Travel is back on the agenda and what better way to celebrate than to book a winter getaway? It’s just what you need to shake up the routine and start the New Year afresh.
Take a look at our top five winter travel destinations. Each of them offers its own unique charms — and there’s something for everyone from stunning winter landscapes to relaxing, golden beaches.
Read on and take your pick of the best destinations for winter travel 2022 style!
Iceland
The Land of Ice and Fire really comes into its own in the winter months. Travel here and enjoy a truly wintry experience with plummeting temperatures and a magical landscape that will fill you with awe.
If you want to catch the Northern lights, Iceland is the place to tick this activity off your bucket list. Hire a car and head out to a remote spot to see the famous lights or join a guided tour. The lights are visible for eight months of the year, peaking between October and April, so the chances are you’ll be lucky!
Take in the many other stunning natural phenomena that Iceland has to offer from hot springs to waterfalls, ice caves and geysers. Or for a dose of culture, visit the stunning Hallgrimskirkja church in the capital city Reykjavik.
Check the UK government’s latest foreign travel advice on Iceland here.
Dublin
For convenience, conviviality and the famous “craic”, you can’t beat Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. It may be cold outside, but you’ll get the warmest of welcomes in the Republic of Ireland’s capital city. Just a short hop away by plane or ferry, it’s the ideal destination for a quick city break this winter.
No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the famous Temple Bar area in the heart of the city. Take your pick of traditional Irish pubs, with many offering delicious food and live music to complete the experience. For culture buffs, visit the Book of Kells exhibition in Trinity College, where you can view this beautiful and ancient illuminated manuscript and take in the college’s tranquil atmosphere.
Or for a breath of fresh air, head to Phoenix Park, a huge green space with many cycling and walking routes and is also home to Dublin Zoo.
Check out the UK government’s latest foreign travel advice on the Republic of Ireland here.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands make up one of the most popular winter travel destinations in Europe and with good reason. First of all, there’s the balmy subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C throughout the year…just perfect for catching some winter sun!
Head to the livelier islands of Tenerife or Gran Canaria for a choice of beaches, water parks and places to eat. Or if you want to get away from it all, stay on the lesser-visited islands of La Palma or La Gomera, where you can surround yourself with nature.
These islands are known for their natural diversity. Enjoy discovering their aquatic life, volcanic landscape, national parks and pine forests and spot some of the islands’ many species of wildlife including the tuneful birds that share the islands’ name, geckos, lizards and turtles.
Check out the UK government’s latest foreign travel advice on Spain here.
Dubai
Slightly further afield is Dubai, one of the world’s most glamorous cities located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A mere seven hours’ flight from London airports, Dubai is near enough to feel like an easy journey but exotic enough to give you a taste of how the other half lives.
If you’re into glitz and glamour, view this magnificent city from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in one of the city’s many luxury hotels then watch the sun go down on the beach.
With an average daytime temperature of 26°C in December, it’s perfect for sunbathing or gently taking in the sights. Explore the old town and take a ride on a traditional abra boat across Dubai’s creek. Or you can even venture outside the city and enjoy a desert safari with camel rides included!
There’s most certainly something for everyone in this fascinating destination that never fails to amaze.
Check out the UK government’s latest foreign travel advice on the United Arab Emirates here.
Bergen
Back to Europe, and if you’re looking for picture-perfect winter scenes and a warm Nordic welcome, head to Bergen in Norway.
The Bryggen World Heritage Site offers colourful houses nestling along the wharf and a network of narrow, cobbled alleyways where you can immerse yourself in the history of Norway’s second city.
Bergen is also a UNESCO city of gastronomy and is the perfect place to sample modern and traditional Norwegian food, with a focus on fresh seafood.
The city is also known as the Gateway to the Fjords and makes the ideal starting point from where you can explore these naturally magnificent waterways.
Check out the UK government’s latest foreign travel advice on Norway here.
And don’t forget…
Wherever you decide to head to this season, don’t forget your winter travel insurance. If the unexpected happens, like if your flight is delayed or you fall ill while on holiday, your insurance policy will cover the bills. The last thing you want to be doing while you’re on a relaxing break is worrying about the what ifs, so get insurance on your winter travel checklist now!
And if you find the options bewildering, help is at hand. Our travel insurance comparison service will help you find the right policy for you, whether you’re heading straight to the sun or keeping things closer to home with a European city break.
Compare online or check in with one of our friendly UK-based experts by phone, who will help and guide you to the best policy for your travel plans. Once you’ve got your winter travel insurance sorted, you can get on with planning that much-needed break with complete peace of mind!
