The bitter bite of winter is crunching away in the UK. Sorry summer lovers, cosy calls to me (senior travel writer Natalie Wilson) in a way suncream can't compete with. As a white Christmas feels like a fantasy for December's forecast, travellers can ditch the drizzle for frosty escapades elsewhere. For US travel editor Ted Thornhill, the cold is best enjoyed on two skis in Courchevel. The French ski resort is "defined in some ways by its cluster of sensational five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants," he says. "But there are treasures here aside from chic lobby bars and fine-dining experiences – magical, family-friendly runs through tranquil forests and wonderful views across to Mont Blanc, to name but two." But as ski boots slowly shuffle towards gondolas and fingertips freeze in queues, for all things mulled, snow seekers should also look beyond the big-hitters during peak season. |
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Courchevel in the French Alps (Adam Batterbee) |
Sandwiched between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, bite-sized Andorra offered spa sessions and lively après on my trip to Arinsal last year. The Alpine village with high-altitude slopes provides candlelit restaurants and pistes with fewer crowds. Away from winter sports, travel writer Amelia Neath has her eyes set on the Norwegian city of Tromsø for her next trip to colder climates. She told me: "I'm hoping to visit Tromsø next year for a city break surrounded by snowcapped mountains and icy fjords, and of course, to witness the midnight sun." From the winter wilds of Turkey to adventures in Swedish Lapland, our travel writers have gone far and wide to hit the pistes and stew in saunas. Below are some of the best trips for a snowflake fix – as well as some warmer holiday inspiration for your next trip. |
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| In Estonia's capital, Tallinn, the average daily high stays below freezing in January and February. Happily, the ornate old town has plenty of snug cafes and boutique hotels. Return flights from Luton or Stansted are widely available at £50. |
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| Chambery airport in southeast France, beside Lac du Bourget, is a gateway to wintry escapes – and an hour from stylish Annecy. British Airways starts flying from Stansted on 13 December, and Jet2 launches from Newcastle a week later. |
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| Book a UK getaway for less! Enjoy a Premier Inn stay from just £45 in selected locations for stays until 31 January 2026 (subject to availability). Expect comfy beds with luxurious bedding, blackout curtains, midday checkout and a breakfast buffet. Learn more. |
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| Spoil someone with a magical wildlife getaway. Enjoy welcome drinks, an overnight stay, an African-inspired dinner, full breakfast, private safaris, two-day access to Port Lympne and entry to Howletts Wild Animal Park. Stays available Sunday to Friday, May–September 2026, subject to availability. Learn more. |
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| Ambassador Cruise Lines are currently offering a £12 per person deposit offer on selected 2027 and 2028 cruises, so you can book early, save more and look forward to a stress-free holiday at sea. Learn more. |
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| I just roadtripped the Scottish highlands – this is the only bag I took with me |
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| As tourism numbers dwindle, Amelia Neath finds that fewer crowds make for a more enjoyable trip. |
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| Botswana's female bush guides |
Our writer drove headlong into danger with the first female African Bush Camp guide in the Okavango Delta. | |
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A century ago, Estonians described Setomaa as "medieval", and illiteracy was the norm, so Seto women hid their heritage — but currently a cultural revival is underway, and it's being led by local women. |
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| Away from the touristy Cotswolds towns, there are cosy riverside boltholes with character. |
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| Women are reviving traditional Seto culture in the Setomaa region. |
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Every year, more than 70,000 children in the UK are reported missing. The misery that follows – for the child, for the family, for the community – is often hidden. Too many of these young people have nowhere to turn when they need help most. SafeCall will change that. Our goal is to raise £165,000 to help Missing People launch this new, free service – designed with the input of young people themselves – offering round-the-clock support, advice and a route to safety."
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| Looking for the perfect gift for a traveller? Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026 is under £13 at Amazon. |
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