Winter holiday: tips and tricks for a good vacation

Winter vacations promise a wealth of activities and relaxation for the whole family, couples, and travel groups. From active skiing vacations to relaxing stays to escaping the cold of home to a warm country – the variety of winter vacations is huge. Snow-covered ski resorts around the world make it possible to enjoy the cold season to the full and some destinations make you forget the winter. With careful planning and tips for adults and children, a winter vacation will be an unforgettable experience.

Where can you go on vacation in winter?

Within the UK, the Scottish Highlands offer a quintessential winter holiday with their breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for snow sports. Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park, is a hub for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Similarly, the Lake District transforms into a serene winter paradise, ideal for those who prefer quiet walks in frosty forests and cozy evenings by the fireplace. Wales, with its rugged coastlines and historic castles, provides a dramatic backdrop for a winter getaway, especially with the chance of snow in the higher regions like Snowdonia.

Also, the Alps, accessible via a short flight from the UK, are a winter sports haven. Resorts in France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy offer world-class skiing and snowboarding, along with picturesque villages and luxurious accommodations. If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider the Scandinavian countries – Norway, Sweden, and Finland – where you can chase the Northern Lights, stay in ice hotels, and enjoy traditional winter activities like dog sledding and ice fishing.

Where can you travel cheaply in winter?

If you are looking for cheap winter destinations, there are various options for an inexpensive yet exciting vacation. In Eastern Europe, especially in countries such as the Czech Republic or Poland, you will find attractive winter offers with affordable accommodation and a wide range of leisure activities. These regions are also known for their charming towns and picturesque landscapes, combining your affordable winter vacation with cultural discoveries.

Another affordable winter destination is Turkey, mainly the regions along the southern coast. Here you will find mild temperatures, historical sights, and attractive package deals for a budget-conscious winter vacation. The Turkish coastal towns invite you to take relaxing walks on the beach and explore the culture, while local markets offer the opportunity to enjoy the variety of Turkish cuisine.

For winter lovers on a tight budget, Bulgaria’s ski resorts are also worth considering. With affordable ski passes and affordable accommodation, these destinations offer an attractive way to experience winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding without breaking the bank. Away from the slopes, Bulgarian culture offers an affordable insight into local traditions and hospitality.

Book a winter vacation: When is it cheapest?

Booking a winter vacation is often cheapest outside the main travel periods and vacations, i.e. at the beginning of December, as well as in late January and early February through to March. In the weeks before Christmas and after New Year, ski vacations are particularly popular and therefore expensive. If you are lucky, however, you may still be able to get last-minute deals.

Tips and recommendations for a winter vacation with the family

For a successful winter vacation with the family, we recommend choosing a child-friendly ski resort and a suitable family hotel. Enjoy activities together in the snow, such as tobogganing and building snowmen. Look out for beginner-friendly slopes and ski courses for children. Also plan relaxing moments, for example in the hotel’s sauna, and check whether childcare services are offered to ensure a carefree vacation for both parents and children.

Where can you ski?

Europe and the Western regions are home to a vast array of renowned ski destinations. In Europe, the Alps stand out as a premier choice, spanning across countries like France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, with famous resorts like Chamonix, Zermatt, St. Anton, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Pyrenees, straddling France and Spain, also offer excellent skiing opportunities. Outside of Europe, North America presents top skiing destinations, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., Colorado’s Rocky Mountains host celebrated resorts like Aspen and Vail, while the Sierra Nevada range includes Lake Tahoe. Canada’s British Columbia is famous for Whistler-Blackcomb, and the Canadian Rockies in Alberta provide stunning ski experiences at places like Banff and Lake Louise. These regions collectively offer a diverse range of skiing experiences, from luxurious resorts to challenging backcountry adventures.

The 10 most beautiful ski resorts for your winter vacation

• Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France: Renowned for its breathtaking Alpine landscapes and challenging slopes.
• Arlberg, Austria: The cradle of alpine skiing with renowned resorts such as Lech and St. Anton.
• Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria: A picturesque ski resort in Austria with a variety of slopes and magnificent mountain panoramas.
• Dolomites, Italy: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that impresses with spectacular rock formations and first-class slopes.
• Aspen, USA: An exclusive ski resort in Colorado with first-class slopes and an elegant ambience.
• Whistler Blackcomb, Canada: One of the largest ski resorts in the world with first-class conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
• Niseko, Japan: An up-and-coming destination in the Japanese Alps, known for its abundant snowfall.
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany: The German Alps offer a variety of winter sports opportunities in a charming setting.
• Geilo, Norway: A picturesque ski resort with a relaxed atmosphere in the Norwegian mountains.
• Åre, Sweden: One of Scandinavia’s leading ski resorts, known for its snow-covered landscapes and modern amenities.

Where is it also warm in winter?

While it is colder in winter in many popular European destinations, some attractive destinations offer pleasantly warm weather even in the winter months. In Europe, these include the Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The island temperatures here are mild. If you have wanderlust, the Caribbean, including Barbados and the Dominican Republic, with its tropical warmth and beautiful beaches, is a good choice.

Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates offer pleasant temperatures all year round, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. In Australia, places like Sydney and Melbourne are also warm and inviting to explore. Mexico, with its coastal resorts such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen, offers warm weather, historical sights, and a rich culture.

Brazil, with cities such as Rio de Janeiro, also offers a winter escape with high temperatures and vibrant life. South Africa, with Cape Town as an example, offers outdoor activities in mild temperatures even in winter. Choosing a destination depends on personal preferences and interests, but these destinations offer a pleasant escape from the cold winter months.

10 tips for your winter vacation

• As a family, book a family-friendly ski resort with easy slopes and children’s ski courses.
• Book a family hotel to ensure fun in the accommodation too.
• Take advantage of travel deals for families to get the most out of your winter vacation and save money in the process.
• Consider activities such as tobogganing and skiing to give you and the kids fun alternatives to skiing.
• Consider a ski course if you are a beginner.
• Think about taking a relaxing break during your active vacation and make use of the hotel’s wellness facilities.
• Find out about the weather at your destination in advance to make sure there is snow or that you will get your summer break in winter.
• Take a winter hike through the snow-covered forests and enjoy nature and the tranquil atmosphere of the winter landscape.
• Also plan indoor activities for the children, such as indoor playgrounds, to ensure that fun is not neglected even when the weather is less than ideal.
• Book an all-inclusive vacation to enjoy a stress-free stay and not have to worry about a thing.

Conclusion on the topic of “Winter vacations”

With the extensive variety of offers, you decide how you want to spend your winter vacation – whether it’s an active ski vacation in Germany, Austria, or the Czech Republic, inexpensive travel options in Eastern Europe, or summer destinations in the south or faraway countries. A winter vacation is a great way to round off the end of the year and get the new year off to a good start.