The winter months don't have to mean just snow and low temperatures. While the ski season is starting in some parts of the world, elsewhere summer is arriving, bringing ideal conditions for a safari or the perfect time to explore tropical nature.
That is exactly the magic of travelling at the end of the year and during the first months of the next. You can set out for snow-capped mountain peaks, discover remote corners of the world, or trade the European winter for sunshine and a warmer climate.
For each of the following four months, we have selected two destinations that offer very different experiences. Get inspired by our tips and discover places that are worth visiting at exactly this time of year.
November
Patagonia
While winter is setting in at home, spring is arriving in Patagonia. November is the perfect opportunity to head to Torres del Paine National Park, where some of the most beautiful trekking routes in South America wind between iconic granite peaks, turquoise lakes and glaciers. The days are gradually getting longer and the landscape is coming to life, but you should still be prepared for the changeable weather that Patagonia is known for.
You can explore the landscape on foot, on horseback or on a boat trip to the Grey Glacier. One of the best-known experiences is the trek to the Base Torres viewpoint, which reveals the three granite towers rising above a glacial lake. Along the way, you can watch herds of guanacos and condors circling above the mountain peaks.
South Africa
November marks the beginning of the warmer season in South Africa. Cape Town and its surroundings offer the perfect combination of nature, gastronomy and local culture. Take in the views of Table Mountain, visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach or explore the coastline of the Cape of Good Hope.
Wine lovers shouldn't miss the Franschhoek region, one of the country's best-known wine areas. Among vineyards surrounded by mountains, you can visit renowned wineries, taste local wines and enjoy the cuisine at one of the local restaurants. You can round off the trip with a safari in a private game reserve, where you will have the chance to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. In a single holiday, you will get to know several different sides of this country.
December
The Dolomites, Italy
December brings the start of the winter season to the Italian Dolomites. Snow-covered peaks, picturesque alpine valleys and renowned ski resorts create the ideal setting for a December mountain holiday. The Alta Badia area tempts visitors with well-groomed slopes, panoramic views and a connection to the vast Dolomiti Superski network, which offers more than 1,200 kilometres of pistes.
But the Dolomites are not just about skiing. During the day, you can stop at one of the mountain restaurants and taste South Tyrolean specialities with a view of the surrounding peaks. After a day on the slopes, there is nothing better than relaxing in a spa, for example in a heated outdoor pool or a sauna overlooking the snowy landscape. It is precisely this combination of winter sports, gastronomy and relaxation that makes the Dolomites one of the most sought-after winter destinations in Europe.
Sri Lanka
While Europe's mountains are covered in snow, the best season for travel is beginning on Sri Lanka's south-west coast. December is a great time to explore historical sites, national parks and tropical beaches. One stop could be the historic city of Galle, whose fortified centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to colonial architecture, narrow streets and cafés overlooking the Indian Ocean.
To experience the local wildlife, head to Udawalawe National Park, known above all for its large elephant population. On a safari here, you can watch these animals in their natural habitat and discover the island's diverse landscape. Another highlight could be a boat trip along the Bentota River, whose banks are lined with mangroves. You can then end your trip by relaxing on one of the beaches of the south coast, where December brings pleasant temperatures and ideal conditions for a stay by the ocean.
January
Niseko, Japan
Every year, an exceptional amount of light powder snow draws skiers and snowboarders from all over the world to the Japanese island of Hokkaido. January brings some of the best snow conditions of the season. The ski resorts of the Niseko area offer a wide variety of slopes, views of the majestic Mount Yōtei and unforgettable experiences for winter sports enthusiasts.
Besides classic skiing, you can also try freeriding in deep powder, ideally accompanied by an experienced mountain guide. The Niseko Annupuri area caters to skiers of all levels and offers access to selected off-piste routes. After a day in the mountains, a visit to a traditional Japanese onsen hot spring is the perfect way to unwind in hot thermal water and soak up the atmosphere of the snowy landscape.
Costa Rica
Tropical rainforests, diverse landscapes and beaches washed by the Pacific Ocean create the ideal setting for a holiday full of experiences. Along most of the Pacific coast, January falls in the dry season, which is perfect both for exploring nature and for relaxing by the sea. Manuel Antonio National Park tempts visitors with rainforest, white sandy beaches and the chance to spot sloths, monkeys and toucans in their natural habitat.
Inland, you can head to the Arenal Volcano, whose surroundings offer hiking trails, hanging bridges and natural hot springs. Fans of active holidays will also appreciate the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its surf beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Costa Rica lets you combine wildlife watching, active adventures and moments of relaxation by the ocean in a single trip.
February
Lapland, Finland
Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and long winter evenings create a unique atmosphere in northern Finland. February is one of the best months to visit Lapland. At this time of year, the landscape is blanketed in a thick layer of snow and there is still a good chance of seeing the northern lights – one of the most sought-after experiences that draws travellers here from all over the world.
You can explore Lapland's nature on a husky sled ride, on snowshoes or on a snowmobile trip. After a day outdoors, a traditional Finnish sauna, an essential part of the local culture, is the perfect way to warm up. You can then spend the night in a glass igloo, where in favourable conditions you can watch the starry sky and perhaps even the northern lights from the comfort of your bed.
Tanzania
At this time of year, the vast plains of the Serengeti become the stage for one of Africa's most remarkable natural events. In the south of the Serengeti ecosystem, the wildebeest calving season is underway, with hundreds of thousands of calves being born. The large herds of herbivores also attract predators, so a safari offers exceptional opportunities to observe wild animals in their natural habitat.
Besides the southern Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also well worth a visit; its famous crater is home to a rich variety of African wildlife. On safari here, you may spot elephants, lions, buffalo or rhinos. After days spent exploring African nature, you can end your trip in Zanzibar, where white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and relaxation by the Indian Ocean await.
The same month, and yet so many different places to go. While one end of the world offers ideal conditions for winter sports, elsewhere the season for safaris or exploring tropical nature is just beginning. When planning a trip, it's not only about where you go, but also when.
Whether one of these destinations has caught your eye or you have a completely different place in mind, we will be happy to help you choose the best time to travel and put together a trip tailored to your wishes.