Hundreds of Brits planning winter holiday this year – and Spain comes out on top

MORE than a third of Brits have booked, or are planning to book, a winter holiday this year – to escape the cold, try something new and have a break cheaper than at other times of the year.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed the typical habits when it comes to going away between November and March, with the most popular destinations revealed as the Canary Islands, Spain, Italy and the USA.

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There is a real mix of people wanting sun and snow holidays during the chilly season as two in 10 hope for a ski adventure while half are seeking sun.

The chance to take part in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding and to get a tan also appear on the list of reasons why people love a winter getaway.

Now the UK is getting more heatwaves, 47 per cent are more likely to enjoy the warm weather at home in summer and then go on holiday when it starts to cool down.

This is reflected in data from family holiday rentals company Vrbo, which shows Las Palmas, Tenerife and Haute-Savoie in the French Alps are among the most popular winter getaways.

The USA, Spain,  Portugal and South Africa also appear on the company’s list, in line with the survey results.

A spokesperson said: “The beauty of a winter holiday is that there is a location for families and groups of friends.

“If you want to catch the last rays of the summer sun, the Canary Islands is perfect for you, but if you want more of an adventurous affair, the Alps has some fantastic ski resorts and chalets to rent.”

The research went on to find 68 per cent like having a holiday booked between November and March as it gives them something to look forward to during the drab cold months.

With the perfect winter break being at least a week long.

But the sun isn’t a must for three in 10, as they would far prefer lots of adventuring instead.

Of those who would like a winter sports holiday, key reasons include not having the opportunity to do this at home and to try something new. 

However, the cost of living crisis has meant two thirds (65 per cent) have had to book a cheaper holiday than usual this year.

With 41 per cent considering a winter escape more cost effective than a summer stay, and for 33 per cent, every pound they save goes on travel.

So, 37 per cent would go on more holidays in winter if the big school break didn’t land over summer.

When going away during the colder months Brits would consider staying in a holiday rentals, hotel or resort most commonly.

And four in 10 would want to explore somewhere they haven’t been to before, as almost a third (30 per cent) have a bucket list of travel locations they would like to tick off.

And the average person has been to four locations so far on their list.

But on the other hand, 28 per cent would go like somewhere familiar, according to the research via OnePoll.

The spokesperson for Vrbo added: “It’s great to see that British travellers are falling back in love with winter holidays taking the opportunity to enjoy a stay to go skiing with family and friends or to seek the sun and relax in Southern Europe or even overseas.”

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