Chasing Winter: My Top Cold-Weather Escapes

With my home thermometer showing single digits, I can't help but think back on all the frosty trips I've taken over the years. There's something uniquely appealing about visiting frozen places during their harshest season; I believe that's when they shine brightest. Sure, bundling up in layers and sipping hot cocoa are essential, but the payoff for exploring these icy corners of the globe far outweighs the hassle of preparation. I still have many cold destinations on my wish list, but among those I've already visited, these stand out as truly worth the winter journey.

Alta, Norway

I'm drawn to northern regions, especially in winter. Yes, it's bitterly cold and dark, but I find a singular beauty in these remote areas when they're at their most extreme. That's what led me to Alta, a tiny town in the far north of Norway, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Dubbed the Northern Lights Capital of the World, Alta has a long history of welcoming aurora seekers, but it wasn't until my final night there that I witnessed the lights in their full splendor. Alone on a frozen river, I suddenly found myself encircled by massive streaks of light. I never imagined the Northern Lights could be so immersive—they danced around me, weaving across the sky and dipping behind the mountains. I stayed as long as my numb fingers could endure, reluctant to leave and miss a moment of the spectacle. Everyone talks about the aurora, and we've all seen photos, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. "Magical" is an overused travel term, but here it's entirely justified.

Finnish Lapland

For some reason, remote places captivate me, and I often prefer them over bustling metropolises. I tend to visit northern areas when it's cold, but "cold" barely captures the Arctic temperatures I encountered in Rovaniemi, deep in Finnish Lapland. This vast region is mostly forests, lakes, and rivers, but it's also the official home of Santa Claus. In a brilliant marketing move years ago, Rovaniemi declared itself Santa's hometown, and the title stuck. Come here not just to see Santa, but to embrace the outdoors—whether snowmobiling, dog sledding, or spending a night in a remote cabin learning about Finland's love for saunas and nature.

Antarctica

Tourists can't visit the seventh continent during its deep winter, but the Austral summer still offers plenty of frozen moments for adventure seekers. Hard to reach and navigate, Antarctica remains one of the last truly adventurous trips in the modern era. My own journey there delivered those unique experiences in abundance. Beyond the impossibly cute (and slightly grubby) penguins, it was the seemingly impenetrable landscapes that left the deepest impression. After hiking up a snowy switchback trail to a hilltop, I was greeted by one of the most breathtaking scenes I've ever seen. Icy waters stretched to the horizon, and all I could see were endless expanses of rock, ice, and water. It felt infinite, and I've never felt so small. Standing at the bottom of the world, it was a humbling moment that put the planet's immensity into perspective. We modern travelers often forget this—in an age where I can hop a nonstop flight to Hong Kong by tomorrow, the world seems smaller than ever. But we overlook just how vast this beautiful planet is and how many unique experiences await. We forget the tiny inlets and villages lost to time. That moment gave me context for my life's work: it's not just part of my life—it IS my life. This endless quest for new answers and discoveries will never cease, just like that Antarctic horizon stretching boundlessly.

Iceland

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland isn't as extreme as some of its neighbors, but it still offers plenty of wintry magic. One of the world's most popular tourist destinations, Reykjavik has much to love, but its winter weather isn't among them. There's a common misconception: given its name, first-time visitors expect Iceland to be freezing. While it's certainly chilly in winter, it's not as brutal as imagined. Meteorological quirks keep this island nation from getting too hot or too cold, making it ideal for tourists. Year-round activities abound, especially in winter—from soaking in thermal pools across the country to more adventurous pursuits like diving, snowmobiling, glacier hiking, and ice cave exploration. Don't make the mistake many tourists do by skipping Reykjavik. It's a great city, perfect for strolling, window-shopping, and grabbing a snack. One weather caveat: though the baseline temperature may be above freezing, intense winter winds are common, making it feel much colder and occasionally sparking mini-blizzards—as I discovered one chilly February morning.

Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

Though I've only visited in summer, my explorations there convinced me this is a frozen destination not to be missed. Fogo Island is a place you have to experience to believe. I went specifically to stay at the world-renowned Fogo Island Inn, but over my weekend visit, I fell completely in love with the entire community. Locals genuinely care about visitors, and by the end, I felt more like a community member than an outsider. That's the island's charm and what makes it so special. Guests should absolutely stay at the Inn, but also spend plenty of time exploring this quirky island—whether taking a boat out on the water or hiking the many trails that crisscross the landscape.

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