People often go on holiday in the summer holidays, but in my mind, winter is actually the best time to go abroad. Whether you’re hitting the ski slopes, or want to sun yourself on the beach, there’s a ton of family friendly holiday destinations and by breaking up the monotony of the long, dark nights at home, you’ll feel mentally refreshed as well. Well, as mentally refreshed you can be if you choose to go on holiday with kids anyway! I’ve got a toddler, so we usually need a holiday to recover from our holiday!
I’ve been thinking about booking a winter holiday for a few weeks now and I’ve done a ton of research into the best winter holiday destinations. Here they are – help me choose!
My Top 5 Dream Family Winter Holiday Destinations
Exotic Sunshine Cruise
There’s no better way to escape the dark days of winter than heading to an exotic destination. I’m dreaming of a Caribbean cruise to banish the winter days. I can’t go on holiday without a couple of new swimsuits and I can’t think of a better way to spend a week than sunning myself on the pool deck, traipsing through white sands and swimming in crystal clear waters. My last cruise was when I was pregnant and it feels so long ago now. Cruises are surprisingly child friendly as long as you research the ship and destination, with lots of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Cruising was one of my favourite holidays before I had my son and I’m hoping to pick that up again very soon as a family.
Head to Florida and see the Magic of Disney World in December
Florida has the mildest winters in the continental USA making it an ideal place to go to enjoy balmy weathers. With temperatures ranging from 18 to 25C you avoid the summer heat and the major crowds as well. Visiting Disney World in early December will result in the mildest weather and fairly low crowds – but you’ll still get to see all the Christmas decorations! Apparently the first two weeks of December are the slowest of the year at Disney World, so this is an ideal winter stopover for those with young children who aren’t too confined by term times. I’ve been to Florida in the summer and the heat, for someone from Wales who prefers things on the cooler side, was definitely overwhelming. I love Christmas, lights and decorations so I can’t imagine a better time for visiting Disney World and creating unforgettable family memories, than December.
Visit Lapland
Lapland is a dream destination for anyone wanting to really bring the magic of Christmas into their lives. You can go for a weekend or even a day trip as the flight from the UK is so short. You can ride on a sleigh, meet the reindeer up close and personal and of course – talk to Santa himself. This is a real must-visit destination for families with young children who are still fully immersed in the magic around Christmas.
Adventure Sports
The whole family can enjoy an adventurous holiday and if you’re like me and would rather not risk breaking a leg out on the slopes, don’t worry, because ski holidays have a hot tub on site for people like us! Winter sports can teach new skills, raise confidence and create memorable experiences. These are ideal for families with older children
Stay in the UK – Center Parcs
Yes, I’m suggesting you stay here in the UK for a family holiday – even in the Winter. I actually love the UK as a holiday destination, and it’s ideal for those with a new family who aren’t ready to get on a plane or go too far away from home. The UK has a lot to offer. My favourite family holiday so far was our trip to Center Parcs, Woburn Forest – where we took an American relative who also loved it! They do lots of winter events and activities and spending Christmas there is on my todo list. There are a lot of other options in the UK for self catering family holidays – but I’d look for something that’s safe for your children, has loads of activities nearby and where you can eat out if you don’t feel like doing the washing up that night. You might think I’m crazy for listing a British family holiday in my top 5 Winter family destinations, but I have loved every UK holiday we’ve taken as much as our trips abroad.
I hope this has given you some inspiration for your own family holidays this winter – but help me choose! Where should I book for my next winter holiday with a toddler?
This post was written in collaboration with Simply Swim.
2 Comments
I’ve just got back from Center Parcs and it’s great – so many activities. I’d love to go to lapland and Disney at Christmas. Looks amazing.
I would love a cruise right now. I hate it when the days are so dark. Getting away for a few weeks really helps me survive the winter.