With 18 VTLs (vaccinated travel lanes) currently in place, most of which head northwards, outbound travellers will be spoilt for choice.

Here are our five winter picks to enjoy the great outdoors, marvel at European architectural masterpieces, indulge in seasonal winter dishes, and if you’re lucky, frolic in fluffy snow.

South Korea

South Korea is always a popular destination, with its mind-boggling array of street food, endless shopping streets, and K-pop culture balanced with historical sights. Couples can work in a visit to their favourite K-drama film locations like the tree-lined avenue in Nami Island, to reenact the scene from Winter Sonata – imagine how Insta-worthy the pictures will look with snow falling all around.

Meanwhile, families travelling with their young ones in tow will be able to keep them entertained at places like Lotte World, or head further afield to Incheon for a luge ride, temple visit, and jam-making session.

USA

Depending on which coast you choose, the main airports to fly into are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City. Must-visit attractions in San Francisco include Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge but if the mountains are calling, head northwards to Oregon to hike or ski in the lush Mount Hood National Forest.

If snazzy museums and being a city slicker is up your alley, head instead to New York City. There, go on the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour, or explore one of the many museums the city is home to. Should time permit, there is also a trip up to Niagara Falls from Manhattan, where great photo ops of the majestic waterfalls abound.

France

Already known as the fashion capital of the world, flying into Paris would mean spending a few days in the city hitting up luxury boutiques and speciality stores, and indulging in a Michelin-star meal or two. Round off the Parisian jaunt by snapping Instagram-worthy photos of the Eiffel Tower and the iconic Arc de Triomphe, before popping by the Louvre to say hello to Mona Lisa.

Then head towards Lake Annecy and the French Alps (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc) after to experience the picturesque French Alps. Family-friendly activities up in the majestic, snow-capped mountains include beginner ski lessons, snow tubing, husky sledding, and whizzing down the 1,300m-long Chamonix Luge Alpine Coaster.

Germany

Base your explorations of Germany from Munich, starting with the Marienplatz, which has been Munich’s central square since the city’s founding. Popular with shoppers for its stores, boutiques and restaurants, Marienplatz is the focus of festivals – although its Christmas markets have been cancelled again this year, due to the pandemic. After you’re done shopping and eating, clamber up some 300 wooden steps up St Peter’s Church tower, from where you’ll be able to take in the panoramic view of the city from above.

Not to be missed is a day trip up to the Neuschwanstein Castle, said to be the inspiration behind the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. During winter, the enchanting castle is covered in snow, making the visit even more magical.

Italy

A trip to Italy will surely warrant a visit to Rome and awe-inspiring attractions like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. Heavily visited in the summer, these must-visits are less crowded during winter. Also less crowded are the wineries, and oenophiles will be able to savour the season’s grape harvest, usually done in September and October.

Bustling Christmas markets are also a must-visit, and these can be found in both major cities and outlying villages. Make sure to partake in hearty Italian cuisine, ranging from risottos with black winter truffle and ribollita (vegetable soup) to polenta and panettone. Top it off with a slice of panettone and a glass of vin brulé (Italian mulled wine). Eccellente!

SAFRA Members receive 5% off Klook activities with min. spend $50 (capped at $10) and 10% off first-time bookings on the KKday app. For more information, go to www.safra.sg/promotions/safra-and-servicemen-11b/klook and www.safra.sg/promotions/safra-and-servicemen-11b/kkday

VTL requirements can change at short notice; keep yourself updated at safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/requirements-and-process. For advisories for travellers departing Singapore, check for updates here at safetravel.ica.gov.sg/departing/overview.

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The post 5 Winter Destinations You’ve Been Dreaming Of All Year appeared first on eNSMAN.

Banff, Canada (Above)

www.banfflakelouise.com

Deep in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is home to a charming, family-friendly national park. Like dogs? Take a dog-sled ride. Love Christmas? There are horse-pulled sleigh rides. Want to take in the sights at a leisurely pace? Ride the cable cars – called gondolas – or chairlifts for sumptuous views of the snow-blanketed landscape. At the Banff Upper Hot Springs, you can soak in warm, mineral-enriched waters. Other great activities include nature walks through frozen vistas, ice skating or snow-shoeing – an activity that needs no special training. To fly to Banff, the nearest airport is in Calgary. Or travel from Seattle or Vancouver through scenic rail routes over one or two nights.

Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Japan

www.jnto.org.sg

Located in Nagano prefecture, the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park is popular with tourists for skiing, rock climbing, hiking and hot spring resorts – the typical, well-loved attractions of a snowy mountain tourist spot. Just over two hours away from Tokyo by train, this park is also known for the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where the native macques (called “snow monkeys”) attract plenty of fans. During winter, undeterred by snowfall, these monkeys are known to frolic around and dip in the local hot springs, sometimes even alongside human holidaymakers. Be tickled by how these primate pals relax in the onsen and pose unwittingly for photos.

South Island, New Zealand

www.newzealand.com/sg

The rugged South Island is the 12th largest island in the world, one marked by dramatic natural beauty. Due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, winter takes place from June through August. If you’re a fantasy fan and movie buff, The Lord of the Rings tours here are well worth it. You can discover locations for settings that range from Edoras to Lothlorien, and the Fangorn Forest to the Pelennor Fields. The South Island is also an ideal vantage point for stargazing and viewing the aurora australis or Southern Lights. Apart from winter sports, an eye-opening outdoor activity to consider is an overnight boat cruise on Milford Sound, located in the majestic Fiordland region, which offers a tranquil respite from civilisation.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

www.slovenia.info/en

Few would disagree if you described Lake Bled as a picture-perfect fairy-tale scene. It is located in Slovenia in Central Europe, east of Italy and south of Austria. Visitors marvel at the magnificent views in and around the crystalclear glacial lake, which is best encapsulated by the little settlement on Bled Island, where the church is the most prominent landmark. Romantics find this an ideal wedding spot, with some indulging in the custom of ringing the church bell – after climbing the tower’s 99 stone steps – for good luck. In winter, even though the lake may freeze over, it remains spectacular.

Andean Mountains, Chile

www.chile.travel/en

Another Southern Hemisphere option for a mid-year winter holiday is in South America, along the Andes. Stretching some 7,000km, the world’s longest mountain range forms a natural border between Argentina and Chile. According to experts, these well-coated peaks offer some of the best snowboarding and skiing terrain in the world. To get to one of the more well-known resorts on the Chilean side, such as the Portillo or La Parva, requires just around two hours’ travel by car from Santiago, the capital of Chile. But if you’re pressed for time and have the budget to spare, or just want to feel like James Bond for a while, you can also reach these resorts in some style via helicopter!

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