13 Winter Travel Spots That Only Look Good in Magazines
There is no doubt winter is magical, with snowflakes, cozy fires, and pretty villages covered in white. Let’s be honest, some places promise a Hallmark movie and deliver a Lifetime drama instead. If you’ve ever looked at those glossy magazine spreads of winter getaways with untouched snow and happy locals, only to discover the reality is crowded slopes, slush puddles, and prices that would make your wallet wince, you’re not alone.
With the chill of the season beginning, it’s not difficult to fantasize about escaping to the postcard-perfect destinations. Before you buy that ticket or fill up the car, it’s worth knowing which ones may be worth admiring from the comfort of your living room. This is a candid look at places that often disappoint once you get up close.
Aspen, Colorado
In every glossy ad, Aspen might scream luxury, but unless you’re a millionaire or enjoy traffic jams on icy roads, this spot might feel more like a hassle than a haven. No doubt the slopes are breathtaking, but they are also rammed with people, so lift lines are longer than a winter’s day. The glamour might be hard to find if you’re not on a first-name basis with the concierge.
Paris in Winter
In photos, Paris usually looks romantic under a blanket of snow. The reality is the city doesn’t get the snow they’re marketed with, streets are damp and dreary, not magical. Top attractions like the Eiffel Tower are shrouded in fog more often than not, making it difficult to take in that dreamy skyline. Lower your expectations, but keep your beret.
Lake Louise, Canada
Instagram posts of Lake Louise’s turquoise waters and snowy backdrop are great, but winter can make this spot a logistical headache. Then, add in hordes of tourists scrambling for that same view and the serenity is gone.
Santorini, Greece
The whitewashed buildings and blue domed roofs of Santorini might look stunning year-round in ads, but the island nearly shuts down in winter. For the season, many restaurants, shops, and even many hotels close up, leaving a ghost town vibe. Although you may love the quiet, the charm is lost a bit without the bustling buzz that makes Santorini come alive.
Venice, Italy
It’s poetic to be in Venice under the mist of winter—until you take into account the acqua alta, the seasonal flooding that transforms streets into canals you didn’t agree to wade through. It’s hard to enjoy the city’s charm between the dampness and closed tourist attractions. This is also a time when local residents often take a vacation elsewhere — and that’s saying something.
Reykjavik, Iceland
In Reykjavik, it’s the northern lights and the geothermal pools that make the winter so appealing. Asides that, locals retreat indoors to escape the bitter cold and biting winds, and the city itself feels like a ghost town. Those ethereal lights? Clear skies and precise timing are required, and that’s not something that’s guaranteed.
Niagara Falls, New York
Sounds dramatic and beautiful, but in reality, winter at Niagara Falls can be underwhelming. Every surface is coated in frozen mist, making it hard to make it anywhere without slipping. Layers of ice take the roar out of the falls themselves, and most nearby attractions are closed for the season. You’ll get more frostbite than fun memories.
The Alps
World-famous resorts like Chamonix and Zermatt are overflowing with tourists, and everything from hot chocolate to ski passes becomes unaffordable. Add in unpredictable weather that often cancels ski plans and it’s easy to feel snowed under—literally and figuratively.
Kyoto, Japan
Pictures of snow-dusted temples of Kyoto are ethereal, but snow is rare and fleeting in this region. You’re left with gray skies and damp streets. In the off-season, even the famed bamboo forest can feel a little claustrophobic, rather than serene, with lots of tourists vying for that perfect shot.
New York City
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center and snowy Central Park strolls sound dreamy in winter in New York. The reality, however, is slushy sidewalks, biting wind tunnels between skyscrapers and overpriced holiday markets.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Opulence is what St. Moritz is all about, but at a price. Accommodations and ski passes here are some of the most expensive in Europe. The appeal of the town’s luxury spas and high-end restaurants is undeniable, but the exclusivity often hinders one from truly enjoying the beautiful nature you came to visit.
The Scottish Highlands
Somehow, the idea of a Highland lodge with snow-capped peaks outside doesn’t sound too bad. Winter weather here is unpredictable, however, and often turns to rain rather than snow, dampening both landscapes and spirits. Limited daylight hours add to the equation, and your trip may feel like a dimly lit marathon of trying to stay dry.
Hokkaido, Japan
Powder snow is what Hokkaido is famous for, but it’s also infamous for its freezing temperatures and icy roads. Long drives through relentless storms make travel stressful to get to the stunning landscapes. The snow festivals are worth seeing, but the effort to get there might not seem worth the reward.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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