Top Winter Destinations

Time is passing so quickly this year and as we approach the final months of 2017 it’s a great time to start looking for destinations to get away over the winter. With Christmas calling, the end of the calendar year looming and more time off to look forward to, now is really good time to consider booking a great winter holiday for all the family.

But the question is, do you stay local in the UK or go abroad? The choices are two very different contrasts. Chilly, dark nights with the typical wintertime feel by the fire or do you treat yourself and prefer to leave the cold weather behind and seek a sunny alternative?

If you are travelling to Europe or further afield this winter please make sure you have adequate travel insurance. Covered2Go has cover for all the family whether you choose a sunshine getaway or a cooler destination.

UK Winter Getaways...

Forest Holidays, Sherwood Forest

If getting away from suburban life is a priority during the winter, you don’t have to venture out of the UK to do so. Sherwood Forest is a perfect place to relax by the magical pine trees as you enjoy a family winter getaway. It may be cold outside but with family friendly luxurious cabins and indoor hot tubs you’ll soon be cosy and warm inside. If you want more delights then consider afternoon tea, cabin spas and the personal chef packages to make your winter getaway even more special. On the other hand if you want to get active, there are outdoor activities such as cycling, walking tracks, archery lessons, Christmas trails and more. If you’re still considering choosing Forest Holidays, just so you know, they have won the ‘Family Favourite’ Award with National Geographic and the TripAdvisor excellence award in 2017. This might reassure you how good they are!

 

Center Parcs: Whinfell, Sherwood, Elveden, Woburn & Longleat Forest

Center Parcs know what they are doing when it comes to winter getaways. Going by one of their mottos as ‘every family is different’ Centre Parcs have five locations, including one at Elveden, all tucked away in the woodland wilderness. They have over 200 indoor and outdoor activities coupled with restaurants, spas and shopping. A Winter Wonderland break is offered over the Christmas period making your family Christmas break even more special; the kids will love it. Accommodation varies from tree houses, to apartments, to family suites so a great choice for everyone. Check the website to see which location is closest to you but booking with Center Parcs you can be reassured that all family members, from toddlers to grandparents, are catered for! One thing is for sure, you won’t get bored at Center Parcs, you’ll want to stay longer!

Bluestone, Wales

Suitable for families of all ages, Bluestone is a 5 star family luxury resort perfect for a winter getaway. Based in Pembrokeshire, in the wintertime there is a whole array of activities and facilities to enjoy. Bluestone offers a choice of cosy luxury cottages and lodges, restaurants, cafes, Blue Lagoon Waterpark, indoor adventure activities like mini golf, cycling and walking routes, spa treatments and much more. Also, from November to January, you won’t just be staying at Bluestones but you will be embraced into “Christmasland” offering pantomimes and lots of winter festivities.

Winter Getaways Abroad...

Madeira, Portugal

You can fly directly to Madeira from the UK with airlines including easyJet, Jet2, British Airways and Thomas Cook. Flying time is approximately 3 hours. Temperatures are normally around 20C, mild for Madeira, but pleasant in comparison to UK’s bitter winters. Understandably there will be fewer tourists this time of year but with things to see such as the Madeira Skywalk, Sao Vincente Caves and the Madeira Aquarium the kids have plenty to see. This is not forgetting the laid-back beaches and lush parks and forests for you to explore. At Christmas and New Year time you’ll be happy to know that the locals go all out to celebrate. With its illuminated decorations, fantastic firework displays, choirs, lit up churches and art displays you won’t be forgetting these festivities in a hurry.

 

Tenerife, Spain

We all know about Tenerife. Only 4 hours from London, this popular sun-kissed destination has been a much-visited destination for years and is a safe bet when it comes to spending a break away in comfortable, warm weather. Wintertime will see temperatures of around 22C, that is a lower than the midsummer high temperatures but a welcome respite from the weather we expect in the UK. Costa Adeje is one of the best places to stay with the family all year round, with nice beaches and a good holiday atmosphere at night when dining out. One of the main attractions during the day is the Siam Waterpark. We would advise you to check opening times as it does tend to close for maintenance at this time of year. Alternatively you can visit Loro Park Zoo which is a popular attraction filled with an array of exotic birds, monkeys, lions, tigers and penguins. Also, visit the butterfly farm, take a camel ride and visit old town of Pueblo Chico.

Cancun, Mexico

For one of the hottest winter destinations take the family to Mexico, to no other than Cancun. You can fly directly to Cancun from several UK airports with Thomas Cook normally providing direct flights. Average temperatures are 30C so bring the sun lotion and summer wear. With an abundance to do for all the family including Crococun Zoo, Dolphin Discovery, Sea Adventure and Xcaret and Captain Hook Dinner Cruise, the kids will be well entertained. Isla Mujeres is a fantastic place to hit the beach and relax in the turquoise waters. Cancun is very family friendly and has an abundance of bars and restaurants especially in Cancun centre.

Special Winter Getaway...

Lapland, Finland

If you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas experience where you get to spot reindeers, marvel in inch thick snow and meet Santa himself, take the family to Lapland. Located in Finland, there is no place like it when it comes to celebrating the winter holidays. Not only that, but with all that snow there are ski resorts available in municipalities such as Levi, Luosto, Saariselka, Suomu and Yllas. Giving Lapland is located in the wild north of Finland, you’ll encounter Finland’s last refuge of the indigenous Sami people who herd reindeers for a living which adds a great cultural aspect when visiting here. Can you imagine anywhere else better to spend Christmas where Santa resides while you and your family stay in a cosy cottage or cabin surrounded by snow outside?

 

 

Written & Provided by our friends at Covered2Go!