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Plan your next winter holiday

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The best winter sun and winter holiday deals

Just because the weather has taken a turn at home doesn't mean that you have to stop travelling! In fact, travelling during the UK winter means that you can snag some excellent winter holiday deals, no matter which type of trip you're after.

Looking to get away with your family or go on a big group holiday? There are so many great destinations to choose from, from the best winter sun adventures to cosy wintertime city breaks in Europe. You can also have a top-notch holiday closer to home with a memorable UK staycation or spa break.

Our cheap winter holiday deals will help you see the sunny side of life between November and March. And, if you're looking to make your Christmas super special this year, check out our best Christmas market destinations and the best spots for a Christmas holiday.

The best winter sun holiday destinations

Can't think of anything better than escaping the cold this winter? Well, you're in good company on that one - and you've come to the right place!

While the UK winter drags on, there's a whole host of destinations that are enjoying lovely warm weather at this time. Some countries will even be smack bang in the middle of their summer months, meaning that your wintertime escape will feel like a full-blown summer holiday!

Here are some of our top choices for a winter sun holiday.

1. The Canary Islands

Don't want to travel too far? Spain's Canary Islands should be at the top of your list thanks to the clear skies and warm temperatures that persist here even as the weather grows dreary in the UK. You can expect an average of 20-28°C throughout the winter months, with about six hours of sunshine in December and January and up to seven in February.

Tenerife and Lanzarote tend to be the warmest destinations, but all the islands have something to offer if you’re looking to escape the cold. Take the cable car up Mount Teide, Tenerife's striking dormant volcano, or admire the almost alien-like terrain of Lanzarote's Timanfaya National Park.

2. Marrakesh

While a trip to Morocco’s coastal destinations makes for an ideal summer getaway, winter beckons travellers to explore further inland. Winter in Marrakesh sees temperatures that hover around 20°C while the coastal cities bear the brunt of the rain and cold.

Given that stifling temperatures can dominate the inland cities during the popular peak summer months, you'll have far more pleasant weather for walking around and taking in the sights on foot in winter. Be sure to check out the sprawling Bahia Palace and admire the Koutoubia Mosque before hitting the street food stalls for a well-deserved snack.

3. Cape Verde

If you’re willing to tack on a bit of travel time, head further south and take a trip out to Cape Verde, a picturesque island chain found off Africa's western coast. You'll be rewarded with temperatures of about 20°C, long days of sunshine and far fewer crowds than some of the more frequented winter sun destinations in Europe.

Cape Verde is a particularly good place for a package holiday - the ideal choice if you're looking for a stress-free start to the New Year. Walk the wild Deserto de Viana on the island of Boa Vista, check out the healing waters of Pedra de Lume on the island of Sal or spend a week island hopping if you can't choose one destination.

4. Dubai

Dubai is the perfect winter destination; summer temperatures here can easily reach 40°C and above, making almost any outdoor excursion a no-go. But, as the city heads into winter, the air starts to cool to a much more manageable 24-30°C, with between eight and 10 hours of sunshine every day.

Take advantage of the milder weather by taking a glamping trip out to the desert, go kayaking with friends at Hatta Dam or just relax at one of the city's nearby beaches. Conclude your day with a cocktail at a rooftop bar, where you can take in the impressive urban landscape of this super-modern city beneath the glow of the setting sun.

5. Oaxaca

A trip to Mexico is a good idea at just about any time of the year, but beautiful Oaxaca in the south invites you in with temperatures in the high 20s°C, strollable streets and some of the country's very best eats.

Walk around the city markets to try out homemade mole and mezcal to keep you satiated as you wander around the city taking in the colourful street art. Oaxaca is best explored on foot, starting in the Zocalo (the city centre) and working your way out into the popular neighbourhoods. Once you've had your fill of the city, take a day trip to Monte Alban, well-preserved archaeological ruins.

6. Koh Lanta, Thailand

While partygoers may fare better on Koh Phangan, home of the Full Moon Party, Koh Lanta is perfect for a relaxed beach holiday in the middle of winter. A holiday in Thailand isn't complete without warm weather and sunny days, and Koh Lanta delivers with temperatures in the low 30s°C and clear skies (at least in January and February).

Do as the other travellers do and grab a scooter to explore the island on two wheels, heading for the southern beaches. With snorkelling and paddle boarding available, you'll have plenty of activities to fill your days.

The best destinations for a winter city break

If your tactic for surviving the long winter is to face the cold head on, then you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a destination. Much of Europe turns into a winter wonderland, with festive markets, winter sports and, if you're lucky, some snow too.

You may even want to make the most of the chilly weather by booking an action-packed luxury ski holiday. But if skiing isn't your thing, there are so many great spots to explore this winter instead.

Here are our favourite places for a wintertime city break.

Budapest

Hungary's capital city is one of our favourite city break destinations all year round, but the city is especially beautiful during the winter months. Yes, you'll have to wrap up pretty warm to admire Budapest's famous outdoor attractions like Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament buildings, but it's so worth it.

After some exploring, you can experience one of Budapest's world-renowned hot baths, some of which are heated up to 40°C and beyond. Perhaps the most famous of them all, Széchenyi Thermal Baths shouldn't be missed; head to the heated outdoor pools for an unforgettable wintertime experience.

Reykjavik

Speaking of winter wonderlands, Reykjavik is an excellent place for a winter city break - if you're happy to embrace the cold! This compact city is small enough to explore on foot and you can always duck into one of Reykjavik's many cosy cafes to warm yourself up.

And, if you're up for a bigger adventure, you can explore more of the landscapes that make a trip to Iceland so memorable. Head off to the Golden Circle to see some of the country's most spectacular natural attractions or head off on a guided tour of an ice cave.

Copenhagen

With its rows of colourful and photogenic buildings that really seem to pop against a backdrop of fresh snow, Copenhagen has to be one of the prettiest places you can choose for a European winter city break.

Take in the city's most famous sights, including the Little Mermaid and Christiansborg Palace, or have a lengthy brunch at one of the city's hip cafes. For a little bit of Christmas all year round, head to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, which is packed full of rides and delicious food options.

London

Sometimes you don't have to go too far to find a fantastic city break destination, and this is certainly the case with London. The UK capital is packed with all sorts of things to do, from exploring the chilly Royal Parks to its wealth of indoor attractions, including the Natural History Museum and St Paul's Cathedral.

London is also a top choice for anyone in need of some retail therapy or for foodies, as this city is packed with some of the best restaurants in the world. London offers so much variety that you may just forget that you're only on a staycation!

Helsinki

While many travellers head to northern Finland to meet Santa and his reindeer over Christmas, a winter city break to Helsinki shouldn't be dismissed. The Finnish capital is packed with all sorts of things to do, including some wholesome winter activities.

After taking in popular attractions like Helsinki Cathedral, Old Market Hall and the Design Museum, hop on a ferry to Suomenlinna; this sea fortress is especially beautiful in winter. Warm up afterwards with a visit to a traditional Finnish sauna.

Tallinn

A popular day trip from Helsinki, Tallinn is completely worthy of its own winter city break. It also happens to be one of the more affordable options on our list. The Estonian capital is packed with attractions to explore, as well as unique experiences.

Explore Tallinn's pretty Old Town, where you can even ice skate during the winter months, and don't miss out on a visit to the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. End your day with an evening at Olde Hansa, a medieval restaurant that pulls out all the stops!

The best winter ski holidays

Love the cold and want to experience all that winter has to offer? Why not opt for a winter ski holiday? There are a number of European destinations that are renowned for their skiing and snowboarding holidays - Italy, France, Switzerland and Austria, to name but a few!

As with all of the most popular ski destinations, you'll want to book well ahead if you have a particular ski resort in mind. But you can find plenty of decent last-minute ski holiday deals too, especially if you're flexible when it comes to the destination.

Just make sure that your chosen resort offers all the amenities your group may need and always double check whether there's any ski or snowboarding equipment you can hire while you're out there! Lastly, remember to soak it all up - a ski holiday is one of the best ways to embrace winter and all it has to offer.

Winter spa and wellness breaks

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and relax, which is exactly why spa and wellness holidays are so popular during these colder months!

Whether you're keen to experience some pampering or healthy living as part of a staycation or somewhere abroad, your winter wellness holiday will provide everything you need to go into spring feeling fresh.

As with any spa or wellness break, make sure that you're well acquainted with what your chosen accommodation or provider is offering, from the included spa treatments to the included activities, classes and experiences.

Quite frankly, we're jealous - and have no doubt that you'll find the ultimate blissful spa and wellness break deal this winter.

Top bucket list-worthy winter holiday destinations

If a spot of winter sun or a cosy winter break isn't quite enough for you, why not go really big and tick off a bucket list experience this winter?

No matter what 'bucket list' means to you, whether that's a big adventure holiday or a luxury five-star hotel stay, don't let the cold weather stop you from going all out. In fact, the timing might mean you find an unusually cheap deal to your dream destination.

To help get your inspiration going, here are some fun bucket list experiences for the upcoming winter.

Maldives

For us - especially in winter - every image of the Maldives seems to scream 'bucket list'. It's not exactly the cheapest destination around but every penny you decide to splash here really pays off. As an added bonus, the temperature hovers around 30°C throughout the UK's winter months.

Splurge by booking a waterside chalet at one of the Maldives' gorgeous beach resorts; some of the fanciest have the run of their own entire island - ideal for really feeling like you're getting away from it all. While here, try your hand at snorkelling or hop on a boat cruise.

Australia

Another destination that requires some time to get to, Australia is an unbeatable destination to visit during the UK's long winter. For one, you'll be visiting during the country's summer months and, secondly, Australia is packed with bucket list experiences.

Hire a campervan and take a lengthy road trip along the coastline on stretches like the Great Ocean Road or the east coast with stops in Sydney and Brisbane. If you're willing to brave the intense heat, check out the interior instead at places like Uluru and Kings Canyon.

Egypt

Whether you're drawn to Egypt for its impressively long history or its lovely beaches, winter is a great time to visit. Not only will the weather be pleasantly mild, with highs of 22°C (perfect for some outdoor exploring), but you'll also find that attractions and tours are in full swing as this is Egypt's peak travel season!

For this reason, it's best to book ahead for the cheapest prices. But what could be better than finally seeing those ancient pyramids in person, followed by some chill time at one of Egypt's excellent beach resorts?

Lapland

We think it's safe to say that seeing the Northern Lights is on just about everyone's bucket list, and the Arctic Circle is one of the prime locations to see this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

Although Lapland is officially part of a few different countries, most people associate this part of the world with northern Finland. It's here that you can find Santa's headquarters, herds of free-roaming reindeer and cosy wooden holiday resorts. It's the ultimate place for a winter holiday.