in the lagoons a unique experience.

Reel: @everchanginghorizon
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Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park is one of the most memorable experiences you could have. Haleakalā is a Hawaiian name that means “House of the Sun” and is an awesome place to watch the clear night sky and stars fade away as the sun lights up the sky and the earth.

Reel: @girlchill_sunset
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Just 1 hour from Shanghai by train, Cherry Blossom Valley is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The valley is named after the thousands of cherry blossom trees that cover the area and create a stunning display of pink and white flowers. The trees were originally planted in the 1980s by a group of Japanese experts who were invited to China to help with reforestation efforts. The best time to visit is typically in late March or early April. Get there early to beat the crowds!

Reel: @cyncynti
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New Zealand is unbelievable. See it for yourself:

1. Fiordland National Park
2. A classic backcountry hut trip
3. Blue Pools walk
4. Hooker Lake
5. Milford Sound
6. Lake Pukaki

Reel: @kylekotajarvi
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Surrounded by lush greenery, towering karst mountains, and the river flowing through, the Detian Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the close relationship between China and Vietnam. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest cross-border waterfall in the world.

Reel: @sophoebelous
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Escape to a serene and peaceful oasis away from the bustling city of Marrakech at Le Jardin Secret—a beautiful and historic garden where visitors can escape the noise and chaos and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden was originally built in the 16th century and is home to many different species of plants, including exotic flowers, citrus trees, and palm trees.

Reel: @hypermiggzz
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For a magical moment and bucket list travel experience, visit the end point of the annual monarch butterfly migration. Starting in August, the monarchs travel 2,800 miles south from Canada, making a temporary home amid the towering trees of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, where the two most popular sanctuaries to view them are el Rosario in the state of Michoacan and Piedra Herrada in Estado de México. Standing in silence while thousands of delicate wings beat in unison is something you'll never forget.

Reel: @juliiathompson
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There's just something beautiful about snow covered landscapes like this popular attraction in southwestern Utah. Known for its unique geology, @brycecanyonnps_gov consists of a series of natural amphitheaters, called "hoodoos," formed by erosion of the rock layers.

Photo: @nathanleeallen
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As we experience a couple more weeks of winter, we can't help but dream of tropical destinations like Hawaii. The warm water, sunny skies, and consistent waves make it an ideal destination for surfers. Hawaii has a vibrant surf culture and community and is also a beautiful place to explore outside of the water, with lush green mountains, stunning beaches, and unique cultural experiences.

Reel: @christopherballadarez
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5 PLACES IN THE U.S. THAT FEEL LIKE ANOTHER PLANET:
1. @sequoiakingsnps, California
2. @canyonlandsnps, Utah
3. @olympic_nps, Washington
4. @whitesandsnps, New Mexico
5. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
6. Knik Glacier, Alaska

Reel: @nathanleeallen
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