Winter is one of the four seasons that occur in temperate and polar regions of the Earth. It is characterised by colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and often, the presence of snow and ice. For some people, this season will be the best for holidays and vacations compared to summer. Why? Because winter has special activities that bring enjoyment and unique phenomena.

In this article we will discuss the advantages of vacationing in winter compared to summer.

Winter can be a better time for vacation compared to summer for several reasons, depending on your preferences and the type of activities you enjoy. This is a couple of reasons why you should try holiday in winter:

If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or snowshoeing, winter is the ideal time. Resorts and destinations catering to these activities are in full swing during the winter months. The world’s best countries to visit in winter are Canada, Japan, Norway, United States, Switzerland, New Zealand, Austria, and Iceland.

Find various interesting winter activities around the world on Traveloka.

Winter coincides with various holidays and festivals such as Christmas, New Year's, Hanukkah, and others. These times can bring a unique charm and a festive atmosphere that many people enjoy.

Christmas and new year is traditionally a time for family gatherings. Many people have time off work, making it easier to spend time with loved ones, exchange gifts, and enjoy meals together. Cities and towns around the world are adorned with lights, decorations, and holiday displays, creating a magical atmosphere. Christmas markets, parades, and special events add to the festive spirit.

Many people prefer warm weather for vacations, leading them to travel during the summer months when beaches and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. Conversely, destinations that are primarily popular in the summer often see fewer visitors in the winter when the weather is colder or less predictable.

That’s why popular summer destinations often see a decrease in visitors during the winter. This can mean fewer crowds, shorter lines, and a more relaxed experience in places like beaches or tourist hotspots that are off-season.

Winter offers unique experiences like the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in northern countries, or the Midnight Sun in the southern hemisphere.

The Northern Lights are a stunning natural light display predominantly seen in high-latitude regions such as Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. These lights are caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth's atmosphere.

In contrast, during the Southern Hemisphere's summer (which is the Northern Hemisphere's winter), regions within the Antarctic Circle experience the midnight sun, where the sun stays visible at midnight.

Winter landscapes can be breathtakingly beautiful with snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and frosty forests providing a stark contrast to summer's greenery. And building snowmen, having snowball fights, and enjoying hot drinks by the fireplace are activities that are exclusive to cold weather and can be particularly enjoyable.

For those who find summer heat uncomfortable, winter provides a cooler alternative. This can be particularly appealing in regions where summer temperatures are extreme.

For some, colder weather can lead to increased productivity. The cooler temperatures may help with concentration and staying alert, which can be more challenging in the heat.

Winter is a great time for indoor activities like visiting museums, enjoying hot springs, or cozying up by the fireplace in a mountain lodge.

Visiting museums during the winter can be a wonderful way to enjoy indoor activities while staying warm. Here are some recommendations for museums that are particularly enjoyable or notable to visit in the winter:

In many cases, winter travel can be more affordable. Many people are not aware that travelling in the off-peak season can be more cost-effective. Lower demand for flights, accommodations, and attractions often results in lower prices, which can be a draw for budget-conscious travellers but may not be as widely recognized.

Colder temperatures can sometimes offer health benefits, such as improved sleep quality and boosting the immune system. Apart from that, exercising in cooler weather can be more comfortable and may reduce overheating, allowing for more effective workouts. Winter also often brings nutrient-rich seasonal foods like root vegetables and citrus fruits that are beneficial for immune health.

Some destinations are specifically known for their winter beauty and activities, such as the Swiss Alps, Canadian Rockies, Scandinavian countries, and Japan's Hokkaido region.

Ultimately, the best time for a vacation depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Winter can offer a magical and diverse range of experiences that are distinct from those available in summer.

Taking a vacation in winter can be a wonderful experience, but it requires some planning to ensure you stay comfortable and healthy. Here are some tips for enjoying your winter vacation:

To make your winter holiday more enjoyable, book plane tickets and hotels on Traveloka. You and your family can also plan holidays in various countries by looking at recommendations for interesting activities, from restaurants, sports, to events on Traveloka. Ordering tickets is easy, cheap and complete in just one application!