Best winter wonderland?

[peacetraveler22]

While most humans run toward the sea and bright sun in the winter months, I chase the frost and freezing temperatures. There's no season I love more than winter. To step outside each morning and have my nostrils slightly burn from the cold, to breathe crisp air and feel the slight shudder of my body...in these moments I feel completely alive and human. What's more romantic than sitting by a cozy fire in a secluded log cabin, with ice-covered branches and the forest as your only companions? For me, almost nothing. I've never craved sunshine or bright light, even as a child. Perhaps I'm secretly a vampire. :)

Each winter, I take a big trip to celebrate my birthday in February. The past three years I've had great journeys in Russia, but now my three-year tourist visa is expired and I don't wish to go through the hassle or cost to renew it. It's time to explore another winter wonderland this February, but where?

I've thought of the following options: Iceland, Greenland, Finland, Canada or perhaps a return to Alaska. Other suggestions? It would be preferable if the country is cheap or economical, but so far the most beautiful winter landscapes I've found are in quite expensive countries for travel. My dream is to make it to the deep Arctic or North Pole in my lifetime, but such journeys are limited and cost an insane amount of money - ranging from 10 - 30K USD!! Look here, for example. Amazing!

Which winter countries are you interested in seeing and reading about? Help me decide where to go! :)

Comments

[mb-b.livejournal.com]

I think there's a train in Canada that travels all the way north to some town on Hudson Bay (Chirchill? not sure) where you can watch polar bears.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Sounds great, but expensive. :( I'll check it out. I'm not sure where in Canada is best for winter? I was thinking Alberta.

Go Yellowstone - it will blow your mind

[pin-gwin.livejournal.com]

http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/things-to-do/winter-things-to-do/winter-activities-dates-rates/

Re: Go Yellowstone - it will blow your mind

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I never thought of Yellowstone, but it is insanely expensive! Over $1,000/day for a guided tour??? It's too much for me.

[notfop.livejournal.com]

The half of my life i lived in Yamal, in the Surgut. There most months of the year are very cold. And nowadays I love bright sun and the sea)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yamul - very cool! :)) I would love to travel to such a place, but it is difficult to reach and I need a native speaker with me. Unfortunately, my friends are not so adventurous and have no desire to travel to Russia. But I still will make it to Siberia someday. :)

[k-proh.livejournal.com]

Canada and Alaska in same latitude Russian real winter(siberia and Yakutia), is real freeze and more snow,but dirty and uncomfortable in winter latest 10-15 year.(I live here and know what I'm talking about). If you want winter same like Sibiria you should choise Canada or Alaska. If a little warm Finland. But if you was in western part Russia here same climate like in north states. If you want go in North Pole choice North part Canada or Creenland.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, Greenland looks awesome! I've already traveled to Canada (the Yukon Territory) and Alaska. I loved both places! About the Yukon, you can read here, but it was in September, not the depths of winter. http://peacetraveler22.livejournal.com/127501.html

[mesier.livejournal.com]

Probably Japan?
I saw some snowboard vids - it was awesome - a ton of snow!!
Not a cheap country though. ))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I do not like skiing or snowboarding. Last time I tried to ski, I almost broke my leg! :)) Japan is too far and flights are expensive from the USA. But it does look lovely in the winter.

[kir-akot.livejournal.com]

Iceland, of course! But it would be quite expensive as well:(

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

It's expensive, but you can get cheap deals in winter because of the limited daylight hours. So, it is still an option. :)

[onkel-hans.livejournal.com]

What about a cosy place in the Alps?

O boy. I have discovered a wonderful woman - Svetlana Alexievich, the latest Nobel Price in literature winner.
It's her book "War Does Not Have a Woman's Face", and shorter, her Nobel lecture, a shocking and the deepest analysis of the tragedy of Russia.
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/2015/alexievich-lecture_en.html

It is a must to read for everybody who has interest in Russia.

[mesier.livejournal.com]

Sure! The best way to collect more stereotypes and lies about Russia.. Lets do it!

[mesier.livejournal.com]

And a different idea - China! North's territory such as Heihe, Harbin. Personally was in Heihe and could say that it was a true Yakut frost! ))

[besilked.livejournal.com]

Maybe Switzerland ;-)?
a litttle bit to much photoshop I know, but beautiful in any case!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Switzerland is out of the running because it is too expensive. :( But it looks amazing! Thanks for the photo. It brightened my spirit! We have very warm temperatures now in Virginia, and I can't get in the Christmas spirit.

[romanklimenko.livejournal.com]

Google images 'winter Finland'. This is what I call winter fairy-tale. My vote is Finland :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I searched so many winter images from Finland. It looks beautiful! Also, I'm hoping the Finnish Tourism Board will pick me for this project http://www.helsinkisecret.com/, and I will have a free place to stay. For once, the promotion is applicable for English speakers and American bloggers. So keep you fingers crossed that I'm selected. :))

[kichiro-sora.livejournal.com]

Canada! Mont Tremblant for Christmas - that's where we going...

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Which Canadian province do you think is best and most beautiful in winter? Quebec?

[moskitow.livejournal.com]

What about Vermont? I've never been there but I've heard it's beautiful in winter (do they even have snow now? because we still don't have any and it's Buffalo!)
Or there is a hotel made out of ice in Quebec http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/. Kinda expensive though.....

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Oh, this ice hotel is awesome! :)) I've been to Vermont many times in winter. It's freezing!! I love it there, but want to go to a new place/country.

[aborigen72.livejournal.com]

у нас на пляже ))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes! :) I was in Sochi during the winter, very warm but not hot enough to swim in the water.

[alter ego (from livejournal.com)]

американцы, верните нам зиму! вы ж всё равно не знаете, что с ней делать!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

It's true! :)) Do you like winter or summer?

[leoncia-ir.livejournal.com]

Iceland is just a paradise for me. I wasn't there in winter but my friends were and they shared their delight and enthusiasm with me.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Cool, what month did you visit? The downside to travel in winter is the limited daylight hours, but prices are much cheaper.

[maadmike.livejournal.com]

I would prefer the Alaska or Canada but good company is the most preferable thing to me no matter a snow or hot sun is bombarding me...

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

On this trip, I will go alone. I do not mind solitude.

[anna-sollanna.livejournal.com]

Why not to visit Poland? ;) We have even ski resorts and mountains in the south.
For example, Zakopane
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakopane

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Poland? It is not cold enough. :) I want freezing or subzero temps.

[valiok.livejournal.com]

look at Kazakhstan. Almaty and mountains nearby, Astana and Borovoye resort, or Kazakh Altai. 15 days - no visa required.
local guide is advisable :-) Can be combined with Kyrgyzstan.

p.s. though Baikal is still the best option :-)

Re:

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Kazakhstan is definitely trying to build bridges with the West. I see commercials almost every day on CNN, inviting businesses to come into the country. I didn't know Americans can travel there visa free. I know people living there, perhaps it is an option. I have long wanted to visit some of the "stan" countries.

[redheadrat.livejournal.com]

Back to Scandinavia for something like this: http://www.icehotel.com/

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I've never been to Scandinavia, but none of the countries are cheap. That's why I've not yet made it there, however I'm certain I would love any of them (esp. in winter!).

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

India.

en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Manali,_Himachal_Pradesh

High in the mountains

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, India is on the list but not for solo travel. I don't want to go there alone. On the birthday trip, I will probably travel by myself.

[a-nimaida.livejournal.com]

Siberia!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Siberia would be good, but I don't want to pay the cost to renew my Russian tourist visa. There are lots of other countries to explore, where visas are not necessary for U.S. citizens. This eliminates costs and the hassle of dealing with the Russian Embassy to renew my visa again. Plus, for Russia you need to have an "invitation" to renew the visa.

[yarowind.livejournal.com]

Greenland my choice!:)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's exotic! And COLD. :))

[scorp-takoi.livejournal.com]

It's a pity about visa. Maybe it's better and cheaper to get it once more time than to choose a kind of Norway. I would glad to see you in Russia :-)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's a pity. There are many countries left to explore, and Russia is not an easy country to travel in alone due to so many language barriers, poor tourism infrastructure, etc. Usually I am traveling with my Russian friend, but he is not available this year in February, so it's time to pick some new frosty country to explore. :)

[margo-de-mtl.livejournal.com]

You can go "2 in 1" Iceland & Greenland. They offer short tours from Iceland to Greenland. I went to Iceland in summer so I'm not sure if it is wintery enough in winter, but it should be in Greenland. I think you can also still see the northern lights in February.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yeah, to see the Northern Lights is on my bucket list! :) Many tours combine both Greenland and Iceland.

[aavenger.livejournal.com]

For more romantic mood I would prefer destinations at other planets or celestial bodies, but putting a spacesuit on and taking it off any time you have to go outside for a fag is so boring... :)))

I would recommend Finland - and check Rare Exports movie as an appetizer :)))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Sure, the stars and space are romantic...venturing into the unknown! Yeah, Finland is a top choice, but so expensive! :(