holiday

AS the glass lift descended the cliff face, green umbrella pines gave way to craggy sandstone  before the epic golden sands of Praia da Falesia were revealed.

My friend Rosie and I were in awe.

“This place is stunning”, was our first impression — and it was one that held true throughout our three-day autumn sunshine break at the 5H Pine Cliffs Resort on Portugal’s Algarve coast.

From the bottom of the lift, we strolled down the boardwalk to beach restaurant Maré, which serves the freshest seafood.

As we enjoyed shrimp mango tacos and spritz cocktails, then chocolate ice cream, we deliberated over which sunloungers on the private beach we should aim for the next morning.

Despite our early-morning flight, the quick transfer meant we were in the mood for exploring and after lunch, we got back in the lift to head back up to the resort and get our bearings.

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Across the 178-acre estate there are options for every budget or group size, from apartments and suites to villas and townhouses. But our home for the weekend was the resort’s original focal point, the 217-room Pine Cliffs Hotel.

Strolling from the beach to the hotel we passed under the many pines that shade the cobblestone walkways and gardens and give the resort its name.

The clifftop hotel, unlike the resort’s newer residential zones, has a traditional style. Terracotta floors, hand-painted ceramic tiles and whitewashed archways give way to leafy courtyards, as Moorish-style architecture pays homage to the region’s historic Arabic influences.

It’s a theme that continues into the hotel’s bedrooms. The beds have bespoke headboards featuring more of those hand-painted tiles, in elegant constrast to the rooms’ calm, white walls and all the mod cons you could wish for.

Guests can join a free Tiles Tour to learn more about the Algarve’s decorative tiles, or azulejos, in the hotel and grounds.

Once you’ve soaked up the back stories, about how this traditional art has survived earthquakes and invaders down the centuries, you head off for a workshop to design your own creations.

Armed with a blank tile, fine brushes and traditional mineral paints, you learn the technique of glazing from scratch.

Your work of art is then fired for you to safely pack into your suitcase.

Meanwhile, across the resort’s grounds, sport is also front and centre.
A scenic nine-hole golf course hugs the cliff edge and features the hair-raising Devil’s Parlour hole, where players must drive a ball straight over a deep ravine.

Then there’s the Annabel Croft Tennis and Padel Academy. We had a fantastic time here, being taught the basics of Padel on one of the resort’s beautiful courts — even though our backhands didn’t quite match the facility.

If you work up a thirst, and appetite, then good: the resort has 18 fabulous bars and restaurants.

The Mirador Champagne Bar was the perfect place for us to sit and watch the sunset with a glass of fizz and bowls of salty snacks before dinner.

We kicked off our first evening at lively steakhouse Piri Piri, one of the Algarve’s top spots for meat lovers, with gourmet cuts from all corners of the globe.

We enjoyed fillet steak and fresh lobster salad with local wines and ended the night with a glass of Amarguinha, a local almond liqueur which was dangerously delicious.

On our second night, we went to seafood restaurant O’Pescador, where guests choose their catch from the tank before having it grilled on the barbecue. For lunch, we loved the Corda Cafe and healthfood spot Zest, where we mixed it up with salads, wraps and pizzas.

Day two was all about recharging in the resort’s Serenity Spa where we were treated to massages before sampling the outdoor Jacuzzi and the saunas, ice pool and steam rooms in the spa itself.

The resort’s health club also features two big gyms, a Pilates studio and an indoor pool.

If you prefer unwinding under the sun, the resort has seven outdoor pools.

There is no adult-only pool but those after a quiet spot should visit the pools near the spa, one of which has a swanky swim-up bar.

Families will find the best areas for kids in the Porto Pirata Children’s Village — the biggest kids’ club in the region.

If you fancy a spot of shopping, there’s a strip of boutiques selling handmade gifts and jewellery or, in the hotel lobby, there are several high-end shops.

Outside the resort, the coastal city of Albufeira is just a 15-minute drive away, with a huge selection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs as well as a pretty old quarter.

But with their clifftop sundowners, world-class dining and golden sands, we were not in a rush to leave our hotel and its glorious grounds and beach.

YOU don’t need to spend a fortune to treat the family to a magical winter getaway this year, with breaks from as little as £2.44pp a night.

So instead of stressing over hosting at home during the festive season, you could be kicking back in a cosy lodge.

We’ve found breaks where there’s loads to do for the whole family, including free pantomimes, Christmas lights trails and magical visits to Santa’s Grotto.

Whether you’ re after a pre-decorated cabin with a private hot tub, or a full Christmas dinner cooked for you, here’s our pick of budget-friendly Christmas breaks to get booked in now.

Away Resorts Winterfest

November 20 – December 20, 2026

Away Resorts go all-out on Christmas, with action-packed Winterfest celebrations across Tattershall Lakes, Sandy Balls, Retallack Resort, St Ives Bay and Mill Rythe resorts.

Festive activities on offer include writing letters to Father Christmas, stuffing a Christmas teddy and creating your very own snow globes (these activities are at an additional cost).

There’s also spectacular free Christmas entertainment shows.

This includes festive candlelight concerts, the ‘bonkers’ Elves Misbehaving show, and the Forest of Light illuminations walk in the New Forest location.

Breaks start from £112 for three nights, based on a three night break for eight people in a luxury sea view caravan at St Ives Bay.

That works out to £7.46pp per night.

Parkdean Resorts Winter Wonderland

November 27 – December 30, 2026

Parkdean Resorts’ Winter Wonderland celebrations are made with families of all ages in mind, with extra toddler-specific activities added new for this year.

Spend your days as a family making baubles or training for Christmas at the Elf Academy (at an extra cost) or settle down to watch this year’s family pantomime, Aladdin.

Little ones will love the free Festive Tots activities like The Big Christmas Party 4 Tots or the Festive Tots & Tunes sing-a-long sessions.

Plus you can meet Father Christmas himself, as well as Mrs Claus and the elves – or even book in to have breakfast with them at an additional cost.

Breaks start from £129 for four nights in a bronze caravan sleeping six, working out to £5.38pp per night. Go all inclusive from an extra £100 per adult or £40 per child add-on per break.

Or stay over the big day itself to tuck into a Christmas dinner as a family – minus the washing up. A three-course meal on Christmas starts from £49.99 per adult and £29.99 per child.

Butlin’s Festive Wonderland Breaks

November 23 – December 30, 2026

Butlin’s are putting on the ultimate sleigh-cation during December, with extra, festive-themed shows and activities added to an already action-packed programme.

Themed experiences include a festive movie night, a silent disco and the interactive Christmas Chaos games showdown, all part of your break.

Stay over on Christmas itself and you’ll get extra perks, like a special fireworks display and a four-course Christmas dinner (£58 per adult, £38 per child).

Meeting Father Christmas is a free activity that is part of every Christmas break.

The 30-minute Express Delivery experience includes an opportunity for kids to write a letter, before posting it and wandering through a fully decked-out Christmas zone to meet the main man himself.

Festive Breaks start from £39 for four nights across their locations, based on a family of four. This works out to £2.44pp per night.

Festive breaks at Haven

November 28 – December 30, 2026

Escape to a cosy seaside caravan with its own pre-built, pre-lit Christmas tree on a Haven festive break.

This year, parks are putting on Jack and the Beanstalk for their festive panto, and the Seaside Squad are teaming up with Santa’s elves for free Christmassy live entertainment shows.

There’s plenty to do during the day, too, including themed pottery workshops, stocking workshops and the opportunity to meet Santa in his Grotto. These pre-bookable activities come at an additional cost.

Food menus get a makeover for the festive season too, with takeaway stands offering festive smash burgers, on-site pubs cooking up hearty roasts, plus the option for a three-course meal with a welcome drink on Christmas day (adults £59.99, kids £14.99).

Participating parks include Craig Tara in Scotland, Primrose Valley in Yorkshire and Cala Gran in Blackpool. Click here for a full list.

Festive breaks start from £49 for four nights in November or December, working out to £3.06pp per night. Or you can stay from £335 for four nights over Christmas week.

Hoseasons Christmas Lodge Getaways

November – December 2026

Whether you fancy a holiday lodge, a cosy cottage or a full-on family holiday park break, Hoseasons have collected them all neatly on their Christmas getaways page.

You can sort the holidays by pre-decorated stays, places with an open fire or woodburner, lodges with hot tubs as well as dog-friendly options.

Some of our favourite options include this cosy lodge with a hot tub in Cargill, as well as this pre-decorated farmhouse in Lincolnshire.

Seven night breaks over Christmas start from £249. Split a six-berth caravan between a group, and that works out to £5.93pp per night.

Park Holidays Cosy Winter Breaks

November 2, 2026 – March 4, 2027

If you want an affordable winter break in a quiet corner of the UK, look no further than a Park Holidays cosy winter break.

During this period, most of these holiday parks are open for accommodation only – meaning that you can bag yourself a seriously cheap stay. Just pack your Christmas snacks and games to bring along with you for a seriously cosy escape.

And if you want to make use of a heated pool, spa facilities and on-site bars and restaurants that do stay open, look at breaks for Brynteg in Wales or Rye Harbour in Sussex.

A three night winter break at Brynteg in Wales in a gold caravan sleeping six starts from £179, working out to £9.94pp per night.

Shorefield Christmas Cracker Weekends

4-7 & 11-14 December, 2026

Retreat to a glamorous woodland lodge this winter, where days are filled with festive live music, shows and plenty of family activities.

Shorefield’s Christmas Cracker weekends see all the Christmas classics such as festive quizzes, pantomimes, carolling and more.

If you’re bringing the kids along, there’s craft workshops plus a Father Christmas meet and greet, plus the park’s restaurants sees a festive menu takeover.

Click here to see all the activities you can book, with free options as well as workshops at an additional cost.

Christmas Cracker Weekendsstart from £224. For three nights in a flexifleet caravan sleeping four, that works out to £18.67pp per night.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

Eurocamp has announced a major change affecting its popular Spain holiday parks from 2026 but it could be good news for Brits looking for a sunny getaway

Eurocamp parks (or parcs, as they call them) are already a firm favourite with Brits looking for cheap and cheerful getaways in the summer, with sites across plenty of popular destinations including France, Italy and Spain. Now, the holidays giant has announced it will be making a major change to a number of its Spanish locations, in what could be good news for holidaymakers.

That’s because for the first time ever, Eurocamp is going to be offering winter sun holidays, kicking off in 2026. While typically Eurocamp sites close for the winter, this year there will be three parcs remaining open throughout the colder months; Alannia Costa Blanca and Alannia Guardamar in Costa Blanca (home to Benidorm), and Alannia Els Prats in Costa Dorada (home to Salou), with prices from £452 per party during the quieter seasons.

It marks the first time that Brits can opt for Eurocamp breaks in Spain during Christmas, or even for February half term. However, they’re not the only destinations on offer. Eurocamp already has sites in the French Alps which are open during the ski season, as well as its Paris-Est location which is popular with Brits hoping to visit the French capital for its Christmas markets.

It’s not the only brand to offer up holiday parks during the winter months. For example, Center Parcs has a number of sites in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, including one park just a stone’s throw away from Disneyland Paris.

For Brits who are after winter sun but don’t want to commit to jet-setting off to far-flung Caribbean islands, Spain and its islands can be an ideal compromise. In fact, the popular country has 8 of Europe’s 10 sunniest cities according to research from travel pros at Holidu. Cities such as Cordoba or Malaga, in the southern part of Spain, are where you’ll likely have more luck given temperatures average 19C in November, while Barcelona keeps a balmy 15C although it does get cooler in the evenings.

Meanwhile the Canary Islands are famed for their year-round sunshine, and can enjoy temperatures of up to 23C as late as early December. So while it may not be warm enough for swimming in the sea, it’s still pleasant enough that you can enjoy the outdoors whether you wander along the bustling promenades, or want a lunch al fresco. (Not to mention the cooler mornings are ideal for those who want to kick off the day with a hike around those volcanic landscapes).

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WE MIGHT barely be in November but with the mornings chillier and the evenings darker it won’t be long before we press play on the festive films.

And one in particular – The Holiday (2006) – has one of the cosiest of cottages we all dream of staying in over the winter period.

While Rosehill Cottage might be fictional, the UK isn’t short of similarly beautiful cottages by any means.

So here are six that will give you the same feel as being in the movie’s cottage itself:

Philham Water Cottage, Devon

Nestled in the Devonshire countryside is Philham Water Cottage with a double bedroom and a lounge with a sofa bed.

Like The Holiday itself, you will find a roaring wood stove inside an open fireplace.

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There’s WiFi, a TV and a DVD player too.

The cottage also has a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom, with a bath tub.

The website says it can host two individuals or a couple, however the cottage does sleep up to four people.

It costs from £95 per night, so £42.50 per person per night if two people were sharing or £21.25 per person per night if four people did stay.

Lew Quarry Cottage, Devon

Set in the grassy green fields, Lew Quarry Cottage, also in Devon, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, and free WiFi.

If you fancy enjoying a cuppa in the fresh air, there is also a garden with a cosy seating area.

And of course, the cottage has a grand fireplace.

Nearby guests can head to Lydford Castle and Launceston Castle.

A seven-night stay for two adults and two children costs £465, working out at £16.61 per person, per night.

Old Blacksmith’s Cottage, Lincolnshire

Old Blacksmiths Cottage in Market Rasen has one bedroom, alongside a shower room and fully equipped kitchen.

The cottage also has a private garden and parking.

Nearby attractions include Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace and Lincoln Cathedral of St. Mary.

It costs from £320 for a seven-night stay for two people, working out at £22.86 per person, per night.

The Green House, Somerset

The Green House in the village of Nunney, Frome, is a quaint Grade II listed cottage that can sleep up to four people (though children under the age of nine are not allowed).

In the lounge there is a cosy fire, which guests can snuggle up by and admire the period features of the cottage.

In the chilly mornings make sure to head outside to the secluded terrace that overlooks the stream.

In the village – which is often dubbed one of the prettiest in Somerset – there’s also a pub and a small shop.

Nearby attractions include Nunney Castle and Cranborne Chase – an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Stays cost from £571 for seven-nights for four people, working out at £20.40 per person, per night.

The Cottage at The Feathered Nest, Cotswolds

Now if you really want to stay in a cottage that looks almost identical to Rosehill Cottage in The Holiday, book into The Feathered Nest’s cottage in the Cotswolds.

Known as ‘Little House’ it is part of The Feathered Nest’s pub site and dates back to the 15th century.

The cottage found in the village of Chipping Norton, has a double bedroom as well as a lounge area with a sofa bed.

There is a grand open fireplace and a sleek kitchenette too.

Your four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out on this one either as it is dog friendly.

Stays are a bit steeper costing from £800 for two nights for four people, but if you stay from a Sunday to a Monday you get a discount making it £760 – or £95 per person per night… Maybe a good one for a friend group.

Blackbird Cottage, Dorset

Blackbird Cottage in Beaminster is dog-friendly and sleeps up to five guests.

This restored Grade II listed cottage boasts its original features across its three bedrooms and walled garden.

The ground floor of the cottage also features historic stone floors as well as a wood-burning stove to keep you warm.

You’d be a short walk from shops and pubs as well as a short drive to the famous Jurassic Coast.

If you stay for three nights, you can get a £50 discount working out at £526 total or £35.07 per person per night.

A HOLIDAY park left abandoned for two decades on the Isle of Wight is set to be transformed into the ultimate luxury coastal escape.

Previously known as Atherfield Bay Holiday Camp and abandoned since 2007, the site is now being redeveloped by Evergreen Escapes as the Isle of Wight Resort.

Overlooking Atherfield Bay, the new multi-million holiday park is set to open in April 2027.

According to the resort’s website, it will be a “peaceful haven, where sweeping sea views and star-filled skies go hand-in-hand with exceptional accommodation and five-star facilities”.

The multi-million pound project includes building 63 luxury lodges with sea views.

There will be two options – Elite and Signature.

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Elite lodges will feature either two or three bedrooms sleeping up to six people, with an open plan living and dining space, as well as a private outdoor decking.

On the other hand, Signature lodges will be slightly more luxury, sleeping up to eight people across four bedrooms.

The living and dining space will be open plan like the Elite lodges, but guests can also expect pops of colour or feature walls.

All the lodges are dog friendly and if you do bring you beloved pooch, they will get their very own welcome pack.

There will be a welcome pack for the humans too though, with Isle of Wight goodies.

Each lodge will have Rituals smellies and luxury robes and slippers too.

All of the lodges will be be self-catered accommodation.

Also on-site will be an indoor swimming pool, – perfect for the colder winters months – as well as a sauna, steam room and a gym.

At the centre of the resort, The Wight Isle Lounge will serve hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks and fresh pizzas.

Local residents will also be able to use the entire holiday park.

And discounted ferry tickets will be available to staying guests.

Bookings are currently open for stays from April 2027, with 38 out of the 63 lodges available to rent (the rest will be for sale).

Geoff Cowley, CEO of Evergreen Escapes Group, said: “The Isle of Wight Resort will be a fantastic addition to the Island’s already thriving hospitality scene when it opens.

“Not just because we’re investing in high-end accommodation and facilities, but also because we’ll be investing in the resort team.

“We’ve already filled a number of senior roles but are actively looking for others to join us and showcase the best the Island has to offer for guests and owners alike.”

Evergreen Escapes also has plans for another 15 to 20 resorts over the next five years.

The Isle of Wight Resort will follow Evergreen Escapes acquiring Manor and Ashbury Resorts in Devon and Doublebois Lodge Escape and St Mabyn Lodge Escape, in Cornwall.

FROM East European luxury to affordable Spanish aparthotels – the following resorts have all received masses of rave reviews from British customers.

Loveholidays has collated the top hotels most loved by Brits from thousands of customer reviews over the past year – these are the ones that really have the stamp of approval.

Solymar Gran Hotel The One, Spain

This pretty four-star hotel sits on the sandy shores of Arenal Beach in Calpe with incredible beach views and received incredibly high scores from its customers.

Its two freshwater outdoor swimming pools are available year-round and there are plenty of sun loungers too.

The on-site spa has a sauna, steam bath and hot tub.

A seven-night holiday with breakfast and flights from London Stansted on March 1 starts from £639pp.

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Ikos Olivia, Greece

Luxurious five-star Ikos Olivia is an all-inclusive resort set on a the beach in Gerakini, Northern Greece – and it’s another top scorer.

It has three outdoor pools, a spa, six restaurants and lots of activities from watersports to ball games like tennis, beach volleyball and table tennis.

The rooms vary from twin and double with balconies to bungalow suites with a private garden.

A seven-night, all-inclusive holiday with flights from London Gatwick departing on April 12 starts from £2,219pp.

Hotel Wawel Queen, Poland

Visitors love the four-star Hotel Wawel Queen which sits in the heart of Kraków – its location means it is easy to explore Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square.

After a day of exploration, guests can put their feet up in one of the 49 rooms which have heated floors and flatscreen TVs.

There’s one restaurant on-site too which serves buffet-style breakfasts and it offers service during certain hours.

A seven-night break with breakfast including flights from London Stansted on January 16 starts from £599pp.

Club Tuana Fethiye, Turkey

This resort sits on the coastline of Fethiye in Turkey with beautiful views across the bay.

The hotel’s swimming pools are huge and also form part of the waterpark and water slides.

It has a Kids’ Club divided into Mini for ages 4 to 7 and Maxi for ages 8 to 14 – there’s a playground, slide, playhouse and mini-disco too.

A seven-night all-inclusive holiday including flights from London Gatwick on April 22 starts from £649pp.

Hotel Sumratin, Croatia

The luxurious five-star Hotel Sumratin is highlighted as a great choice for couples looking for a holiday in Dubrovnik.

During the summer season, the outdoor swimming pool opens and there are sun loungers and parasols on the sun terrace too.

One visitor wrote in their review “Beautiful! Polite and attentive staff. Gorgeous food. The rooftop bar, our favourite place to unwind in the evening.”

A seven-night holiday including breakfast and flights from London Stansted on March 7 starts from £809pp.

La Pergola Aparthotel, Majorca

The comfortable four-star La Pergola Aparthotel is described as a ‘superb choice for families’.

The accommodation, which for cleanliness is rated 4.9/5, ranges from cosy studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, bungalows and villas.

Children can splash about in the pool or check out the activities at the kids’ club and playground.

A seven-night self-catering holiday with flights from London Stansted on March 9 starts from £469pp.

Sergiani Garden, Greek Islands

This two-star hotel on the island of Crete has been described as ‘first class’, ‘amazing’ and ‘one of the best restaurants in Stalis’.

It’s set in a peaceful location with easy access to the sandy beach; it also has a children’s pool and playground.

It’s near to the popular coastal resort village of Stalis and is within walking distance to the town and beaches.

A seven-night holiday (room only) with flights from London Luton on May 3 starts from £419pp.

Iberostar Selection Anthelia, Tenerife

The luxurious five-star Iberostar Selection Anthelia is an adult-only resort in Costa Adeje.

Everything you need for a holiday is at your fingertips, the resort has four restaurants, five bars, three outdoor swimming pools and a spa.

Guests in their review say the hotel is spacious – and that it still didn’t feel busy even during peak summer holiday season.

A seven-night holiday including breakfast with flights from London Stansted on May 2 starts from £1,069pp.

Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto (Old Town), Poland

Another popular hotel in Poland that makes it onto the list is the 4-star Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto.

It’s in a great spot for exploring Poland’s cultural capital with modern rooms and all the essentials.

It’s on-site Winestone Restaurant provides dinner, drinks at the bar and breakfast.

A seven-night holiday (room only) with flights from London Stansted on January 8 starts from £539pp.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Dubai

This glam hotel in Dubai is the highest five-star hotel in the world and there’s so much there that guests say there’s actually no need to leave the hotel.

It has multiple restaurants and two heated outdoor swimming pools; to enjoy the sunshine, step onto the sun terrace and take a seat on the loungers.

Its rooms are impressive too – these have panoramic views across the city thanks to their floor to ceiling windows.

A seven-night holiday (room only) with flights from London Gatwick on February 8 starts from £1,649pp.

WINTER is coming – and it’s bringing a whole host of scenic travel destinations with it. 

France’s Strasbourg is top of holidaymakers’ hotlists, according to the latest Tripadvisor Travel Index, while Tromsø in Norway is creeping up the popularity scale. 

The travel report revealed the most up-and-coming holiday spots for this season, based on search data for breaks between November 1 this year and February 28, 2027. 

Here Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the most popular holiday packages this winter. 

STRASBOURG, FRANCE 

SO much for Paris — the Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg is just as glorious.

It was named among the top experiences in France in the 2026 Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards.

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The city’s Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1570, and is home to more than 300 traditional wooden stalls.  

Strasbourg’s Franco-German cuisine is just what you would fancy during the colder months — hearty and comforting.

Think casseroles and lots of potatoes. 

GO: Five nights’ room-only at the 4* Okko Hotels Strasbourg Centre is from £559pp including flights from Luton on December 27.

Save £100 now with code BLKFRIDAY. See easyjet.com/en/holidays. 

TROMSØ, NORWAY 

THIS area, AKA the Gateway to the Arctic, was crowned second most popular spot for this winter.

While its location means that during winter, the sun never rises above the horizon, that doesn’t mean you need to hunker down inside — far from it. 

Among popular activities to try are dog or reindeer sledding, whale watching, snowmobiling, ski touring and fishing in the icy fjords.  

It’s also one of the best spots in the world to catch the Northern Lights in all their colourful glory. 

GO: Five nights’ room-only at the 4* Moxy Tromsø is from £909pp including flights from Gatwick on January 17.

See loveholidays.com. 

GHENT, BELGIUM 

THE nearby hotspots of Bruges and Brussels typically steal the limelight when it comes to winter getaways. 

And that’s just why Ghent should be top of your list.

The fact it is less crowded means you can explore its Gothic and medieval architecture at leisure, although it’s best to do so at night when the intricate alleyways and twisted spires are illuminated by spotlights, giving the spires an even more dramatic appearance against the night sky. 

Ghent’s winter festival, which operates throughout December and into early January, is magical, with a mini ice rink, ferris wheel and rows of stalls that lead from the canal to the central square. 

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 3* Hotel Gravensteen is from £489pp including flights from Heathrow on November 26.

See loveholidays.com. 

SAARISELKA, FINLAND 

IF Tromsø’s coastal location doesn’t tickle your fancy, then Saariselka, where earthy pine woodlands are buried in deep powdery snow, just might.  

Make sure to stay in a glass igloo — after all, this is the place where they were popularised. And what a spot for them.  

From your bed, you have high chances of spotting the aurora borealis painted across the night sky.  

Make sure to test out the longest toboggan track in Europe, which stretches 1.8km from the summit of Kaunispaa mountain.

Then warm up those chilled bones in a traditional Finnish sauna. 

GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3* Holiday Club Saariselka is from £914pp including flights from Gatwick on November 29.

See tui.co.uk. 

CHAMONIX, FRANCE 

A COSY and typically French resort town, Chamonix has maintained its traditional charm, despite having sparked the big ski boom. 

And unlike the purpose-built ski resorts, this town is vast and sprawling, with lots of wooden chalets dotted around.  

While it is a destination that is known for its skiing, there is still plenty else to do in winter.  

Le Pas Dans Le Vide is an awesome glass skywalk, suspended at an altitude of metres, at the summit of Aiguille du Midi.

It gives visitors the thrilling sensation of floating above the spectacular Bossons Glacier.  

There are also ice caves and ice sculptures and you can dig in to some of the best cheesy raclette in the country. 

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3* Residence Pierre & Vacances La Riviere is from £551pp, including flights from Gatwick on January 2, plus 20kg luggage per person.

See crystalski.co.uk. 

WHEN someone tells me holidays have got more expensive, my first question is usually: where are you looking?

Because holidays – and winter sun ones especially – don’t always come with the steep price tag… if you know where to look.

Even on the same island, holidaymakers can end up paying more in one resort while spending less in another.

And knowing which names to put into the search box can make all the difference.

So I’ve been digging through the booking data, comparing this winter with the winter before, to find the destinations where holidaymakers actually paid less on average.

From Tenerife, to Egypt, to long-haul luxury in Mexico – I’ve found a holiday alternative in every destination where the prices are considerably lower right now, compared to how much they were last year.

And with up to 18 per cent slashed off the price of a five-night stay, there’s no excuse not to consider a little pre-Christmas getaway…

10. El Medano, Tenerife – 1% less

El Medano earns its name for offering a completely different flavour of Tenerife.

Beach and water sports are a big deal here, making it a good option for someone who likes an active seaside holiday alongside the usual eating, relaxing and enjoying being away.

I’d put it on the shortlist if you want the beach to be the centre of the trip, with plenty of opportunity to get outside.

The average amount paid here edged down one per cent year on year, with a small dip in the nightly average too.

The deal I found is at Hotel KN Arenas del Mar Beach & Spa, a four-star, adults-only hotel with a pool overlooking the sea.

It’s a five night Bed & Breakfast break from £315pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on December 14, 2026 – a perfect pre-Christmas seaside break.

9. Matagorda, Lanzarote – 2% less

Matagorda is somewhere I’d suggest for a simple, classic Lanzarote beach break – the long stretch of golden sand gives you the perfect starting point for a winter holiday.

The average amount paid here dipped two per cent, keeping spending down between the two winters.

That’s a result, especially when you consider Playa Blanca – also on Lanzarote – saw average costs rise seven per cent.

For someone who already likes Lanzarote, Matagorda is another name worth checking before deciding where to stay.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at San Marcial from £200pp, including direct return flights from Bristol on December 12, 2026.

There’s a pool for spending time around the accommodation, while the self-catering basis gives you control over the food budget.

This means popping to the local supermarket – one of my favourite things to do on holiday – for your food, while having the option to eat out without feeling like you are wasting a meal at the hotel.

And at just £400 for two people, including flights, you’ve got a very tempting starting price for a winter escape.

8. Makadi Bay, Egypt – 6% less

Makadi Bay is one I’d check out for a Hurghada holiday this year, and it’s perfect for a holiday where leaving the hotel isn’t top of your list between cocktails and swimming.

Think time by the pool, trips down to the beach and making the most of having your main meals sorted if you choose all inclusive.

It suits the sort of break where getting extremely comfortable for a week is the whole plan.

And the average amount paid here between winters fell six per cent.

What makes that especially sweet is the contrast with Hurghada itself, where holidaymakers paid nine per cent more on average.

It’s just another example of why I’d always compare individual resort areas rather than searching for one destination and assuming the job is done.

The deal I found is at the five-star Stella Beach Resort & Spa Makadi Bay: a five night all inclusive stay from £415pp, including direct return flights from London Luton on December 12, 2026.

Five-star accommodation, all inclusive and flights for £83 per person per night across the package? That deserves real consideration, even from me.

7. Sharm El Sheikh (town) – 6% less

Sharm El Sheikh is one I regularly consider when someone asks for a winter holiday recommendation.

There’s a massive choice of resorts, with an endless coast of gorgeous beaches right on your doorstep.

The booking figures make this result particularly interesting – Brits paid six per cent less on average, year on year.

And, I should say, this was a spot attracting substantially more bookings compared to the year before. Yet still, the average costs came down.

The deal I found is five nights, all inclusive at Amwaj Oyoun Hotel and Resort from £345pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on December 6, 2026.

It’s a five-star hotel with a massive pool area, and it’s the sort of place where I’d happily build my day around which pool and which restaurant I’m liking the look of.

That’s £690 for two people, with flights, accommodation, meals and drinks covered.

Remind me why we spend winter in the UK again?

6. Nuevo Horizonte, Fuerteventura – 7% less

Nuevo Horizonte, also known as Costa de Antigua, is a useful name to know if you’re keen to get away this winter for a good price.

It’s on Fuerteventura’s east coast, close to Caleta de Fuste, and I’d consider it for a relaxed holiday with plenty of warmth.

For a budget-conscious trip, I’d look closely at apartment options.

This means more control over your spending by having breakfast in your apartment, keeping beers in the fridge and choosing when to eat out.

This had the lowest average amount paid of anywhere on the list, with holidaymakers spending seven per cent less on average than the winter before.

The deal I found is five nights self catering at Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel from £200pp, including direct return flights from Newcastle on December 12, 2026.

There’s a large pool area to enjoy, and as mentioned, the self-catering basis lets you decide how much of the holiday involves eating in or heading out.

Five nights in Fuerteventura for £400 for two, including flights, is a very sweet deal to have on your radar.

5. Playa del Carmen, Mexico – 8% less

If you’re thinking about a bigger, flashier winter escape, this is the spot I’d pay close attention to.

Playa del Carmen puts Mexico’s Caribbean coast on this shortlist, with plenty of beach time and the option to explore the Riviera Maya.

However, I would always look particularly closely at what the hotel includes here.

On a longer trip, an all inclusive package can cover a substantial part of your holiday spending before you arrive.

The average amount paid fell eight per cent, which meant a reduction of over £170 per person on average – the largest cash decrease on this list.

For two people, the difference between those averages was more than £350.

The deal I found is ten nights all inclusive at the five-star Bluebay Grand Esmeralda from £1,250pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on December 2, 2026.

That gives you a longer stay to settle into, with your main meals and selected drinks already part of the booking – a tantalising way to spend the run-up to Christmas.

4. Om El Sid, Sharm El Sheikh – 8% less

Om El Sid is one of my favourite parts of Egypt.

The area is known for its coral reefs and snorkelling, giving you something rather more interesting to look at than the bottom of a swimming pool.

For me, that’s a good reason to be specific about where in Sharm you stay – the location and beach access can become a major part of what makes the hotel worth booking.

Holidaymakers paid eight per cent less on average here too.

The deal I found is a five night all inclusive break at Old Vic Sharm Resort & Spa from £295pp, including direct return flights from Newcastle on December 9, 2026.

The hotel has a gorgeous pool if you don’t fancy a snorkel, and the all inclusive basis means your meals and drinks are covered while you’re there.

That’s £590 for two people, including flights – or £59 per person per night across the package.

So you’re bagging five nights away with a huge chunk of the everyday spending sorted. It’s easily one of the best deals I’ve spotted all year!

3. Golf del Sur, Tenerife – 9% less

Golf del Sur is worth a look if you fancy a much slower-than-usual Tenerife holiday, particularly if you like the idea of spending plenty of time enjoying your hotel.

And, as the name rather helpfully suggests, golfers have an obvious reason to take a closer look.

The area’s course combines volcanic scenery with Atlantic views, making a round here a very different proposition from searching for your ball in a wet British hedge.

But I’d also consider the area for a straightforward week of pool time, leisurely meals and a change of scenery.

The average cost here fell nine per cent, giving you another Tenerife name worth comparing when you’re searching.

The deal I found is five nights’ Bed & Breakfast at Grand Muthu Golf Plaza Hotel & Spa from £250pp, including direct return flights from Liverpool on December 13, 2026.

With breakfast included, you’ve got the first meal of the day sorted before you’ve had to make any meaningful decisions.

That’s £500 for two people for five nights away, including flights – I’d happily start planning around that.

2. Playa de la Arena, Tenerife – 13% less

Playa de la Arena is another spot in Tenerife that gives you something different to what you’d expect.

The black-sand beach is the centrepiece here, with places to eat nearby and lovely sunset views towards La Gomera.

Holidaymakers paid 13 per cent less on average.

This is the largest fall among the three Tenerife resorts on this list.

The deal I found is five nights including Bed & Breakfast at Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes from £250pp, including direct return flights from London Stansted on December 5, 2026.

It’s an adults-recommended hotel so perfect if you want a break without any kids splashing you from the pool.

It comes high recommended too, with a very impressive 4.7 out of 5 Tripadvisor score.

Breakfast sorted, five nights in Tenerife and flights for £500 for two – hard to argue with that. 

1. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria – 18% less

Las Palmas gives you two very good reasons to get on a plane: a proper city break and a beach holiday in the same place.

You’ve got the restaurants, cafés and everyday life of Gran Canaria’s capital, alongside Las Canteras – a long city beach with a promenade made for chilled-out walks and stopping for something to eat.

I’d recommend it to someone who wants winter sunshine but also likes having plenty on the doorstep.

By that, I mean each in the morning, lunch somewhere different and an afternoon where the world is your oyster.

And handily, this was the biggest mover in my analysis with Brits paying a whopping 18 per cent less on average!

The deal I found is five nights self catering at URBANSEA Holiday Homes from £245pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on December 10, 2026.

I like the self-catering option for this sort of trip because you can sort some meals and drinks yourself, leaving more spending money for trying different places around the city.

That’s £490 for two people, including flights, for five nights combining Gran Canaria with a city break. My pick of the bunch!

In Los Angeles, we’re truly spoiled. We have sunny weather most of the year along with several beaches where we can cool off. We also have dozens of wonderful restaurants that showcase the diversity of the city as well as all of the entertainment one could ever ask for. As if that weren’t already enough, L.A. is home to some of the coolest and most exciting brands.

Looking for apparel? Home goods? Something else? There are several local businesses worth supporting year-round, but especially during the holiday season.

All of the gifts featured on this list are from L.A. brands — some of which were created by native Angelenos like visual artist Lauren Halsey and Cash Saunders of the Shea Parlor. Only a handful of the businesses have storefronts, while others serve their customers online (and sometimes at local flea markets). All of them, though, serve as reminders of why purchasing a gift from a neighbor is a way bigger flex than shopping at a big-box store.

Editor’s note: If you make a purchase using some of our links, the L.A. Times may be compensated. Prices and availability are subject to change. In some cases, listed websites may use location-based pricing.

There’s a reason why people like to shop locally during the holidays. You don’t have to worry anxiously about when your gift will arrive — for the kids; it’s always for the kids. It doesn’t have to be like that.

This year, try visiting a local gift shop or a holiday craft fair and pick out a gift in person from a neighbor right here in L.A.

As in past years, many of the items in our Made in L.A. list are small-batch or made-to-order. You’ll find things including unique ceramics, puzzle candles, handmade jewelry and even a life-affirming baseball cap designed by an 11-year-old.

The best holiday gifts aren’t just those that arrive quickly. They also have heart. If you’re searching for the perfect gift, whether it’s the perfect handmade coffee mug or silk-screened tee boasting local pride, check out our list of favorites below.

Editor’s note: If you make a purchase using some of our links, the L.A. Times may be compensated. Prices and availability are subject to change. In some cases, listed websites may use location-based pricing.

When we went looking for the best independent gift shops in Los Angeles, we discovered a Tarot Arts store in South Pasadena, found a fun mix of paper goods — and stickers! — at Paper and Plant Co.’s new location in Highland Park and met three adorable shop cats at Adelaide, a charming flower and gift shop in Altadena, which was forced to close temporarily following the Eaton fire.

We’re fortunate in Los Angeles that holiday shopping doesn’t have to revolve around a crowded mall — or an Amazon delivery.

Shopping local can be fun.

At Little Flower in Pasadena, you can enjoy a meal or savory treat while browsing the shop’s shelves stocked with seasonal goods. At Curious in Hermosa Beach, you can book a haircut at a speakeasy-style barber inside the “pop and pop shop.” Or you might catch an art show at Tim Biskup’s Face Guts in Verdugo Village, right next to his unique lifestyle store, Home Guts.

This holiday season, why not try shopping in your neighborhood? Whether you need something for a teacher or loved one, shopping small helps support businesses that may have had a tough time of late. Many store owners shared that the holidays can make or break their entire year. “The holidays matter a lot to us,” says Ivana Suvak of Goods in Santa Monica. “I think in-person retail matters more than it used to. We’re all online all day, but walking into a shop, touching something, smelling it, discovering something you weren’t looking for and talking to another person … I don’t think that can be replaced.”

Shopping local makes a difference beyond just your gift recipient — it helps your neighbors. “My thought every year is: If you build it, they will come,” says Sonya Gallardo, who owns Highlow Gift Shop in Torrance. “To make the heavy investment, I have to have faith that my customers will remember my shop, and new customers will want to shop small and find me.”

Here’s a list of our favorite gift shops in Los Angeles.

THERE is nothing sinister about Tenerife or the capital of romance Paris. Or is there? With Halloween finally here, we uncover the spooky sides of European destinations.

From a cursed canalside palace in Venice to headless ghosts in Malta, Lisa Minot and Sophie Swietochowski share their pick of surprisingly scary holiday hotspots.

PARIS

THE French capital is reportedly home to the world’s largest underground ossuary — where the remains of six million people are buried beneath the streets.

Thrillseekers can stroll the network of underground tunnels, which are embedded with human skulls and bones.

You may see the City of Love in a whole other light after this.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Explorers Hotel is from £459pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on November 9.

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The fantastic hotel with rooftop pool, insanely good Italian food and free fizz

PLACE IN THE SUN

Cheap 30C European country that’s EASY for Brits to move to… how I did it

Includes a 22kg baggage allowance. Approximately £28 in tourist tax is payable at the property. See jet2holidays.com.

ROME

DESCEND into the Capuchin Crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the bustling Via Veneto and you’re greeted with a stunningly creepy sight — the bones of nearly 4,000 friars decorate five subterranean chapels.

The bones are laid out in intricate patterns across walls and archways and have even been turned into chandeliers.

GO: Two nights’ B&B at the 5H Villa Agrippina is from £399pp including flights from Heathrow on select dates in December. Price includes 23kg luggage. See britishairways.com/rome.

PRAGUE

IT may be famous for its pretty cobbled squares and fairytale spires but its medieval past has some chilling folklore.

The 14th-century Charles Bridge is said to be haunted by headless ghosts of executed nobles.

And the Old Town is famous for the legend of the Headless Templar Knight — a ghost who rides a white horse through the streets after midnight.

GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3H Comfort Hotel Prague City East is from £419pp including flights from Bristol on November 27 and 22kg luggage. See jet2holidays.com.

TENERIFE

ANCIENT spirits lurk in one of Tenerife’s oldest buildings, the Palacio de Lercaro.

This is the former home of Catalina Lercaro, the daughter of a wealthy businessman who was forced into a loveless marriage.

Catalina tragically took her own life by throwing herself down a well, and rumour has it that she still walks the building today. Holidaymakers can explore the building, with a traditional stone staircase, before venturing into the gorgeous old town for a bit of light respite.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3H Coral Compostela Beach Golf & Siam Park Waterpark is from £429pp based on four sharing and including flights from Manchester on November 1. Includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers. See jet2holidays.com.

DUBROVNIK

JUST 600 metres off the shore of Dubrovnik lies the isle of Lokrum.

It may look like a lush paradise but local folklore has it that Benedictine monks placed a curse on anyone who tries to take control of the island, after they were forced out by French forces in the late 18th century.

A string of former owners suffered mysterious deaths and tragedies, and today you can visit the eerie ruins of the abandoned monastery.

GO: Three nights’ B&B at the Hotel Porto is from £338pp with flights from Gatwick on November 14. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

MALTA

LISTEN out for whispers when you stroll in fortified medieval hilltop city Mdina — the headless ghost of Katrina still wanders the narrow lanes, calling to passers-by.

Traditional folklore claims she was sentenced to death for killing a knight in self-defence.

She was granted one final wish — to marry her true love — before being marched to her death immediately after the ceremony.

Mdina, known as the Silent City, is a spooky place to explore and many have claimed to see a woman in a bridal gown disappearing into the walls.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 3+H Mayflower Hotel is from £519pp including flights from London Stansted on November 6, plus 22kg baggage and return transfers.

Approximately £18 in tourist tax is payable at the property for this holiday. See jet2holidays.com.

VENICE

IF you visit Venice, you may want to steer clear of the 15th-century Ca’ Dario that borders the Grand Canal. Many believe the palace is cursed, after seven owners and visitors have met tragic ends since the 1980s.

People became so suspicious that the property remained empty for many years until 2026 . . . when it was listed for sale.

GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3H Il Mercante di Venezia is from £182pp including flights from London Stansted on December 13 and hand luggage. See tui.co.uk.

CRETE

GREECE is full of gory history so it’s no surprise that one of its fortresses is said to be crawling with an army of ghosts.

Head to Frangokastello, on the island of Crete, and you’ll find a restored Venetian castle overlooking a sandy beach.

At first glance, it may look peaceful but visit in the morning in May and you might be able to spot shadowy figures emerging from the misty waters.

They are said to be the ghosts of fighters who died in an horrific battle in 1828.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Creta Palm Resort is from £799pp including flights from from East Midlands on May 4 next year. Includes 22kg baggage and return transfers.

Approximately £58 in tourist tax is payable at the property. See jet2holidays.com.