People always dream of traveling. After all, it is always interesting to learn about the life of people in other countries. Some people like summer travel or in the off-season, others strive to hit the road in winter. The variety of winter travel is impressive. You can go sledding or skiing, go fishing, visit the most unusual entertainment centers, get acquainted with traditions, customs, or just go shopping. In this collection 5 exciting winter trips, which is better to plan now.
Japan
Japanese onsen - what do you know about them? This is one of the most popular entertainment in Japan - thermal hot springs. Not only people love to bask in them, but also local macaques. In the Joshinetsu-Kogan National Park, which is located near Tokyo, it is not uncommon to see snow monkeys relaxing in their natural warm baths. This spectacle is a must see!
Thousands of curious tourists come to these beautiful places every year. Snow falls like a fluffy carpet, steam emanates from the springs. Monkeys bask in them and even throw snow. From the very beginning of the day, monkeys descend from the trees, settle in onsen. But such a spectacle can only be seen in winter. In summer, primates are not found in the springs - travelers and the Japanese mainly swim there. Another unforgettable sight in Japan is the Sapporo Ice Sculpture Festival. The craftsmen create about a hundred ice figures. They are located on a large territory, various entertainment events are held - sports competitions, music competitions, etc.
Republic of Belarus
It is best to visit your Belarusian neighbors in January - on the winter holiday of Kolyada. This holiday is celebrated in the period from 6 to 26 January. It is most interestingly celebrated in the very outback. Here you can get acquainted with the old traditions, rituals, and ceremonies of the Old Believers. The villagers dress as mummers, visit each other, sing carols and Christmas songs.
After all the festivities, people gather in their homes and set the Christmas table. The variety of Christmas dishes is impressive. Belarusians are very friendly people and always welcome guests. So, getting to visit them will not be difficult. You can also get acquainted with the sights - the princely castles of the Poles and the manors that have survived to our times.
Ireland
Despite the fact that mainly Catholic believers live in Ireland, during the winter festivities you can meet quite a lot of pagans performing their ancient ritual rituals. On the day of the winter solstice, many different rituals are held. Ireland has its own "Stonehenge" - the oldest temple of Newgrange. It is located on a mound and is both a temple and a calendar. From the morning of December 21 at 9 o'clock, a real miracle takes place in it: a ray of the sun hits the hole and the space of the stone castle is flooded with bright light.
Not everyone is allowed to enter the temple. In order to be able to visit the temple, you must register on the site. But even if you did not manage to get your place in the temple, you should not be upset. Dublin's Smithfield Town Square hosts a fair every year.There, too, you can see the rituals and dances of the pagans for free. If you are really a believer, then in the Cathedral of St. Mary you can attend Mass and receive God's blessing.
Finland
If you are going to have a rest in Finland, it is better to do it in the north of the country. For example, you can visit Lapland and stay with Santa, or the small town of Kemi, which is located in the Botanical Bay area, where a castle of ice and an ice hotel Lumi Linna are built. This hotel is a true miracle. Designers use the ancient Sami style in its design. The bar is worth a visit here, where drinks are served in glasses made of ice. Well, what kind of rest in Finland is without a traditional sauna?
The most interesting phenomenon in December is the northern lights. Visit the capital of Lapland - Rovaniemi (100 km from Kemi). This is a great opportunity to admire the Northern Lights, drive around the North Pole, and visit Santa Claus. Children will especially like it there, whom Santa will definitely give a gift, and also learn how to bake delicious ginger cookies in a special kitchen from the gnomes, send a magic letter from Lapland to their relatives and friends. Another popular entertainment in Kemi is dog or reindeer sledding with the breeze. Winter dog sledding safari in Lapland is popular with tourists.
France
On Christmas days, a country of chic and beauty - France turns into a huge festive fair with bright colors of lights, old-fashioned carousels, shops with various delicacies, sparkling fun that is not found in France on an ordinary weekday. On the streets and squares there are free circus and theatrical performances, masquerades, bright lights shine. Lyon hosts every year the Chocolate Fair and the Festival of Lights in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Lyons decorate their windows very beautifully, put up burning candles. In the evening, when the lights are already off on all the streets, it looks amazing. It will be interesting for travelers to visit the Cote d'Azur. In February, the Riviera is in the midst of various carnivals. In local restaurants, you can taste dishes prepared from the next harvest of truffles.