Now the business of the winter holidays and New Year is over, I can feel myself and everyone around me beginning to feel a little bit down. However, why not make use of the plethora of winter sales and try to make time for a winter getaway? Here are The Student’s best ideas for trips to make the most of the possible winter sun.
Marrakech
Only a four hour flight from Edinburgh, why not hop on a Ryanair plane to Marrakech and immerse yourself in an entirely new culture this winter? For a few days of certified t-shirt weather, it’s the perfect time to get some sun and visit the sights before the overwhelming summer heat descends upon Morocco. With affordable activities, such as haggling in the souks (market-based shopping streets) or making use of the plethora of walking tours that explore the city’s rich culture and history, this would be an ideal change from Edinburgh’s cobbled streets.
Canary Islands
Often thought of as a summer holiday destination, Spain’s Canary Islands normally have a temperature of around 20℃ in January, sometimes reaching 25℃, meaning it’s the perfect place to top up your winter tan. Given the multitude of resorts, beaches and restaurants that are largely unused at this time of year, if you’re able to travel for a few weeks then it’s a perfect place to go. Try some hiking, for example in Tenerife’s mountains, or even try out the International Music Festival that is held in Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Malta
Similar to the Canary Islands is Malta: with slightly cooler temperatures but more of a city feel this would be a perfect place for visiting somewhere new. Filled with ancient temples and forts, Malta’s main cities of Valletta and Gozo would be a perfect opportunity for a city break. Why not appreciate the beauty of St John’s Cathedral or simply relax on the hundreds of beaches around the island? With flights from Edinburgh as low as £30, this might be the perfect time to explore somewhere new in the Mediterranean.
Saariselkä, Finland
For a slightly higher budget than the other options, why not check out Saariselkä, Finland, which is often dubbed the ‘Northern Lights Village’. Whilst some people have been lucky enough to see the lights in Edinburgh (I, regrettably, have not), you have a far better chance of spotting them here. Snow, cozy cabins and gorgeous forests will fill your camera roll and realistically, who can ask for more than that? Some cabins in the area even have glass roofs, so you can be sure to catch the lights whatever the time, as well as some resorts having extra activities such as husky tours or outdoor jacuzzies.
So, there are plenty of options for a winter getaway, and to defeat those winter blues!
Photo by Elena Soroka on Unsplash.