Winter can be a little bit of a downer. The weather is chilly and inhospitable, and the nights draw in before many of us are even let out of work. For a substantial number of Brits, this can lead to winter blues – or even seasonal affective disorder.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: take a break in a sunnier part of the world – or, perhaps, a not-so-sunny part. But exactly where might you visit?
Bask in the Sunshine of the Canary Islands
One of the things that makes the Canary Islands so appealing is the climate. Whatever the time of year, you can be sure of warm weather. Even during winter, you can enjoy time on the local beaches, or go for a long hike through a volcano-strewn landscape. Tenerife and Gran Canaria tend to be hugely popular – and you’ll benefit from off-peak levels of tourist traffic, meaning that you can travel wherever you’d like without worrying about crowds.
Photo by Marcin Jozwiak
Experience the Magic of European Winter Markets
In mainland Europe, you might find plenty of seasonal markets to lift the spirits. These are slightly different, depending on where you’re visiting, but several cities stand out thanks to the quality of their winter markets. The Grote Markt in Antwerp lights up every year with more than a hundred charming market stalls. Then there’s the Cologne market, which offers Punch and Judy shows, Glühwein, Brätwurst, and a towering, iconic Christmas tree.
Do your research, and pick out a market that fits your needs. It might be that you can easily move from city to city. A tour of Europe’s best markets can be the perfect way to fend off winter blues!
Hit the Slopes with Last-Minute Ski Holidays
Skiing is a natural choice for a winter break. In many cases, you can save considerably on the cost of a trip – though you’ll need to be willing to be flexible. Last-minute ski holidays to amazing mountain ranges like the Alps and the Pyrenees are a great way to fend off the winter blues. You don’t have to have skiing experience, and you might also benefit from a range of apres-ski activities.
For best results, it’s worth looking for resorts that match your level of skiing experience. Make sure that there are plenty of slopes you can actually enjoy, and that you have the right equipment. Three layers of clothing, a helmet, and some suitable rented boots, poles and skis are a minimum.
Photo by Volker Meyer
Indulge in a UK Wellness Retreat
You don’t have to travel overseas to enjoy a break from the stresses of winter. There are a number of wellness-focussed resorts in the UK, which can benefit both the mind and body. The best of these tend to be sited near some of the UK’s natural treasures, which makes them easy to combine with a refreshing outdoor activity or two. Exercise, and exposure to nature, are a great way to lift your mood, and deal with seasonal depression.
Winter can be a little bit of a downer. The weather is chilly and inhospitable, and the nights draw in before many of us are even let out of work. For a substantial number of Brits, this can lead to winter blues – or even seasonal affective disorder.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: take a break in a sunnier part of the world – or, perhaps, a not-so-sunny part. But exactly where might you visit?
Bask in the Sunshine of the Canary Islands
One of the things that makes the Canary Islands so appealing is the climate. Whatever the time of year, you can be sure of warm weather. Even during winter, you can enjoy time on the local beaches, or go for a long hike through a volcano-strewn landscape. Tenerife and Gran Canaria tend to be hugely popular – and you’ll benefit from off-peak levels of tourist traffic, meaning that you can travel wherever you’d like without worrying about crowds.
Experience the Magic of European Winter Markets
In mainland Europe, you might find plenty of seasonal markets to lift the spirits. These are slightly different, depending on where you’re visiting, but several cities stand out thanks to the quality of their winter markets. The Grote Markt in Antwerp lights up every year with more than a hundred charming market stalls. Then there’s the Cologne market, which offers Punch and Judy shows, Glühwein, Brätwurst, and a towering, iconic Christmas tree.
Do your research, and pick out a market that fits your needs. It might be that you can easily move from city to city. A tour of Europe’s best markets can be the perfect way to fend off winter blues!
Hit the Slopes with Last-Minute Ski Holidays
Skiing is a natural choice for a winter break. In many cases, you can save considerably on the cost of a trip – though you’ll need to be willing to be flexible. Last-minute ski holidays to amazing mountain ranges like the Alps and the Pyrenees are a great way to fend off the winter blues. You don’t have to have skiing experience, and you might also benefit from a range of apres-ski activities.
For best results, it’s worth looking for resorts that match your level of skiing experience. Make sure that there are plenty of slopes you can actually enjoy, and that you have the right equipment. Three layers of clothing, a helmet, and some suitable rented boots, poles and skis are a minimum.
Indulge in a UK Wellness Retreat
You don’t have to travel overseas to enjoy a break from the stresses of winter. There are a number of wellness-focussed resorts in the UK, which can benefit both the mind and body. The best of these tend to be sited near some of the UK’s natural treasures, which makes them easy to combine with a refreshing outdoor activity or two. Exercise, and exposure to nature, are a great way to lift your mood, and deal with seasonal depression.
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