Best Places to Travel in Winter

1. Iceland for Enchanting Landscapes and Epic Outdoor Adventures

Majestic nature reigns supreme in awe-inspiring Iceland. Beyond the cosmopolitan capital Reykjavík, settlements are small – think fishing villages and farming hamlets speckling sweeping landscapes of ice and lava fields. Reykjavík itself (the obvious start to any Icelandic adventure) comes as a breath of (literal) fresh air in comparison with other city break destinations. The world’s most northerly capital feels clean and spacious, yet also has a real buzz about it. Divided in two by Tjörnin lake, Reykjavík’s bijou centre is a delight to amble.

Backed by splendid views of sheer mountains, its corner cafes and clusters of brightly-painted houses exude tremendous charm. For a city its size, Reykjavík punches way above its weight when it comes to museums and galleries. The Saga Museum, for example, offers an engaging introduction to Iceland’s epic past, and its restaurant isn’t half bad either. The city also offers a rewarding range of activities - horse-riding, wild swimming, whale-watching, helicopter trips, jeep excursions to glaciers, drives to the sublime Blue Lagoon and, topping the tree, Northern lights tours that run between October and March (so now’s the time to go, folks).

That said, for all Reykjavík’s appeal, you might want to consider venturing beyond the capital. Exploring Eastern Iceland, for example, is a magical experience, affording opportunities to traverse glacial valleys and towering mountains. And how about hiking fairy-tale forests followed by chilling out in beautifully-sited geothermal pools, or venturing into the Arctic Circle? Decisions, decisions…But, actually, you don’t have to decide between them. You could look to book a tailor-made trip to Iceland that takes in a vastness of experiences in one visit.

2. Rome for Romance, Culture and World-class Cuisine

Few cities exude romance like Rome. And few destinations reward repeat visits as much as Rome, either. So, even if you’ve been before, it’s worth considering revisiting Rome this winter. Firstly, it’s likely to be far less crowded than your previous trip(s). Secondly, Rome’s charms remain as alluring as ever. It is, after all, the Eternal City, and like the finest of wines, it improves with age.

On one level, Rome is essentially an open-air museum, with its 2000-plus years of inhabitation on glorious display at every turn. Now’s the time to dig out your most stylish outerwear before ambling those ancient, rambling streets to (re)discover historic highlights like the Arch of Constantine, the Pantheon, Palatine Hill, the Colosseum, and the Forum Romanum. Or how about absorbing the romantic allure of the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain? Come dusk, there’s no place sweeter to experience “la dolce vita” in style, perhaps while dining on classic cuisine in an authentic Roman restaurant.

If the chill begins to bite, Rome offers plenty of places to shop inside and in style, and the city certainly isn’t short of museums and galleries. Apart from the obvious (the Vatican and Capitoline Museums), Galleria Borghese comes heartily recommended. It’s clear to see why it’s known as the “delight of Rome” - not only is the gallery stunningly situated on the edge of beautiful Villa Borghese park, but it also boasts a huge collection of ancient sculptures and masterpieces from the 15-19th-centuries, including works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and Correggio.

All in all, visiting Rome this winter will reward visitors with less-crowded-than-usual romantic strolls, fine art, and fine food, making it the perfect place for an intoxicating whirlwind break (or perhaps a longer trip that takes in the Amalfi Coast at a less busy time of the year).

3. Mexico for Mayan Majesty and Wildlife Wonders

From the Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches and wildlife-rich jungles of the south, to the epic deserts and canyons of the north, to the striking colonial cities of the centre, Mexico is a mightily diverse destination. A place that stirs the soul, quickens the pulse, and awakens the mind through its intoxicating blend of historic and natural attractions. What’s more, during winter, temperatures are warm, the sun is bright, and the forests are lush and green following the rainy season. In short, there’s no better time to be invigorated by magnificent Mexico.

If you like your holidays to deliver cultural kicks and wildlife wonders alongside picture-perfect beaches, exploring the Mayan Trail might be exactly what you’re looking for. On the Riviera Maya, Tulum’s archaeological treasures are an absolute must-visit, with epic ruins (unusually) set against an alluring rugged coastline. Then there’s the town of Bacalar, with an intriguing piratical past and an out-of-this world lagoon that was used as a Spanish fortress. It’s clear to see why this stunning swimming spot is also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours.

Meanwhile, the rainforested Calakmul Biosphere Reserve at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula is one of Mexico’s largest protected wildlife areas - it’s home to over 100 mammal species, among them pumas, jaguars and howler monkeys. It’s also one of the region’s most archaeologically significant areas. Talking of which, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichén Itzá is a bona fide bucket list destination. Arguably the king of Mayan cultural attractions, it’s conveniently close to the attractive colonial city of Valladolid.

Given that this Mayan Trail itinerary is just one of many rewarding ways to experience Mexico’s thrilling diversity, you might want to check out customisable alternatives before taking the plunge (a plunge that comes highly recommended for this winter, by the way).

4. Kenya for Breathtaking Bush-to-Beach Adventures

Going on safari is one of those dreams of a lifetime. A chance to see some of the world’s mightiest animals up close, in the wild. All the better if you can combine wildlife-watching adventures with blissing out on a tropical beach, which is exactly what a trip to Kenya can offer. Frankly, there’s no better way to be transported to another world, or worlds, in the case of Kenya. A bush-to-beach safari allows you to shift seamlessly from exploring the country’s vast lowland plains and central highlands to being caressed by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

Beginning in the bush, the Great Rift Valley’s Lake Nakura National Park is renowned for its spectacular flamingo population, and for being a top location for black and white rhinoceros, huge herds of Cape Buffalo, and lots of lions, leopards and boisterous baboons - a pretty impressive inventory for a single site. The same can be said of Maasai Mara, famed for the wildebeest migration that sees around 1.7 of these formidable beasts cross the swollen Maasai River each year.

While this migration happens here during the summer months, winter affords excellent opportunities to see the Big Five, and a staggering number of elephants, zebras and giraffes. If you’re into birdwatching, January is a great month to visit. It’s also birthing season, if you fancy seeing the likes of lion cubs taking their first faltering steps. Meanwhile, Kenya’s beaches deliver the softest of sand and the warmest of waters. Start planning your East African adventure by taking a look at some sample itineraries created by Kenyan travel experts - all of which can be fully customised to include what you want to see and do.

If you want to take the next step towards booking your much-deserved winter break, with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips you can choose from existing, fully-customisable itineraries that cover the destinations recommended above (with over 60 other destinations to consider). Or, if you‘d prefer to create your trip from scratch, the Rough Guides team can connect you with a local expert who will personally curate a bespoke experience that’s just right for you. Wherever you choose to visit, let Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips take the hassle out of planning your next adventure.