Thursday 17 November 2016

Winter Holiday Ideas with Kids


Now that the temperatures have taken a nose dive here in the UK, I have started to crave warmer climates and have been thinking about booking a winter getaway. Other than escaping this colder environment, travelling offers so many benefits and it’s always nice to go away, have a change of scenery, visit new places and relax. Here are some of my ideas for a perfect Winter break.

UK Staycations
As much I love travelling abroad I also have a big appreciation for exploration within the UK. Some of my favourite trips have been to the beautiful South West in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. A lot of hotels, holiday rentals and Airbnbs offer discounts in the winter months so have a search for a good deal. Clickstay who I wrote about earlier in the year have some amazing cottages to rent in the UK, complete with sea views, some of which I included in my Summer Holidays post. If you can’t afford staying overnight, day trips make a great alternative and even a day out somewhere new can feel like a mini holiday. Leave early in the morning, make the most of the whole day and return late in the evening. There are plenty of things to do in Brighton and we’ve been on some great day trips to London, Lewes and in the Sussex countryside.

Winter Christmas Market
European Cities 
We visited Amsterdam earlier this year and it is such an amazing destination for kids that I'd love to return at some point. Italy, particularly Venice, has been on my mind lately. We went when Pip was just under a year old and it’s one of my favourite cities in the world. I've been a few times all of which have been in summer. I wonder how winter would compare? It’s actually much warmer than Brighton at the moment and there are several flight sales on! The other thing I’d love to do is visit the European Christmas Markets. I’ve been to some of the UK versions including Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and smaller markets in France but would love to try out some of the bigger more authentic European markets such as Brussels and Salzburg. Here’s a list of the best European markets this Christmas.


Skiing Trips
I have never been skiing but would love to try it one day when Pip is a little older. I know many friends' kids that have been and they've really enjoyed it. I've been to Chamonix high up in the mountains just for a day trip and it looked stunning. I think the French Alps would be my first stop but please do let me know if you’ve been skiing and your recommendations. Where would you visit?


Christmas Themed Holidays
The other thing I would love to do is go on a Christmas themed holiday, especially now Pip is three and a half and more aware of traditions and celebrations. I’ve never been to Disneyland in Paris and have to say I am quite envious whenever I read a blog post about it. I love fantasy and magic, even more so after having a child and can imagine how fun a trip like that would be. Another amazing holiday would be to visit Santa in Lapland! My son has been talking a lot about snow recently because it’s mentioned in a couple of his books and he would love to see some in ‘real’ life. I’ve found some amazing family Santa holidays that offer stays in the fir forests, husky sledding experiences, Finnish cookie-baking, reindeer visits and a trip to see Santa amongst the snow!


Tropical Destinations
I’d love to do all of the above but I’m a tropical girl at heart and it’s in my genes! Wouldn’t it be lovely to spend Christmas somewhere warm and exotic? I've spent Christmas in Bethlehem and India in the past, both very different & unique experiences and would really like to spend the day on a warm beach one year. Or having a planned break to a hot destination would be enough. Various airlines drop their flight prices in the January sales so a perfect time to grab a last minute deal.

Just thinking about all of these options make me want to book a Winter break! What would be your perfect winter getaway? Would love to hear your suggestions.

*This post contains a sponsored link. All words and opinions are my own.

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16 comments

  1. So many great options shared here - something for everyone!

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    1. Thanks Jade! I'm tempted to book something :-)

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  2. Im rebuilding one of my websites and came across this on my newsfeed, @mattgdavison.. This gave me some awesome ideas about holidays with families. It shouldnt all be about skiiing. Thanks for reminding me there are other things to do in winter too, and not on the slopes.

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    1. Thanks Matt, there really are so many options!

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  3. Some great options for everyone. We would love to go see Santa with the boys. That would be amazing!

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    1. Thanks very much Sam. I would love to go to Lapland too, it really would be amazing!

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  4. We actually got to try out 2 of the activities on your list last year- visiting the European Christmas markets, and skiing in the Alps! It was amazing!

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    1. Oh that sounds amazing, lucky you! Which European markets did you visit?

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  5. Christmas in Bethlehem would sort of be the ultimate holiday trip wouldn't it?

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  6. We love Chamonix! Another nearby French ski area that is really easy to get to from the UK is Lake Annecy Ski Resorts. You can fly in to Geneva. There's so much to do there and five cute-as-a-button French villages make up the ski area. Highly recommend it!

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  7. Great ideas! Your suggestion about UK staycations reminds me I really need to visit more of the UK. 3 years here and pretty much only travel abroad!

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  8. Goodness me, the cold can be so difficult to handle, especially with kids I imagine... I always like looking for a good Christmas market, so will definitely look through your list of the best European ones!

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  9. My ideal Christmas holiday would be in a tropical place with all my family, hanging around the beach, bathing in warm water and drinking cool drinks. But your skiing trip suggestion also sounds pretty great ;)

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  10. Christmas in the tropics, now that sounds like my kind of vacation! I am sure that the rest of my family would be more interested in the skiing trip, but it would be too cold for me.

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  11. These are all great destinations to check out for the holiday season. I'm with you, about a warm weather for the holiday's though. Although, I do love the Christmas markets too!! So many good options.

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  12. Just planing s trip to Lapland to see Santa clause and I bet that kids would love it - thought we are all adults in this case hehe

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