With the clocks going back and winter well and truly upon us, it’s the perfect time to escape darker evenings by planning in a winter break. While summer getaways are often seen as the holiday norm, winter holidays are underrated – from getting away and enjoying some winter sun to taking a festive weekend city break, organising a trip in winter is a great way to escape, relax, or get into the Christmas spirit.
To help you find inspiration for your next winter holiday, travel experts at eShores are here to share their top recommendations. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a beach holiday, here are their top five winter travel destinations.
For winter sun: Mauritius
Best tropical beaches. Flic en Flac in Mauritius island.
If you’re not a fan of the cold and dark, a winter sun holiday is the ultimate remedy. There are a whole host of options available if you’re looking to catch some rays, but Mauritius should definitely be top of the list.
It’s a 12-hour flight from London, and the winter months here are some of their very best – winter in Mauritius has some of the driest months, and temperatures can reach a beautiful 28°C. Whether you’re looking to lie back and relax on the stunning white sand beaches or you want to explore the island, Mauritius is a luxurious paradise that offers a truly unforgettable holiday. Wherever you choose to stay, Mauritius is surrounded by crystal clear waters and fringed by palm trees – everywhere you look, idyllic views will greet you.
For Christmas markets: Germany
Christmas Market in Gendarmenmarkt square in Winter Berlin, Germany. Advent Fair Decoration and Stalls with Crafts Items on the Bazaar.
Those looking for Christmas markets need look no further than Germany and, more specifically, Berlin. Berlin is synonymous with Christmas markets, and there are plenty of excellent options to explore around the city. Weinachtszeit is a famous market located behind Alexanderplatz, offering a wonderful location to grab a mulled wine and soak up the Christmas spirit.
If you’re planning a trip close to Christmas and want a market with some history, head to the Jagdschloss Grunewald, the oldest Renaissance palace hall in Berlin. The area provides a picture-perfect backdrop, with a traditional German market selling arts, crafts and toys.
For an experience-filled break: USA
Yosemite valley nation park during sunset view from tunnel view on twilight time. Yosemite nation park, California, USA. Panoramic image.
If your idea of a dream holiday is packed full of experience, the USA is an excellent choice. There’s something for everyone here – whether you want to visit one bucket-list location or see a few different destinations with a multi-centre holiday, you can find a winter break to suit you.
Head to New York for Christmas shopping and soak up the festive ambience, or visit LA or Florida for some sun and sand. For spectacular scenery, America boasts a selection of natural parks, including the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, while cities such as San Francisco or New Orleans are packed full of culinary gems that will have you coming back for more.
For a winter wonderland: Sweden
Entrance to Icehotel Sweden with
For a holiday that showcases the very best winter has to offer, northern Sweden is ideal. We’d thoroughly recommend a winter trip to the Icehotel – the world’s first hotel made entirely from ice and snow. Located 200km north of the Arctic Circle, the Icehotel is sculptured by artists and is remade yearly, so there’s always something original and unique to see.
You can stay in your own icy suite, explore the private art, or head to the Icebar to enjoy some drinks. If you’re lucky, there’s also a chance to spot the Northern Lights from this area. If you’re chasing the Aurora Borealis, you can step out and explore the local area by foot or, better yet, on a once-in-a-lifetime dog sledding expedition.
For a quick weekend break: Hungary
The Hungarian Parliament and the Chains Bridge in Budapest at sunset.
Budapest is a great choice for a city break all year round, but is especially outstanding during the winter months. You can reach the city in around two and a half hours from the UK, making it ideal if you’re looking for a weekend trip. This charming, romantic city has a deep history, and you’ll find plenty of things to see and do during your time.
One of the best experiences in Budapest is the hot springs. Also known as the City of Baths, Budapest has 123 natural hot springs, including outdoor pools that reach up to 40°C. Visiting the hot springs in winter makes for an even more magical experience. Across the local area, you can also explore local Christmas markets, the 13th century Buda castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion or the stunning Matthias Church before unwinding in Pest with a drink and some of the delicious local cuisine.
Whether you’re looking to swap snow for sun on a relaxing beach trip or you want a Christmassy city break, there is a huge variety of options during the winter months. Most destinations are quieter than in summer, so you can really live like a local and immerse yourself in the culture of your surroundings. Whatever kind of experience you’re looking for, winter definitely shouldn’t be overlooked when you’re planning a holiday.
