Where to go on Holiday This Winter: Snow vs Sun
Travel Tips & Inspiration
To help you choose where to go on holiday this winter we have put some classic Christmas escapes head to head against some more unusual festive retreats. From discovering some of Europe's Christmas Markets to catching some winter sun in Cape Town, who will come out on top? Let the battle commence!
Prague in the winter
 Renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Prague has provided inspiration for many famous writers and captured the hearts of many visitors to the Czech capital. Far from being a traditional city however; the capital is full of quirky attractions, a vibrant art scene and an almost obsessive love of beer. Perfect for a winter escape, you can ice-skate in the city centre before getting cozy in a tavern and tucking into some hearty eastern European food with an obligatory Pilsner. |
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Maldives
 Paradise may be a term loosely used these days, but with five beaches per inhabitant in the Maldives, this description is perfectly accurate. Forget about Jack Frost this year and spend your time playing beach volleyball, scuba diving and Jet-Skiing on one of the idyllic islands. Visibility in the water at this time becomes incredibly clear, enticing many to snorkel the turquoise waters and see the abundance of sea life under the surf. |
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Berlin Christmas Market
 The capital of Germany has long held the ability to mesmerise its visitors with an intoxicating blend of hipster drinking dens, historical landmarks and vibrant culture. In winter, the city is wrapped in a blanket of snow, and sparkles with the twinkling lights of Christmas markets. Unlike the summer, you'll have the breathing room to explore the museums in peace; the Reichtag dome in particular offers an exceptional view of the city during the Christmas period. |
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Dubai, UAE
 The desert city of Dubai might seem a unique choice for a Christmas holiday, but with an average temperature of 20c to 25c, it's ideal for those looking to escape the chill of the northern hemisphere. Top up your tan on the beach before heading off to explore the labyrinth of souks where you can pick up anything from spices to solid gold. For some retail therapy, make sure you head to the Dubai Mall, where you can enjoy its annual sale from January 3rd to February 3rd. |
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Sweden & Lapland.
 The home of many unusual festive traditions, Sweden is truly captivating during the winter. Head to Gothenburg for its famous Christmas markets, where the air is rich with the smell of smoked meats, mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. To get closer to Santa, head north to Kiruna, in the Swedish Lapland. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights, learn the ways of the indigenous Sami people and snowshoe your way across the landscape. |
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Cape Town.
 Visually breathtaking, South Africa's city of Cape Town is a delight to explore during its summer months of December and February. To see the best panoramic views of the city, hike up Table Mountain and look out over the bay. Festivities in the city begin with a series of free concerts, open-air movies and sporting events. For a true South African experience, join the locals for a Christmastime barbecue, known locally as a braai. |
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Venice
 Venice remains a beautiful historical city throughout the year, but during the two weeks leading up to Easter you’ll find the charming history becomes part of day-to-day life with regular costume parades and elegant balls. Head over to Venice this February to live the high life during Carnival at one of the elite masquerade balls or keep to a stricter budget by simply soaking up the atmosphere and watching one of the costume competitions. |
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Mexico Caribbean Coast
 December to February are considered one of the best months to experience the Caribbean, and though the Caribbean islands are well-worth every penny, Mexico is the perfect pick for those looking to get the taste of the Caribbean on a tighter budget. Head to one of the main beach resorts such as Cancun or Playa del Carmen and you can enjoy sunning it up on the white sands of a luxury resort while everyone back home dwells in the cold.
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Lanzarote
 Offering year round sunshine, Lanzarote is your one-stop destination for beaches, nightlife and plenty of great activities in February. Due to it being low season, February is a great month to try your hand at snorkeling without the crowds and with temperatures averaging around 21°C it’s still warm and sunny enough to opt for just lazing on one of the pretty beaches. |
There's many more great winter sun destinations like:-
Algarve, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Costa del Sol, Benidorm, Cyprus, Trinidad and Tobago, Dubai, Barbados, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Jamaica, St Lucia
Click a destination above to read our reviews, top locations and exclusive resorts.
So, whether you want to stick with tradition or spice up your Christmas escape this year with somewhere unique, discovering these destinations in December is something not to be missed.
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