Places to visit in winter 2012/2013 !

1. Switzerland

The first name that comes into my mind is the snow-covered Alps in Switzerland. Whether you want to enjoy a nice ski vacation or you want to climb the mountains or you want to go trekking or you just want to sit back and enjoy the scenic beauty of this beautiful country, this is the place for you. No matter how many times you visit this country, you can never get tired of it.

2. France

Winter is the least popular season for tourism in France, but there are many wonderful reasons to visit France in winter. You can escape the typical madness of the tourist season crowds, save yourself lots of euros, and take your pick between cool winter sports and mild Mediterranean destinations.Christmas markets are all over France, but the best known ones are in large cities like Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon and others. Small towns like Dijon, Castres in the Tarn also have delightful markets.

3. Norway

In winter much of Norway is usually transformed into a snow-clad paradise.Be it skiing, cruising, climbing, ice fishing, or just relaxing at the beach, it’s all here in Norway. Try out those things which you had never tried at home, hitch a ride on a sledge pulled by dogs, ride on a reindeer and go and watch the Northern lights. You can also visit the Vigeland Park in Oslo, or maybe the Akershus Castle and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Do not forget to visit Sognefjord and enjoy the best of what Norway has got to offer to its visitors.

4. Czech Republic

One of the main places is Prague – The Old Town Square, the Tyn Church, the Prague Castle, the cobblestone pathways, the streets lines with the old castles, the breathtaking forests and all this covered in a thick blanket of white snow, are sure to take you back to the times of the Grimm brothers. If you are in two minds as to which place to visit this winter, then problem solved as Prague is the place for you. This place shows its best during the winters.

5. Germany

Bundle up! German winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping below zero, which in turn results in some great winter sport and skiing areas in Germany, especially in higher German regions such as the Bavarian Alps. Other parts of Germany are often blessed with a white Christmas as well, but there is no guarantee for snow: German winters can be unpredictable, and you should always be prepared for rain.

6. Finland

Winter in Finland lasts roughly from December to March, but the snowfall in Lapland might start as early as October and last till mid-May. The crisp winter days invite you to admire the beautiful frozen trees and lakes, whereas if you feel more energetic, there are thrilling activities such as snowmobiling, husky and reindeer safaris to try. The clear, dark nights are ideal for spotting the Northern Lights.

7. Japan

Depending on what part of Japan you are traveling to, winter experiences in Japan can be vastly different. Big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka generally experience short winters with cold and sunny days and occasional snowfall. But the further you head into the mountainous regions and Northern parts of Japan the more the temperature starts to drop and the winters are long and bitterly cold with high levels of snowfall for many months of the year.
The large amounts of snow that fall each year makes conditions perfect for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido is known world wide as a sight not to be missed. Various snow and illumination events are held across the country during the winter season creating breath taking views in this winter wonderland which draws just as many tourists as during the warmer months.

8. Canada

Winter in Canada may be chilly, but it has plenty to offer both the adventure seeker and city slicker.The height of winter is freezing cold in most places in Canada except for the BC coast, where winters are moderate. Whistler, two hours inland from Vancouver, on the other hand, gets loads of snow and is a major ski destination through May.
The Rockies winter is long. Calgary, however, does not get much snow, but it stays around in the higher altitudes; Banff and Canmore may get two feet in April. Southern Alberta gets winter relief from warm Chinook winds.

If you wish to spend your vacation in front of the sun or a warmer weather, I recommend :

9. Brazil

A trip to Fernando de Noronha is comparable to a dream coming true.
A tropical island, 545 km away from the coast of the Brazilian State of Pernambuco, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, a bit more than 2,000 inhabitants and where the tourism is developped in a sustainable way, creating the opportunity of an equilibrated meeting between man and nature in one of the most important ecologic sanctuaries of the world.
For enjoying the numberless natural attractions and experiencing a little bit of the history of our colonization, a trip to Noronha requires at least 5 days. There are countless activitiy and tour options, which satisfy different people and offer to the visitor the chance to see all natural beauties of the islands.

10. Bahamas

The Islands Of The Bahamas. Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida in the United States, our tropical archipelago is an easy and convenient destination to escape to year-round.For centuries, their close proximity has attracted all kinds of people: Native Americans. Puritans. Explorers. Even pirates. Go and  discover all of their 700 islands and the hospitality of the Bahamian people. Paradise is just a short plane ride from Miami International Airport, South Florida. And many airlines now offer direct flights to Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island or The Out Islands. You can also sail into one of our 32 ports of entry. Once you arrive, go island-hopping. Explore underwater. Or do nothing but relax on one of our pristine beaches.

I hope you enjoyed this post and whenever you will spend your holidays or vacations! Stay warm and happy with those who you love and care !
Today is a special day ! 12.12.2012 !!! For one thing it is the last time we will see those numbers in our lifetime. So we are lucky 😉
Have a lovely day 😉 Muah