It’s that time of year again! Ho-ho Holidays! Wouldn’t it be great if you could end the year with a memorable trip to one of the top travel locations in the world that have been on your bucket list for a long time? But with so many options to choose from, just deciding on where to go in the first place is hard.
So to make things easier for you, here are 3 best end-of-year destinations (pocket-friendly and family-friendly) for you to choose from.
1. Otaru, Japan
Otaru has been one of Hokkaido leading port cities for much of the island’s history. It’s quieter than nearby Sapporo. Otaru is a perfect destination if you are looking for a travel destination to go to by the end of this year; this is because there are a lot of special events that are held during the winter time such as The Otaru Light Path Snow festival, which features snow sculptures and illuminations.
Aside from the festival, you must also visit Snow Cruise ONZE, located on Mt. Harukayama in Otaru City. The snow cruise always opens on the 11th of November, and it is the earliest ski zone that opens in Hokkaido. The ski slopes here provide an excellent view of Ishikari Bay.
You can also visit Mt. Tengu, which is located in the southwestern part of Otaru city; Mt. Tengu (Tenguyama) offers tourists to enjoy the panoramic view of Otaru City, Otaru Port, Ishikari Bay, and the Sea of Japan. If you are lucky, on a clear day, you can even see Mt. Shokanbetsu and the night view of Otaru from the top of the mountain is also breathtaking!
In addition, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the Otaru Unga (also known as the Otaru Canal). The canal that was once the lifeblood of the town. Now, the warehouses lining the canal feature shops, restaurants, and museums. Shop owners will draw in visitors by building adorable snow sculptures in front of their shopfronts. There are many sweet treats available. Even if you can only stay for a little while, Otaru is a delightful little town to visit.
2. Harbin, China
Harbin, commonly known as “Ice City,” is a winter wonderland because of its renowned ice sculptures. The city has a strong influence on Russian architecture due to its proximity to its border. Enjoy a walk around the city and admire the cultural relics and historical sites, like the Saint Sophia Cathedral, and the Synagogue, and a visit to the Chinese/Russian Market.
The famous Ice and Snow Festival begins in January. However, many events begin in late December, making it one of the must-go destinations by the end of this year.
Aside from that, if you are a ski lover, then Harbin is a perfect destination for you since there are popular ski resorts for you to enjoy: Jihua Ski Resort is approximately 40 kilometres from Harbin, and Erlongshan Ski Resort is approximately 65 kilometres east of Harbin. The Yabuli Ski Resort is the largest in the region and is around 250 kilometres from the city. Over there, you may unwind or experience many kinds of activities, such as skiing, snow tubing, and snowmobiling.
3. Sapa, Vietnam
Sapa is an ideal holiday destination in December, especially for travellers who love hill trekking, since you have a chance to immerse yourself in a misty mountainous paradise. Sapa is a frontier town located 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level in the northwest region of Vietnam. It is well known for its pristine rice terraces, cool mountain atmosphere, and community of ethnic minorities.
It offers a wealth of trekking opportunities that take you through the region’s picturesque hillsides and smaller ethnic villages. Across the region live a multitude of diverse, vibrant ethnic minority groups, such as the Hmong, Dao, Giay, and Tay, to name only a few. The hill-tribe villages are hidden in bamboo forests, behind waterfalls, and within rich valleys, making every town more beautiful than the next.
Mount Fansipan, the Roof of Indochina, stands here at 3,143 metres (10,300 feet), offering a view through the mists of cloud and mist over the various valleys of North Vietnam and China.
