Boomer Travel Winter Travel

BOOMER TRAVEL

Put These Picture-Perfect Destinations On Your Winter Travel List ASAP

By Venus Wong, Refinery29

Leaving your house in the dead of winter can feel like an herculean task, especially when the weather isgloomy and there's black ice on the ground. But getting out of town sounds like the perfect antidote for our mounting seasonal affective disorder: We want a vacation, and we want it now.

While we would normally recommend a beach break as a nice way to deal with the weather, there's

something to be said about destinations that pull off the winter wonderland look spectacularly. We're

10 Today’s BoomeR talking about places that offer impressive holiday decorations, lively Christmas markets, and readily

available fireplaces. If a city looks quaint enough to be featured in a holiday card, we can (maybe) overlook the frostbites.

From a quaint ski town to a snowy wonderland, we've rounded up five postcard-perfect trips you should take while there's still snow on the ground. And, just so you'll know what to do should you decide to make an impulsive visit, we've also included the coziest hotels in the area, plus the insider intel you need to know.

Park City, Utah There's way to more Park City than the Sundance Film Festival. For one, it's a great destination for skiing, thanks to the crisp mountain air and powdery peaks. The ski town's Main Street has an old-world charm, thanks to the well-maintained 19th-century facades.

The Deer Valley region should be on any foodie's radar due to its emerging culinary scene: High West Distillery & Saloon offers a unique pairing menu for its blended whiskies, while The Deer Valley Grocery Cafe will give your the best comfort food fix after a day of hitting the

slopes.

Edinburgh, Scotland There's no better season than the winter to retrace J.K. Rowling's footsteps in Edinburgh, the place where she wrote the majority of the Harry Potter series. The city looks extra magical when covered in snow, like a Hogsmeade came to life. Grab a drink at The Balmoral, the grand dame hotel where Rowling finished the last chapters of the final book. After than, have a wander on Victoria Street and peruse wizardry merchandise at Diagon House, a shop dedicated to the franchise. AHA HA HA Jokes & Novelties, a prank shop with a look that rivals Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, is just a few doors down.

Even if you're not a fan of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is still well-worth a visit: Time your trip around the end of the year to catch Hogmanay, an outdoor festival of fireworks and concerts that ends with a dip in the freezing River Forth on New Year's Day.

Where To Stay: The recently-opened Principal Hotel on

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Charlotte Square, which overlooks the landmark National Archives building, is designed with a muse in mind: Hamish — a fictional character conjured up by the owners of the hotel — is a well-heeled Scottish gentleman with a love for books and travel. The rooms has a much more modern look in contrast, punctuated by a gallery wall above the beds and Scottish tartan wool blankets. The well-lit atrium of the hotel, with towering houseplants and a greenhouse-like ceiling, is one of the most stylish places in Edinburgh to eat breakfast. Insider Tip: If you can brace the cold winds, the one-hour hike up Arthur's Seat is truly worth it. There's no better place to take in the skyline of the whole city, and it's a great place to go sledding when covered in snow.

Nagano, Japan Nagano is home to some of the most gorgeous landscapes in Japan. There's vibrant foliage in the autumn, cherry blossoms in the spring, but what you see in the winter is extra special: There are snow monkeys warming up alongside you in the outdoor hot springs, for one, and frosted expanse for skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. Our pick would be Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in northern Nagano, where there are all-natural, powdery snow and over 13 free natural spring baths open to the public.

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For an additional dose of culture, stick around for the Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival on January 15, the folk celebration to fete happy marriages and first-born children through a massive bonfire watched by a huge crowd.

stands out from the other ramen joints in town, thanksto its silky pork bone and soy sauce broth — a familyrecipe passed down for generations.

Where To Stay: You'd be remiss if you didn't experience a ryokan, a traditional Japanese guesthouse with tatamis (woven straw flooring) as beds. Oshi Ryokan is a traditional inn managed by a family and is within walking distance to three historic shrines in the area, including the famous Togakushi Shrine.

Insider Tip: If you leave Japan without having ramen at least once, did you ever actually go? Ramen Zunpachi

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Check Out Our Neighbors to the North...

Montreal's Best Events This Winter

By Evelyn Reid, trip savvy

Montreal is home to some epic winter events. There is so much to do, and to celebrate, during winter in Montreal. From outdoor raves in sub-zero temperatures to restaurant week to festivals honoring snow, lights, or anything else winter related. Here are some crowd-pleasing Montreal events that also happen to be affordable and sometimes even free during winter 2018-2019.

IglooFest

A new tradition was forged in the Old Port in Montreal in 2007, courtesy of the boys behind Piknic Electronik. It's called Igloofest and it's the most anticipated outdoor rave of the season, attracting thousands of electronic music fans every night.

From January 17th to February 2nd, 2019, Igloofest, billed as the coldest music festival in the world, will bring warmly-dressed music lovers to Montreal.

When: January, usually the last three weekends Fête des Neiges Snow Festival

Every late January to early February, Montreal's Parc Jean-Drapeau turns into a winter wonderland, a childhood delight that features activities to entertain kids as well as adults although the festival's focus is on the family. Admission is free as are several events, but equipment rentals are not.

The event takes place this upcoming year from January 19 to February 10, 2019, on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When: End of January through the beginning of February, usually three weekends

Montréal en Lumière

Every year since 2000, Montréal en Lumière lights up Montreal with free outdoor events, culinary delights, beautiful light shows, and displays throughout the city.

In 2019, the event takes place February 21 to March 3.

When: February, usually the last two weeks.

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