Published 25th Nov. 2024
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Drab, dreary and drizzly – the British winter isn’t for the faint of heart. If the season’s shiver-inducing, infamous four o’clock sunsets have you and your family longing for an overseas adventure, we’ve got you covered. Whether it be a sunny escapade in the Seychelles, layering up in Swedish Lapland or a far-flung adventure in New Zealand, read on for the best winter holidays for families.
Swap winter woes for sandy toes on a trip to the Indian Ocean’s idyllic islands. Scattered across the ocean some 900 miles from Africa, the Seychelles are a firm family favourite; think unrivalled outdoor adventure for youngsters and a cocktail-and-hammock paradise for adults. Divide your time between two of the 115 islands, kicking off on the divine (and private) Denis Island. Here, spot tiny turtles tumbling into the ocean, cycle along tropical trails and spend evenings stargazing. Then hop over to Mahe, the largest island in the archipelago, where a zipline adventure above the treetops awaits (along with an abundance of beach time, of course).
Plucked straight from a storybook, snowy Swedish Lapland speaks for itself and is easily one of the best winter holidays for families. Uncover its wild side with a family adventure featuring cross-country skiing, unforgettable ice fishing and tree-top sleeping... all under the watchful eye of the Northern Lights, of course. There’s plenty to please animal lovers, too, with dog sledding and reindeer encounters galore – and the best part? As they listen to the Sami guide while petting the animals, your youngsters won’t even realise they’re learning.
Image by Olivier Romano.
Nothing short of breathtaking, New Zealand promises adventure from tip to tail. Winter’s chill will all but be forgotten at the bubbling Wai-Tapu geothermal site, and over in Cathedral Cove, the only ‘blues’ you’ll find are the azure waters sliced by your canoe’s paddles. Ramp up adrenaline in the country’s adventure capital, Queenstown, with a 5,200ft race down the Luge in a gravity-powered cart. Families can even adventure into their favourite films, visiting the vistas that graced our screens in The Lord of the Rings.
Image by Terence Connors.
Taste a slice of Oman’s eclectic culture during the last of our best winter holidays for families. Grab your history hats as you’re guided through Niza, the country’s ancient capital, before stepping back in time to marvel over Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle. Tantalise taste buds during a cookery class featuring traditional Oman cuisine, or practise the art of haggling as you wind through souqs (make sure to leave room in your suitcase for all your hard-bargained trinkets).
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Anastasiya Gepp.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
When it comes to your holiday, a little planning goes a long way. Recently, we’ve noticed a pattern of both last-minute and long-term bookings, which we’ve named the Concertina Effect. But why are people booking so far in advance? Our co-founder, Tom Barber, thinks ‘anticication’ has something to do with it: ‘in uncertain times, planning something joyful far ahead becomes an act of hope’. Whether admiring cherry blossoms in Japan, celebrating the Holi festival in India, cruising down the Nile on the Steam Ship Sudan, or spotting gorillas in Uganda, some holidays require extra attention.
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