People always dream of traveling. It is always interesting to learn about the life of people in other countries. Some like summer travel or off-season, others strive to go on a trip in winter. The variety of winter travels 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 travels, 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. Soak in them not only people, but also local macaques. In Jesinetsu-Kogan National Park, which is located near Tokyo, you can often find snow monkeys relaxing in natural warm baths. You should definitely look at this sight!
Thousands of curious tourists come to these beautiful places every year. Snow lays down on a fluffy carpet, steam comes from sources. 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 sight can be seen only in the winter. In summer, primates cannot be found in sources - travelers and Japanese are mainly swimming there. Another unforgettable sight in Japan is the Sapporo Ice Sculpture Festival. Masters create about a hundred ice figures. They are placed on a large area, various entertaining events are held - sports competitions, music competitions and more.
Republic of Belarus
It is best to visit Belarus neighbors in January - for the winter holiday of Kolyada. In the period from January 6 to 26, this holiday is celebrated. Most interestingly, he is celebrated in the very outback. Here you can get acquainted with the old traditions, rituals, rites of the Old Believers. Residents of villages dress mummers, go to visit each other, sing carols and Christmas songs.
After all the festivities, people gather in their homes and set up a Christmas table. The variety of Christmas dishes is impressive. Belarusians are very friendly people and always welcome guests. So, getting to visit them is not 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 Catholics live in Ireland, during the winter celebrations you can meet quite a few pagans conducting their oldest ritual ceremonies. On the day of the winter solstice, a wide variety of rites are performed. Ireland has its own Stonehenge, the oldest Newgrange temple. It is located on the mound and is both a temple and a calendar. On the morning of December 21, at 9 o’clock a real miracle happened in it: a ray of the sun falls into the hole and the space of the stone castle is filled with bright light.
To get to the temple is not given to everyone. In order to be able to visit the temple, you must register on the site. But even if you could not get your place in the temple, you should not be upset. There is a fair every year at Smithfield City Square in Dublin. There you can also see the ritual rites and dances of the pagans completely free. If you are truly a believer, then in St. Mary’s Cathedral you can visit the Mass and receive God's blessing.
Finland
If you really rest in Finland, then it is better to do it in the north of the country. For example, you can visit Lapland and visit Santa, or the small town of Kemi, which is located in the area of the Botanical Gulf, in which they build an ice castle and ice hotel Lumi Linna. This hotel is a true miracle. Designers use the ancient Sami style in its design. It is worth visiting the bar here, where drinks are served in glasses made of ice. Well, what rest in Finland without a traditional sauna?
The December most interesting phenomenon 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 along the North Pole, and also visit Santa Claus. Children there will especially like it, who will surely give Santa a present, and also learn how to bake delicious ginger cookies in a special kitchen with the gnomes, send a magic letter from Lapland to their relatives and friends. Another popular attraction in Kemi is riding with a breeze in dog or reindeer sledding. Popular with tourists is a winter safari on sledding dogs with Lapland.
France
On Christmas days, the country of chic and beauty - France turns into a huge festive fair with bright colors of lights, old-fashioned carousels, benches with various goodies, sparkling fun that is not in France on a typical weekday. On the streets and squares there are free circus and theatrical performances, masquerades take place, bright lights shine. In Lyon, a chocolate fair and a festival of lights in honor of the Virgin Mary are held every year.
Lyons really beautifully decorate their windows, put out burning candles. In the evening, when the light is already turned off on all the streets, it looks amazing. Travelers will be interested in visiting the Cote d'Azur. In February, on the Riviera there is the height of various carnivals. In local restaurants you can enjoy dishes prepared from the next harvest of truffles.
