It’s a country I love and where I should be this month, and it might surprise you, but there are benefits in going Cold Turkey.
Turkey is for ever set at a crossroads, of continents and civilisations and change.
And diverse colours, hues of peoples and views.
And that changing perspective is as true of Nature and the seasons as it is of the peoples of this multi-faceted country.
As holidaymakers we’re more used to seeing Turkey when it’s roasting.
But it’s resplendent too when it puts on the winter whites.
Cappadocia caps it
Don’t just take my word for it though (well do) but Cappadocia glistens more than anywhere in the world according to our Instagrammers.
Wellness experts at Area 52 have looked at locations across the world and analysed Instagram hashtag data to see which are the most relaxing winter destinations to de-stress this year.
And Balloonists’ Nirvana Cappadocia tops the list with
I’ve something of a history with balloons having missed out on the pleasure in locations as wide as the South of England, South Africa and Florida.
All of which makes me think that the best is just waiting for me when I get back on board with my favourite Turkish Airlines carrier.
And join the 257,000 Insta clickers who have got there first.
Lapping it up
And yes you would expect Santa’s home in Lapland to be a favourite for winter worshippers.
And, particularly children which is why I put an old colleague and her nipper first… and incurred the wrath of Daddy’s Little Girl.
Lapland has been the focus of 222,000 Insta followers.
Give a little Whistler
With our attentions switching back to the full return of skiing my own revival on the slopes is on course.
Back in the day when I first took up pen my old boss used to snap up the Whistler trips.
And joined the thousands who broke off to snap the Canadian vista on Insta, 45,700 in all.
NY in winter
Now when you’ve seen The Big Apple in the sweltering summer you’ll be glad to chill out in the winter.
This year I’ll leave it to my Irish-American relatives to enjoy their Thanksgiving Day (bucket list) but I’ll be doing the next big thing.
And break bread with my Irish family and friends at Visit USA in Dublin.
Insta Kings
Now because we just know that you all love a list, here’s a rundown of the other favourite Insta winter destinations.
Location
Instagram Hashtag
Cappadocia, Turkey
257,000
Lapland, Finland
222,000
Missoula, Montana
124,000
Whistler, Canada
45,700
Prague, Czech Republic
27,200
Dolomites, Italy
27,200
Bled, Slovenia
26,500
Lofoten, Norway
10,500
Tromso, Norway
10,400
South Coast, Iceland
8,800
New York, USA
6,700
Mt.Cayambe, Ecuador
5,200
Lapland, Sweden
4,200
Highlands, Scotland
3,600
Yosemite, California
2,700
Rila, Bulgaria
862
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
845
Lake Baikal, Siberia
169