Think of vacations, and the majority you have taken were probably in the summer months. It’s not that Winter holidays aren’t pleasurable: they’re just cold, and having a relaxing time seems that little bit harder in a period of the year in which icicles can grow on your cheeks.
Nevertheless, Winter holidays are booming business in Europe, and with the season beginning it’s perhaps time to consider whether this year, you’ll be taking that winter break. With money tight, holidaying at this end of the year could in fact be the wisest thing you can do.
So where can you go in Winter and what can you do? There are obviously wintery holidays to be had around the world. Holidays that are unique to winter. Skiing holidays are among the most obvious, and you’d be well advised to seek out a good skiing destination this year.
Skiing holidays are obviously about a recreational activity that’s great for fitness, easy to pick up and rewarding to master. You also get spectacular views, the snowboarding ‘option’ and several different variations on the skiing theme to try out – cross country and more!
You could of course opt for a completely different pace in the winter, replacing exercise with quite relaxation, more slower and appreciative. The arctic circle’s principle delight is surely the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern lights: prime spots for viewing are in Canada and Lapland.
And because you’re never too big to let a little magic into your winter, a trip to Lapland to see Santa Claus can be the perfect family Christmas holiday: kids and the young and heart will appreciate the various Lapland resorts.
No less adventurous is the holiday to any European city during Winter. The crowds inevitably come for Summer heat and find large numbers of people to contend with as a result. In the winter, the prices are a major incentive, and the cities themselves can really come alive in cold weather.
Great places to visit in winter (and Europe) include the eastern European giants of Prague, Krakow and Budapest. In the east, countless people are journeying to Dublin, Milan, Venice and Berlin for incredible short trips.