Get some sun or go an Asian adventure: what will you do this winter? Winter Holiday Destinations for every need.
We’ve all experienced the winter blues- dark dreary days with the occasional spattering of rain or snow are hardly the stuff of holiday dreams. Thankfully, there are plenty of winter holiday destinations to head off to if you fancy a break. From winter sun destinations to adventure breaks, there’s a whole world of choices out there- take a glance at our suggestions to see if any of these winter holiday destinations appeal to you.
Soak up some Winter Sun
If you’re looking to work on your tan in a relaxed and idyllic setting, the Canary Islands are the perfect winter sun destination. With 7 islands to choose from, and all of them around only 5 hours away from the UK, these islands are filled with natural beauty and gorgeous expanses of beaches. Plus, temperatures in winter tend to stay above 20 degrees celcius- what could be better? Take a look at Fuerteventura- the ideal getaway for couples in search of a romantic break. The horseshoe shaped bay of Costa Caleta is a top destination for those looking to relax and soak up the sun on glorious sands or to play in crystalline waters:
The island of Tenerife is the largest island, and offers a mixture of lively resort and secluded beaches. Popular with those seeking to enjoy the vast array of clubs and shops, Tenerife is home to Santa Cruz and Los Cristianos, two of the best shopping venues- don’t forget to take advantage of the lower tax and abundance of designer labels! Alternatively, visit Las Aquilas Jungle Park- offering many species of animal to look at and paths through a safe network to take a peek at some spectacular birds of prey:
http://www.aguilasjunglepark.com/index.php?wlang=en
Flights start from around £129 return per person, so this destination is ideal for those seeking sun on a budget. However, if you’re looking for something a little more decadent, why not visit Dubai. The most liberal of all the emirates, this city is actually best visited within the winter months of November-April, when temperatures are a cooler 30 degrees celcius. Anyone visiting in the summer is likely to feel too stifled in the unrelenting heat. With an abundance of five star hotels and a vast array of restaurants and shopping malls, this is THE place to visit if you want a taste of the luxury lifestyle. Lying close to the Indian Ocean, this emirate is ideal for those interested in snorkelling or scuba diving. Whilst children are welcome, this is more of an adult break away as opposed to a family one, with flights lasting approximately 7 hours and rooms can range drastically in price depending on the standard of hotel. A room at the world famous Jumeirah Beach Hotel definitely tops the list of A-list winter sun destinations:
http://www.jumeirah.com/Hotels-and-Resorts/Reiseziele/Dubai/Jumeirah-Beach-Hotel/
Christmas Holidays
For families with young children, or indeed for anyone who enjoys the most wonderful time of the year, there is nothing more magical than the Christmas season. And for those searching for a real winter wonderland getaway, there is nothing better than the HÓ“lsingland forests in Sweden. With sleigh rides, cross country skiing, ice fishing and igloo building available, there’s something to suit every family. Not to mention there’s the Northern Lights (or the Aurora Borealis if you want to impress your friends) and Lapland- the home of Father Christmas himself. With flights available from the UK to Stockholm and lasting a mere 2 to 2 and a half hours, winter holiday destinations such as Sweden or Norway are ideal for family Christmas breaks. Choose from a variety of different accommodations, from hotels to cosy chalet cabins, and see out the Christmas season in festive style.
http://lapland.nordicvisitor.com/
Of course, if you’re in need of more excitement on your winter holiday, there’s always the ski resort. Every year hundreds of people (couples, families and those in between) head to the slopes for their winter holiday destinations. Again, there are a variety different places to stay and activities to enjoy- from log cabins with roaring fires to mountainside chalets. France, Bulgaria and Austria rank among the best ski destinations for winter breaks, and the Hotel Lion Bansko in Bulgaria is the idyllic setting for couples seeking to relax and enjoy the slopes in luxurious surroundings.
http://www.neilson.co.uk/ski/bulgaria/bansko/hotel-lion-bansko/
Eastern Asian Holidays- For Exploration and Adventure
For those seeking to head further afield and broaden their travel horizons, South East Asia is one of the ultimate destinations. With the tropical climate everyone loves, great food and breath-taking beaches, Thailand- specifically Phuket- is the perfect winter sun destination. With a huge range of activities available, from snorkelling to trekking to bustling markets, Phuket is suitable for families and couples. Travel for 85 minutes by boat to the Beach Resort and enjoy the pristine crescent shaped beaches and luxurious surroundings from between £61-122per person per night. Thailand is a popular destination for gap years and young student travellers, and this means that there is a wide variety of places to stay. From hostels to hotels, floating raft resorts, spas and serviced apartments, you can choose to suit your needs. Or why not take a longer break and travel around- the Land of Smiles is the best place to explore and go on your very own winter adventure.
New direct flights from Vietnam-Air mean that Vietnam is now one of the hot new winter destinations for this year. For those interested in soaking up a little bit of history or culture, there are the Rice Fields of Mekang Delta. And if you’re interested in adventure, the North features picturesque mountains and hills perfect for trekking and exploring. If natural beauty is what you’re after, the Halong Bay features rocks which emerge from the sea near to the shorelines. Vietnam is a country steeped in historical significance and rest assured; you’ll fall deeply in love with the beautiful cities, markets and the phenomenal geography.
Walk on the Wild Side
If it’s truly adventure you’re seeking, then there are so many places you can visit. Take a trek into the jungle in India, venture into the African Bush- or go on Safari and see all the animals in their natural habitat. Costa Rica is an idyllic location for some winter sun and an animal adventure- the country generates most of its income through tourism and so you can be sure that its tourist friendly. The Adventuras Naturales Pacuare Lodge is an excellent resort for those seeking an outdoor adventure. Most guests who stay there as part of a rafting trip and the activities include horseback riding, bird watching, canyoning and a rainforest canopy tour. Not for you? How about an elephant safari in Sri Lanka or a wildlife excursion in the Galapagos Islands?
There are plenty of winter holiday destinations suitable for everyone, and it’s always worth doing your research and really exploring your options. With a whole world of destinations out there and a vast array of resorts, hotels, spas, camps and hostels to suit everyone, just get stuck in. From winter sun to adventures in East Asia, give yourself a break to remember this winter
