Many people think of winter as a time for staying indoors, turning on the television and just relaxing, and we certainly can’t blame anyone for that. But for some, winter offers a unique opportunity for travel, wholly different than the tourist-laden summer months but replete with a charm and excitement unto itself. People travel in the winter for a number of different reasons: to enjoy a picturesque wintry scene; to beat the cold weather and get somewhere hot; to partake in the merriment of Christmas culture in Europe; to hit the ski slopes; or to travel on the off-season, when everything is a little more reasonably priced.
Through it all, you’ll want to pack clothes that will keep you warm (if you’ve chosen a cold destination) or cool (if you’ve opted to chase the sunshine), which is why we're here to answer your questions about Merino wool on our website, and why we’ve compiled a list of awesome winter destinations to consider. Here are 5 unique winter destinations, and what to pack when visiting.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
We start in Africa, at the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, which shares land with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Prices drop in the winter, and getting from the capital, Nairobi, is easier, which makes winter a great time to check out all that Maasai Mara has to offer: lions, leopards, elephants and rhinoceroses, among many other animals. Climate at Maasai Mara remains hot in the winter, but can cool off depending on winds, so our v neck t shirts are perfect to pack, being both insulating and breathable, depending on the temperature.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The quintessential Mediterranean landscape, the Amalfi Coast mixes dramatic cliffside towns with bright blue waters and pastel-coloured houses. Summer sees throngs of tourist (understandably) descending on this beautiful corner of Europe, making winter the more relaxing time to visit. If you do rent a car, beware the narrow roads and hairpin turns hugging the cliffs, because, in addition to being scary with just cars on the road, you’ll have to share the space with large trucks as well. In fact, when visiting the Amalfi Coast, best to pack enough money for some bus tickets!
Munich, Germany
The name of the game in Munich is the Christmas markets, which see thousands of Germans gather to shop for handcrafted presents, drink Gluhwein (hot, mulled red wine), and eat sausages. While there are other Christmas markets around, such as in Nuremburg or Vienna, if you stay in Munich you can also visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, a Romanesque Revival palace that looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. Pack our warm, insulating Merino wool boxers and a good camera – you’re going to want to take pictures of this gorgeous market and castle.
Whistler, Canada
The ultimate in ski vacation goodness, Whistler is not only a collection of exciting slopes and runs, it’s also a veritable party town. Busy in the winter, Whistler is nevertheless accessible and endlessly fun.
Nagano, Japan
Finally, if you want a winter experience like no other, visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, Japan, which is pretty much how it sounds: a series of outdoor hot springs, amid the snowy mountains of Japan, populated by friendly macaque monkeys who like to relax in the warm waters with you. Make sure to pack a tasteful bathing suit, a waterproof camera and a couple bananas to share with the locals!
If you’re looking to take a trip this winter, you can’t go wrong with these wonderful winter destinations, each with its own unique charm, and each offering something different.
