Underrated winter destinations worth renting a car for - 2026

Winter is a wonderful season to explore some of the world’s lesser-known treasures. Imagine enjoying snow-covered landscapes, peaceful routes, and savings on travel costs, making it ideal for relaxed, scenic adventures.

Public buses and other transport are usually reduced during the peak winter, making it challenging for travelers to visit these attractions. With a rental vehicle, you can get the flexibility to wander without worrying about the limitations of the transport system and adjust your plans as you prefer.

Many of these spots are nestled in rural areas, mountain regions, or along beautiful coastlines. Having your own vehicle opens up more opportunities to discover these hidden gems at your own pace.

Continents and underrated destinations in winter

Below are some underrated attractions around the world that are worth visiting during winter and are easily accessible by car.

Europe

Europe's winter season provides more than just ski resorts or Christmas markets. Some of the most unforgettable experiences are in charming small alpine towns, relaxing thermal spas in Eastern Europe, and picturesque winter coastal routes.

Having a car here can make your journey across various destinations easier and more flexible, helping you make the most of the season.

Underrated destinations:-

• Famous winter alpine towns

  • Berchtesgaden, Germany

    Experience stunning alpine scenery without the need for costly resorts. With the crystal clear lakes, mountain views, and peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

  • Bovec, Slovenia

    Imagine strolling through snow-covered valleys, where the peaceful winter scenery surrounds you. It's like a gentle, calming adventure you won't forget.

    Practical Tip: Some local car rental companies may offer drop-off to Bovec if informed and arranged in advance.

  • Villages near the Chamonix Valley, France

    Explore budget-friendly options that are conveniently located along easy-to-access routes, making your journey enjoyable and straightforward.

  Below are some regions with moderate weather, ideal for travellers seeking pleasant conditions.

• Coastal winter routes

  • Istria Peninsula, Croatia

    Imagine charming medieval towns nestled along quiet coastal roads, creating a peaceful, timeless scene.

  • Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

    Discover stunning island viewpoints that are peaceful and less crowded during the summer season, for a more relaxed, enjoyable experience.

  • Algarve, Portugal

    Enjoy the warm sunshine during cozy winter drives along breathtaking beaches and cliffs.

• European thermal regions

  • Heviz and Buk, Hungary

    Relaxing at budget-friendly thermal lakes and spa resorts that offer a perfect escape for unwinding and a recreational experience.

  • Rajecke Teplice, Slovakia

    Enjoy the warm, inviting charm of a small town nestled amidst stunning mountains.

  • Southern Poland spa towns

    Experience the cosy winter drives starting from Krakow, as snow-dusted roads lead you through mountain valleys and historic resort towns.

Popular car rental pick-up locations in European cities for travellers

North America

Exploring North America's winter is just beyond ski towns and national parks. You can also find serene lake towns, sunny desert roads, and lesser-known Canadian areas where renting a car makes your road trips easier and more enjoyable.

Underrated destinations:-

• Great Lakes Small Towns, USA and Canada

  Winter gently reduces the crowds, revealing stunning frozen shores, picturesque lighthouses, and cosy lake towns that are rarely included in winter itineraries.

• Desert winter road trips, USA

  Deserts are warm, sunny, and peaceful during winter, making them ideal for enjoying a relaxing road trip.

• Lesser-known Canadian regions

  Many travellers focus on Banff or Quebec City, but there are quieter provinces that truly shine in winter, offering a unique, charming experience away from the crowds.

Popular car rental pick-up locations in North American cities for travellers

South America

The winter months from June to August are a great time for a South American road trip. With fewer tourists and easier driving, renting a car becomes an ideal option. A rental car lets you explore scenic destinations like the Chilean lake districts, Argentine wine regions, and coastal areas during the off-season, regardless of public transport availability.

Underrated destinations:-

• Chilean lake districts

  Imagine snow-capped volcanoes, quiet lakeside towns, and breathtaking scenery all around, with fewer tourists to share the beauty. It is a peaceful scene that invites you to explore and enjoy at your own pace.

• Argentine wine regions

  Enjoy picturesque vineyard landscapes with the majestic snow-covered Andes in the background. Also, experience fewer crowds and find better hotel and rental deals, making your trip more relaxing and budget-friendly.

Popular car rental pick-up locations in South American cities for travellers

Asia

Winter in Asia isn't always cold, but it's the perfect time for road trips with clear skies, quiet spots, and better rates. Outside cities, renting a car makes travel easier and better. Consider Japan's countryside, even beyond Hokkaido, the Himalayan regions via winter roads, and Southeast Asia during the dry season for great trips.

Underrated destinations:-

• Japanese countryside

  Many travellers tend to focus on popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, or Hokkaido, often missing out on the charm of quieter rural areas such as Tohoku, Nagano, Niigata, and the Noto Peninsula.

  These regions are filled with picturesque snowy villages, soothing hot springs, and peaceful, scenic roads just waiting to be explored.

• Himalayan regions

  Enjoy clear skies, fresh, crisp air, and stunning snowy scenery, which is away from the busy summer crowds. Several areas, such as the lower Himachal, Bhutan, and the Kashmir Valley roads, remain open and incredibly beautiful during winter.

• Southeast Asia

  The winter months from December to February offer dry, cool, and clear weather, perfect for scenic countryside drives through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Popular car rental pick-up locations in Asian cities for travellers

Africa and the Middle East

In Africa and the Middle East, winter is not truly an off-season but the perfect time for road trips. Cooler temperatures, safer driving conditions, and improved road access make this season ideal for renting a vehicle and exploring sites such as the Namib Desert, villages in the Atlas Mountains, Oman, and Jordan beyond the main tourist areas.

Underrated destinations:-

• Namibia desert routes

  Winter is a lovely time, with cooler temperatures, clear skies, and smoother drives across Namibia’s expansive desert landscapes, and it is so much more enjoyable than the hot summer.

• Atlas Mountains Villages, Morocco

  Travellers love visiting Marrakech, yet the nearby Atlas villages offer a charming alternative with their snow-capped peaks, rich Berber culture, and peaceful winter landscapes. It's an excellent way to experience a different side of the region.

• Oman and Jordan

  Nice, dry weather makes long drives through mountain and desert routes really enjoyable and comfortable.

Popular car rental pick-up locations in African and Middle-Eastern cities for travellers

Australia and Oceania

The winter months from June to August in Australia and Oceania bring cooler weather, fewer cars on the road, and fewer tourists. Although it is low season in some areas, it is still the perfect time for road trips, particularly in places where summer heat or crowds limit exploration.

Some of the options include Tasmania winter loops, lesser-known regions of New Zealand, and Australian outback winter routes.

Underrated winter destinations and regions with moderate weather during the winter season:-

• Tasmania winter loops

  Tasmania is truly tranquil during winter, offering stunning coastlines, enchanting misty forests, and beautiful snow-dusted mountains.

• Remote regions of New Zealand

  Many travellers flock to Queenstown, often overlooking the peaceful, equally stunning areas such as the Canterbury foothills, the Otago countryside, and the West Coast.

• Australian outback winter routes

  Cooler temperatures make long drives through the Red Centre, Western Australia, and South Australia’s outback more enjoyable and safer. This way, travellers can feel more comfortable and confident as they explore these beautiful regions.

Popular car rental pick-up locations in Australian and Oceanian cities for travellers

A vital comparison table – Destinations, reasons & best car categories

Smart winter tips for your road trip

• Select the right car type

  Winter driving is not always about having an SUV. Smaller cars equipped with the right winter tyres can also handle icy roads very well, making them a smart and budget-friendly option. All-wheel drive is really most useful for tough conditions like deep snow or mountain trips, rather than your daily winter journeys.

  Practical Tip: Choose a rental vehicle based on your travel requirements rather than appearance.

• Make sure to add essential winter equipment

  Optional extras specific to winter are often not included in standard car rentals. In some regions, snow chains may be legally required, and winter tyres may incur an additional charge upon advance request.

  Moreover, basic features such as heaters and winter windshield fluid can significantly enhance comfort and visibility during such cold weather.

  Practical Tip: Always check which equipment is included in the deal before making a booking.

• Booking early during peak winter

  Although winter is typically viewed as an off-season, the festive period, including Christmas, New Year, and school holidays, often leads to increased rental car demand.

  Last-minute bookings usually mean higher prices, limited vehicle availability, and cars that might not be suitable for winter weather. In order to prevent these issues, it is highly recommended to book in advance.

  Practical Tip: Make a reservation early, even if travelling during holidays and to less-popular locations.

• Be aware of the seasonal road closures

  Numerous scenic routes, mountain passes, and roads through national parks can occasionally close during certain seasons due to snow or weather conditions. These closures are not always accurately reflected in navigation apps, further causing unexpected car rental delays and cancellations.

  Practical Tip: To avoid unexpected delays or cancellations, check the official local road updates before your trip.

Most asked questions

• How can I get snow chains in Europe during winter?

  Many car rental companies offer snow chains as optional extras so that you can add them to your booking for an additional fee. But their availability depends on the supplier’s inventory at the time of pick-up. You are advised to request the company in advance to make a prior reservation for the snow chains.

• Are car rentals in winter cheaper than in the summer season?

  Car rental rates are usually lower in winter than in the peak summer months. This offers lower rates, greater flexibility, and more rental options for exploring underrated winter destinations. However, prices tend to rise during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. It is always better to book well in advance to secure the best rates.

• Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Asian regions?

  Yes, you must have an International Driving Permit when renting a vehicle in Asia. If your country does not issue an IDP, you can present an official translation of your license along with the original license at the rental desk during pick-up.

  You must keep either the IDP or the translation documents, or the supplier may not release your vehicle at the time of pick-up.

• Are there any seasonal restrictions for crossing borders in the winter season?

  Yes, some border areas, especially the mountainous regions, may have crossing restrictions. Some countries may require permits, winter equipment, or even restrict vehicles that are not equipped for snow conditions. So it is always better to check the local rules and regulations and plan your trip accordingly, as weather conditions may lead to sudden closures.

• Do I need an SUV for driving in North America?

  Renting an SUV in North America depends entirely on the type of trip you are planning. If you are considering a mountain adventure or a snow trip, then an SUV is ideal. However, if you will mainly be on highways or well-maintained roads, a regular car would work as well. Therefore, it is better to consider your trip type before deciding whether an SUV is worth the extra cost.

• Do rental companies offer options to reschedule or cancel after pick-up if travel routes are blocked?

  Car rental companies generally do not allow rescheduling or cancellations once you have picked up the vehicle. However, if you are experiencing delays due to specific issues that will be resolved soon, you can request an extension of your rental period.