Sun, sea, sand – or snow? Get over the post-Christmas slump by packing off somewhere hot in January, or hitting the slopes when ski resorts are much quieter.
And if you’re planning ahead on an April or Easter holiday, these ideas might inspire you.
Go now
Italy
Enjoy the beauty of the Matterhorn from the Italian side of the mountain in the resort of Cervinia, which is considerably cheaper than staying in Zermatt across the Swiss border. Inghams has seven nights’ B&B at the Hotel Punta Maquignaz, a cosy hotel in the centre of Cervinia, from £459pp, saving £400pp. The price includes flights, transfers and breakfast, and is for an 11 January departure.
Seville
January in Seville feels more like spring than winter, especially with temperatures around the mid-teens. It’s perfect city break weather, with fewer tourists getting in the way of the city’s top sights including the Real Alcazar and the wondrous cathedral. La Casa del Maestro is a warm little hotel in the Barrio Santa Cruz, with a lovely roof terrace to soak up city views. With i-escape, rooms start at £58pp per night, including breakfast.
Brazil and Argentina
See two of South America’s greatest cities, along with Iguazu Falls, on this eight-night group tour with Cox & Kings. You’ll start with a few days getting to know Buenos Aires before jetting off to Iguazu Falls for a couple of days. Finish with a few days getting into the swing of things in Rio do Janeiro at the Belmond Copacabana Palace. The starting price of £2,295pp includes flights, transfers and B&B five-star accommodation, departing 30 January.
Sri Lanka
Tourists have been slowly coming back to Sri Lanka since the terrorist attacks in April, which the country desperately needs. On the southernmost coast is Koggala Beach, which is handy for visits to Galle if you can tear yourself away from this scenic beach. Mercury Holidays has an all-inclusive six-night holiday at the Koggala Beach Hotel from £865pp, including flights and transfers, departing 18 January.
Book now for April
France
If you’re planning a late-season ski trip, book before 13 January and save 20 per cent off a week’s rental at Les Chalets du Gypse in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. This pretty village is one of the most appealing parts of the Three Valleys ski domain, and this very smart residence is right on the slopes and has an indoor pool and a spa. Peak Retreats has a one-bedroom apartment for £1,394 for the week of 11 April, including Eurotunnel crossing.
Athens
Time it right and you could end up in Athens during Orthodox Easter, which in 2020 falls on 19 April. Feast on superb views of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant at St George Lycabettus, a luxury hotel in the fashionable Kolonati district of Athens. Kirker Holidays has three-night breaks throughout April from £896pp, including flights, private transfers, breakfast and tickets to the Acropolis Museum.
Lake District
Look forward to springtime hikes in the Lake District, especially if you stay at the Bothy offered by Lakeland Cottage Company. This dog-friendly, one-bedroom stone cottage has been beautifully kitted out and is just outside Windermere, making it a handy base for hikes. A week’s rental from 3 April costs £737.
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
