Summer holidays are a big deal to most people across the UK. With the chance to fly away to sunny destinations with the people you love, it is no surprise that the holiday is booming year after year. It can be easy to assume your holidays are over for the year when summer ends, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, just over the channel is a delectable collection of fairy tale cities, sparkling beach towns, and cosy countryside retreats, which are all perfect locations to escape to when you want a winter break. To help you choose the best location for you, it’s best to take note of some popular locations.
The French Alps
For many people, the thought of winter includes skiing. One of the most-loved destinations is the French Alps, where people can spend days challenging themselves on the slopes, before retreating to their mountain getaways in the evenings. The one thing that puts many people off going is the complications involved in travel, and reaching their hotel once they are off the plane. Airport transfers can be a good idea, but they will only add to the cost of your trip. Find out more about how you can save money and improve flexibility on your trip by hiring a rental car.
Prague
Prague is known across the world for its impressive architecture and castle spires, which populate every city postcard. The best thing about it is that it can be enjoyed more in winter than in summer, thanks to the sprawling Christmas markets and snow-topped buildings. Even better is that everything about Prague is cheap, from the flights down to Goulash dishes in each local eatery. Before you depart, you should remember to take a camera with you, as you can capture sunrise views over the iconic Charles bridge without the summer crowds getting in the way.
Tallinn
While some people love European cities for their large, cosmopolitan feel, others are quickly discovering the smaller cities that better flight connections are offering people the chance to see. Among these charming cities is Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. As another place famed for its Christmas markets, you can find reindeer and ice skating on every major street corner. This is a true winter wonderland which won’t break the bank. During the days, you can wander around cobbled streets, and at night you can look out over the glittering buildings, while still being able to see a sky full of stars.
The Balearics
Spain is somewhere that is renowned for its year-round sun, and there is no better place to experience this than the Balearic archipelago. Home to party towns and divine sunset sea views, people flock here during the winter months to soak up Europe’s rare winter sun. Islands like Ibiza are ideal for people who want to combine a historical trip with some lively nightlife, while those like Menorca offer a reprieve from the busy crowds. Here, sandy beaches and an abundance of villas make it a truly relaxing destination.
I’m heading off to Bucharest this winter for the Christmas Markets. I’d never thought of going to the Balearics in the winter.
Sounds wonderful!
This is my favourite time of year as I don’t like hot weather. I would love to visit Taillinn one day.