Sweden’s ICEHOTEL: A Winter Wonderland Crafted By 32 Global Artists

Northern Europe was plunged into a deep freeze last week, with temperatures plummeting to almost -43C in parts of Sweden.

The last (or first) hill in England is a modest 198 metres above sea level. Hillock more than hill, Chapel Carn Brea is certainly no Munro: it’s a final unpromising, bracken-brown bump in the Cornish landscape, before a sheer drop into the sea at Land’s End. Not all walks need guidebooks and Nordic poles; some are coy, cloaking their secrets in the hope that power walkers will power on by.

Start in the Christmas-card-perfect Clifton village, with its boutique shops and cafes, then venture to the observatory, where Brunel’s suspension bridge lies before you. Follow the contours of the gorge for more precipitous views, spotting climbers, peregrine falcons and goats along the way. Continue to the sea wall and you will be rewarded with sunset views over distant Wales. Follow the winding road back across the broad and beautiful Downs, sunset at your back.Helen

Fans of winter weather can celebrate the season by attending a winter festival or carnival. Certain destinations across North America and other parts of the world present these ice and snow-related events to bring attendees outdoors and take in public art installations, celebratory activities or games of skill. Some even brighten up the night or day with illuminated fixtures. Pull out your winter boots and heavy coats and plan a trip to these annual winter festivals.

In the second iteration of my column where I transport you to Sicily through its food, I’m bringing you a winter staple from the executive chef, Emanuele Cipolla, at one of my favorite restaurants: Sofia, a farm to table Italian steakhouse complete with a sexy cigar bar and lounge in Englewood, New Jersey, just over the George Washington Bridge.

I think of it as the “adventure moment”: when the guide says goodbye; when the boat unexpectedly pulls up to the riverbank and the captain tells you to get off; when no one speaks any language you understand; when you have to call on your own resources. The adventure starts when there is no one to tell you what to do next.

Hello 2024! A new year brings new adventures and Ontario is the place to be for winter road trips to small towns. This east-central Canadian province borders the United States and the Great Lakes and is home to vibrant neighbourhoods, diverse landscapes, thrilling outdoor winter activities, rich culture, historic sites, and Canadian charm. A road trip in Ontario is the perfect way to experience the province’s rugged beauty at your own pace.

For many people, the joys of winter center on strapping on skis, snowshoes or skates and getting outdoors. Of course, that is no less true in many parts of Asia. But with climates ranging from the famously snowy Japanese island of Hokkaido to the tropical forests of Malaysia, the continent offers a wide variety of wintertime delights for travelers who are seeking something different from a day on the slopes. Fresh-caught mountain trout sashimi, anyone? Here are five festivals to check out this winter.

£28, Hardie GrantThe second cookbook from food writer Dina Begum is a love letter to Bangladesh. Alongside the selection of tempting recipes are detailed ingredient notes, explanations of distinctive spice blends and advice on traditional preparation and serving, all accompanied by evocative photography of busy street-sellers, verdant landscapes and market produce. Some recipes do feature fish and vegetables native to Bangladesh that might be harder to find in the UK, but the author suggests accessible substitutions for those unable to find a Bangladeshi grocery store.

There are plenty of unique and memorable ways to make the most of the European winter, whether you want to take a snowy train ride across the Alps, cosy up in a wood cabin in the Scottish Highlands or watch the Northern Lights dance across the skies from a frozen lake.

Winter is coming: Bring it on, say Canadians, who revel in the thrill and magic of the season. Visitors eager to experience the winter months (which in some regions can last from November to April) are always delighted by the expansiveness of nature and intimacy of culture, the ease of engaging in outdoor and indoor activities, and ultimately the warmth of the Canadian welcome. Woven into the culture: Winter is part of the cultural identity of those living within Canada’s borders. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, the Inuktitut dialect of Nunavik (Arctic Quebec) includes multiple words referring to snow and ice, from qanik (snow falling) to qinu (slushy ice by the sea). The Arctic Winter Games are a multi-sport and an Indigenous cultural event held every two years involving circumpolar peoples around the world. The 2022 Games were pushed to 2023 and held in Wood-Buffalo, Alberta. Yukon is a potential host in 2026. In Ontario, Thrive Tours’ Snowshoe Experience is an Indigenous interpretive guided snowshoe experience with snowshoes provided and and learning about local Indigenous culture, history, and the natural environment included.

Zurich has recently been named the world's most expensive city to live in, and it beckons residents and visitors with a rich array of experiences. From lavish hotels to cultural extravaganzas, the city assures a taste of luxury that perfectly befits its prestigious status - here are the latest winter trends of town: