You don’t have to wait for the weather to improve to take a well-deserved break. If you’re feeling in need of rest, a winter holiday could be the perfect way to recharge. In many ways, it’s better than a summer break if you’re seeking something restorative. Discover exactly why you shouldn’t delay your getaway.
- ‘Tis the season when you need it most
After the social and emotional toll of the festive season, most of us feel faintly exhausted heading into the new year. There’s also a danger of developing the January blues as the cold days and long nights persevere. A well-timed holiday could be the recovery you need, bolstering you for the rest of winter.
- It’s always sunny somewhere
Everyone knows the power of sunshine in improving our outlook, but you don’t have to wait until summer to find it. You can find great deals on winter sun destinations, from the Canary Islands to Costa Rica, where warmth awaits.
You can get guaranteed sunshine closer to home too, if you’re willing to compromise on the heat. Look for sheltered mountain spots like Alpe d’Huez, nestled in the heart of the Grandes Rousses massif in the French Alps and boasting more than 300 days of sun per year. January and February are the best months to book an Alpe d’Huez ski holiday, when temperatures are cold but you can count on blue skies.
- Seasonal outdoor activities
Physical exercise supports mental health, especially when done in stunning outdoor surroundings. Skiing isn’t the only activity on offer during the season: swap walking for snowshoeing, cycling for fat biking and water-skiing or tubing for dog-sled rides. Let these exhilarating activities and the magnificent glittering scenery wipe any worries from your mind.
- Peaceful snowscapes
There is something inherently peaceful about snow-covered landscapes. Background noises are silenced, while the white blanket symbolises a fresh start. Even in the darkness, your surroundings glow, as stars and perhaps the Northern Lights put on a show in the sky. This is a world away from the clamour of classic summer settings like busy beaches.
- You can embrace hygge
The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced ‘hooga’) was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017 because it became so ingrained with our idea of cosiness, in everything from home design to hobbies. It encapsulates a sense of comfortable conviviality and simple pleasures that make us feel content, such as warmth, food and friends.
You can balance time outside during a winter break with restful periods indoors, without the guilt you can feel in summer when missing out on sunshine. Picture cosying up by a roaring fire in leisure clothes crafted in soft fabrics, reading, knitting or laughing with loved ones over a home-cooked meal or hot drink.