Winter is one of my favourite times of year for a quick getaway and with Ryanair and other low budget airlines bringing us closer than ever to what Europe has to offer, it’s the perfect time to sit in a cafe and take in the wintry but wonderful atmosphere.

Winter has so many different faces across Europe, sunshine and blue skies in Southern Spain and long, dark nights with deep snow. They’re all beautiful in their own way.

Winter is a magical time to travel, there are smaller queues in the tourist attractions and usually, hotels are a lot cheaper. Make sure you wrap up warm though!

1. Finland

I would love to visit Finland during the winter. Who hasn’t thought about Lapland in the winter? Visiting Santa Claus with the piles and piles of snow whilst a reindeer or a husky pulls you along in a sledge. That is Christmas.

Finland doesn’t stop for the “dark and dreary” weather, instead, they embrace it. Finnish Saunas, snowboarding, skiing. There would be so much to do.

2. Switzerland

Switzerland has always been somewhere that I’ve wanted to visit. You can get down to business and do some serious, or not so serious in my case, skiing. But, even if you aren’t into snow sports, there’s still so much to do.

Vibrant Zurich would be beautiful during the winter months with the intricate architecture and the bursts of colour. Add a blanket of snow and it’s the perfect winter photo.

3. Germany

If you’re not thinking about German Christmas Markets then it’s time to start. Just seeing a photo of Germany in the snow makes me want to book a flight and go. The food, the mulled wine, the enchanted wintry forests and let me tell you, the photos of Neuschwanstein Castle in the snow are nothing short of breathtaking.

Germany does Christmas right. As long as I got a German Market and Neuschwanstein Castle in the snow, I’d be very happy.

4. Copenhagen

Home of the little mermaid. Home of Christmas. Copenhagen is a bustling Christmas city where the magic comes to life.

There are Christmas markets and quality restaurants as well as Danish Christmas delicacies. I could see myself spending a couple of nights eating my way around the Christmas markets, taking a river cruise and enjoying the snow in Copenhagen.

5. Venice

When we went to Venice in the winter it was absolutely beautiful. Of course, it was made better because we got engaged, but the city was really magical.

There aren’t hardly any crowds and Piazza San Marco was so quiet and peaceful. They also had a lovely Christmas market and a huge Christmas tree. The weather is much colder than summer and it’s so peaceful just sitting out watching the Gondolas. I’d recommend booking yourself on one to truly embrace the captivating magic that Venice emits, you can only see it all from those intercrossing canals.

Are you off on your travels this winter?

Hasta luego,

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