6 of the best family winter holidays
Sun, snow or sea? Explore a range of winter options for a family escape
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When it comes to winter family getaways, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some clients might fly south in search of sun or set sail for balmier climes, while others choose to embrace the chill to make snowy memories.
With Christmas just weeks away and February half-term following quickly on its heels, now’s the perfect time to set your clients’ sights on a fabulous winter break.
Whether they want to pack their bags for a far-flung festive adventure or are looking for an antidote to February’s dark nights, we’ve rounded up the best short and long-haul options for this winter.
1. Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic
With some of the best prices in the Caribbean, the dreamy Dominican Republic is a hit for those looking to go long-haul.
It’s also well connected, with direct flights from Manchester, Birmingham and more available. There’s new product to interest agents too following the opening of the 500-room Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa (pictured main) last month.
Expect sun-filled fun even in the middle of winter, with watersports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, sports courts, a baseball cage and a trampoline zone offering active families plenty to do together. For a break from the rays, children between the ages of three and 12 can play at the Explorer’s Club, while teens can learn dance moves at a dedicated ‘disco pub’.
Book it: Seven nights’ all-inclusive in a Junior Suite starts at £9,179 for a family of four (two adults and two children under 11) with If Only. The price includes private transfers and indirect flights from Heathrow, departing February 15, 2026.
ifonly.net
2. Monastir, Tunisia
Image credit: Shutterstock/Kadagan
Tunisia is an excellent option for a winter family holiday on a budget. With plenty of sunshine and a sea temperature of almost 20C in December – so clients who dare can take a dip in the Med – Monastir is an ideal base. The Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort has direct beachfront access.
Parents and older children will find plenty to do come rain or shine, with one indoor and three outdoor pools; a tennis court; a teen club stocked with balls, consoles and board games; and nightly entertainment.
Little ones have an all-weather world of their own to enjoy, including a kids’ club and a toddler splash park.
Book it: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort starts at £655 per person with easyJet holidays, based on two adults and two kids sharing. The price includes luggage, transfers and flights from Glasgow on December 20.
easyjet.com/holidays
3. Colorado, US
Image credit: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone
Less than two hours from Denver airport, the family‑friendly ski resort of Breckenridge offers dog‑sled rides, while children can be enrolled in ski school from the age of three.
Indoor days can be enriching too, with the Mountain Top Explorium offering fun scientific experiments. The ski‑in, ski‑out Beaver Run Resort’s options for when families aren’t on the slopes include a pool, mini‑golf and an arcade.
Book it: Crystal Ski Holidays offers seven nights’ room-only at the Beaver Run Resort from £1,607 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing a room. The price includes transfers and flights on December 28.
crystalski.co.uk
4. Lapland, Finland
Image credit: Ministerie van Beeld Gorinchem
Inghams has expanded its Lapland programme to offer full‑board packages in Saariselkä – making its sweeping snowscapes better value for families.
Set in a secluded spot is the Wilderness Hotel Muotka, where families can fill their days with snowmobile safaris, fat‑tyre biking, snowshoe walks through the frozen lakeland or even cross‑country skiing. Cabins with private saunas mean children can warm up the Nordic way before bedtime, or suggest clients book a glass‑domed cabin for aurora borealis‑spotting opportunities.
Book it: Inghams offers seven nights’ full‑board at the Wilderness Hotel Muotka from £3,122 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing a Superior Sauna Room. The price includes transfers, thermal clothing, listed activities and flights departing Bristol on February 16, 2026.
inghams.co.uk
5. The Bahamas, Caribbean
Image credit: Jordan & Dani Lutes
For a half‑term holiday that kids will brag about back at school, suggest a Western Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise on Freedom of the Seas.
The sailing visits Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as Mexican island Cozumel, giving families two different tastes of the Caribbean – one with waterslides and hot‑air balloon rides, the other with Maya temples and snorkelling in cenotes.
Two sea days offer a chance to enjoy the ship’s surf simulator, ice rink and 12‑metre climbing wall.
Book it: Royal Caribbean International’s five‑night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day sailing starts at £5,818 in total for two adults and two children sharing an inside stateroom, departing from Miami. Includes a one‑night pre‑cruise hotel stay in Miami, all transfers and flights from Heathrow departing February 15, 2026.
royalcaribbean.com
6. Canary Islands, Spain
Image credit: Tom Fallon
A Christmas sailing around the Canary Islands on board Marella Voyager, Marella Cruises’ latest ship, is a great option for clients keen to spend the school holidays at sea.
The ship calls at Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Madeira, with excursions on offer ranging from beach transfers to bike tours.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are spent on an overnight stop in Funchal, Madeira, where families can explore via three modes of transport: 4x4, tuk‑tuk or motorcycle sidecar. Plus, the overnight stop means they can witness the Rooster’s Mass at midnight.
Book it: Marella Cruises’ seven‑night A Canarian Christmas itinerary starts at £1,696 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing a Family Balcony Cabin. The price includes tips, transfers, luggage and flights from East Midlands airport on December 20.
tui.co.uk/cruise
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