Luxury ski holiday

Winter in Zermatt is a skier's dream. This charming village is a popular European destination for snowy activities. Book a mountain chalet, rent some skis, and take to the slopes. When you're not chasing adrenaline in the powder, you can relax at one of the spas or grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the views of Switzerland, whether you're going for a stroll through town or at the top of a mountain.


Travel Hack:
Put an Apple AirTag in your ski bag in case your gear is lost. You can also take an image of the contents before you fly for airline or insurance claims. The BetaLock and BetaLock Acessory Cable are great for securing your gear to the ski rack on location. Lastly, check the airline's policies for sport equipment allowances.

Frozen Frontier Adventures

Dare to explore the seventh continent—Antarctica. Access this icy tundra via cruise or flight. It can be reached from Argentina or South Africa. Once there, excursions include adventurous activities such as kayaking, the famous polar plunge, or camping on an ice sheet. Don't forget about the wildlife. Witness penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitat. Whether you fly or take a cruise, you won't regret this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What to Pack For Antarctica:

The SEG45 Travel Pack serves as a backpack or duffle. Complete with built-in segments, this travel bag stores and organizes your belongings. Easily track your base layers and clothing, toiletries, and adventure gear with the SEG Series from Matador.

Active backcountry outings

A remarkable year-round destination, Banff is best known for the Canadian Rockies and its stunning frozen lakes. Lake Moraine and Lake Louise steal the spotlight with views so iconic you may recognize the lake from the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. In winter, Banff becomes a playground for classic winter activities surrounded by natural beauty. Snowboard, ski, ice skate, sled, or snowshoe your way through this region.

Getting to and around Banff:

Fly into Calgary International Airport (YCC), the closest major airport to Banff. YCC is about a 1.5 hour drive to Banff National Park. Renting a car is recommended to explore lakes, trails, and ski areas. Alternatively, shuttle services and transfers run regularly between Calgary and Banff throughout the winter season.

A Nordic expedition-style adventure

Travel to Norway’s Lofoten Islands in the winter to chase the northern lights, spot whales offshore, and immerse yourself in Nordic culture. Stay in snow-dusted fishing villages built to accommodate cold-weather dwelling. This winter destination feels both remote and deeply lived in. Embrace the elements and, in turn, be awestruck by cascading fjords and rare experiences.


Travel Tip:

Preparation matters here. Short daylight hours and rapidly changing weather add intensity to the experience, but with the right gear and mindset, winter works to your advantage. Keep devices charged and ready with the Global Travel Adapter. The Forget-Me-Not Orange adds a pop of colour to your winter palette, while powering up to six devices in 170+ countries.

A boundless winter getaway

Winter in Iceland feels uninhibited in a way few places do. Otherworldly landscapes and unpredictable weather makes this an exciting destination. The Northern lights set against Kirkjufell mountain make quite an impression, while frozen waterfalls and snow-lined trails transform the surrounding scenery. While in Iceland, check out cave exploration, soak in geothermal hot springs, and roadtrip the Golden Circle.


Photographing the Northern Lights:

For camera settings, use a tripod and start with a wide aperture (f/2-f/4), a high ISO (1600-3200), and a shutter speed between 5-15 seconds, adjusting based on aurora strength and sky conditions. Cold temperatures can drain batteries fast, so bring a few fully charged extras and store them in the Camera Base Layer.

Open terrain and long runs

Big Sky, Montana offers winter at full throttle. Big terrain and uncrowded slopes for snow sports. This mountain town feels authentic and unpolished. Known for some of the largest skiable acreage in the U.S., Big Sky delivers long runs, deep powder days, and easy access to Yellowstone’s snow-covered landscapes. Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and anyone craving cold-weather adventure without the crowds. 

What to Pack:

The GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack is the go-to carry-on for winter trips, with room for cold-weather layers while staying airline-complaint with most US airlines. Pair it with the ReFraction™ Packable Duffle, which adds extra capacity for bulkier winter gear without sacrificing portability.

Alpine winter at the edge of Bavaria

Located on the northern edge of the Alps, Schwangau delivers snow-covered ridgelines, frozen lakes, and steep alpine terrain. The region’s famous castle on a hill presents a striking viewpoint. The area has well-marked hiking trails, lakeside walks, and mountain terrain. Winter in southern Germany means fewer visitors and quiet forest trails. Be sure to check Neuschwanstein Castle's operating hours.

Best Hand Luggage Option:

Cold temperatures and European travel paid well with the Globerider45 Travel Backpack, a carry-on friendly option that offers more capacity than the 35 liter pack in the GlobeRider series. With room for insulated layers and winter essentials, it’s built to keep you prepared in any weather.