Wide pistes, huge halfpipes, endless deep snow—all within quick and easy reach. Switzerland is the original winter vacation destination. Wide pistes, steep gullies and huge halfpipes captivate skiers, snowboarders, tobogganers and other winter sports enthusiasts. More than 200 ski regions offer everything the heart desires when it comes to winter sports. No matter whether you want to push yourself to the limits or would rather relax, the sheer diversity of winter sports guarantee plenty of fun and action.

Cherry blossoms are regarded as a symbol of renewal, vitality, and beauty—and springtime in Japan is absolutely magical. Every spring, thousands travel to Japan to view the wondrous spectacle of these white or pink flowers blooming en masse. From late March to mid-April and, in some years, even into early May, the country’s iconic sakura (cherry blossoms) capture the attention of visitors and picnickers as their beautiful pink flowers blanket the country in soft, colourful splendour.

In the northern latitudes of Canada, Alaska and Scandinavia, the Northern Lights, known as the aurora borealis, light up the sky at night. It’s like a celestial ballet of light dancing across the night sky, with a kaleidoscopic colour palette of green, blue, pink, and violet. Between late September and late March, the northern lights frequently soar across the sky. In “the blue hour” at twilight, the landscape is bathed in a glassy deep blue colour.