English
Winter is almost here and Christmas, too, which means that the year 2013 is coming to an end, but there’s still time to plan a getaway before New Year’s Eve. Whether you have just a few days or even an entire week to get away, we’re going to talk about the best destinations in Europe to escape and make the most of what’s left of the year.
2-4 days
Sometimes we may think it’s not worth traveling for such a short time. But with this mindset, you’ll never go anywhere. Two days are still plenty of time to relax in a new place and take a break from your routine. If you only have two, three or four days to get away, it´s best to visit a city. Where? A good place to start is Rome. Visiting Rome outside the main tourist season is a joy, since there’s no summer sun beating down on you or flocks of tourists queuing up in long lines that never end every place that is the least bit interesting. Rome is best to visit at this time of year when you can explore at your leisure.
Another interesting destination for such a short amount of time is Lisbon. At this time of year, the temperatures there are around 15ºC, which makes it a very attractive winter destination where you don’t have to go out in jackets, hats, scarves, etc. and still freeze to death. Being there off-season, you’ll also be able to appreciate the daily life of the Portuguese capital and all its delights and surprises in neighborhoods like Alfama or Bairro Alto, whose gastronomy and cultural life can be counted among the best of the continent.
Finally, if you like alternative destinations, Budapest is the perfect choice. In this city of spas, the experience of an outdoor thermal bath with hot water and hydromassage jets on your back is absolute luxury that everyone can afford. After months of working, why not start the year out revitalized from a visit to the spas of Rudas, Szechenyi or Gellert in Budapest, which are simply magnificent. Moreover, the city has Christmas markets you won’t want to miss and you can really feel the Christmas spirit in the air.
5+ days
If you are lucky enough to be able to get away for almost a week or more, why not travel to a place where you can relax on the beach, enjoy the sun, and forget about the cold back home? The Canary Islands are one of the best destinations to do that. They don’t know anything there of cool temperatures or seasons there because the sun shines all twelve months of the year and the temperature stays around 20-25°C in the winter. Also, since there are many islands, you can choose the one that best suits your needs, whether it’s the peacefulness of Hierro, the waves of Lanzarote, or the lively and urbanite islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. No matter where you decide to go here, you will always encounter sunshine.
You can also seek the sun and sand on the other Spanish islands, the Balearics. Since tourism is down, now is a great time to visit and enjoy the beautiful weather and tranquility. Menorca is a delight at this time of year, and Ibiza is absolutely beautiful. Alternatively, Formentera is a sanctuary of peace and quiet. And if you prefer bigger and more urban places, you always have Mallorca.
Whatever you do, don´t just stay at home. Get out there and enjoy a vacation before the year ends. Rent apartments in Budapest or another destination to indulge in a getaway you most certainly deserve.
