My Winter Travel Guide
The fact that winter holidays are typically cheaper means I have been looking into the possibility of booking one for the family. It has been an interesting process, and I have picked up some tips and pointers that I think you will all find helpful, as well.
Winter holidays are cheaper
It is interesting to see how much cheaper winter holidays are, especially beach holidays. If your children are not yet at school, you can get a real bargain by travelling during term time.
This is especially the case if you opt for an all-inclusive package. However, if you book a holiday during the school holidays or during the Christmas period, you will pay more or less the same price you would pay if you were to book a summer holiday.
Unsurprisingly, the cost of holidays also peaks around Valentine’s Day. You can read more about the best times of the year to find a holiday bargain, in this comprehensive article.
Insurance
If you do choose to book a vacation for the winter months, it is important to check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance. You need to bear in mind that bad weather is more likely to stop you from reaching your destination.
Always book a direct flight
Given the higher risk of disruptions, it is best to fly direct. If you opt for a cheaper multi-airport flight, you considerably increase the risk of long delays. It is also best to book mid-morning flights, statistics show that these flights are far less likely to be delayed pm flights are.
Check the weather patterns
Before you book your holiday, you need to check what the weather conditions are typically like during the winter months. Remember that even in places like southern Spain it does rain occasionally during the winter. You need to know which months this is most likely to happen during, so that you can bear this in mind when you book.
Pack for the weather
When you pack for a winter break, you need to think slightly differently. Finding the right swimwear to take with you is the easy part. If you are lucky, and the weather is good, you will be able to spend all day on the beach. However, you have to be realistic and make sure that you have the clothes you need for the days it rains, or is too cold.
The best approach is to wear your heavier clothes to the airport. That way you will not have to find space for them in your cases.
It is best to take a couple of lightweight jumpers rather than just a single thick one. This gives you more outfit options, and means you will be more comfortable. Wearing thin layers keeps you warmer than a single thick jumper would.
Work out what you will do on colder days
Before you book you should check what there is available to do in the area should it not be possible to go to the beach. If you plan is to visit an indoor attraction, you need to double check what their winter opening times are. Surprisingly, even in the big tourist resorts many of the bigger attractions close completely for the winter, or are only open on weekends.
