When most people think of going abroad, they usually imagine lying on a nice beach somewhere in the hot sun. But it turns out that there are all sorts of cold places also worth exploring on the fringes of the globe, with many offering unique sightseeing that just isn’t available anywhere else.
But what, specifically, are we talking about? Glad you asked. In this post, we explore some of the world’s chilliest travel destinations and why you should visit.
Patagonia, Chile and Argentina
One destination where you’ll need your warmest thermal socks is Patagonia, a region of the southern Andes mountain range, known for its jagged peaks and picturesque lakes. People love to go for its expansive glaciers and surreal landscape, offering among the best hiking trails globally.
If you travel to this region, you will need to consider the temperatures and altitude. While the valleys might be a balmy 0°C, thermometers can plummet to -40°C in some places, underscoring the importance of going prepared.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard in Norway is another location well worth checking out. As one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth, it offers a unique experience that’s challenging to find elsewhere.
Svalbard is an island around 200 miles off the Norwegian northern coast. During the summer it never gets dark, providing ample opportunities to explore endless snowfields and fjords, while the long nights during winter increase the chance of seeing the aurora borealis.
Svalbard is an excellent camping ground for authentic Arctic expeditions. You don’t necessarily have to make your way to the pole, but you can hike around the remote landscape and perhaps spot the odd polar bear here and there if you have the right guide.
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff in the Canadian Rockies is another place that’s always cold. The stunning natural environment is awe-inspiring and perhaps more photographed than any other location other than the English Lakes.
While the Canadian Rockies are spectacular as a whole, Banff’s geological activity is what makes the region even more special. Amongst the ice and snow-covered peaks are hot springs where you can sometimes take your kit off and go for a bathe, even in the depths of winter. There’s also world-class snowboarding and skiing, pristine wilderness, and ice-topped lakes.
Queenstown, New Zealand
If you head to the south of New Zealand, you will eventually come to Queensland. During the winter, it becomes the skiing and snowboarding capital of the southern hemisphere, offering those in Australia and Southeast Asia a chance to get away from it all without having to go to Switzerland or Austria.
Of course, being New Zealand, there are also incredible food and wine experiences. Local growers present their produce, all eaten while overlooking the Southern Alps.
Antarctica
Finally, you’ll need to wrap up warm if you go to Antarctica, the coldest place on Earth. Cruises now travel to the destination, allowing tourists to view colonies of penguins and seals from afar. Some also allow brief landfall and excursions on the continent, but they aren’t budget-friendly.