Winter Holiday Destinations: Where to Go and What to Do?

Winter – you either love it, or you hate it.

Whatever category you fall into, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy the cold weather and make the most of the snowy season. Booking a glacial getaway or an icy adventure will get you out and about into a winter wonderland where frosty fun awaits!

Below are a list of winter holiday destinations and activity suggestions to inspire you on your next chilly adventure.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Slide down the slopes for some action-packed adrenaline!

Skiing and snowboarding holidays are a popular winter holiday activity and a good way to make the most of snowy weather. Breezing through the alpine landscape is both relaxing and vigorous, but a great way to get some exercise in while having heaps of fun.

France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland are great places to fly to from the UK without venturing too far – so pack up your knits, thermals and ski suits, and pick out a ski resort for a week or two of snow-filled fun!

B&M Top Tip: Squeeze your ski gear and winter woollies into this Sovereign Suitcase 81cm and pair up with matching cabin bag for easy and stress-free travel.

European City Break

European cities and towns can be a charming place to be during winter.

Instead of going during the hot summer months and sightseeing in the sweltering heat, why not try a cosy winter weekend getaway filled with hot chocolate fuelled strolls, tasty and warming local cuisine, and quieter crowds.

There’s lots of things to do in cities and lots of indoor places to retreat to if it gets too cold. Take a chilly trip to the local art galleries, museums and cultural points of significance with stop offs in between at the local cafés, bars and restaurants.

Many European cities will have seasonal markets for you to enjoy, the perfect place to grab a festive drink, warm food and some interesting items. So, wrap up and enjoy the crispy air while you take in the culture around you.

B&M Top Tip: For short trips or a weekend away, the stylish Zebra Print Suitcase 55cm is perfect for travelling light - and saving money on baggage with your airline!

Scandinavia

Scandinavia is the home of snow, gonks and hygge – the perfect destination for a glacial getaway.

Book a cosy log cabin, a glass igloo or an ice hotel to really immerse yourself in your snowy surroundings and embrace the Scandi concept of ‘hygge’ – a Danish and Norwegian word used to describe cosiness, comfort, happiness, friendship, laughter and seasonal food & drink – all good and wholesome things that you can enjoy with loved ones while getting warm in front of a log fire.

If you are staying in Lapland or the arctic circle, there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy and keep you occupied. Book a dog sledding ride, a reindeer sleigh ride, or hit the sauna Scandi-style to embrace northern culture and experience something new.

Cross country skiing is also a popular method of travel in the snowy north so do as the locals do and trek across the tundra!

Canada

Canada is the home of winter sports, national parks and beautiful scenery.

Winter sports are popular in Canada, making this country a great destination for those who like to get active. Home to many popular and world-renowned ski resorts, you’ll have plenty of options of where to go if you fancy hitting the slopes. You also won’t have to look far to find the local ice rink where you can brush up on your ice skating.

Ice rinks aren’t the only place to carve up the ice however! In the deep winter, frozen canals, lakes and rivers are popular skating spots for ice hockey games and figure skating.

For those who enjoy less slippery activities, getting out into nature and hiking beneath snow-capped mountain ranges will be an experience you will remember forever. Check out one of Canada’s many famous and beautiful national parks or trails and get back in touch with nature.

B&M Top Tip: You'll need a big suitcase for a big trip! Luckily, we've got you sorted. Transport your trekking gear in this Charcoal Runway Hard Shell Suitcase 86cm so you can fit in everything you need.

UK

Why go abroad when the UK has so many wonderful places to visit during wintertime? Scotland and Wales are great winter destinations due to their mountainous landscapes, valleys, glens, lakes and other beautiful spots in nature.

Head up north to the Scottish Highlands and experience the beauty of nature and the crispy northern cities, or discover the magic of the Welsh mountains and find a cosy cottage to curl up in. There are also plenty of charming English towns and villages waiting for wintertime wanderers to visit. York, Canterbury and Oxford are popular city destinations, or head deeper into the countryside and find a small town to explore.

Wherever you end up, be sure to check out the local markets that appear over winter to grab some special handmade items or some tasty food. Visit the local pub, have a shop around or go for some walks to explore your surroundings.

B&M Top Tip: Taking the kids with you on a short trip? Get them sorted for the car or train ride with these adorable Mermaid and Dinosaur Handheld Cabin Cases.

Browse our range of Luggage online, or buy at your local B&M Store.

What are you planning this winter? Share your winter destination ideas, travel plans and experiences with the B&M community on Facebook, X and Instagram.