Winter escapes for adults – Alsager-based Travel Counsellor reveals the most magical winter wonderland holidays
By The Editor 3rd Nov 2025
By The Editor 3rd Nov 2025
In the run up to Christmas or after months of festive frivolity, a grown-up winter escape can be the perfect antidote – crisp air, snow-dusted scenery, and rediscovering that sense of wonder we often reserve for children's adventures.
This time, it's all about you!
We spoke to local travel expert Sara Dickenson, independent travel consultant with Travel Counsellors, about the most magical winter wonderland holidays for adults, not forgetting that this winter promises to be one of the best northern lights show we'll see for another 10 years.
From Arctic wilderness lodges and candlelit saunas to road trips through snow-covered mountains, here are her top recommendations for the ultimate winter escape for grown-ups.
Tromso, Northern lights. (Image: Sara Dickenson)
Tromsø, Norway – Arctic lights and city buzz
If you've ever dreamt of seeing the Northern Lights, Tromsø should be at the top of your list. Known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic', it sits 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a lively little city perfectly balancing wilderness adventure with Nordic culture.
"Tromsø is one of my favourite places in the world for a winter break," says Sara. "You can spend your days exploring fjords by snowmobile, joining a whale-watching safari, or mushing your own husky team across the snow – and your evenings chasing the Aurora Borealis with a hot chocolate in hand."
When you're not adventuring, the city itself is full of warmth with Scandi-chic cafés, craft beer bars, and restaurants serving Arctic char, reindeer stew, and fresh cod pulled straight from the fjords.
There's even a cable car that whisks you up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views over the snowy city and the shimmering sea.
"And when you get back, nothing beats an outdoor sauna followed by a dip in the icy fjord – it's the ultimate Norwegian contrast of fire and ice," adds Sara.
Tromsø offers a perfect blend: the excitement of the Arctic, but with creature comforts close at hand.
The Lofoten Islands, Norway – raw wilderness and quiet beauty
If Tromsø is all energy and light, the Lofoten Islands are all stillness and solitude. Stretching dramatically across the Norwegian Sea, this island chain feels truly untouched — a place where snow-covered mountains rise straight out of the water and brightly painted fishing cabins cling to the shoreline.
"The Lofoten Islands are breathtakingly beautiful," Sara explains. "It's pure wilderness – ideal for couples or friends who want to unplug completely and just reconnect with nature."
Days here are spent exploring icy beaches, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, snowshoeing through silent valleys or enjoying a sauna overlooking the breathtaking scenery of the Norwegian fjords.
Visitors can go whale watching between November and January and photographers will love the contrast of bright red rorbu cabins against white snow and turquoise water. And on clear nights, the Aurora often dances directly overhead, far from any light pollution.
Accommodation ranges from rustic-chic fishermen's huts to luxury eco-lodges with floor-to-ceiling windows designed for Northern Lights watching. "Evenings are all about slow living," says Sara. "You can cook local cod in your cabin, curl up by the fire, and just enjoy the quiet. It's bliss."
For those seeking peace, creativity, or romance, Lofoten is a dream come true.
Hurtigruten Signature Cruise – Norway's coastal magic by sea
For something truly special, Sara recommends combining iconic Norwegian locations with a Hurtigruten Signature Voyage, one of Norway's most fantastic cruise experiences.
"The Hurtigruten coastal cruise is a breathtaking way to see Norway," she explains. "It's not just a cruise, it's a journey through some of the most spectacular winter scenery on Earth."
The route winds its way from Bergen all the way up to Kirkenes, calling at tiny fishing villages, remote Arctic towns, and snow-dusted islands along the way.
You'll sail through narrow fjords, watch the Northern Lights from deck, and enjoy locally inspired dining onboard from freshly caught seafood to Arctic berries and reindeer fillet.
"There's something incredibly peaceful about gliding past the fjords in silence," says Sara. "You'll see waterfalls frozen mid-flow, lighthouses glowing in the distance, and if you're lucky, the Aurora dancing across the sky.
"It's pure Nordic magic. For anyone on a cruise of 11 days or more, if the Northern Lights do not make an appearance, Hurtigruten will gift you a free cruise! That's how confident they are that you will see the aurora."
With expedition-style excursions such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, and Sami cultural visits available en route, the Hurtigruten voyage offers the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and adventure.
Alberta, Canada – snowy roads and starry nights
For those who prefer the open road, a Canadian Rockies winter road trip through Alberta is unforgettable. Starting in Calgary, travellers can make their way through Banff and Jasper National Parks, stopping at frozen waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and mountain towns along the Icefields Parkway – one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Sara says: "Canada in winter is spectacular. It's adventure on a grand scale. You can ice walk through canyons, snowshoe across frozen lakes, try dog-sledding, and the chance to spot elk, moose, and maybe even a bear in hibernation.
"In the evenings, you can relax in a hot tub under a sky full of stars or cosy up beside a roaring log fire."
The Aurora is often visible in Jasper, so with luck, you can combine adventure with a little celestial magic.
And when it comes to relaxation, few things top slipping into a steaming hot tub surrounded by snowdrifts, or sharing a slow-cooked bison stew and a local craft beer at a Banff pub.
Reykjavik, Iceland – hot springs and city cool
For a winter escape that combines adventure with comfort, Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is a perfect choice. It's compact, creative, and effortlessly cool — with a thriving restaurant scene, boutique hotels, and stylish Nordic design everywhere you look.
"Reykjavik is great for couples or groups of friends who want a taste of everything — from natural wonders to great food and nightlife," says Sara. "You can spend one day snowmobiling across a glacier and the next soaking in the Blue Lagoon with a cocktail in hand."
The Golden Circle, an easy day trip from the city, includes the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, the erupting geysir hot springs, and Thingvellir National Park, where you can literally walk between two continents.
Back in Reykjavik, evenings are for tasting Iceland's cutting-edge cuisine. "Expect menus full of fresh fish, slow-cooked lamb, and inventive local ingredients," Sara notes. "And if you fancy a nightcap, Icelandic craft beer or a glass of Brennivín (the local spirit) will definitely warm you up."
For a short but unforgettable winter break, Reykjavik ticks all the boxes. It's stylish, scenic, and full of surprises.
Akureyri, Iceland – off the beaten path in the North
If you prefer to avoid the crowds but still want Iceland's magic, head north to Akureyri, the country's second city and the gateway to the wild north.
"Akureyri feels like a secret," says Sara. "It's surrounded by snowy mountains, volcanic valleys, and steaming hot pools, but without the hustle and bustle of Reykjavik."
Here, travellers can go snowshoeing in the mountains, bathe in the Forest Lagoon, or explore the dramatic lava fields and frozen waterfalls of Lake Mývatn. The Northern Lights are often visible here too, dancing over the fjord in vivid greens and pinks.
Food and wellness are a big part of Akureyri's charm. "There's something wonderful about eating freshly baked rye bread that's been steamed underground in geothermal heat, or ending your day with a glass of wine in a naturally heated pool," Sara says.
If you want Iceland at a slower pace – all the beauty, none of the crowds – Akureyri is your spot.
Grown-up escapes with a difference
Whether you're seeking a romantic winter break, a solo wellness escape, or an adventure with friends, Sara works with trusted partners who know these places inside out to create tailor-made experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
"These trips are all about connection — with nature, culture, and yourself," Sara explains. "You can snowmobile across frozen lakes, take a husky safari through the wilderness, or just unwind in a hot pool beneath the stars. Every trip can be designed around what makes you feel most alive."
Ready to plan your own winter wonderland adventure?
Sara offers a personal, stress-free planning service with no additional fees as she's paid by the travel suppliers, not by you.
Book a one-to-one consultation (either online or in person) to start planning your dream winter escape. Call 01270 917091 or email [email protected]. Her website is here
Follow @fifth_element_travel on Instagram and @fifthelementtravelcounsellor on Facebook for all the travel inspiration you need.
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