Winter is one of those seasons which seems never ending with short days and never-ending darkness…at least in the northern hemisphere and in the UK. What better way to beat those winter blues than with some travel? In one of my earlier blogs, I took on the challenge of finding destinations for a short weekend break in Europe. The challenge was pretty simple: it has to be within 2 hours flight time from the UK, the budget is £250 for the weekend (flight and hotel) and it has to be departing within the next month. So, after receiving a post request and in the spirit of diversity, I will repeat the challenge for all four seasons. Check out the following top 5 locations in Europe for that last minute winter getaway, to cheer you up on this blue Monday.
1. Geneva, Switzerland
Total cost: around £170 (Flights: £50 Hotel: £120)
When I think of Switzerland in winter, I think of metres of snow - great for skiing or snowboarding. Geneva sits at an elevation of 374m so isn’t necessarily the best place to don those skis, but there are at least 5 resorts which are within 90 minutes of Geneva and you can check out this external blog for more info. Staying in Geneva itself, there are plenty of things to see and do which also remain inside and in the warmth, including the United Nations Palais des Nations, sitting in a cafe along Place du Bourg-de-Four, or you can defrost at the saunas at Bains de Paquis.
2. Santander, Spain
Total cost: around £165 (Flights: £65 Hotel: £100) This beautiful coastal town in north Spain may not have been in your mind for a winter getaway, but it has plenty to offer. A stroll along the beach front - watching the sea in the winter months is so interesting, or you can go to one of a number of Faro (lighthouse) and watch the waves crashing into the headland. Why not head to the Palace de la Magdalena, a 20th century palace, Los Pinares historical chalet or the Cathedral to take note of the gothical architecture, to get out of the average 13° temperature. Santander is probably the warmest location on this list if you suffer the cold too much.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark Total cost: around £180 (Flights: £40 Hotel:£140) While researching the things to see and do in Copenhagen, it struck me that there is so much to see that I think this location will need multiple weekends. Home to the Little Mermaid statue in honour of Hans Christian Andersen, there is plenty to see while walking along the waterfront including the picturesque ports and harbours. If you enjoy visiting historical buildings as I do, then there are a number of 17th and 18th century palaces dotted around the capital to take you out of the cold 3°. Take the time to see Amalienborg, Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace and Charlottenborg Palace. The latter also features an art exhibition to spice things up if you get palaced-out. With so much to see, why not see Copenhagen in every season so that you can cover everything?
4. Salzburg, Austria Total cost: around £185 (Flights: £65 Hotel: £120) Bordering Austria and Germany, Salzburg may not be on many people’s travel lists but it should be. Again there is so much to see and do which caters for most people’s enjoyment. With so many palaces, fortresses, museums and cafes there is plenty to take you inside away from the average 3°. Taking a trip to visit Fortress Hohensalzburg will give you a view above the whole city, or you can take a trip 40km south of Salzburg to see the world’s largest ice cave Eisriesenwelt.
5. Oslo, Norway Total cost: around £160 (Flights: £30 Hotel: £130)
There is a plethora of museums in Oslo which cater for most people’s interests, including the Viking Ship Museum and the Nobel Peace Center so you will not be short of things to see and do. Unfortunately the Royal Palace is only open in the summer months, so you are just going to have to fit in a summer visit to see this and the number of outdoor activities that Norway has to offer. If you are willing to brave the outside in winter and witness an amazing natural phenomenon courtesy of our sun emitting highly charged particles during solar flares which interacts with our magnetosphere, then you simply have to fit in time to try and see the Aurora borealis (Northern Lights) … weather permitting of course. You will have to take a trip further north from Oslo to increase your chances of catching a glimpse of those amazing colours. This is high up on my own ‘Bucket List’ to witness! As it is also dependent on the solar activity, you can check out predicted aurora sighting probability at the following site: www.aurora-service.eu
Overall, there are many more options that don’t break the bank within the next month and the world is your oyster…well, Europe is your oyster. Other great locations which didn’t make the top 5 include: Paris, Vienna, Turin, Hanover and Biarritz. One of the comments made on my previous blog in the series, suggested Madrid as a destination to add to the list, while it certainly fits in the budget and there is plenty to see and do, it slightly above that 2 hour flight-time challenge, but worth a mention.
Which destination will you be booking to visit next? Subscribe to this blog so that you don’t miss out the next one in this series for the top 5 European destinations to visit in Spring!