If you’re already tired of the somewhat dreary weather that autumn brings and the thought of six months of rain, wind and cold weather is not a prospect you’re looking forward to, then you’ll be looking to book a getaway as soon as possible. The great thing about this time of year is that there are so many different types of holidays that accommodate any type of traveller.
Do you love a city break, but hate the heat and crowds that summer brings? Are you the type of person who patiently bides their time for the next European ski season to start? Do you long to meander around an array of Christmas markets, sampling a selection of festive victuals as you go? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then you won’t need much convincing about the benefits of a winter holiday.
Here are six of the best destinations for a fabulous winter escape.
For the Christmas markets – Spain
Spain is well-known for its Christmas markets bringing fun and festivities to cities and their many visitors throughout. The most famous has to be the Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona, it is the oldest and one of the most popular in Spain alongside Malaga, Bilbao, Madrid and Seville’s offerings. If you want to make the best of your chosen city, then be sure to browse the winter rentals and stay a little longer for a blissful winter escape.
For an adventure – Peru
The South American country of Peru is often lauded as one of the best for adventure travel and from its ancient ruins to impressive natural sights to explore, it’s easy to see why. Explore archaeological sites, the Inca trail, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, delve into part of the Amazon rainforest or the Andes mountains and discover what makes this beautiful country so alluring.
For city exploring – Italy
Italy is a wondrous country for exploring the many stunning cities with their historic and culturally important sights. Add to that the glorious food ready for tasting, some top-quality wines to sip, and designer boutiques to discover and you’ll be in for treat. Rome, Florence, Verona, Genoa, Venice, Milan, Turin, and Naples all boast a wide range of sights to see and things to do and visiting in the cooler months means that all of the exploring on foot will be much more bearable without the stifling summer heat to contend with.
For an island escape – Maldives
For consistently good winter weather and the ideal island escape, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to one of the stunning islands in the Maldives. December to April is the republic’s dry season and humidity is at its lowest with temperatures averaging at around 30 degrees, making it the ideal place to escape the dreary weather at home. Luxury hotels boast opulent facilities and provide guests with myriad ways to spend their days in this paradisiacal place.
For some winter sun – Australia
Sitting in the southern hemisphere, Australia is beaming with long, hot sunny days while the cold and rains beat down on those in the north of the globe, and so it makes perfect sense to swap our winter for their summer. Demand may be high, but it will be worth it for the dazzling beaches, just be aware that the tropical north will be experiencing its wet season.
For the skiers – France
The Alps in France make this country, arguably, the best in the world for skiing, so if you’re looking to hit the slopes this winter, then get ready to dust off your ski suits and prepare for a terrific trip. Chamonix, Val-d’Isere, Tignes, Megeve, Morzine, Courchevel, La Plagne and Les Gets are some of the more notable ski resorts to visit, and the best month to do so is typically in January.
