Epic Winter Experiences to Look Forward to

After two years spent in sunny Singapore, we’re more than ready to venture out and spend the holidays somewhere cooler. With quarantine-free travel now possible, an epic winter getaway is now a very real possibility!

 

If you’re planning to treat yourself to a (very well-deserved) break — here are some destinations you can look forward to and winter experiences to check out in each:

 

1) Canada

Photo credit: @terezathes via Instagram

 

Just a two-hour drive from Vancouver lies Canada’s premier ski resort — Whistler Blackcomb. It’s the largest winter sports area in North America, combining the terrain of two mountains. Skiing and snowboarding are the main reasons why people flock here each year, but there’s plenty of other activities available as well!

 

Photo credit: Blackcomb Dog Sled

 

Go on a thrilling dog sledding tour through the Canadian wilderness, accompanied by an experienced guide and adorable huskies. Or enjoy zipping down a hill at the bubly™ Tube Park!

 

How to get there: Fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). It’s a roughly 2.5hr drive to Whistler Blackcomb. 

 

2) South Korea

Photo credit: Sono Hotels & Resorts

 

South Korea has plenty to offer in winter. Just 45 minutes from Seoul lies Vivaldi Park Ski World, the most visited ski resort in the country. There are 12 ski slopes, with a total slope distance of 6,784m — so there’s plenty of space to bust out your rusty ski moves. 

 

Photo credit: @witheverland via Instagram

 

If you’ve still got time to spare, head to Everland for insane roller coasters, adorable animals and Christmas-themed activities! 

 

P.S. UOB Cardmembers can enjoy S$50 off all flight bookings to South Korea! Limited to the first 100 redemptions, valid till 31 Dec 2021. 

 

3) Switzerland 

Photo credit: @lorenz.richard

 

Switzerland’s Interlaken is a bustling hub for thrill-seekers — and that doesn’t stop during winter. Go on a kayaking tour around the scenic Lake Brienz and enjoy stunning views of snowcapped mountains! Drysuits, gloves and booties are provided to help guests stay warm. 

 

Photo credit: @betweensummitandsky via Instagram

 

Prefer to experience Switzerland’s gorgeous landscapes from the air? Try paragliding! Interlaken is one of the best places for the sport and it’s available all year round. Interlaken is  also a great base to explore the Swiss Alps — you’ll have a tough time choosing which hikes to go for.

 

How to get there: Fly to Zurich Airport (ZRH). Interlaken is a 2hr train ride away. 

 

4) France

Photo credit: Disneyland Paris

 

A trip to Disneyland Paris is great. A trip to Disneyland Paris during the festive season is way better. From 13 Nov 2021 to 9 Jan 2022, Disneyland Paris celebrates Christmas with tons of enchanting displays, holiday treats and special performances to bring on the festive cheer!

 

Photo credit: Disneyland Paris

 

Spot your favourite Disney characters dressed up in their Christmas outfits, or enjoy treats and drinks from booths in the Disney Village. 

 

Photo credit: Val Thorens

 

After you’re done touring Paris, head further out to experience the country’s vibrant winter sports scene. At Val Thorens Ski Resort, snowboarding and skiing aren’t the only activities available. Climb a frozen waterfall on an ice climbing tour, go on a toboggan ride or try ice diving! 

 

How to get there: Fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Val Thorens Ski Resort is a 6hr train ride from there. Alternatively, fly to Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland and take a 3.5hr bus. 

 

5) Germany

Frankfurt Christmas market. Photo credit: @cmophoto via Unsplash

 

If you’re hoping to soak in the holiday atmosphere, Germany is the place to be. It’s home to some of Europe’s best Christmas markets! Picture this: you’re admiring twinkling Christmas lights with your loved ones, currywurst and warm glühwein (mulled wine) in hand. 

 

Photo credit: Berlin

 

The capital Berlin has Christmas markets scattered all over the city, each with unique highlights. Like the Berlin Town Hall market which features a massive 50-metre ferris wheel and Potsdamer Platz which has a toboggan winter slide! 

 

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Consider adding other cities like Munich, Düsseldorf, Cologne or Dortmund to your Germany itinerary to make your trip worth it!  

 

6) Spain

Photo credit: @baqueira_beret via Instagram

 

Few may know this but Spain has a winter sport scene too! Head to Baqueira Beret Ski Resort for an adrenaline-packed week of skiing and snowboarding. 

 

Photo credit: Baqueira Beret

 

There are dozens of routes, with varying heights and difficulty for both beginners and experienced skiers. Several improvements were also added this year, including two new ski lifts and a new beginners area in Beret. 

 

The start of the ski season is forecasted to start 27 Nov 2021. 

 

How to get there: Fly to Barcelona Airport (BCN). It’s a 4.5hr drive to Baqueira Beret Ski Resort. 

 

7) The United Kingdom

Photo credit: @jamie_davies via Unsplash

 

Christmas in London is huge, and all our favourite attractions are decked out in fancy lights and decor. Enjoy a stroll down Regent Street and admire the Christmas lights — there’s over 300,000 of them!

 

Photo credit: Winter Wonderland

 

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a London must-visit during winter. It features the United Kingdom’s largest outdoor skating rink, captivating circus shows and a bustling fairground with nine roller coasters. 

 

Plan Your Winter Vacation with these Exclusive UOB Card Deals

 

News of the vaccinated travel lanes couldn’t have come soon enough. And here’s some more good news to top it off — UOB Cardmembers enjoy savings on flights, hotels, car rentals and even pre-departure tests! 

 

Spend S$800 on travel-related merchants and receive a 20" Crossing luggage! Valid till 31 Dec 2021, SMS registration required.

 

Travel worry-free with UOB Travel Safe Bundles — COVID-19 insurance coverage, pre-departure PCR test and limousine airport transfers — and get S$10 off with UOB Cards. Valid till 31 Dec 2021. 

 

UOB Cardmembers get 8% off hotel stays worldwide on Hotel.com with the promo code <UOBYRO>. For bookings till 31 Dec 2021, for stays till 31 Mar 2022. 

 

If you’re planning a road trip, there’s 10% off Hertz car rentals worldwide! Valid till 31 Dec 2021. 

 

Check out The Travel Insider for more attractive deals for vaccinated travel lane destinations!