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]]>London, England
At local attractions such as Kew Gardens and Hampstead Heath, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide array of stunning Christmas displays along with decorated storefronts and calming parks. There are also plenty of pubs that offer a traditional Sunday roast.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is celebrated for its rich history. While the Dubrovnik Winter Festival offers an array of Christmas markets and concerts, the entire city will be lit up in Christmas cheer, including the City Walls, the Cable Car, and the Dubrovnik Cathedral.
Rovaniemi, Finland
The capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is world renown for its Santa Claus Village. Here, you can enjoy reindeer safaris, dog sledding, the northern lights, and perhaps even an encounter with Santa Claus himself.
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]]>Layers, Layers, Layers
One of the best ways to make the most of limited packing space is to plan your outfits in layers. Donning t-shirts under pieces like sweaters and coats will allow you to get more use out of these bulkier items throughout your trip, reducing the quantity you’ll need to bring to begin with. Wear your largest items on the plane to save even more space in your bags.
Choose Accessories Wisely
Accessories are a perfect example of “a little goes a long way.” Items like hats, gloves, and scarves are incredibly helpful when it comes to staying warm, but unlike sweaters, they don’t take up much room. Look for options that can serve multiple purposes, like a blanket scarf to keep you cozy during your flight. To save even more space, pack them in vacuum bags.
Versatile Footwear
Footwear may be the trickiest part of packing light for cold destinations, but it doesn’t have to be so complicated. The easiest way to approach packing shoes is to choose one pair, such as some comfortable, waterproof snow boots that will suit all of your needs throughout your trip. If you need to bring several pairs of shoes, wear the bulkiest ones on the plane.
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]]>Prague, Czech Republic
Often called “The City of a Hundred Spires,” winter transforms the Czech capital into a picture-perfect scene straight out of a fairytale. The city’s historic architecture, including the iconic Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, becomes even more beautiful under a dusting of snow. Cozy up with a cup of hot mulled wine at a cafe, or check out the local Christmas markets to shop for handmade gifts.
Interlaken, Switzerland
The Swiss town of Interlaken in the heart of the Alps is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a more adventurous retreat. Go skiing or snowboarding against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks, or go off the beaten path with activities like curling and snowshoeing.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s grand palaces and classical music heritage take on a special charm when accompanied by festive lights and traditional Christmas markets. The city has an almost magical quality that can only be improved by listening to some Mozart with a rich cup of hot chocolate.
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]]>Long Underwear
Whether you plan to hit the slopes or stay snuggled up by the fire indoors, wearing layers will help you to stay warm and comfortable all weekend long. We recommend packing long underwear made from moisture-wicking materials to provide a layer of insulation and keep you dry.
Proper Shoes
Nothing will ruin your experience more than cold, wet feet, so be sure to come prepared with a pair of water-proof, insulated shoes that you can wear over some warm and fuzzy socks. You’ll especially want to choose comfortable shoes if your plans include a lot of walking.
Accessories
While a good quality jacket is necessary for staying warm, you may be surprised to know that a hat, scarf, and gloves can be just as important. Our bodies lose heat through the hands and head quickly, so keep them covered and dry to stay comfortable and prevent frostbite.
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]]>While we have yet to discover a long-term solution to the post-holiday blues caused by freezing temperatures, we do know that even a quick getaway to somewhere warm and sunny can be enough to carry us through until spring. Here are some of the places we’re dreaming of heading to this year.
Cancun, Mexico
Come January, Cancun’s rainy season is over for the year and the monthly average temperature is a sunny 75°F. The weather is perfect for lounging on one of the city’s brilliant turquoise beaches or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, taking a day trip to see the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza.
Travel | Hotels | Food | Tips (@cancun)Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
January also marks the start of the dry season on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, and daily temperatures tend to reach about 90°F. This part of the country is rather remote, but it is home to plenty of beautiful hotels and opportunities for excursions like snorkeling and hiking.
Key West, Florida
While technically the coldest month of the year, January in Key West usually means temperatures around the mid-70s during the day and mid-60s at night. The ocean water remains warm enough to swim in and the island holds an annual Food & Wine Festival at the end of January. If you’ve got plans to visit Key West, we definitely recommend checking it out.
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]]>The post These Airbnbs are a Walk Through a Winter Wonderland appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Unfortunately, we’ll probably never be able to control the weather, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still ways to experience the beauty of a marshmallow world. We’ve discovered a few Airbnbs in areas that are most likely to get snow, and some of them are ideal for cozying up with a mug of hot chocolate.
Meadowlark Treehouse, Montana
Experience the wilderness without going too far off the grid at the quaintest Airbnb in Montana. This treehouse makes for a fun getaway any time of year but becomes even more enjoyable when its surroundings are covered in a blanket of snow.
Schoolhouse Farm Cottage, Vermont
The best mountain views are made even better when winter arrives and this Vermont farm transforms into a white wonderland. Cozy up and watch it fall from inside the property’s panoramic sauna.
Cottonwood Chalet, Utah
This intimate cabin offers a cozy retreat for anyone looking to get away from it all. It’s a stone’s throw from several of the area’s popular mountain resorts, so it’s a great option for families and other small groups in search of some skiing.
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]]>The post Tips For Traveling In The Winter appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Always Double-Check
Winter can cause flight delays and traffic issues, so always double-check your flight status and the weather forecast before going to the airport or getting into your car for a road trip. You don’t want to drive into a storm or show up at the airport only to find that your flight was canceled or significantly delayed.
Get Travel Insurance
You should always travel with insurance, but this is especially true during the winter when travel can be a little more dangerous or unpredictable.
Take the Weather Seriously and Pack Appropriately
If you’re from a warm place, you might underestimate how cold it will be at your travel destination. So err on the safe side and pack lots of warm clothes that will keep you snuggly even in the early morning on a cold day.
(@simona.drozdova)Adjust Your Plans
Indeed, winter days are shorter and colder, so you should plan to spend more time inside museums and coffee shops than outside hiking or swimming. Make your itinerary accordingly.
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]]>Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are a staple of the holiday season, and chances are you have one in your city or somewhere nearby. Set aside a whole day to pay it a visit, so you could have enough time to explore all the tiny festive wonders it has in store, from local food to Christmas-themed gifts.
Skiing Resorts
Skiing resorts often come with a high price tag, and spending an entire winter holiday in one isn’t an option for everyone. If you can’t afford it, but still want to do some winter sports this winter, a day trip to a local skiing resort will do the trick.
Museum Visits
The tricky thing about traveling in the winter is that you have to deal with chilly weather. If you’re trying to avoid it, indoor attractions are always a good idea. You can spend a day exploring museums in your city, but checking out bookstores and new cafés is also an option.
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]]>Right Destination
The destination you pick can make or break your family vacation. When it comes to traveling with your kids, it’s crucial to go with a destination that offers many activities and attractions that suit their tastes. Skiing resorts are always a good idea, but you can also visit cities that have amusement parks, interactive museums, and Christmas markets.
Perfect Plan
Kids can get bored pretty easily, and that’s why it’s important to have an activity-packed schedule. Visits to kid-friendly attractions are a must, but you should also put aside some time for rest, meals, and cozy family activities, such as board games and storytime.
Pack Accordingly
The list of things you’re going to pack will be much longer when you’re traveling with kids. In addition to warm and cozy clothes, it’s also important not to forget to pack your kids’ favorite toys, books, and games so that your relaxing vacation wouldn’t turn into a total nightmare.
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]]>The post Best Ways to Save Luggage Space When Packing for Winter Trips appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bulky Clothes
Packing your bulkiest clothes is a big no-no when it comes to your winter trips. One jacket and a pair of boots are quite enough for a single trip, and you should wear them during your flight. You can also put on your bulkiest sweater and wash it once you reach the destination so you could wear it again.
Wearing Again
It’s easy to re-wear certain types of clothes on several occasions during your trip—especially pants. You can embrace the same strategy with shirts and sweaters by doing your laundry along the way, but it’s important to pack clothes that can dry pretty quickly.
Planning Your Outfits
One of the most effective strategies for saving luggage space, no matter what the season, is to carefully plan your outfits. By doing so, you’ll avoid the problem of packing extra clothes if you don’t have anything to pair them with—or enough time to wear every outfit that pops into your mind.
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