As the nights get longer and the days get shorter, there’s never been a better time to take a short escape on vacation. It’s the perfect way to make your winter more wonderful, whether you’re keen on basking in some out-of-season sun, embracing the cold and snow, or simply taking some time to indulge. To help you find your ideal break, here are a few ideas to get started with.
Embrace the cold in the Swiss Alps
When you think of the Swiss Alps, you probably think of skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding. With so many stunning slopes for all levels of proficiency, the Alps are a fantastic place to get into the winter spirit and take the opportunity to try some seasonal sports.
But the Alps have a lot more to offer than high-energy action. Even if you aren’t interested in skiing, there’s a peaceful serenity to enjoying a hot cup of coffee while looking out across the snow-laden landscape in impossibly picturesque places like Zermatt and Splügen.
Escape to the sun in Barbados
Winter landscapes can be magical, but many of us are more interested in getting away from the cold and finding a warm place in the sun. If it’s heat you’re looking for, Barbados is an excellent choice.
This Caribbean island is a bright, bold, colorful place – and even in the winter it basks in temperatures up to 86F. In fact, temperatures remain so consistently high that even dipping into the sea is like relaxing into a warm bath. If you’re trying to get away from the cold, Barbados is full of summer sports, including amazing scuba diving opportunities, as well as relaxed resorts like Crane Beach and a up-tempo nightlife when you require it.
The best of both worlds in Cyprus
A very popular choice for a winter break with all-inclusive companies like First Choice, Cyprus is the warmest island in the Mediterranean – but a far cry from the blazing heat of the Caribbean. The climate is comfortable enough for you to spend all your time outside and, with so much to see, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing. You can walk the historic streets of Paphos, explore lush landscapes and green space in any of the national parks, or unwind on the southerly shores around Limassol – at their best in the autumn season. Limassol is also known for its lively bar and club district and forms a good base, whichever type of holiday you like.
Find an escape closer to home
When it comes to changing the climate, taking a vacation overseas is the best choice. But how about leaving the climate the same, but taking yourself out of it? Closer to home, consider time in a spa or luxury hotel. There’s something special about wandering a well-heated building, spending time on yourself in steam rooms, saunas and gyms while the cold rages on outside. It’s the ideal choice if you’re on a budget, or looking for a romantic escape that’s more convenient.
Katy Heron has been a travel journalist for eight years, writing on subjects from the Australian outback to city breaks in Europe. She is most at home with a cup of coffee in hand and jazz on the radio while she works.
Image by Andy Brown, used under Creative Comms licence.