#1 Finnish & Swedish Lapland

Think a visit to Finnish Lapland is complete once you’ve seen the Northern Lights? Think again. Luxury travel operator Scott Dunn takes guests off-the-grid to locations like Inari, in northern Finnish Lapland. This remote destination allows guests to truly explore the pristine winter wilderness, experience Sami culture with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or a husky safari. Incidentally, it is one of the best spots in the world to witness the Northern Lights, so first-time visitors won’t miss out.

#2 Best Of South Korea Winter Fun

Spring is pretty, Autumn is pretty, and Winter is definitely no exception. Snow is in fact one of the best reasons to visit South Korea. 12FLY brings guests to visit some of the most popular K-Drama Winter filming sites such as Nami Island for ‘Winter Sonata’ and Love Lock at N-Seoul Tower for ‘My Love from the Star’. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a Ski Lesson as it’s not a Winter trip without truly having fun on a mountain full of snow. When in South Korea, guests will also be brought to see the gorgeous Mt. Seorak, a national park filled with possible wildlife sightings and to recover your zen as you explore old Buddhist temples. 

#3 Japan’s Winter Wonderland

Pristine powdery snow has always been associated with the Christmas season and rightly so, with Santa Claus’ homeland being covered in it year-round. However, Malaysians need not travel to the North Pole to be immersed in a winter wonderland; Japan’s central Alps region is a region that records some of the heaviest snow falls found anywhere on Earth each year. Home to ethereal, secluded shrines covered in frost, snow-layered charming inns, with top-class local cuisine and onsen hot spring bath, Walk Japan takes guests on a snowshoeing tour which provides an intimate experience of life in a winter wonderland that can only be accessed using snowshoes.

#4 Christmas Markets in New South Wales

With Australia rising in popularity among Malaysian travellers, Destination New South Wales have put together a list of Christmas markets in the region that all foodies and culture vultures must visit during the holiday season. While Christmas shopping can be overwhelming and not for the faint-hearted, Christmas markets are a wonderful way to find unique gifts while you enjoy delicious local produce, workshops and live entertainment in a calmer festive environment. The Carriageworks Christmas Farmers Market offers a cornucopia of the spoils of 120 of Australia's best producers, restaurants and designers — think homemade plum puddings, succulent hams, fresh cherries, smelly cheeses and more. Watsons Bay Christmas Twilight Market is a diverse market offering everything from high-end fashion and fine art to toys and pet accessories, while Chippendale Christmas Market allows travellers to shop local and bring home something unique from Sydney’s leading brands and designers.

#5 Culinary Getaways in Southeast Asia

Whether your readers are looking for an escape from the chaotic Christmas celebrations or want to spend quality time with the family, Capella Singapore and The Sanchaya in Bintan both provide a tranquil culinary escape this festive season. 

With the unveiling of Capella Singapore’s festive line-up from Christmas Eve through to New Year’s Day, diners can expect a range of truly unique culinary highlights as well as festive favourites that will cater to all palates. For a sophisticated soirée, diners can indulge at The Knolls or Cassia, while families with kids can head to the iconic Christmas Day Brunch, which will feature a decadent spread, as well as nostalgic activities such as Christmas carolling, electric animal rides and a magic show. The seasonal program promises a culinary getaway where guests can celebrate with loved ones.

The Sanchaya is an intimate place to spend the holidays surrounded by loved ones. The Sanchaya’s compelling programme of festive activity includes Champagne and caviar tasting, a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, Wine & Cheese Discovery and a New Year’s Eve Promenade Dinner. In addition to the line-up of gourmet events, The Sanchaya will be offering special spa packages from 18th December, including festive scrubs created by the Spa Manager and a complimentary glass of bubbles after each treatment.

Interested in more fun travel itineraries? Check them out here!