Top European winter destinations
As soon as the slightest frost hits the ground, winter in England suddenly becomes unbearable for many of us. Whether mild or extreme, a British winter is strangely undesirable. Consequently, at this point of the year, everyone begins searching for that refreshing winter break.
For many, the most obvious choice of holiday destination in winter is a hot one. Malta, for example, is an hour's journey from Sicily and, even in winter, is still warm. It has a number of wide, sunny beaches which act as a welcome haven for any sun-starved tourist. In addition to beaches, the Maltese islands also offer caves and ancient ruins to explore. Only the three largest islands are inhabited, although the rest of the archipelago has a few harbours along the islands' shores. From November to February, Malta endures highs of a delightful 15 degrees and this increases to 30 in the summer months. Usefully, English is widely spoken, but Malta retains the individuality of its native language and the essence of a different culture.
For others, snowy holidays in winter are preferred. Winter is in some ways far more fitting for this type of destination and is really the most appropriate time to don your skis. The Alps are perhaps the best known of the skiing destinations in Europe and rightly so. Spread over France, Italy and Austria there is considerable diversity in the resorts, perhaps even within the one holiday. A few days in Switzerland may lead to a hop over the border to Austria or Germany. From December to April is the ski season although tourists are not limited to one sport. Snowboarding, snowshoeing and tobogganing are great fun, winter sport travel insurance of course being necessary if your taste runs to any of the speedier activities. The Aosta Valley is extremely convenient for skiers in particular, bordering three different countries, all of which are easily accessible by ski pass. This is where you can also practice Heliskiing, skiing using a helicopter as a ski-lift, an experience in itself. Lower down, the Alps become less snow-covered and hiking and trekking are popular pursuits. Some resorts offer trekking tours around the lower regions.
Finland is another great destination in winter. By the time Christmas rolls around, this country is the only place to be. It can claim its very own Father Christmas. The north of Finland, Lapland, is home to Santa Claus and is usually covered in inches of snow throughout the winter. There are a range of activities to enjoy, not all of them dependent on Saint Nick. Huskies are still in use here and those after an exciting outdoor pursuit as you are driven through the untouched wilderness by a team of huskies. Representing a more modern mode of transport, the motorised skidoo is available to drive, for those perhaps slightly braver and willing to test their mettle although hopefully not their winter sport travel insurance! In this area, far from urbanisation and so close to the north pole, the Northern Lights are clearly visible. Staring up at this incredible phenomenon from the back of a husky sled or even a reindeer sleigh is an unrivalled experience. Thermal suits and boots are usually provided by the resort or travel company and are definitely necessary. Lapland is a potent and focussed representation of winter in its purest form, unlike the more temperate versions that plague Britain.
Europe thus offers endless options for holidays, with anything from weekend city breaks to a week at a ski resort, but each is just as enjoyable.
