TRAVEL SPECIAL ....Romancing the chill

Romancing the chill

Plan your winter break with family to enjoy every treat that winter season brings from across the globe

Think couple time amidst snow-clad peaks, marshmallow roasts, gingerbread house decorations and horse-drawn sleigh rides, it’s time to soak up the winter sun. Here are top three choices with Indian travellers who are making a last-minute dash to book their winter vacations.

ROMANCING THE SNOWY PEAKS

Region: Gstaad

Home to picturesque vistas and authentic Swiss chalets, Gstaad has a long history of attracting the who’s-who of Hollywood and also Bollywood. This Alpine resort town is proud of its tradition and invites tourists to live it up here. With 200 farms, 80 of which that use Alpine pastures, this region can inspire artists for sure. At the same time, a range of diverse leisure amenities and recreational sports are major draws with visitors.

If you are seeking some romance amidst luxurious settings then opt for boutique hotels with unique shopping outlet facilities. There’s a traffic-free promenade and an airport in Saanen to make things easier. In addition to more than 136 miles of ski runs, nearby ‘Glacier 3000’ (yes, that’s the name) offers exciting outdoor activities like tobogganing and dog sledding. Skiing is another popular attraction here.

In January, you can catch the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad classical music festival.

CHALLENGE YOUR SKIING SKILLS

Region: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Want to move away from the crowds then head to Jackson Hole. This small town welcomes visitors with its gorgeous landscapes, wildlife, culture and hospitality. Popular with advanced skiiers who want to push their limits in skiing have long been drawn to the Jackson Hole Valley for its rugged terrain. Once here, we suggest you take the Big Red cable car to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for spectacular views, fossils and wildflowers. Fun doesn’t stop here, from the summit, opt for adventure such as paragliding, or simply go skiing.

Every tourist takes out time to visit the Grand Teton National Park. Kids especially like the superb views. Add to the fun factor by taking a boat trip across Jenny Lake followed by a walk up Cascade Canyon. Take some photographs with the breathtaking scenery as the backdrop (it can pass off as a postcard). Spot an Elk (Elk are also called Wapiti, a Native American word that means ‘light-coloured deer’) at the National Elk Refuge. This trip for your winter vacation, make the most of the fun activities such as skiing, ice climbing and snowmobiling. It will be great fun!

PUT ON YOUR WINTERCAP, SIP ON YUMMY HOT CHOCOLATE AND SING SOME CAROLS

Region: Budapest

December is all about Christmas and after that, the approaching New Year and trust Budapest to live up to its title with much revelry in store. Vörösmarty Square here is home to a charming (and pocketfriendly) Christmas market (From November 10 till December 31, 2017) in the city centre.You can sip seasoned winter drinks in the heated hütte, while watching a spectacular light mapping show on the facade of the Basilica (every 30 minutes after sunset).

Take your kids to the Hot Chocolate Festival in Szt. Gellért Square (Dec 1- 3, 2017) for reasons that will make the entire family smile. Warm up with a cup of steaming hot chocolate and enjoy the view of the River Danube with the green Liberty Bridge. Narrate the significance of the destinations you visit and how the culture of hot chocolate helps in boosting the local economy.

Compiled by Nimisha Tiwari

ETTR16NOV17