When the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, it’s only natural that our thoughts turn to a winter escape. For those that feel the cold, leave your woolly jumper and thermals at home and jet off to winter warmers such as Cyprus and the Canaries. Perhaps winter sports are your thing. In that case a week or two on the slopes is guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs and put the roses back in your cheeks.
What if neither sunbathing nor skiing tick your boxes? Well, do not fear Economy Car Hire is here. You’re winter holiday doesn’t have to be confined to the beach or stuck in snowy peaks. Oh no, there’s a wide range of alternative winter holidays just waiting to be snapped up. Don’t delay and escape the drizzly British winter today!
1. Swap the Ski Slopes for a Spa in Gastein, Austria
Don’t fancy donning ski gear and spending a week or two repeatedly ascending and descending snowy slopes? This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the picturesque mountain scenery during the winter months.
Swap the ski slopes for a spa break and soothe your senses in peaceful surroundings in Salzburg’s Gastein. Relax in the warm waters of its spring fed pools. At the Alpentherme Spa Resort and Sauna, visitors can take their pick of 6 ‘worlds’ of luxury aquatic enjoyment. Our favourite is the Sauna World complete with its own mountain lake!
2. Discover a Winter Wonderland at Yellowstone National Park
The wildlife of Yellowstone National Park is usually only accessible between May and September. Book a winter tour and you’ll discover a wonderland of geological features which seem all the more spectacular in the freezing temperatures!
Embark on snowshoe hiking trails, ice skating and cross country skiing. Discover striking winter phenomena such as waterfalls frozen into ice bridges and dramatically erupting geysers like Old Faithful.
3. Discover Iceland’s Elfin Community
Iceland is a country of beautiful landscape and centuries old folklore which only enhances its charm. Plan a trip to Hafnarfjordnur which is renowned for being home to Iceland’s largest colonies of elves, dwarves and other mystical beings also known as the ‘Hidden Folk’.
Hidden World walking tours guide visitors through the homes and hiding places of the hidden folk. These include Hellisgerdi Park and Hamarinn Cliff. As you explore, keep an ear out for your guide’s stories of the hidden folk and how the town has developed in harmony with the magical world.
4. Amazon River cruise, Peru
If it’s an experience that you are looking for then you are guaranteed to get one with this trip. A ‘once in a lifetime’ experience in fact.
The Amazon River is a faraway world brimming with all manner of exotic wildlife and stunning scenery. You really can’t get more alternative to Britain than this. If the Amazon is on your bucket list then there is no better time to visit than during the UK winter as it is high winter season. This means (slightly) cooler temperatures of 30ºC.
Visit the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Here, river cruise excursions guide you through Amazonian communities and provide plenty of opportunity for wildlife spotting. The forest will also be lush and flooded at this time of year. This means you’ll be able to explore the higher parts of the forest canopy by boat and get up close and personal to the birds and mammals.
5. Horse Riding and Donkey Walking
Grab your cowboy hat and head to Arizona for a Wild West Ranch style holiday. Enjoy warm temperatures as you ride out on daily horse riding adventures with your trusty guide. For an added treat, choose a ranch like the White Stallion. Set in a 100,000 acre game reserve it features luxury facilities such as a hot tub and a heated pool. Spa masseurs are also on hand to smooth away the aches of a long horse riding.
For a slightly more accessible destination visit the Mercantour Alps in the South of France. Enjoy a similar animal accompanied exploration experience without the long flight. Responsible Travel’s Mercantour walking holiday gives you access to unexplored mountain landscapes. Cross canyons and mountain woods, meet mountain communities and discover a range of wonderful wildlife in the Mercantour National Park. You may be surprised what a great travel companion a Donkey can make!
6. Shopping in Shanghai
The winter season is the perfect time to hit the shops. New York and Paris are perhaps the most popular shopping destinations. Plan a Christmas shopping trip or simply indulge in some good old retail therapy. However, for a truly unique shopping experience head to Shanghai!
Whilst China will be chilly at this time of year there will be fewer tourists making it the perfect time to explore.
China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and Shanghai is an intriguing mix of traditional and modern china. Iconic areas to visit include The Bund which harks back to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s and Pudong which kisses the sky with its dizzying sky scrapers. All your high end fashion needs will be catered for, providing the perfect opportunity to purchase a souvenir or two.
Who said in winter we should hibernate? It seems to us like there’s no better time to get out and see the world!
For more winter holiday ideas why not have a read of our latest luxury for less blogs! Choose from wine tasting in South Africa or skiing in Switzerland. You may be surprised how far those holiday pounds can stretch.
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Written by Jessica Langlands from Economy Car Hire
For me it is easier. Christmas, not just that one day, but getting ready for it. winter is the best. I love it!!! 🙂