In Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, Svalbard is the kingdom of the armoured polar bears. Most people think he made it up. However, Svalbard (or Spitsbergen) is real and one of the most haunting and beautiful places on earth.

Still home to large groups of polar bears, the Svalbard archipelago is a little wild and very remote, but it is worth the journey. Mountains that in the Alps would be covered with orange jump-suited skiers stand empty and unconquered, glaciers march toward the sea with only the reindeer and bears to keep them company and the northern lights create a phantom cathedral above your head.

Svalbard is in the high arctic and it is cold, but the lack of humidity means that the cold is more bracing and electric than the damp insidious cold of London in winter; wear the right kit and you'll be fine. The food is locally caught and incredible and the opportunities for dog treks, skiing or some serious skidooing are plentiful, though outside the towns you might not see another person in days. This is a place to be inspired by. Go.