5 Parent Approved Winter Getaway Destinations

It’s not too late to book yourself a winter family getaway and enjoy end of the year adventure! Here’s a round-up of 5 parent approved destinations to consider this year:

Short Haul

Paris

Image credit: Time Out

Paris! It’s always an exciting city but it’s particularly magical in winter. There’s lots going on for families - from taking in the famous art at the Louvre, marveling at the Eiffel Tower, watching the hundreds of pigeons outside the Pompidou Centre or wrapping up and taking a family bike ride. The Christmas Markets are also fab - take a wander around The Champs-Élysées Christmas Market, Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market.

Or Paris Christmas Market at Les Halles, just a few highlights.

Mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sweet treats for the kids and plenty of holiday spirit. I love that Paris has so much to see and do and oozes style at the same time. The city has such a buzz. Sitting outside all wrapped up, people watching, is one of my favourite things to do.

If you fancy a compromise when it comes to fancy eats in Paris, consider a burger for the kids at Ferdi where you’ll find grown-up French cooking for the adults too. Kim K flies from LA especially for their cheeseburger. 

A stylish Air BnB is the perfect place for a home-from-home feel in Paris this winter. There are loads of brilliant choices here.

Prague

Image credit: Trailfinders

Prague is another good one for a magical winter break and it’s very affordable too. You’ll find the beautiful Christmas market in the main square (National Square) from 1st December and there are plenty of child-friendly attractions to visit, such as: the city’s Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Petrin Hill and the Observation Tower and city explorations around the Old Town.

If you’ve got any film fans in the family, you might like that Prague is the backdrop to thrilling films like Casino Royale and Bourne Identity. You can quite often see filming going on which is always exciting! I’ve only ever visited Prague in Winter and know it can be very cold, but it’s the perfect place to wrap up all warm and snuggly, in your Arctic Cub hats and warm up with a side of dumplings! The deep fried cheese (Smažený Sýr) is also a must try. Yum.

easyJet do flights to Prague from across the UK (we travel easyJet a lot and find them very accommodating for families). Brill if you want a short break and don’t mind wrapping up warm. The food is great for warming up on your cold winter adventures too, with lots of hearty meat dishes. Take a look at easyJets Prague holidays here.

Wales

Image credit: Along Came Cherry

Center Parc is known as a fab family retreat for those who want to get outdoors and adventure in the UK but not everyone’s heard of Bluestone in Wales - which is a brilliant alternative run specifically for family fun outdoors, in all seasons. On top of the beautiful scenery of Pembrokeshire, an adventure centre, lake, nature trails and climbing opportunities... in November and December, Bluestone turns into a magical wonderland to celebrate Xmas! Find out more here. 

Long Haul

Thailand

Image credit: Trip Advisor

Thailand has been really popular with Little Hotdog Watson families over the last couple of years. Most UK flights go into Bangkok. I’ve been alone and would love to go as a family one day, the sights, sounds and pace of life is like nothing else! If you’ve gold older children I’d definitely recommend a boat trip down the Chao Phraya river or a food market tour - probably a bit much for toddlers, but manageable with a baby in tow. The sky train is a fun way to see what Bangkok has to offer too, the kids will love it! 

For a real treat, the Banyan Tree Hotel is based on the highest point in the city and has an open air bar with incredible views. It’s a very dressy spot but magical. I love the local night market for finding local crafts, entertainment and food. The newest night market is set in an airplane – take a look!

Thailand visitors will often hop on a flight to the islands too. If you plan to do this, choose carefully. Nearly all the islands have a party and non-party side, and these can change all the time. You want to avoid where they’re celebrating Full Moon style when you’re travelling with little ones.

Phi Phi is beautiful. I volunteered and worked here following the Tsunami and helped rebuild the local school gardens. It was such a wonderful experience and has left a big imprint on my heart. You can take a day trip to this ‘beach’ island, it’s just stunning.

Virgin Holidays do some wonderful package holidays for families to Thailand. Including their holidays to Hua Hin - Thailand’s oldest beach resort (a favourite with Thai Royals). Have a browse here.

Be aware mosquitos and bugs are particularly prevalent at night in Thailand so make sure you take clothes to cover up and wear a sun hat even in the evening. Our hats have in-built bug repellent to keep those pesky critters away all day long!

Browse our sun hats now.

Morocco 

Image credit: AlphaRooms

Morocco is another vibrant destination I’ve yet to go with kids myself but have loved visiting alone and know it’s gone down well as a holiday spot for other family getaways! I recommend heading to Marrakech and the Medina. It such a fab place to take in the sights, sounds... and the food! Holidays are made for eating and a leisurely breakfast with freshly squeezed oranges and pastries is a must. Then eating late in the evening is a real highlight too, when the temperature is cooler.

I also recommend staying in a traditional Riad for at least some of your stay, then heading out of town to find a pool. We also like Essaroia which is a bus ride away from Marrakech itself  is great for water sports and local crafts. You can eat lunch with the fishermen and watch them cook their freshly caught fish. Yum!

iEscape offer some gorgeous family-friendly boutique hotels in Morocco. Have a browse here.

Don’t forget to pack your kids hats for your winter getaway. We’ve got you covered whether you chose short haul adventure or long haul sun. Browse our hats now.