Unwrap Winter Wonders: Ski, Lapland and Belize Adventures Await

Hi, and welcome. As the evenings draw in, I start thinking about winter travel in two very different ways. Sometimes I want snow, crisp air and that cosy feeling you only get in proper winter destinations. Other times, I want to escape the grey entirely and swap it for jungle, wildlife and warm sea.

Below are three winter escapes I plan a lot for clients: ski and snow breaks, Lapland adventures, and a warmer wildcard that I absolutely love, Belize.

1) Skiing and snowboarding holidays

Ski holidays can be anything from a big, sociable chalet week to a relaxed hotel break with spa time and scenic lunches. What matters most is matching the resort and accommodation style to how you like to travel, not how people think a ski holiday should look.

Catered chalets for groups and families who want ease and good value.
Self-catering apartments for flexibility and your own routine.
Hotels with wellness if you want comfort, great food and a slower pace.

If you want skiing but not everyone in your group does, I’ve written a helpful guide here: ski resorts with activities for non-skiers.

You can also explore my main ski pages here: Ski adventures and Snow and ski holidays.

2) Lapland, Northern Lights and Arctic winter magic

Lapland is not just for children. Yes, Santa experiences are brilliant for families, but I also plan Lapland for couples, friends and solo travellers who want snowmobile safaris, husky sledding, ice hotels and Northern Lights nights that feel genuinely special.

Festive family trips with reindeer rides and Santa experiences.
Northern Lights-focused stays with winter activities and cosy lodges.
Proper Arctic adventures for travellers who want more exploration than tinsel.

For Arctic-style winter travel beyond Lapland, these are good starting points: Arctic small group tours and family Arctic adventures.

Practical planning makes a huge difference with Lapland, especially packing and layering. I’ve put my tips here: what to pack for Lapland.

3) Belize: my warm-weather winter favourite

If you want to dodge winter entirely, Belize is one of the most rewarding places I’ve travelled. It’s got that rare combination of wildlife, jungle adventure, Maya history and proper downtime on the coast. It’s also wonderfully straightforward for UK travellers because English is widely spoken.

Jungle and wildlife in areas like the Cayo District, with ruins, rivers and rainforest.
Reef and water time for snorkelling, diving and easy island living.
Culture and history through Maya sites and local experiences.
Outdoor adventure with trails, caves and waterfalls.

Belize isn’t currently a standalone destination page on my site, but these two sections are the right place to start if you want a Belize-style trip built around adventure and water: Overland adventures in Central and South America and water-based adventures in Central and South America.

FAQs

What is the best type of winter holiday if I don’t want extreme cold?
A winter sun destination or a warmer multi-centre trip works well. Belize is a great option if you want wildlife and beaches without the crowds of the most obvious winter sun spots.

Is Lapland only for families?
Not at all. I plan Lapland for adults who want Northern Lights nights, snowmobiling, husky sledding and boutique lodges. The key is choosing the right region and trip style.

How early do I need to plan winter travel?
The best options are often limited, especially for peak festive dates and school holidays. If you have fixed dates or specific accommodation in mind, earlier planning gives you far more choice.

Tell me what kind of winter you want

Whether you want crisp mountain air, Arctic magic, or a warm escape with wildlife and water, I’ll tailor the right trip for you and handle the details so it feels easy.

If these exact ideas aren’t your style, that’s absolutely fine. Tell me what you do love, and I’ll build something that fits.