Christmas lights

Summer has barely begun, but Wowcher are already helping Brits to plan festive-themed escapes, with a £99 per person deal that could see you snag a bargain break to a destination such as Lapland

Wowcher’s mystery holidays have become a social media hit, with hundreds of videos circulating of Brits finding out their mystery sun-soaked beach or city break destinations.

But now the voucher site has given its mystery holiday packages a festive twist, offering a variety of Christmas market destinations across Europe, as well as the chance to snag a break in New York or Lapland for just £99 per person.

While most of us are looking forward to the upcoming sunny weather and planning activities for the six week school holidays, dedicated Christmas fans can already book a festive mystery holiday with Wowcher. The package includes a minimum two-night stay, return flights, and accommodation of at least three-stars.

And while the C-word is pretty far from our minds right now, the deal includes a number of destinations that will no doubt be more appealing once you’re in a festive mood. You could find yourself browsing Christmas markets in cities such as Paris, Rome, Prague, Vienna, Krakow, or Berlin.

A small number of lucky winners will find themselves in Lapland visiting Santa’s Village for a once-in-a-lifetime break, or staying under a glass dome and watching the stars in Finland. You may even find yourself all the way in New York, ice skating at the Rockefeller Center or watching the world-famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes.

Booking your break is easy. Just choose the number of passengers and pay for your mystery holiday on Wowcher. You’ll then be sent a link to redeem your code, and can choose your airport region and travel dates. Get your camera ready, as you’ll no doubt want to film your reaction as your mystery destination is revealed on-screen.

However, with these kinds of breaks it’s worth remembering there are a number of terms and conditions attached, so make sure you read the fine print before you book. One thing to note if you’re not in the south east is that departures from non-London regional airports will incur a supplement of £40 per person.

Breaks are either two or three-nights long, and Wowcher promise a minimum of 40 hours at your destination when departing from London or Manchester, 36 hours from all other UK airports, and 60 hours for selected 3-night stays.

It’s worth remembering that these mystery holidays are a gamble, and while there are lots of positive reviews out there, not everyone ends up happy with their destination. Around November and December, you can also sometimes find cheap deals and book your own break, giving you more control over your destination.

Also, check the dates for Christmas markets in your destination. Some cities only have markets running on limited dates or on weekends, so if you travel in late-November or early-December, it’s worth keeping in mind that these festive events may not be open. However, you can of course still enjoy your destination without exploring a market.

Find out more about these festive mystery breaks or book online with Wowcher.

There are other companies that offer mystery holidays, such as the simply named mysteryholiday.co.uk.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

The city is a popular cruise ship destination, is famous for its huge Christmas lights displays – and is within easy reach of ‘the world’s best beach’

British holidaymakers are bracing themselves for a new tourist tax at a Spanish beauty spot. Vigo, located in the north-west of Spain, has 45 beaches according to one report – and is within easy reach of one of the best beaches in the world.

The city is equally renowned for its spectacular Christmas light displays, considered among the best on the planet. Respected travel expert Simon Calder is a firm admirer of the destination, describing it as ‘cultured’ and ‘highly affordable’. The Aviothic website calls it ‘Spain’s best kept secret’.

But now local officials are putting the finishing touches to plans for a new tourist tax, according to reports in the Spanish media. The move follows in the footsteps of Santiago and La Coruña, both of which introduced similar levies in late 2025, drawing criticism from various quarters.

Reports indicate that Vigo City Council is pressing ahead with proposals to introduce its own tourist tax, with the aim of ‘redistributing’ profits generated by the tourism industry. The levy is also intended to help reduce the environmental strain caused by mass tourism on the local area.

Vigo is perhaps best known for its dazzling Christmas lights, with more than 11 million LED lights illuminated across the city last year. The city, home to around 295,000 residents, is also celebrated for a nearby breathtaking beach within reach of Vigo – although visitors staying near the beach will not pay the tax.

The Guardian once hailed its Rodas Beach, situated on the Cíes Islands, as the “best beach in the world”. The bustling port city is equally popular as a cruise ship destination.

In fact, this week Vigo takes centre stage in international tourism as the season’s first triple cruise ship call gets under way, with the city set to welcome more than 7,500 visitors within just a few hours. The port is simultaneously hosting three large ships, the Britannia, the Ventura and the Le Bellot.

However, it now seems tourists will shortly face a levy for the privilege of visiting the destination. No form of accommodation will escape the charge, according to El Debate. The amount will vary depending on the hotel’s star rating.

The publication reports the tax could reach as much as €2 per person daily for 4-star superior and 5-star establishments. A €1.60 daily charge is proposed for tourist accommodation and 2-star superior, 3-star and 4-star hotels.

It’s understood that under the proposals, holiday apartments and rural tourism properties – alongside hostels and campsites – will incur a €0.80 per person daily fee, while guesthouses and 1- and 2-star hotels will pay €1.20. Cruise passengers won’t escape either. Abel Caballero, mayor of Vigo, confirmed those disembarking at Vigo’s docks will be charged €1.20.

He said: “From when it comes into force until July 1, 2027, the tax will apply to the first two nights of a stay. Therefore, someone visiting Vigo for 4 nights will pay the tourist tax for only the first 2 nights. From July 1, 2027, the tax will apply to a maximum of five nights per stay.”

He said the tourist tax would be rolled out “gradually” from October, shortly before the Christmas lights are illuminated. Exemptions for health reasons are being considered. Children and certain disabled individuals are also expected to be exempt.

The tax must still secure approval from the Governing Board ahead of one final vote – however, the mayor’s comments suggest it could well be on the cards. In Barcelona, the combination of a regional tax and a municipal charge has hiked up the cost to between 5 and 12 euros a night. In La Coruna, the local hotel association has launched a legal battle to block the levy.

Travel journalist Simon Calder has previously highlighted Vigo’s appeal to British visitors. Writing in the Independent, he said: “Vigo claims to be the largest fishing port in the world, and plentiful fresh seafood is a strong attraction. The city is also an excellent starting point for wider exploration of the rias (inlets) that carve the shoulder of Spain so dramatically.”

How can I get to Vigo from the UK?

Ryanair offers a direct service from the UK to Vigo–Peinador airport, operating out of London Stansted. Journey times are approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.

Many visitors heading to Vigo opt to fly into nearby Santiago de Compostela instead, which is just 50–60 minutes away by car. Both Ryanair (Stansted) and Vueling (Gatwick and Heathrow) operate direct flights to Santiago several times weekly, offering a greater choice of services and often cheaper fares.

Bear in mind, however, that Santiago airport is closed from April 23 to May 27, 2026 for runway resurfacing works. At the heart of Vigo’s social scene lies the Casco Vello (Old Town), a beautifully restored maze of narrow granite streets and bustling plazas.

Visitors may also wish to explore Castro de Vigo, an archaeological site that reveals how the region’s original inhabitants lived in stone huts more than 2,000 years ago. The Guardian says the city has 45 beaches, and notes that an attraction for UK tourists in visiting Vigo is that it brings “the Caribbean-like beaches of the Cíes islands within easy reach.”

“The islands are an easy day trip from Vigo, adding a relaxing beach element to your Spanish city break,” the paper said in a positive review of the city.