Long HauL | ExpeditioN | Skiing | Short Haul
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Find winter holiday inspiration, whether you want to escape the cold or embrace it.
Spend winter on the other side of the world with a long-haul holiday. Or stay closer to home with a European winter sun break. Pick from all-inclusive resorts with infinity pools to coastal retreats steps from the beach.
Hit the slopes at amazing European ski resorts for an exhilarating winter break. Quaff mugs of glühwein and shop for gifts at twinkling Christmas markets. Or sail to the ends of the earth on an expedition cruise.
Travelzoo specialises in finding the best deals around to inspire your next great escape. Read on to find out more...
Explore far-flung destinations with long-haul travel. Tick off your must-visit locations, whether they're vibrant US cities or sunny Caribbean islands.
Holiday companies like TUI have an assortment of options. Pick from luxurious resorts with swim-up suites, adults-only hideaways, and properties perfect for families.
If you want to head for sunnier climes, long-haul holidays in winter can be ideal. You can often travel out of season during the winter months to benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds.
Best of all, many long-haul options are all-inclusive. You can put your wallet away—everything will be covered.
Soak up feel-good vibes in Jamaica, famous for its palm-fringed sands and bustling beach bars. You'll also find secret waterfalls, magnificent mountains, and banana plantations.
Jamaica’s main resort destinations include Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. Tour the grand Rose Hall plantation mansion in Montego Bay. Visit Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. Recline on Seven Mile Beach in Negril. Or visit the capital, Kingston, Bob Marley's birthplace.
You'll find Instagram-worthy beaches in the Dominican Republic. Trek through mangrove forests and explore colonial towns. Or sip drinks on the sands in Punta Cana, which has over 50 miles of beaches. There's something for everyone—world-class golf resorts, off-the-beaten-track islands, whale-watching boat trips, and lots more.
Discover the world
The Caribbean: your own island paradise
Latin America is full of contrasts. Explore mega cities, discover ancient ruins, then order drinks to your deckchair.
Mexico's eastern coastline is known as the Riviera Maya, where you'll find warm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and historical Mayan sites. Cancun, with its 22 kilometres of pristine beaches, is just south of here. Head to the Mexican Riviera on the western coast for wild deserts and outdoor adventures, including surfing, zip-lining, and scuba diving.
Trek through rainforests in Costa Rica to spot sloths, monkeys, and macaws. Or, bask on tropical shores—there are over 600 beaches to choose from across the country. For the ultimate fly-and-flop experience, visit Playa de Matapalo for its stunning private beaches. Meanwhile, marvel at volcanic peaks and discover local wildlife in Papagayo Bay.
Mayan ruins and more in Latin America
Winter holidays
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As well as all-inclusive discovery excursions, expect indulgent dining experiences on Scenic's polar regions cruises.
Choose from 10 dining venues, whether you're after French haute cuisine, flavoursome Asian-fusion dishes, or sumptuous gelato. There are also up to nine bars and lounges, and premium beverages are always included.
For more relaxation, head to the spacious Senses Spa—this expansive wellness centre is 550 square metres. You'll find a gym, workout studios, and treatment rooms here.
Soak up panoramic views from the Observation Lounge, or unwind on the private verandah or terrace in your luxurious suite. It comes with a fully stocked mini-bar, butler service, a specially designed bed, and lavish bathroom amenities.
On-board experience
Truly all-inclusive discovery
Everything is included when you sail on board Scenic Eclipse. Find discovery voyages for 2024–2025 and 2025–2027 now. You'll have an on-board Discovery Team of up to 20 experts who'll join you on excursions, as well as providing educational talks and classes during the cruise.
Scenic's itineraries are flexible, allowing you to pick and choose your daily excursions. Go stand-up paddleboarding in Antarctica, visit the remote Snow Hill Island by helicopter (home to a rarely-visited 10,000-strong emperor penguin colony), or take guided hikes through the Antarctic tundra.
On excursions, you'll explore by Zodiac (an inflatable boat) and kayak, to get even closer to the natural environment. You'll be fully kitted out with all the equipment you need, including parkas, water bottles, polar boots, and more.
Ultra-luxury expedition cruising
Explore further than ever before on an expedition voyage. Scenic has a host of hand-picked itineraries, packed with personalised experiences and excursions that showcase extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. Browse Scenic's destination guide.
Sail on board Scenic's 6-star ultra-luxury Discovery Yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II, which accommodate just over 200 guests. This state-of-the-art ship has two helicopters and a submersible, so you can explore further.
Scenic Eclipse has the highest ice-class rating, plus oversized stabilisers that are 50% larger than other ships. This allows the yachts to safely navigate extreme environments. Choose from itineraries exploring Iceland and the Arctic Circle, Antarctica in depth, and Svalbard's glaciers and wildlife.
Norway's ski resorts are at a lower altitude, but still come with an excellent snow record. Spend time learning with one of the excellent English-speaking ski schools, then practise your skills in your free time.
Geilo, one of the country's oldest resorts, has some of Europe's most reliable ski conditions. It's split across a valley, with runs for mixed abilities on either side. Take sleigh rides, visit the spa, or go fat biking (think mountain biking on snow). In Beitostølen, you can also go snowshoeing, ice fishing, or cross-country skiing.
Under-the-radar Gausta sits at the foot of Gaustatoppen, one of Norway's most iconic mountains. Take the tramway through the mountain's centre up to the summit for magnificent views.
Ski holidays to Norway
Ski resorts in France
You'll find some of the world's best-known ski resorts in France. There's everything from charming, traditional ski villages to modern, purpose-built resorts here.
Alpe d’Huez is known for south-facing slopes and almost year-round sunshine. It's home to slow skiing zones, super-long blues, and even the world's longest black run.
First-timers can get started at Flaine, in the Grand Massif ski area. This resort has a varied choice of runs, meaning skiiers of all abilities will fit right in. Away from the peaks, go ice karting or bowling.
For easy access to the pistes, consider La Plagne, which has ski-in, ski-out apartments. When off your skis, head to the Bellecôte glacier to explore a grotto filled with intricate ice sculptures.
Skiing in Italy
Alongside tasty dishes and camera-worthy scenery, Italy boasts countless ski resorts for all abilities. Crystal Ski Holidays offers ski breaks at resorts throughout the country. If you're travelling as a family, you can make use of Crystal Ski Holidays' handy childcare clubs.
Beginners can get to grips with the slopes in Passo Tonale, where you'll find quiet runs and fast lifts (so you can spend more time skiing and less time queueing). La Thuile also has plenty of beginner runs, and links with the French resort of La Rosière should you wish to venture further.
At the Sauze d'Oulx resort, you can ski from Italy to Montgenèvre, in France. Off the slopes, this lively resort has a fantastic après-ski atmosphere and is known for its nightlife.
Discover some of Europe's great cities with a winter city break. See the sights without worrying about the crowds you'll often experience during peak season, and make the most of lower out-of-season prices.
You can still enjoy warmer weather in Marrakesh, Morocco, in the wintertime. Temperatures often reach up to 20°C. Get lost amidst the city's cobblestone streets and spice-scented souks, or tour Yves Saint Laurent's impressive Jardin Majorelle, which showcases over 300 plant species.
For the ultimate wintry escape, consider a trip to explore European Christmas markets. At this time of year, cities including Prague and Berlin are festooned with festive lights and boast heart-warming atmospheres. Shop for gifts and sample delicious delicacies.
Spend time in the city
Bask on the beach
Who doesn't love a beach break once the temperature drops back at home? Jet off to some of the UK's best-loved European seaside destinations for some rest and rejuvenation.
Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary islands, features a heady mix of brilliant beaches, volcanic scenery in Teide National Park, family-friendly water parks, and magnificent wildlife.
The Portuguese island of Madeira is famous for its black-sand beaches and year-round balmy weather. Sun-seekers can gaze out across azure waters while unwinding on the island's volcanic sands. Or, explore mountain forests to discover Madeira's subtropical plantlife.
Short haul holidays for all
You don't have to travel too far to find fantastic winter sun holidays and exciting city breaks. Take your pick from relaxing beach stays and city stays, and choose your ideal board basis—from all-inclusive to room only.
Tour operators including British Airways Holidays specialise in short-haul trips. A short-haul holiday can see you arriving at your destination within four hours, and booking with British Airways Holidays comes with plenty of benefits.
Organise your ATOL-protected flights and hotel or flight and car hire and get 23kg checked baggage per person. You can also reserve your break with deposits from £60 per person. Plus, you can collect bonus Avios loyalty points, and reduce the cost of your holiday with Avios part payments.
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Swim with pigs on Exuma
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Explore even further this winter
Riu Republica in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Chase the sunshine with a long-haul winter sun holiday
Explore Antarctica with an expedition cruise
Hit the slopes on a skiing holiday
Admire the Madeira Botanical Garden in Funchal
Get festive at Prague's Christmas market
Choose from 10 dining experiences
Admire stunning views from the vitality pool
Order drinks at one of the many on-board bars
Relax at the spa
Stay in a spacious Verandah Suite
Glide past towering icebergs as you paddleboard through Antartica's icy waters
Go kayaking at Half Moon Island
Hike through the Antarctic tundra
Soar above by helicopter
Discover a fascinating underwater world on board Scenic's custom-designed submersibles
60 seconds in Sauze d'Oulx, Italy
60 seconds in Passo Tonale, Italy
A beginner slope in La Thuile
A starry sky above a snowy peak in Sauze d'Oulx
Skiiers in Passo Tonale
60 Seconds in La Plagne
60 seconds in Alpe d'Huez
The bridge and ski lifts in Morzine
Skiers in Les Arcs
Alpe d’Huez
Take the tramway through the centre of Gaustatoppen for stunning summit views
Snow-topped huts in Geilo
Beitostølen at night
A grill hut in Gausta
You may get the chance to see the Northern Lights at ski resorts in Norway
Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
Cancun, in Mexico, has 22 kilometres of pristine beaches
Montego Bay in Jamaica
The Ik Kil cenote in Yucatán, Mexico
Ocean Coral Spring in Trelawny, Jamaica
Riu Negril in Negril, Jamaica
Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, Dominican Republic
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Riu Guanacaste in Playa de Matapalo, Costa Rica
Royalton CHIC Cancun in Mexico
Riu Tequila in Playacar, Mexico
Spot penguins and other magnificent wildlife during an expedition cruise
Discover black-sand beaches in Tenerife
Sao Tiago Fort, the Yellow fort of Funchal in Madeira
Explore volcanic landscapes in Teide National Park, Tenerife
Madeira won the award for Europe's Leading Island Destination in the 2024 World Travel Awards
Explore spice-scented souks in Marrakesh
Stroll through the sprawling gardens at Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh
Prague is one of the best winter destinations in Europe
Shop for gifts at Europe's festive Christmas markets
Treat yourself to some winter sun
Explore European cities this winter
Find holidays to suit the whole family
Budapest is the perfect winter destination
Mayan ruins in Tulum, Mexico
