Welcome back, globetrotters! We are back with another great series on all things travel. Buckle up, we are headed for a journey through some more jaw-dropping destinations. Wade through the glistening waters of Cancún in a cute Sombrero, take in the breathtaking beauty of age-old cities in the historic Silk Road, and for those who don’t mind the bone-chilling temperatures: make snow angels in the winter wonderland of Lithuania. There’s clearly a lot in store for you. But here’s the best part - these offbeat destinations will leave you with the best memories. So, what are you waiting for? Hop in, we’re going places!
5 Foreign Travel Destinations For Winter 2024
1. Cancún
Ready to viva la vida? Cancún is here for it. For those craving a tropical respite from the dregs of winter, this sprightly city is dotted with an abundance of white sand beaches, high-rise hotels, dazzling nightclubs, bustling local markets, and everything that is on a spring break student’s wishlist. Are you ready to be swept off to your teenage years? So, pack your best shades, a floatie, and your handy travel pouch, and let’s hit the beach!
Places To Visit:
i) Cancún Underwater Museum/Museo Subacuático de Arte
An underwater museum…how cool is that? That’s right, beautiful readers. Of the many sights this city offers, we couldn’t help but list this as number one. In the depths of the Carribean Sea, rests a total of 500 sculptures created with pH-neutral marine concrete and swathes of coral reefs. Snorkeling and diving are some popular tourist activities, so be sure to check those out.
ii) Dolphin Beach/Playa Delfines
If you want to ditch the crowd and try something lowkey, Playa Delfines is a quiet stretch of sand that awaits with dolphins leaping out of the water, iconic panoramic views from the Mirador lookout point, and fun surfing lessons.
For fellow wanderers, there are many perks! First and foremost, the access is free given that it’s a public beach. If you feel like lounging and chilling, pull up some beach umbrellas or chairs. You can also explore authentic Mexican treats such as Tamales and Empanadas from local vendors. Finally, you can hitch a ride on a bus and head back to your accommodation at Cancún’s Hotel Zone.
iii) Chichén Itzá
Visiting Cancún without taking a little detour out west to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World? One word: crime. No, we are not being dramatic. Explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan civilisation at Chichén Itzá. You can board a bus from Cancún’s Hotel Zone to this cultural city and reach within 3 hours of your departure. The 98-foot Temple of Kukulkan is a must-visit when in Chichén Itzá.
iv) Mercado 28
Ready to test your bargaining skills? We hope Mercado 28 is. This long-standing flea market is a treasure trove of local Mexican handicrafts and apparel. From frilly Cuera jackets to handcrafted Olinala boxes that exemplify expert craftsmanship, this place has it all. But that’s not all! Mouthwatering street foods also await your arrival.
v) Xoximilco
We wanted to end this list with a bang and there’s no better way to do that than with a Mexican fiesta. Xoximilco is an experience you cannot miss! Groove to traditional Mexican music such as Marimba and Mariachi, dive into different all-you-can-eat local delicacies, and wash it down with the best tequila, all while you cruise through the canals in a vibrant trajinera. If you have saved up throughout the trip and wish to indulge yourself, this entertaining cruise starts should be itinerary.
Best Visited
Late October - Early December
Explore: https://nestasia.in/collections/passport-covers
2. Lithuania
Let’s venture far out from the tropics to a snowy paradise, shall we? From the snow-clad roofs of Vilnius to the awe-inspiring wonder of the Curonian Spit, Lithuania is on every traveller’s wishlist. Nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, this fascinating country is a must visit. Let us quickly take a look at some of the highlights, eh?
Places To Visit:
i) Trakai Island Castle
If you are someone who has an interest in architecture, you cannot pass up the opportunity to visit this medieval castle. Built during the 14th and 15th centuries on the still waters of Lake Galvė, this Gothic castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Home to about 4,00,000 exhibits, the Trakai Castle Museum is great for all the history geeks.
ii) Church of St. Peter and Paul
The Church of St. Peter and Paul is proof that sometimes there is more than meets the eye. Although the exterior seems pretty simple and uninspiring, the white-washed Baroque interior is what really awaits your arrival. Created by Italian architects between 1668 and 1704, this beautiful piece of architecture stands tall in the Antakalnis neighbourhood of Vilnius.
iii) Kryžių Kalnas/Hill of Crosses
About 12 kilometres from the town of Siauliai, this place will send chills down your spine. Although the exact reason isn’t known, it is believed that droves of people have placed crosses here since the Polish-Russian War of 1831. An insurmountable number of crosses, giant crucifixes, tiny effigies, and rosaries have amassed here over many years. Free entry and an absolute spectacle, this place is grounded in history, faith, and hope. If you have a little soul-searching to do, it’s hard to beat the Hill of Crosses.
iv) Curonian Spit
Having gained the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Curonian Spit is a long sandbar that arcs along the Baltic coast with the roaring Baltic Sea on one side and a freshwater lagoon on the other - a unique geographical formation that assumes a completely different look during winter. Dark and desolate with chunks of ice washed ashore, and drifting dunes capped in snow, the Curonian Spit is pretty easy to travel to from the capital Vilnius.
v) Vilnius Old Town
Energetic, well-preserved, and one of the oldest surviving medieval towns in Europe, Vilnius is a confluence of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical architecture. Cobblestoned streets wrap the town with many popular tourist attractions waiting for you to explore.
The Cathedral Square has a thriving Christmas market which is something to look out for in the winter months. The Vilnius Town Hall is a cultural hub that hosts many concerts, exhibitions, and much more with many free shows to catch across the year. Also, when it comes to comfort food, no one does it better than the Lithuanians. Grab yourself some mulled wine, and indulge in a warm Grybų Sriuba (mushroom soup) or Kibinia (meat-filled pastries).
Best Visited
September - November
Explore: https://nestasia.in/collections/scarves
3. Uzbekistan
For connoisseurs of art and history, Uzbekistan is a gold mine. Home to the mighty Amirsoy Mountains, the world’s largest open-pit goldmine, Russian avante-garde art, and well-preserved townships that hold the amazing legacy of thinkers and traders who converged on the path of the ancient Silk Road, this colourful country is a melting pot of culture, cuisine, and art. Let’s see what this place offers, shall we?
Places To Visit:
i) Hazrati Imam Complex
Steeped in history and rich cultural heritage, the capital Tashkent brings to you a blend of Islamic architecture and Soviet-era buildings. When in Tashkent, a visit to the Hazrati Imam Complex is a must, particularly for those who fancy architecture. A collection of mosques, mausoleums, and madrasahs, every installation within the Hazrati Complex is a coalescence of architectural influences: sandalwood columns from India, green marble from Turkey, and blue tiles from Iran.
ii) Amirsoy Mountains
For all the adrenaline junkies who want to get a feel of the winter, the Amirsoy Mountains await your arrival with some steal deals on ski resorts. You will stumble across and plenty of guesthouses and hotels, so that's a load off your mind.
iii) Chorsu Bazaar
Whether to sample yummy treats or pick up textiles and handicrafts as souvenirs, prowl this sprawling market that dates back over 2,000 years. You can find everything here: from fresh spices that cloud the air with their aroma to traditional Uzbek sweets. Characterised by a gorgeous blue dome, the market is spread across two levels with inviting vendors and many goodies waiting to be picked up.
iv) Old Khiva
Explore the best of craftsmanship along the Silk Road by paying a visit to the walled city of Khiva. Surrounded by the 8-metre-tall Khiva Wall, Old Khiva will captivate your imagination with minarets, domed roofs, and curvy gates. Inside the walls rests the Ichan Kala (inner city) with winding alleyways that will transport you back to the days of the multicultural Silk Road. Covered with flowery ceramic overlays and fancy tilework, the Khuna Ark Citadel and Tash Khovli Palace are two marvels you cannot miss when visiting.
v) Registan Square Samarkand
Registan Square is one of the most dazzling sites on the Silk Road. The term “Registan” translates to “a sandy place,” and it is believed that during the Timurid Empire, this public square was used as a bazaar. Surrounded by three Madrassahs - Ulugbek Madrassah, Sher Dor Madrassah, and the Tilla-Kari Madrassah, the Registan Square stands tall as a testament to immaculate architecture and craftsmanship. A notable feature of the square is the use of azure mosaic tiles and colour-changing visual perspectives depending on the sun's position.
Best Visited
Late December - Early February
Explore: https://nestasia.in/collections/duffle-bags
4. Georgia
Welcome to Georgia, the birthplace of wine! That’s right, several archaeologists have traced the origin of the first known wine creation to as early as 6,000 BC here in Georgia. Witness the first rays on Mestia, paddle through the emerald waters of Martivili Canyon, and navigate the cityscape of Batumi - this affordable transcontinental gem has a lot to offer, particularly during the frigid winter months where bone-chilling snowfall is rare. Occasional frost, however, makes the city feel crisp and fresh.
Places To Visit:
i) Cave Town of Vardzia
On the slopes of the Erusheti Mountains lies an ancient settlement with other-worldly vibes…as close to Middle Earth as you’ll ever get. Home to one of the oldest caves that go as far back as the 8th Century, it is believed that people already lived here during the Bronze Age. But if the history isn’t compelling enough for you to visit this destination, perhaps the views of the sublime Mtkvari River will change your mind.
ii) Juta Valley
When we think of alpine meadows, the mind instantly conjures up Switzerland. What if we told you that there’s a picturesque valley tucked in the northeast region of Georgia that abounds in lush green meadows, winding roads, and a valley with flecks of snow? The Juta Valley is every hiker’s paradise, with many mountain lodges available for tourists.
iii) Martivili Canyon
An overnight stop at Martivili from Tbilisi to Mestia is one of the best things you can do! Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the cascading Martivili waterfalls from spectacular viewpoints, marvel at the intriguing rock formations, cruise along the gushing teal waters in a 10-minute boat ride, and take in the best of nature in its rawest form.
iv) Prometheus Cave
Lined with strips of stalactites and stalagmites, this 60-70 million-year-old Karst cave will leave you in awe. A sight to behold, this ancient cave has a total of 6 caverns that are open to tourists. The true thrill lies in the boat section running through the middle of the caverns. Complemented by ambient music and illuminated by fluorescent lights, visitors vouch for the allure of the route.
v) Man and Woman/Monument Ali & Nino
Now let’s move on to something a bit more futuristic, shall we? We’re sure this famous monument has popped up on your IG feed more than once. But did you know that this wonderful work of art is actually in Georgia?
Set in the city of Batumi, this 8-metre-tall kinetic statue is a visual representation of the transient nature of life. It takes a full 10 minutes for the male and female full-bodied sculptures to complete a cycle - embracing one another in a warm union only to glide past and break apart. Inspired by the 1937 romance novel “Ali and Nino,” you cannot help but be completely transfixed by the beauty of this towering all-metal installation.
Best Visited
December - February
Explore: https://nestasia.in/collections/table-accents
5. Philippines
Enchanting cityscapes, beaches with powdery white sand, and rich Spanish colonial history - this colourful place can be your very next winter paradise. Plunge into the cool waters of the Hinagdanan Cave, prepare for a rush of adrenaline as you slide down a zipline at Borocay, go kayaking in Panagsama Beach, and lose yourself in the teeming urban sprawl. Sounds like you’re in for a crazy ride, doesn’t it?
Places To Visit:
i) Moalboal
Listen up, beach lovers! We’ve found the hottest spot for you to cool off. The Moalboal Beach in Cebu is a must-visit for divers and snorkelers, offering crystal clear waters, vibrant marine life, and postcard-perfect scenery. Whether you want to sunbathe and get a nice tan or rent a beachfront cottage just to chill, this public beach allows everything.
ii) Hinagdanan Cave
In the province of Bohol, the Hinagdanan Cave has a fascinating story underpinning it. Accidentally discovered by a farmer who was cleaning his land, the Hinagdanan Cave is rooted in rich history. During the Second World War, the place was used by the locals as a hideout from the Japanese Imperial Army. Made primarily of limestone, this Karst cave also features a freshwater lagoon that is about 12 metres deep.
iii) Chocolate Hills
Located in the middle of Bohol island, the Chocolate Hills is another hot destination you cannot miss when in the Philippines. Sometimes referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” these dome-shaped hills go brown in the dry season, resembling giant chocolate truffles, hence gaining it the title.
iv) Boracay Zipline
Fly down the Boracay zipline and gain a unique perspective of the lush landscapes and the sparkling turquoise waters. Soar 70 metres above sea level and witness panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Best Visited
December - February
Explore: https://nestasia.in/collections/cushions
Conclusion
Harness the restorative power of travel with these top foreign travel destinations. Groove to upbeat Mariachi music at a Mexican fiesta, wonder at medieval castles in Lithuania, explore the best of Central Asian architecture in the winding alleyways of Uzbekistan, trot the well-preserved caves of Vardzia, and in the journey…find your calling. These offbeat places will leave you with a lifetime of memories!
info@nestasia.in
+91 9903504754
