As anyone acquainted with the infamous British climate will already be well aware, winters in the UK can be a bit of a gloomy affair. If you’re not scraping big sheets of ice from your car in the morning, the chances are you’ll be stuck under slate-grey skies with seemingly incessant drivel. Of course, we shouldn’t be overly negative – and there are those who prefer the winter weather – but if you fancy a bit of a break from the gloom, then a winter holiday could be just the tonic. And best of all, there are many different destinations to choose from all over the world, so if you’re looking to catch some sunshine you’re likely to find somewhere that’s perfect for you.
One of the best things about holidaying in the winter time – in addition to the fact that you’ll be leaving the cold behind for a while – is that there are some genuine bargains to be had if you look in the right places. Saving money is of course important in the current financial climate, so a bit of shopping around can really work wonders. The Canary and Balearic Islands are a perennial favourite among British holidaymakers, with thousands of Brits descending on destinations including Ibiza and Tenerife each and every year. Come the winter time, the summer crowds will be largely gone – but although the weather might not be quite as red hot as it is in peak season, there should still be plenty of sunshine on offer. The Canaries and the Balearics are just a few hours’ flight time away from the UK, making them a handy option for anyone who fancies a break.
Further afield, the US is another popular holiday hotspot among visitors from the UK. Destinations such as Florida are renowned for enjoying reasonably warm weather all year round, so the winter could be a great time to explore the state and its myriad attractions. Walt Disney World is open all year round and offers plenty for the whole family to enjoy – and without the crowds you so often see in the summer time. Indeed, the winter could be the perfect time to explore the US and what it has to offer, and there’s also plenty of sunshine to be had in California, on the other side of the country.
If you really want to indulge yourself on a winter break, then perhaps a trip to the island paradise of Mauritius could be in order. The Seychelles and the Maldives, meanwhile, are renowned for their flawless beaches – making them the perfect place to soak up a few rays. What’s more, Cuba and Mexico offer a whole host of holidaying opportunities at bargain prices in the winter. It’s worth bearing in mind, of course, that there tends to be a second peak season around Christmas and New Year – but provided you avoid the festive rush, you should be able to find outstanding holiday deals whatever your chosen destination.
This blog post was written and contributed by Janice Lincoln, a freelance web journalist and content writer, specialising in travel and holiday topics such as cheap holidays in 2012 and cheap late deal holidays.