Beat the winter blues
Weather forecasters are predicting a mild winter in the UK, so not much to look forward to. The Christmas break is approaching and more and more of us now see it as a great opportunity to get away from it all. With school holidays being at least 7 days and up to two weeks, it's an ideal time for the whole family to travel together and get the most out of the Christmas holiday – but with so much on offer, the biggest decision has to be whether to escape to the sunshine for a relaxing soak or to head for the icy chill of a snow filled resort, to capture the true feeling of winter?
Head for the sun
Many Mediterranean destinations are ideal for week long or short breaks. Low cost carriers and tour operators continue to fly year round and package holidays offer an easy choice to escape the Christmas blues.
However, weather here may be unpredictable and while some visitors are lucky and get a mild, sunny winter week, the cold, wet east wind can turn the seafront in Majorca or Marbella into something more like Brighton in January.
Slightly further afield, destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia, Cyprus and Morrocco have slightly better weather and are an affordable option. This is an ideal time of year to visit these locations, as they are often too hot in the main summer months and are culture rich environments with plenty to do and see. Additionally, Egypt is a great twin centre destination - add on a couple of extra days and choose to cruise down the Nile or visit the Pyramids, to see for yourself one of the great wonders of the world.
For guaranteed sunshine and those lucky enough to have a two week break, consider destinations such as Dubai, Goa, and the Caribbean - these sunshine resorts will definitely lift your winter blues leaving you feeling hot, hot, hot. The long flight to top up your tan will be worth the jetlag; once you have arrived, head straight to the pool to relax in the sunshine, you may even enjoy your Christmas lunch on the beach.
Head to the slopes
Think snow – think ski. Winter sports make a great family holiday, often this is the only time of year for the family to get together and experience the cold weather. The whole family can enjoy the magic of winter in the mountains with ski and snowboarding activities to suit everyone.
Short haul trips for short stays are great for families and groups – France, Italy, Austria and Slovenia are great destinations for a short stay. Some transfer times can take a while to get to the resort, but most operate fantastic family resorts and exceptional childcare facilities for all age ranges.
Children under 3 can stay in crèches with qualified nannies offering a range of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children occupied, leaving mum and dad free time on the piste. Catered Chalets are also a great option for a couple of families travelling together, no one has to argue about who does the cooking – but you can all enjoy dining together and plenty of après ski.
With the pound hitting record highs against the dollar, it is definitely worth choosing USA. With a much better chance of snow, this has to be the choice for keen or experienced skiers; however, even novice skiers will find a wide choice of beginner slopes and tuition.
Additionally, kids ski FREE in many North American resorts and their lift passes and even equipment rental are often free when adults pre-book passes. Did you know that New England ski resorts are only a 7 hour flight away? And with 7 different mountains to choose from, there are hundreds of pistes, miles or terrain, uncrowded slopes and excellent ski schools for everyone to enjoy.
But to make the most out of your trip, why not combine your ski trip with a few days in a variety of US cities? Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and New York are great multi-centre destinations for your ski trip.
Shopping opportunities abound, and with great dining choices, each location offers something new for the whole family to enjoy. Take the time to visit an historic landmark or just soak up and experience the special holiday atmosphere that surrounds you.
Top tips
Sunshine breaks
- For Mediterranean countries choose a hotel with an indoor heated pool if available, if the weather changes there will always be something to do
- Choose larger hotels that also offer children's clubs, as these are available all year round and are not weather dependent
- Don't forget it is still Christmas, even in the sunshine Santa will need to deliver some presents, buy small for easy packing.
Ski breaks
- Always pack lots of thin layers rather than one thick layer of clothing and take waterproof ski clothing for everyone
- Don't forget sunglasses and suncream – essential on the ski runs
- Get fit before you begin, prepare the whole family with swimming and cycle rides, to tone up your ski legs
- Pre-book your extras; ski hire, equipment and lift passes before you go to avoid disappointment.
Contact Passport Travel on 0800 030 4250 for more information.
