Looking to take a winter break this year? Summer holidays are great, but you shouldn’t sleep on winter travel. It’s not always off-peak travel prices, but it is a great time to hit up some iconic destinations.
So if you want a picturesque Christmas in the snow, or you want to get away from the cold and swap snow for sand then check out these destinations!
1.Escape The Cold - Yucatan, Mexico
Looking for some sun in winter? Take a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula this year (or early next year when Aer Lingus direct flights begin). With a range of all-inclusive resort spread across the east coast in Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum it’s the perfect place to stay warm on the beach with great food and a cocktail.
Going in the winter or early spring means that you can enjoy the region with warm days and only a low chance of rain, missing hurricane season to make the most of the weather.
There’s more to sea views and pool lounging though. The area also boasts an impressive history and unique landscape. As the heart of the Mayan Civilisation, you’ll find plenty of tours to view impressive ruins, including one of the seven wonders of the work – Chichen Itza. If historical sites aren’t your thing, then you can take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the region’s cenotes, freshwater springs connected by underground caves, full of magic and wildlife.
Hidden Gems: If you don’t want to deal with the crowds at Chichen Itza there’s a lot of other less famous, but just as amazing Mayan Ruins to see. These range from the relatively well known Ek Balam -where you can still climb the pyramids- in Valladolid, to the much more remote Calakmul. Calakmul is located ina biosphere full of wildlife and on a clear day you can see all the way to Guatemala!
2.Winter Wonderland - Iceland
If you’d rather embrace the cold, then it’s hard to find a more magical winter landscape than Iceland. While it might be a destination, you’ll need to pack your warmest clothes for, it more than makes up for the cold with the otherworldly beauty and unique experiences it has to offer.
If you’re adventurous you can take a trip to explore ice caves or go on a glacial hike. Warm up in the many geo-thermal hot springs around the country, or maybe right where you’re staying, like at the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Don’t forget that this is your chance to cross seeing The Northern Lights off your bucket list.
With all that Iceland has to offer it’s easy to overlook the simple pleasures of beautiful snowy landscapes and cozy cafes, so make sure you plan plenty of downtime.
Hidden Gems: Iceland’s hot springs are a definite attraction and a must do if you’re spending any time there. But the most popular ones can get crowded. Try find some off the beaten track and you’ll have the peace of bathing alone in nature. The Struslaug hot spring in the southern highlands is possibly the most remote hot spring. You’ll need to drive some difficult roads and do a hike -don’t worry it’s an easy hike doable even for kids. Take the trek and you’ll be rewarded with otherworldly views and almost definitely a solo hot spring experience.
3.Christmas Market – Strasbourg, France
Love a good Christmas Market? There’s plenty of iconic markets that pop up around Europe every year, but one of the oldest and most famous of them is in Strasbourg. Strasbourg takes celebrating Christmas seriously, with hundreds of stalls springing up over multiple markets the city has earned the title of “The Capital of Christmas”. This year the market begins on November 26th and run right up to Christmas! So, enjoy some mulled wine and traditional treats in this fairy tale city.
There’s more to the city than just the market though, sitting close to the German border the region blends German and French culture and architecture for a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere. You’ll also find the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame here, a must see for anyone interested in architecture.
Hidden Gems: While you wander around the Capital of Christmas, keep your eyes peeled for hidden details in the architecture and sculptures of the city. You’ll find a bear looking down on passers-by from a nook high up in a building in the city centre. The face of Kaiser Wilhelm cast into a wrought iron gate, the old reverends dog carved into the cathedral and many other hidden details in a city full of secrets.
4.Shopping Spree? – New York City, USA
Appearing in some the biggest Christmas movies, New York has become a huge destination for winter travel. You’ll get to see some iconic Christmas sites and (hopefully) snow dusted streets, but you’ll also get to spend plenty of time in boutique stores picking up unique gifts for your loved ones this Christmas. New York is a city you want an empty suitcase to travel to.
Between the shops make time to visit the sights, from the Empire State to The Statue of Liberty this city has some of the most famous sights in the world. In the evening music lovers will want to check out the scene at Bleecker St. and theatre lovers can take in a show on Broadway.
Foodies won’t be disappointed, with New York Style by the slice pizza, bagels, famous delis like Katz Deli there’s plenty to eat for any palate.
Hidden Gems: There’s plenty of unique shopping experiences to have in New York, from iconic locations like Macy’s to the more obscure Evolution Store -where you can buy ancient fossils, meteorites, naturalist drawings and more. But one spot to make sure you get to is the Artists & Fleas Market on 10th avenue. Here you’ll find all kind of handmade and vintage items from local artists, ideal gifts for your loved ones or yourself.
5.Winter Ski Trip – The Dolomites, Italy
Want a winter full of adventure? Take a trip to The Dolomites! If you’re a seasoned skier or a first timer there’s plenty of trails for all levels spread across the different regions of the mountain range. Wherever you are you’ll be surrounded by festive snow, so you’ll feel nice and Christmassy on the trails and when you’re sipping a nice hot chocolate to warm up in the evening.
If you’re planning a family trip then the Val Gardena region, with plenty of family friendly activities, guided tours and of course skiing, this region offers the most for everyone. For beginner skiers the Alpe Di Siusi region is the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe and features plenty of gentle slopes to practice on. For skiers of all levels the Drei Zinnen resort has an impressive network of trails for everyone, and you might just get to see some reindeer.
Hidden Gems: It might not be the most secret location but the spa town of Merano is absolutely worth a visit. With it’s blend of Mediterranean and Alpine attitudes and climate it’s the perfect place to relax and take in the culture and sights.
Wherever you decide to travel make sure that you don’t skip your travel insurance. Cancelled flights and lost luggage can ruin a holiday. Keep yourself protected.
