6 Amazing Destinations To Visit In Winter

When the UK begins to get chilly, the frost starts to bite and the ongoing saga of colds, flu and coughs take hold, escaping the country can be very appealing. I love going away in the winter and getting some respite from the cold. Last January, we went to Sri Lanka and we frequently head to the Alps for some ski fun. But where else is good to go in winter? Here’s a selection of warm and cool destinations, chosen by UK travel bloggers, which will make you put down your lemsip and book a trip.

Lapland
Cathy, MummyTravels

If you’re looking for the ultimate winter wonderland, there really is nowhere like Lapland. Even if you aren’t visiting the man in the red suit, there’s a huge amount to do and it’s a fantastic snowy playground for all ages.

Split across several countries, Finnish Lapland and Swedish Lapland are the most popular for trips from the UK – I visited Levi and Yllas and had an amazing time.

As well as skiing, with some very, very patient English-speaking instructors to help beginners like myself, you can try snowmobiling and snow-shoeing, or speed through the countryside on a husky ride. The dogs themselves are incredibly cute and the sheer joy as they run is magical.

Kids (and adults) will love meeting reindeer too and a trip in a sleigh is also very romantic snuggled under furry blankets if you get the chance to escape as a couple. The owners are usually Sami people, the original inhabitants of this area who traditionally herd reindeer, and you can discover more about their culture at the same time.

The snow is guaranteed (do take thermals, including thermal socks), from sledging to snowmen and snowballs, and if you’re lucky you might see the beautiful Northern Lights as well.

Dubai
Laura at Life With Baby Kicks

Dubai in the winter is a wondrous place, a mix of Middle Eastern traditions coupled with some Western influences – there is something for everyone. Heading into the festive period you see the shops in Dubai Mall turn their window displays into Santa Wonderland delights with a range of Christmas fairs on in the big hotels, snow in the desert? Oh yes.

With National Day falling on the 2nd of December, you’ll also see an immense sense of pride in the UAE heritage: the Burj Al Arab lighting up for the occasion, fireworks exploding across the skies and a sense of community with the UAE flags waving all around.

All of this with the weather turning beautifully cool, temperatures in the high 20s making for those who hail from cooler climes ready to hit the beautiful sandy public beaches (while locals and residents shiver on the sidelines) and hotel pools. It’s the perfect temperature to explore the desert at night as you go dune bashing watching a bedouin show. Wonderful to sit outside and watch the dancing fountains without sweating or worrying about heat stroke. Dubai in December – one of my favourite times of year

Nice, France
Phoebe at Lou Messugo

Lyme Regis, England
Kat at Mere Morsels

A trip to the Jurassic Coast in west Dorset is special no matter what time of year you visit. But if you’re a fan of dramatic scenery, cosy pubs and getting bundled up then head there in winter. The stunning beaches are often deserted and the queues for fish and chips a lot shorter.

We have spent years visiting this part of the county but never fail to be blown away by its beauty. A hike up Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast, gives stunning views of the coastline and the green, rolling inland landscape.

The coast is dotted with lovely resorts, but Lyme Regis is perhaps our favourite. In fact, we even got married at the Guildhall on its seafront in 2013. The town has both a pebble and sand beach which will keep kids occupied for hours. People flock to take part in its Christmas Day and New Year’s Day swims.

A walk along the famous Cobb takes you further out to sea where you can look back on the picture perfect town and admire the boats moored in the harbour. On an especially blustery day, kids can have great fun dodging the spray that comes over the sea wall. It’s a great spot for crabbing if it’s not too cold and wet.

The beach is lined with colourful beach huts, which can be hired all year round, and dozens of places to eat. Visitors really are spoilt for choice for local fish and chips, a crab sandwich or West Country ice cream. You just need to keep your wits about you – the seagulls are notorious for their dive bombing!

Away from the sea there’s loads for families to do including a visit to Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, crazy golf or a browse of the lovely, independent shops. For foodie families, Hix Oyster and Fish House not only serves up superb local fare but also a fantastic view of the Cobb.

Lyme Regis really does have it all for families of all ages. And if you’re really lucky, a trip to one of the local Jurassic Coast beaches will provide you with a 200 million year old souvenir!

Tenerife
Sarah, Family Travel Times

When the days are cold, and often rainy and the nights short and dark, a trip to get some sun becomes ever more appealing. I find that a spot of winter sunlight can have a huge effect on my mood and wellbeing and my kids love it too (and not just because of the improvement in my temperament!).

If you’re looking for a wonderful place to holiday at this time of year – and don’t want to go too far afield – then Tenerife may be for you. You’ll arrive and love the warmth, the sea, the beaches, the beauty of the island, and (naturally) the ice-cream. Plus you won’t be stuck for things to do, from trying out the best waterpark in the world (a trip to Siam Park is an absolute must) to a visit to the top of the hugely impressive Mount Teide. Enjoy!

The Caribbean
Lisa, Travel Loving Family

The Caribbean is a fantastic choice for a winter sun destination. The best time to visit  is between mid-December and mid-April, which is the Caribbean winter season.  If you are looking for a good deal, flights and hotels drop significantly outside of this peak season and yet the weather for many of the islands in the Caribbean is not that different May – June or early December.

September is the month to avoid as it is peak hurricane season, many hotels, resorts shut down during this time.

A mere mention of a Caribbean holiday can conjure up images of palm trees, white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and rum cocktails.  Whilst these images are perfectly accurate and indeed the main attractions of the region, the 7,000 islands that make up the Caribbean also have a unique appeal. Some of the islands are also better suited to families than others with many offering a wide variety of family friendly attractions and excursions. My top five family-friendly Caribbean islands can be found here and I’ve also also written several destination guides for the Caribbean including this one for Antigua.

Do any of these take your fancy? Where do you like to travel to during winter in Europe?

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