For many people, summertime is holiday time, either due to work commitments or these being the most convenient months to take kids away without having to take them out of school. As a result, when the winter nights start to draw in and the days become colder, holidays can seem like a distant prospect. However, if you are one of the lucky ones with considerably more flexibility, or you’re planning a half term break or want to take advantage of Christmas and New Years holiday periods then here is a selection of ideas for things to do on winter holidays.
Go hiking in Thailand. A great option for anyone looking for some winter heat but not wanting to spend an entire holiday lying on the beach, trekking in the Northern and Central areas of Thailand offers opportunities for adventure and excitement. Expect mountains to climb, jungle to explore, waterfalls to discover and local villages to get to know. Most treks start at around £100 for two days and one night (flights not included) and can incorporate activities like cycling, kayaking and rafting. The Active Thailand website (http://www.activethailand.com) is a great place to find more details.
Go skiing in Argentina. Skiing is a fairly predictable winter holiday activity so this year why not opt for somewhere new and different like Cerro Cathedral in Nahuel Huapí National Park in Patagonia, Argentina. This is one of the biggest ski spots in South America and has all the usual trappings of a traditional ski resort, as well as a unique location. If you’re up for a bit of adventure try a guided snow tour of the area with a company like Snoventures (http://www.snoventures.com), from £2,000 for eight days (including flights).
Go walking in Kent. If you’re looking for a great idea for a winter holiday that’s only an hour’s train ride from London then the beautiful county of Kent is a fantastic option. Seaside resorts like Margate have a gorgeous faded glamour and there are hidden boutique accommodation gems such as The Reading Rooms (http://www.thereadingroomsmargate.co.uk doubles from £150 a night) and culinary hotspots like the Michelin rated Ambrette restaurant (http://www.theambrette.co.uk). During the day, pack a thermos, kit yourself out in waterproofs and set out on one of the bracing coastal walks, such as the Margate to Ramsgate route.
Hit the beach on the Cape Verde. If you are a winter sun beach bunny then this collection of islands just off the coast of Senegal in West Africa offers some of the best stretches of tropical beach in the world. White sand, turquoise waters, a range of water sports and the kind of low tourist numbers that mean you can recline on your sun lounger without spending the day listening to other people’s kids, make Cape Verde a pretty special destination. Head to Sal for the best beaches in the archipelago and expect to pay upwards of £700 per person for seven nights (including flights).
See the Northern Lights in Lapland. The lights of the Aurora Borealis are a stunning sight and sit somewhere on the bucket list of most keen travellers. Tailored tours and holidays are available that can be booked at exactly the right time to maximize your chances of being there when the lights appear, with prices starting from around £1,300 for four nights. If you get bored of the lights there’s plenty of other activities in the area – husky rides, igloos and of course Father Christmas.
Discover a spa in Cambodia. Admittedly, this Southeast Asian country might not seem like the most typical spa destination but this is an industry that has thrived as more and more travellers have discovered the area. Siem Reap has a number of well known pampering spots, such as Hotel de la Paix (http://www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com) and Sokha Angkor Resort (http://www.sokhahotels.com), which offer a full range of spa treatments, from Khmer massage to facials and pedicures. Prices vary a lot, but there are some great deals around. Generally, you will pay around £300 per person for three nights accommodation, rising to £1,000 if you include flights and transfers. Spa treatments are extra (see the hotel websites for details). As Siem Reap is within easy reach of the huge and magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex there is plenty to explore nearby once you have been soothed and detoxified.
As this selection of ideas shows, there is much more to do with a winter break than just skiing in the Alps or sunseeking in the Caribbean. If you are a keen diver you can also head to some of the tourist spots on the Red Sea in Egypt, which have some of the best diving in the world; those looking for a festive city break can book for Vienna, Paris or anywhere in Germany for the annual Christmas markets, or if you want a trip that’s guaranteed to get a gleeful response from the kids, try Eurodisney near Paris.
John is a guest blogger from Deal Zippy who have a great selection of winter holiday deals and other cheap travel deals from the best UK travel agents and hotels. Image by prufrock27
