You're reading: Five ways to spend winter holidays

Winter holidays are always greeted with much anticipation. For those who want a break from tradition, the Kyiv Post offers these uncommon activities:

North Pole vacation

For those who love frigid adventures, the North Pole awaits. Different tours offer 24-hour and 12-day stays. Besides of the incredible nature and extreme conditions, there is also entertainment to be had such as visiting the Russian ice station Borneo, taking a ski trip, riding a dog sled and even scuba diving. More information can be found at royalmile.kiev.ua

After world ends

Maya’s long-gone civilization predicted the apocalypse this year. But more likely, the Mexican area will see tourists after Dec. 21. The former Mayan kingdom has huge pyramids and beautiful castles and much more. According to the Nova Travel, tours cost $630-$790, not including flight and insurance.

Stay at home

For homebodies, there are movies to watch, and thanks to Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk), it all can be done comfortably and legally.

Volunteering

The New Year and Christmas are times for miracles and kindness. Volunteering can help achieve both. A lot of kids are living in hospitals and orphanage, waiting for gifts and attention. For example, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine needs caring sponsors. Those with no money to spend can help organize charity events or play Santa for children. The HIV/AIDS Alliance can be reached on www.aidsalliance.org.ua

Learn a language

A two-week vacation is enough time to start an intensive course in a foreign language. For Westerners, Russian would come in handy. Such courses are available at the Russian Club russianclub.com.ua and cost Hr 100 per hour.

Learn to play guitar

One way to get in touch with one’s musical talents (or lack thereof) is to take guitar lessons. In two weeks of individual classes, a person could learn one simple song or how to strum some common chords. Rock Station studio www.rockstation.kiev.ua also provides group classes, where students can gather in real bands. Individual classes cost Hr 150 per two hours, and for group classes, Hr 400 per month.

Kyiv Post staff writer Elena Pashkovskaya can be reached at [email protected]