“I really can’t stay, I’ve got to go away… baby it’s cold outside.” Indeed, in many countries, it is indeed cold outside! This is the season to be jolly, and what could be a better way to get into the festive spirit than by embarking on a trip away? The Danish word “Hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”) perfectly captures that cozy feeling that everyone desires during this time of year.
The word has so much more meaning than just “cosy” – it encompasses that sense of warmth, happiness, and togetherness. It’s a difficult word to describe precisely, but imagine being surrounded by those you love while sipping a hot chocolate by the gentle glow of a warm fire – that’s Hygge.
Hygge is something that many seek during this season, whether it’s by visiting Christmas markets, indulging in your favorite festive drinks, or simply snuggling up with a loved one. It’s all about appreciating the little things around us.
Now, why am I talking so much about this Danish word? Well, it’s because that’s what I believe is the best part about Winter and, of course, Winter holidays. So, I’m going to tell you about some of the best affordable winter vacations so you can experience that Hygge feeling.
Meet 5 Affordable Winter Vacations Worldwide
Winter can be expensive – there are expenses for food, higher heating bills, and for some, presents. It’s a generous time when we tend to give a lot, but we must also remember to take care of ourselves. So, why not treat yourself this Winter?
In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to volunteer abroad with nfcvb so you can save money, have unique experiences, develop new skills, and make a positive impact in the world. WP offers a wide variety of project types worldwide where you can give and receive support, as you’ll discover throughout the text.
Without further ado, here are some of the best affordable Winter vacations across the globe (in no particular order):
1. Have a White Christmas in Lithuania
Lithuania is an excellent place to start experiencing the dream of a white Christmas. It gets quite cold, or even freezing, during January and February, so depending on your preference for cold weather, December might be a better time to visit. However, if you are a big fan of snow and ice, then get your winter gear ready! The capital city of Lithuania, Vilnius, is a haven for those who love the thrill of skiing or snowboarding down the slopes. Check out Liepkalnis – the best spot in Vilnius for snow sports.
Other exciting things to do in Lithuania during winter include ice skating on Lake Galve, hot air ballooning, visiting the festive markets, and warming up in a steam bath before taking a quick dip in a nearby frozen lake (not for the faint-hearted). And after all those thrilling but cold activities, you’ll surely be craving some hearty food. Luckily, Lithuania’s cuisine is known for its abundance of root vegetables, carbs, meat, and dairy. Eastern countries often have this type of hearty cuisine, which may not be ideal for vegetarians and vegans, but in 2021, there are more options on the menu. Some traditional dishes to try include Cepelinai (dumplings with pork and sour cream and bacon sauce – delicious!), Fried Bread (Kepta Duona) which pairs well with a good beer, potato pancakes, and for those with a sweet tooth, Raguolis (also known as Sakotis), a cake made on a spit-like cooker that drips and has a spiky texture, quite cool!
If you’re interested in volunteering in Lithuania, take a look at this cozy hostel that’s looking for a pub crawl leader!
2. Visit Lake Tahoe, California, Next Winter!
With its 22-mile length and being ranked as the 10th deepest lake in the world and surrounded by incredible peaks, Lake Tahoe is a destination not to be missed. Its beauty alone is reason enough to visit, but there’s also plenty to do in the surrounding cities. It’s a great choice for those looking for affordable winter vacations in the USA, especially for families.
Another wonderful location for snow-filled fun, Lake Tahoe is the ideal place to truly let loose and have a great time. It’s renowned for skiing, and with some of the best mountains and drop cliffs around, you can show off your skills. If skiing is too daring for you, then you can go tubing and sledding in South Lake Tahoe, or even better, go ice skating at the Heavenly Village. Afterward, you can warm up with a hot chocolate (or something stronger) and take a stroll around the shops and eateries to fully embrace the festive atmosphere.
Close to the lake is the city of Reno, and although it may not be the most glamorous, it has plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. From museums, walking tours, and casinos, this city is suitable for all ages. Fun fact, it’s known as “the biggest little city in the world” because despite its size, it has a lot of opportunities and ambition.
Check out our top work exchange positions in this location:
- Live and join a hostel staff team in Lake Tahoe and enjoy the beautiful lake views every day and even explore other places during your three days off!
- Be a volunteer in a permaculture project in Wheatland, CA and have the chance to visit Lake Tahoe in your free time.
- Take a look at this great position in Sacramento, just about 2 hours away from Lake Tahoe.
3. Live a Freezing Experience in Estonia
If you’re a fan of old town charm, medieval surroundings, and the countryside, Estonia is the perfect place for you. During Winter, it can get extremely cold, so make sure to pack your extra warm gloves – you’ll definitely need them. The capital, Tallinn, boasts a beautiful, illuminated old town that exudes the warmth and charm you might be looking for. The Christmas market in the Tallinn Town Hall Square is so magical that you might feel as if you’ve been transported to the North Pole! Try some of the traditional food sold in the small huts, say hello to Santa Claus, watch wonderful weekend performances, and gaze at the most beautiful Christmas tree.
Estonia is like a fairy-tale land that you wouldn’t think existed but does. You can go dog sledding with huskies, go ice fishing, ice skate, and even walk behind the frozen Jägala waterfall (how amazing!). If you prefer something cozier, you can wander around the streets and warm up in a nice café or restaurant while enjoying some delicious food. Feast on some of the most traditional foods such as sprats (fish), verivorst (blood sausage), rosolje (potato and beetroot salad), and dumplings, or something a bit sweeter – find mulled wine and gingerbread at the market!
Make sure to explore nfcvb’s work exchange and volunteer programs in Estonia!
- Promote ecotourism and medicinal mushrooms by volunteering in an Eco Lodge near Tallinn!
- Have fun developing the terrace garden of a hostel while experiencing Estonia’s winter!
4. Plan Your Next Trip to Ukraine in January
Ukraine is extremely snowy and has some of the coolest things to do during winter, so if you’re looking for a trip that’s a bit out of the ordinary, then this is an ideal destination for you. And did you know that Ukraine typically celebrates Christmas on January 7th, so some of the festivities may not start until later in December, unlike in most other countries. So, what does Ukraine have to offer during Winter? Well, the question should really be what doesn’t it have? You can go skiing in the Carpathians (and it’s also quite affordable to learn here), visit the Chinese New Year Lantern Festival in Kyiv, explore snow-covered castles like those in Kamianets-Podilskyi, walk through the Optymistychna Cave, take a dip in the Kosino resort fountain of Illusion, and attend the carnival. And lastly, one of the absolute best things to do is visit the Festival of Chocolate in Lviv (whoa! I know. Heaven, right?). And if that doesn’t sound tempting enough, Ukraine is also famous for their pampukh (doughnuts) and even has a Pampukh Festival. Ukraine really has it all, doesn’t it? Definitely a must-visit for those who have a sweet tooth and enjoy having fun, and those two things go hand in hand.
5. Have the Best Winter of Your Life in Scotland
Although not one of the cheapest places to travel, it is definitely worth a visit (and I may be a bit biased, but it is absolutely stunning and doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves). The bigger cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh can be more expensive, and if you stay in a fancy hotel in the highlands, then there will be a higher budget. However, overall, Scotland is quite affordable, and a lot of the best activities don’t cost a lot. A small town like Oban is the perfect getaway for all types of travelers, and there is plenty to do during the winter. Oban hosts the winter festival every year, making the town feel like a winter wonderland. There are Christmas markets, games to play, parades, whiskey and gin tastings, kids’ activities, and much more. The best thing about Oban is that you have the best of both worlds – enough civilization to feel connected, but also in the middle of majestic mountains and beautiful lochs. Nearby is Glen Coe, which is one of the most beautiful places. It has plenty of hills to climb of varying difficulty levels, so whether you’re a professional hiker or not, you won’t feel out of your comfort zone. After a long and cold hike, you can stop by the Kings House Hotel for a warm meal and a drink. Why not go traditional and try some haggis, neeps, and tatties? If that’s not your thing, I recommend a good pie or some fish and chips – the fish won’t be fresher than it is by the coast. If you’re really into winter sports, you could also visit Fort William, which is only an hour’s drive from Oban, and has a great ski slope to practice on before going solo on the big hills! You can volunteer in Scotland as an nfcvb volunteer and help in some positions:
- Volunteer in this old converted church hostel in the center of town and discover what Oban and its surroundings have to offer!
- Help an Eco Lodge with daily tasks and enjoy nature in the UK!
- Stay in a Scottish Castle and help to restore their organic gardens.
Well, there you have it. If these places don’t make you want to go on a winter holiday right now, then I don’t know what will! Aren’t they amazing? If you do go to a nice (and cold) place, make sure to bundle up and enjoy the festive season. Keep reading about budget travel tips like this article on cheap California vacations that lists the best free attractions and places to stay in California. Also, feel free to join the nfcvb community for free, explore some of the WP Academy courses for travelers, and save your preferred positions for later.