With Christmas behind us and summer still far out of sight, it’s easy to feel a bit fed up this month. So now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a last minute break. Here are a few of my favourite affordable winter getaway ideas…
Athens, Greece
Best for: Culture and food.
This week, the temperature in Athens is around 14°C – which is seven degrees warmer than it is in London. Despite the mild weather, this funky city is still fairly overlooked as a winter destination – making now the perfect time to visit. Low season means more availability and better accommodation prices in what is already an incredibly cheap city.
Marrakech, Morocco
Best for: Winter sun.
Just four hours from London, the warmer climes of Morocco are within surprisingly easy reach. Regular budget flights, low prices, and plenty of availability during low season make Marrakech a favourite for cheap winter getaways. If you want to relax by a pool, book yourself into one of the resorts in the Palmerie, an oasis just outside the city. Or opt for a cosy riad in the heart of the medina, where you’ll be right by the bustling souks and all the street food your heart desires!
York, England
Best for: Staycationing.
Don’t want to leave the UK? Exploring your own backyard can be a great way to save on travel costs, leaving plenty left over for treating yourself. The historic city of York is in easy reach of London by train, and it’s surprisingly affordable. And with dozens of cute independent tea shops and cafes around the city, there are plenty of places to duck out of the rain if the British weather doesn’t cooperate!
Riga, Latvia
Best for: Snowy cityscapes.
If it’s a real taste of winter you’re after, head to Eastern Europe. A dusting of snow makes the spires and steeples of pretty Riga even more beautiful, and snowfall is very common this time of year. Still relatively overlooked in favour of more famous Eastern European cities like Tallinn and Prague, Riga is one of the lesser known cheap winter getaways in Europe. And it’s a really beautiful one.