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
Now that the clocks have gone back and winter has truly set in, it’s no surprise that people are dreaming of next year’s getaway. But where to go? 2026 is set to be a pretty exciting year in travel, from the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the USA to the lifting of non-essential travel bans in South Mozambique. To help you decide, we’ve crafted a shortlist of the hottest destinations on the map, including two new destinations we’re adding to our roster next year.
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First emerging in early 20th-century Paris, Art Deco made its world debut at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs, a showcase of the movement’s arts and architecture. Characterised by geometric shapes, streamlined forms, symmetry and verticality, the Art Deco style embodies machine-age modernity. As we mark a century of Art Deco’s enduring influence, it’s time to celebrate its global legacy.
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Southeast Asia is a favourite for first-time travellers – safe, welcoming and easy to explore. Yet all too often, Cambodia is the casualty of the Indochina loop, with many simply dropping in to see the (admittedly awe-inspiring) Angkor before moving swiftly on. On my first visit, I was guilty as charged. But my return visit changed everything. Cambodia, I realised, has come of age. It’s no longer the ‘add-on’ destination, but a country that demands time, rewards curiosity and offers depth, warmth and discovery at every turn.
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