Posted by Starting October 1st, travelers no longer have to take a PCR test within the first 24 hours of landing in Korea! No more hassle of visiting your local public health center ๐ฅ to get tested as soon as you set foot back in the country. With more and more COVID regulations being lifted, we expect that the airport will be crowded with people traveling abroad this winter. ๐
Further adding to this expectation is that many airlines are also preparing various winter travel specials. Different promotions are underway, including discounted Early Bird tickets ๐ซ. For those who got the travel bug, but simply donโt know where to go, listen up! Incheon Airport โ has prepared for you a list of the best 5 overseas winter travel destinations that are good to book now! ๐
From festivals where you can fully appreciate winter to relaxing in warm places, โจ we’ve prepared a nice selection. Letโs take a look!
Cross Aurora Hunting off your winter bucket list in Norway!
All entry restrictions were abolished from February 2022.
December-February is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights in Norway!
Did you know that winter is the best season to see the Northern Lights? To really experience aurora borealis, set off for Norway in Northern Europe this winter! Out of all the possible places, thereโs the sacred Aurora location: Tromsรธ.
Youโll be able to feast your eyes on the Northern Lights contrasted against the dark, night sky! It is an experience of a lifetime, not to mention a common winter bucket list item for many people. While in Tromsรธ, in addition to an aurora tour, you can also enjoy other various activities like going sledding ๐ท, whale watching, and experience culture of the indigenous Sami people.
In addition, we highly recommend visiting the capital of Norway, Oslo, and the backdrop of the movie Frozen, Bergen. Both places ooze that peaceful Nordic charm. Just note that there can be stark temperature contrasts from region to region, so be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes.
Experience a glitzy winter at the Venetian Carnival in Italy!
Starting June 22nd, no COVID-19-related documents required for travel.
Visit in February during the Venice Carnival!
Shall we visit a warmer European country this time? Let’s go to Italy ๐ฎ๐น, for a trip straight out of your winter dreams that will shatter any stereotype of a European winter being bleak.
The Venice Carnival ๐is the ultimate winter festival that you shouldnโt miss when visiting Italy. It is a festival held every year from late January to February throughout Venice. Mark your calendars from February 4th to February 21st, which is when it will be held in 2023!
During the carnival, people in colorful masks ๐ญ and costumes fill San Marco Square in Venice. Think of all the priceless photos you can take while dressed up against such an exotic backdrop! We also recommend that you take a gondola ride down the Venetian Canal.
Soak in winter against the snowy landscape in Hokkaido, Japan
Visa-free entry allowed from October 11th!
Short on time? Visit Hokkaido, just a three-hour flight away!
Have you ever imagined yourself lying in a snow-covered field? If youโre a fan of snow, visit the snow city of Hokkaido in Japan! This is the perfect winter travel destination that you can make reservations for right now. If you wait any longer, it may be too late! Hokkaido is home to many winter festivals where you can fully appreciate the snowy season.
The most famous festival is the Sapporo Snow Festivalโ! The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in downtown Sapporo for seven days from February 5th every year. At the nearby Odori Park, you can also see a number of amazing snow sculptures. There are also various attractions such as a huge slide made of snow and a skating rink, so the winter fun can continue! At night, colorful lights ๐ก are illuminated over large ice sculptures, creating a different ambiance from daytime.
The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is also held in the same period as the Sapporo Snow Festival. We recommend you go for a walk along the snowy path! Finally, if youโre all snowed out, you can relax in a Noboribetsu Ryokan โจ, which are famous for its sulfur hot springs. Talk about a perfect winter vacation! โบ
Transport yourself from winter to summer by visiting New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere!
Remember, itโs summer in New Zealand from December to February!
While Korea is experiencing a cold winter, the southern hemisphere on the other side of the globe is having a hot summer! If you want to enjoy summer greenery ๐ป even in winter, we recommend an overseas trip to the southern hemisphere! Out of the possible locations, we recommend New Zealand. New Zealand is a country with many things to see and enjoy, from sophisticated urban landscapes to jaw-dropping sights of Mother Nature. ๐
Hold up. This is where we must mention the ultimate secret weapon that will make your trip to New Zealand more special: a camper van ๐. These days, many people in Korea enjoy going “car camping”, or basically camping in camper vans. New Zealand is perfect for that trend as itโs a camperโs paradise!
The first stop on New Zealand’s Campervan Travel Course is Lake Tekapo, located on South Island! This lake is brilliant from the water flowing down from the glaciers. It boasts a fantastic view with purple lupins planted all around it. Visiting here means you must camp out overnight. You wonโt want to miss the stars that flood the night sky. You can even see the beautiful Milky Way ๐ at the observatory. V of BTS also mentioned the New Zealand night sky as one of the most unforgettable parts of his travels. We strongly recommend you to visit here!
Relax this winter under the sun in Cebu, Philippines!
Vaccination required in the Philippines!
December-May is dry season, ideal for outdoor activities!
Lastly, Incheon Airport recommends visiting Cebu in the Philippines. In winter, Southeast Asia enters a “dry season.” Thanks to this, you can enjoy a trip to Southeast Asia more comfortably than summer, without worrying about rain.
Cebu, Philippines is a representative Southeast Asian resort city! You can enjoy various ocean activities ๐ฃ even in the winter, including island hopping tours, Oslo whale shark tours, and scuba diving. It’s a chance to melt away your winter chills and fatigue by taking a dip in the emerald sea of Cebu!
Cebu, Philippines is perfect for enjoying a vacation with your family. It is also famous for its delicious food. The seafood dishes, including shrimp and crab ๐ฆ, are especially excellent. Do your restaurant research and enjoy some mouthwatering delicacies while visiting!
What did you think of Incheon Airportโs 5 overseas winter travel destination recommendations perfect to book now? Are you already searching to reserve flights? We can feel your excitement building from all the way here in Incheon! We at Incheon Airport โwill also make preparations to help make your trip a pleasant one. We hope to see you this winter. ๐ In the meantime, weโll be back next time with more!