The Best Types of Holidays for Escaping the Winter Blues

Once the excitement of Christmas has passed, winter can start to feel very long. Short days, cold weather and the same routines week after week can leave many of us longing for a change of scenery. Escaping the winter blues doesn't mean booking one particular type of trip, though.  

Some people want sunshine and a beach, while others would rather embrace snowy landscapes, explore a lively city or hide away somewhere quiet in the countryside. The best choice is simply the one that gives you what everyday life in January and February is missing. 
 
A winter getaway can be a great opportunity to slow down, recharge and enjoy experiences that feel different from your usual routine. Whether that means soaking up the sun, trying a new winter activity or discovering somewhere you've never visited before, even a short break can make a real difference to your mood. With so many different types of holidays to choose from, there is something to suit every taste, budget and idea of the perfect escape.

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Chase Some Winter Sun

When winter sets in, the most obvious cure for grey skies is somewhere brighter and warmer. Island destinations work particularly well because they offer far more than a sun lounger, letting you mix lazy days with sightseeing and exploration. 
 
Tenerife is a great example. Known as the island of eternal spring, it has a mild climate year-round, with average winter temperatures of around 17°C and plenty of sunshine, particularly in the south. Flights from the UK take around four hours, which makes Tenerife holidays an easy escape even for a week. 
 
The island also rewards those who venture beyond the pool. Teide National Park (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007) is dominated by Spain's highest peak, and its volcanic landscape feels otherworldly. Elsewhere, you can go whale and dolphin watching off the south-west coast, explore the historic streets of La Laguna or wander through the lush, green north.

Beyond Tenerife, you could consider Seville, Málaga, Cádiz and Alicante in Spain; Valletta in Malta; or Funchal in Madeira. We visited Malta in January and the weather was pleasant with daytime highs around 15-17°C giving us around 5-6 hours of sunshine everyday.

Embrace Winter Rather Than Escaping It 

If you can't beat winter, you could always lean into it. A snowy break turns the season into the main attraction, and suddenly the cold feels exciting rather than dreary. 
 
Ski holidays are the classic choice, offering crisp mountain air and bright, clear days on the slopes. Even if you don't ski, Alpine towns are wonderful places to spend a few days. Winter walks through snow-covered forests, hot chocolate in a mountain café and evenings by the fire in a chalet all help the season feel cosy rather than something to endure. When you're somewhere that makes winter part of the experience, it's much easier to enjoy it. 

You could also try snowshoeing, ice skating or taking a scenic cable car ride to enjoy the mountain views without hitting the slopes. Many winter destinations have charming villages to explore, with traditional restaurants, cosy cafés and local markets adding to the atmosphere. It's a lovely way to slow down, embrace the colder weather and experience a completely different side of winter travel. 

Recharge With a Slow Countryside Escape 

Not everyone is looking for sunshine or adventure, especially if you don’t have any annual leave left. After a hectic end to the year, sometimes what you need most is the chance to slow down. 
 
A quiet countryside break might mean a cabin in the woods, a cottage by the coast or a characterful country house hotel. 

Whether you head to the Lake district, the Cotswolds or further afield, the appeal lies in long walks, good food and the freedom to do very little. Bring a stack of books, switch off notifications and let yourself rest. It may not sound adventurous, but a few days of deliberate calm can leave you feeling remarkably refreshed. 
 
A slower pace also gives you the opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures that everyday life often pushes aside. Take time to explore a nearby village, enjoy a leisurely lunch or simply sit back and take in the scenery. Sometimes, the best way to start the new year is by giving yourself permission to pause and recharge. 

One of my favourite options for a slower-paced break and digital detox is Shacks. With cabins across several UK locations, they’re perfect for a peaceful countryside escape - somewhere to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life. Open all year round, the shacks offer a cosy retreat whatever be the season and are ideal for switching off, slowing down, and finding a little quiet whenever you need it.

Bring Some Energy Back With a City Break 

For some people, winter feels monotonous more than cold. If that sounds familiar, a short city break could be just the thing to lift your mood. Cities are made for winter. You can spend a morning in a museum or gallery, linger over coffee in a cosy café and then wander through a new neighbourhood before settling in for a long dinner. Lisbon, Copenhagen, Vienna and Salzburg are amongst the European destinations all within easy reach of the UK and are full of culture and atmosphere at this time of year. 

Salzburg, with its compact Old Town is lovely to explore on foot and you can fill cold or snowy spells with museums, historic sights, cafés and concerts. January is especially appealing if you can catch Mozart Week, held around Mozart’s birthday on January 27.

Like I always tell my friends, even a long weekend away gives you something to look forward to during the darker months. Sometimes, simply having a trip on the calendar is enough to make winter feel a little shorter.