It is the month of holidays and celebration. Christmas lights and decorations surround us every way we go. Many people prefer to spend the holidays on a vacation, in a dazzling place, full of mysteries and new experiences, somewhere where they can taste new food and see a different way Christmas is celebrated.
We have prepared for you some ideas for your winter holiday. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
Ice Hotel – Sweden
What better way to spend your winter vacation than the experience of a real Ice Hotel? The ICEHOTEL is built every year in the village of Jukkasjärvi, in northern Sweden. It is made out entirely of snow and ice by 60 artists.
Every room has it’s own individual flavor and every guest can choose their favorite room before bedtime. Choosing this hotel, you will have the unique opportunity to sleep on reindeer skins but, of course, if you are worried you will catch cold, you can choose the hotel’s more conventional heated rooms.
Here you will have the opportunity not only to sleep on ice but also to eat on it. You can try some of the local delicacies like reindeer and moose which will be served to you on crystal clear ice plates. And as for the drinks, you can take the pleasure in having a nice “cold” drink from the Absolut Icebar.
Do not think that you will get bored here. There are a lot of activities that will catch your attention like the ice sculpting class where you can try your creativity. You can also try some ice driving or the reindeer sledding, and how about marrying in the ice chapel?
Wolf Viewing
And if Sweden is too far for you, you can choose a closer but still memorable destination – Yellowstone National Park, Lamar Valley, the territory of 5 different wolf packs. At this time of the year snow covers the nearly treeless valley, and tourists have the opportunity to watch the packs while they follow their prey of elks and bison. You can also hear some interesting facts about the local wildlife by biologists and naturalists. You will also have the opportunity to experience a slowcoach or a snowmobile tour within the park, or you can just have a walk on snowshoes and inhale the breathtaking views.
As for the food and beverages, the menu includes burgers made with Wagyu beef, bison pot stickers, and a large selection of local craft brews.
You can enjoy this experience with your family, or turn it into a romantic holiday for your spouse with the wolf howling as your background.
The City of Lights
Paris is one of the most romantic destinations but especially during winter. You can enjoy a freshly backed croissant and hot French coffee on Champs-Élysées, or you can taste the famous cassoulet which is a stew made of pork, vegetables and white beans, or the delicious soupe à l’oignon that will warm you up. After your belly is satisfied you can calmly turn to that Christmas shopping, and what better present for your family and friends than something from the world center of shopping?
When Paris overwhelms you by its atmosphere it is unavoidable to try some ice-skating under the night sky in the multiple outdoor ice rinks. And for those of you who do not like to go out in the cold, we can suggest a cup of warm cocoa in a cafe facing the lovely Eiffel Tower.
Lake Baikal
Welcome to the place we all associate with cold, winter and ice – Siberia. This is home of the deepest lake on earth and the most ancient one – lake Baikal. It is called by the locals “sacred sea”. This ice heaven offers multiple experiences to its visitors.
You can try some of the Baikal ice diving under the Siberian ice. Of course, you should be very skilled diver and only try it with an instructor, but we can assure you that the experience will be unforgettable. If you are a fan of winter sports, you will be glad to participate in a dog-slading tour from 2 to 6 days and see the untouched Siberian nature. You can also try riding a snowmobile through Syberian blackwoods to the fields of the Baikal ice.
Those of you who are not very fond of the extreme sports can take s trip to a Syberian village and meet a Byryat shaman, observe ceremonies, listen to Byryat songs and learn about the culture and history.
Tired of the long road you can enjoy the warmth of the local delicacies – the whitefish, Baikal omul, which can be served dried, fresh, or smoked.
Do not forget the woolen clothes and have fun!
