Once the finals are done, don’t let the couch entice you into a month-long hibernation! Instead, plan a winter break to remember. We’ve come up with ten exciting options for every type of traveler. Find your winter break destination on our list!
Colorful Carnivals
The world-famous Rio de Janeiro carnival is a sight to behold with glittering costumes, parades, balls, and over 300 street parties. It’s a dream come true for everyone into dancing, music, and fun. You have a chance to take part in this huge event this winter. Rio Carnival will take place from February 21 to February 26, and the tickets, costumes, and passes are already available for booking. Grab a friend or five and party with the best!
If Rio Carnival is not your scene and you want to party the old-fashioned way, Venice Carnival is a perfect choice. From February 8 to February 25, the ancient Italian city will turn into a colorful mix of amazing costumes and beautifully crafted masks. You can participate in costume contests, enjoy the masquerades and balls, watch “Angel Flight” and more! Many of the events held at San Marco Square are free and open to all visitors and are overcrowded. However, hotel and plane ticket prices might be an unpleasant surprise, so watch for Black Friday deals by airlines to save on your trip to Europe. The most exciting events take place during the weekends, so make sure to schedule your stay accordingly.
Winter Adventures
Explore Scandinavian countries to go Northern Lights hunting. According to our research, the Norwegian cities of Alta or Karasjok or Finnish Ivalo are supposed to be the best places to watch for Aurora. However, Iceland offers a few great options too. When you choose your Northern Lights destination, remember you won’t see anything behind the cloud cover, so move away from the shoreline to improve your chances. Another great tip we’ve found is moving away from the cities. Light pollution can ruin the most spectacular sight, so the further into the wilderness you drive, the more breathtaking Aurora you will see.
You can kill two birds with one stone if you travel to Finland. Rovaniemi is the ‘official’ residence of Santa Claus, so you can finally vent at him about getting all your childhood presents wrong. The Arctic Circle grotto entrance fee is free, but expect to pay exorbitant sums for photos with everyone’s favorite man in red. Aside from a trip to Santa Claus, you can visit the local museums, take sled rides, and give snowshoeing or cross-country skiing a try.
City Breaks
Las Vegas is not the first city that comes to mind when you consider affordable winter break. Still, during the cold months, the prices drop down, and the temperatures become more bearable. Moreover, there are lots of free things you can do outside the casinos. Watch Bellagio fountain, visit Hershey’s Chocolate World or an open aquarium at the Silverton Hotel. When you run out of options, check out Fremont Street. You are bound to come across something exciting, like the Burlesque Hall of Fame.
If you’ve always dreamed of visiting France, but can’t afford the transatlantic flight, Quebec may be the perfect solution. With its majestic cathedrals and romantic cobblestone-paved nooks and crannies, the capital of Canada’s province is as French as it can get. The city may be freezing throughout the winter months, but it makes up for the cold and snow with Christmas lights, carnivals, and mouth-watering aromas of fresh-baked bread and creamy sauces. Quebec is regularly near the top of recommendation lists for winter travels on a budget, so you won’t break the bank.
Sunny Beaches
Puerto Rico is just a short plane hop away from the US east coast, and the prices are very student-friendly. The island will seduce you with a thriving nightlife, endless white-sanded beaches, and delicious national cuisine. When you get tired of slowly roasting on the beach, pay a visit to San Juan; the city is worth a few days of your time. It is an eclectic mix of the new and old, making it an excellent choice for a change of pace.
If you are into surfing or want to learn to surf, San Diego is the perfect winter break destination. The prices are significantly lower, and the best beaches, including the famous Black Beach, are crowd-free. San Diego is also the home of some of the best surfing schools and wave pools in the US, so it is a beginner-friendly destination. When you need a break from surfing, the local zoo or Sea World will offer an exciting respite.
Exotic Cultures
South-East Asia is the obvious choice if you are looking to break the cultural mold. However, the winter months are considered high season there, so expect high airplane and hotel fares. On the plus side, once you get there, local prices will be very affordable, so you won’t have to go hungry.
Bangkok is among the best options, as the city boasts a warm climate and access to hundreds of historical sites that will make your head spin. Indian Agra is the place to visit if you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Taj Mahal in person. January and February are the best months for travel, as you will avoid the usual crowds.
Did you find your perfect winter break destination on the list? It’s time to pack a bag and go. And forget about papers while you’re at it! Just say the magic phrase ‘Do my homework online!’ and we’ll get our best writers on your case.