Most of us make a special effort to enjoy a summer holiday every year, partly because a week or two of lying in the sun relaxing is the ideal way to restore our equilibrium. There’s something wonderfully energizing about a vacation in the warmer season, but a growing number of people are finding it just as useful to get away for a few days in the winter as well.
Needless to say, you’d have to travel around the other side of the world to enjoy some hot sunshine at that time of year, but not every vacation has to involve sun loungers, cold drinks and swimming pools. There are a great many destinations which are fun to explore, even if you have to wear warm coats rather than t-shirts and shorts.
The city break has grown in popularity greatly in recent years, and the winter period is a good period to spend a little time in one of the world’s great capitals. There are fewer crowds to have to contend with, and of course the city streets won’t be as humid and uncomfortable as they will be in the summertime.
Head to the city
Many of the most popular urban destinations are in Europe, partly because they have plenty of history and heritage for the visitor to explore. The likes of London, Paris, Rome and Madrid have been catering for tourists all-year round for many decades, and each of them represents a fascinating landscape that’s crying out to be enjoyed.
On the other side of the Atlantic, New York is perhaps the ultimate city break destination. The iconic streets carry a sense of familiarity even to first-time visitors, and in the winter the cold weather can make this unique metropolis even more atmospheric. The various landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge can look wonderfully spectacular with a covering of snowfall.
It goes without saying that the most popular activity for winter holidaymakers is skiing, but even if you’re not a fan of the slopes you can still enjoy a wonderful break in one of the world’s famous ski resorts. After all, there’s no law that says you are only allowed to enjoy the après-ski lifestyle if you have spent the day careering down the mountains. As always, vacationing is a matter of personal taste, and if you’re happy to enjoy the views without doing anything more active, so be it.
David Showell is from England and is a big fan of winter holidays. He works for www.carrentals.co.uk/.