As the UK climate gets harsher and colder, you may be turning your sights to a holiday further afield to try and lift your spirits. Imagine escaping the cold, dreary weather behind in favour of somewhere hotter and more exciting – wouldn’t that be the dream?
However, if you’re looking for the perfect winter escape, what may well be holding you back is the question of where to go: what kinds of destinations are pleasant to visit at this time of the year?
Whether you want to get away from the cold or make a beeline for the ski slopes, there are lots of attractive options when it comes to booking a winter sun getaway.
Here are some places to consider travelling to for a winter break:
Go skii-ing in Switzerland
If you’re seeking an enchanting winter break that embraces the cold – and the picturesque landscapes that come with it – a skiing holiday could be ideal for you. Skiing makess for a fantastic way to see some of the most beautiful sights in the world, while also managing to fit some exercise in too. Plus, in most cases, skiing can be enjoyed by the whole family, while also being suitable for both beginners, and more experienced skiiers.
What’s more, there is a wide range of accommodation to choose from when you go on a skiing holiday, from ski chalets complete with log fires and hot tubs, Air BnBs, hotel and more. Think about whether you’ll want to cook for yourselves during your ski trip, eat on the resort, or visit local restaurants; how much your budget is, and who you’ll be going with.
Don’t forget to factor in potential unforeseen costs, like forking out for a lift pass and hiring ski gear, if you haven’t got your own to bring with you.
While there are several destinations you could consider for a skiing trip, Switzerland is one of the top destinations for winter skiing holidays. From dreamy, snowy views to indulgent Swiss cheese fondues, there’s a lot to look forward to about holidaying on the slopes in Switzerland this winter.
Treat yourself to a luxury Caribbean stay
If you travel for sun, sea and sand, there aren’t many destinations more suitable for a winter stay than the Caribbean. Famed for its beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, palm trees and hot weather, the winter months are often the best time of year to head to the Caribbean.
Take your pick from a variety of islands, each with their own unique culture, heritage and attractions. Opt for a smaller, more remote island like Grenada, or live it up in a larger, livelier country like Jamaica – the choice is yours. Ultimately, it will come down to what kinds of activities you hope to take part in while you’re away, who you’ll be going with, where you want to fly from, and what you can afford. With Black Friday coming up, this is a great time to be on the hunt for a winter holiday. Many hotels will be running special offers which you should aim to take advantage of; I’ve already spotted some excellent black friday holiday deals at Iberostar, for example, but allow yourself plenty of time for independent research and see what you can find!
Visit the Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands are another popular destination for a winter escape, benefitting from hot weather all year round.
Plus, as the Canary Islands lie within Europe and you’ll only need to take a short-haul flight to reach your destination, it’s usually considerably cheaper to head here than it’d be to visit the likes of the Caribbean.
For this reason – and, in thanks to the abundance of family-friendly hotels and resorts in the area – the Canary Islands has long been a popular destination for winter family holidays.
However, you don’t necessarily have to fly to the Canary Islands; as this a popular cruising destination, you may even be able to snap up a last-minute cruise deal, and sail to your chosen island instead.
Hit the Christmas markets in Germany
If you love nothing more than getting into the festive spirit as Christmas approaches, Germany is the place for you to be this winter. A popular choice for anyone dreaming of a winter Christmas market break. Germany is known for having some of the best Christmas markets in the world and, while it might be cold, it’s the perfect opportunity to swig some some mulled wine and get the whole family involved in the upcoming Christmas festivities. Browse the stalls, try different foods and, of course, tick a few Christmas presents off your shopping list.
So, as you can see, if you’re looking to get away this winter, there are several destinations you could consider visiting, whether you’re seeking to escape the cold for warmer climes, or perhaps longing for the ultimate winter ski trip!
Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere this winter? Who would you go with, and what would you do? Leave a comment to let me know.