As the temperatures begin to plunge in Britain we bring you five alternative winter holiday locations where the Pound will get you far
If you're a holidaymaker looking for something other than winter sun in Spain or Christmas markets in Europe, then these may be the locations for you
THE temperature may be plunging – but so are the prices of winter getaways.
For holidaymakers willing to think beyond winter sun in Spain and Christmas markets in Europe, there are great deals to be had.
Here, we share five alternative winter holiday locations where the Pound will get you far.
- All holiday deals can be found by visiting .
SAINT PETERSBURG
WHY go to Saint Petersburg this winter? Just look at the current prices.
With price drops of up to 43 per cent on the cost of package holidays there, you can fly and stay for as little as £228 per person for a week.
The City of the Czars, is bursting at the seams with culture and there are enough cathedrals, churches, palaces and museums to keep you occupied for weeks.
One of the best ways to take in the city’s incredible architecture – including the Hermitage Museum, Kazansky Cathedral, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, , Pushkin and the Summer Palaces – is on a river boat trip.
Then why not warm up by sampling the delights of traditional Russian cuisine, from doughy pies and meaty soups to blini pancakes with caviar and the world’s best beef stroganoff.
- GO: Seven nights’ room only at the RA Hotel at Tambovskaya 11 costs from £228pp based on two sharing, including return flights from London Gatwick departing January 22.
TEL AVIV
ISRAEL’S bohemian beachside city has no shortage of sightseeing opportunities and is compact enough to get around on foot.
With its Mediterranean coastline, café culture and buzzing nightclubs, Tel Aviv is perfect for a lively winter break.
The city has something for everyone, be it the varied cultural scene, history or lively beaches.
Jerusalem – Israel’s capital – is around an hour’s drive away and the incredible Dead Sea is also an easy day trip.
Late December and early January are the best times for an authentic Christmas experience, although you may find some of the best deals after the first week of the New Year.
With a 27 per cent price drop year on year, the city is a tempting option and with highs of up to 18C in December, it is a good deal warmer than the UK shores.
- GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 3H Liber Seashore Suites Tel Aviv costs from £425pp, based on two sharing. Price includes return flights departing London Luton on January 20.
BARBADOS
A TRIP to the Caribbean can’t be a bad way to beat the winter blues. Despite being known as a playground for the rich and famous, it is possible to find places where you don’t have to splash the cash.
For food, Oistins has cheap spots to eat including Surfers Café on the beach or the Boatyard. Local buses are an inexpensive way to get around. There is no charge for laying on the public beaches either.
If you can drag yourself away from your rum punch, go on a subterranean journey of giant stalactites and stalagmites at Harrison’s Cave. Or take a boat tour to Bathsheba Beach followed by rum tasting at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre.
Temperatures average 26C December to April. March sees the highest annual sunshine.
- GO: Seven nights’ room only at the Sunbay Hotel is from £516pp based on two sharing. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick, departing December 10.
FEZ
THE historic Moroccan city is now within reach of winter sunseekers – just like that!
Although Fez is often viewed as Marrakech’s more expensive cousin, a stay in the city can be found for as low as £127pp for seven nights this winter.
Foodies will relish the delicious street food just a few minutes’ from the Blue Gate on main street, Derb el Magana, while history buffs can get their kicks at the Seven Gates of the Royal Palace and UNESCO-protected Medina.
- GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the Splendid Hotel in Fez costs from £127pp, based on two sharing. Price includes return flights from London Stansted, departing January 21.
VENICE
VENICE in winter? Absolutely! Fewer crowds and cheaper holiday package prices make it an ideal time to visit.
With almost nine hours of sunlight every day in December and January, all you have to do is wrap up warm to enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Feast on the delicious food, savour the Italian wine and marvel at the architecture. Avoid the pricey cafes in St Mark’s Square and dine in the back street trattorias.
Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs are both must-sees. The historic Jewish quarter Cannaregio is also worth exploring as is the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Fish is a big deal in Venice and two of the many dishes to try include sarde in soar (sweet and sour sardines), cooked with onions, vinegar, pine nuts and raisins, or risotto al nero di seppia – a jet-black squid risotto.
- GO: Two nights’ B&B at the Do Pozzi hotel costs from £92pp based on two sharing, including return flights departing Gatwick Airport on January 10.
