From European cities where it hits 17C in February to more adventurous locations further afield, here are 26 winter holiday destinations as recommended by experts Sean Tipton, from the Association of British Travel Agents, and Alan French, chief holidays officer at Thomas Cook.
Saturday 15 November 2025 08:14, UK
Colder weather doesn’t mean you have to put travel plans on ice.
In fact, winter getaways are the cheapest, particularly in January and February.
And with more than 50 direct flights to new destinations this season, you could explore lesser-known places before they become popular and expensive.
For some insider tips on how to escape the winter blues without depressing your bank balance, the Money team has spoken to travel experts Sean Tipton, from the Association of British Travel Agents, and Alan French, chief holidays officer at Thomas Cook.
“Just after Christmas, not many people are thinking about taking a break and because of that, demand is very low, so the prices are much, much lower – and that continues into February,” Tipton says.
He says prices “come down drastically” from 10 January after festive travellers have returned home, with the exception of ski resorts.
“All destinations will be offering the best value at that time,” he says.
Eastern Europe
It’s the perfect time for a cheap city break, says Tipton, given the weather is less important for museums, galleries and meals out.
In eastern Europe, prices are much lower than in the UK, so a trip during the off-season means “some really good deals”.
Poland is often overlooked, despite historic urban destinations such as Krakow and Warsaw, Tipton says.
Ryanair has just launched its first direct flights from Leeds Bradford to Warsaw, and from London and Newcastle to Poland’s third-biggest city, Wroclaw.
It’s one of several airlines that have announced dozens of new routes this winter. Search our table to see if there are any fresh destinations you could reach from an airport near you…
“There’s something very evocative about walking around a city in the winter, particularly in eastern Europe, as it’s generally snowing,” Tipton says.
“So as long as you’re dressed appropriately, it’s actually quite a magical time to go.”
While Prague in the Czech Republic may be an obvious choice, Bratislava in neighbouring Slovakia “is a really lovely city and it offers incredibly good value for money”.
“If you try and avoid going to the more famous, more touristy destinations – and that’s true of every single country – things tend to be cheaper,” Tipton adds.
Tbilisi in Georgia, once somewhat difficult to get to, can now be reached with direct British Airways and EasyJet flights, he says.
Western Europe
If embracing the snow doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, western Europe has some pleasantly sunny winter days.
“One that’s really quite nice and stays open very late is Portugal,” says French.
He says travellers should avoid beach-orientated resorts and head for Porto or Lisbon.
Malta is a year-round option, and parts of Greece, like Rhodes, are also staying open a lot later in the year than they used to.
“But be a little careful on the resorts, particularly in the northern part of the Med, because not all of them are completely open,” he says.
“You turn up and you find that the swimming pools are being refurbished.”
Tipton adds: “We tend to go to the Greek islands. If you look at travel to the Greek mainland, there are lots of really fascinating, very beautiful places, which are much, much cheaper because they don’t get very many foreign tourists.”
Even the capital, Athens, is a bargain compared to the likes of London or Paris.
Southern Spain and Italy, especially Sicily, will also offer better weather than the UK, though the cold kicks in once the sun goes down, Tipton says.
One “very undervalued” location is the Spanish city of Almeria, which had sunny days of 17C in February this year.
“It’s not necessarily the most beautiful city, but the people are friendly and the food is really good quality,” Tiptop says.
Tapas generosity varies greatly across Spain, but in Almeria it peaks, with impressive portions served alongside every drink at some establishments.
“The size of a full-portion meal and it costs absolutely nothing. So just think of that,” Tipton says.
Southern Turkey offers inexpensive, good-quality hotels in places like Antalya.
“I don’t think people have quite realised that it’s a really nice, pleasant place to get away from the British winter,” he says.
North Africa
“North Africa is offering great value for money, from Tunisia, which is now opening up again, to Morocco,” French says.
Tipton agrees that both locations have had a big increase in winter getaways.
But rather than the ever-popular Marrakesh, try the port city of Essaouira or the “very historic, very interesting city” of Fes, he says.
Long-haul
“That winter sun holiday further afield is opening up in a way it’s not opened up since 2019,” says French.
“We’re seeing people becoming more and more adventurous.”
This is particularly true for older travellers, now making their way in numbers to the likes of Southeast Asia for the first time since the pandemic, he says.
Yes, the flights are more expensive, but locations like Vietnam and Laos offer much more bang for your buck once you’ve landed, adds Tipton.
On the other side of the world, US tourist attractions are offering up “some fantastic deals” to combat the political climate, French says.
“Given the reaction to foreigners in America, hoteliers are desperate to try and attract customers.”
Off-season, states like Florida and Virginia rely heavily on foreign tourists, so their offers are “very keenly priced”.
“The Caribbean is also a place that you shouldn’t overlook,” adds French.
If you like the sound of South America, take a look at Argentina, says Tipton.
Trouble in the Argentinian economy means it can be a very affordable base for trips around the continent to places like Uruguay and Brazil, he explains: “This year, our members are reporting people getting more and more interested in going to Columbia.”
South Africa is another “classic example” of expensive flights countered by a great exchange rate, with the standard of food also “very high”.
“It’s one of the few destinations where every year, the pound gets stronger against the local currency, the rand, and that’s the case again this year,” Tipton says.
Going abroad this winter? Tell us in the comments if you’ve found a hidden, affordable gem other readers should know about.
It’s been another busy week in the Money blog – to save you scrolling, here are the 10 most consequential or trending posts…
The country’s biggest mobile network providers, including Vodafone and BT’s EE, are facing a multi-billion-pound lawsuit for allegedly overcharging customers, after a tribunal ruled that part of it could continue.
The case, which is also brought against O2 and Three UK, has been valued at more than £3.2bn.
During a ruling today, the Competition Appeal Tribunal threw out claims from before October 2015, saying they had been made too late, but said claims for losses since then could continue to trial.
Lawyers representing consumer champion Justin Gutmann alleged the networks penalised loyal customers – meaning they paid more than new customers for the same services.
The networks’ lawyers have argued that the lawsuit is fundamentally flawed as it alleges anti-competitive behaviour “in an industry renowned for its competitiveness”.
EE said on Friday it did not accept the substantive allegations of the claim and intended to defend them robustly, while O2 said it welcomed the reduction in scope of the claim.
“We maintain that there is no merit to Mr Gutmann’s case for the remaining period and will continue to robustly defend our position as it proceeds,” an O2 spokesperson said.
Yesterday, we told you that Marks and Spencer had been criticised for selling two slices of bread for up to £4.50.
The supermarket’s Spanish pan de cristal product has been available for months, but has recently gained some media attention after becoming a viral snack.
Since its launch, 75,000 packs have been sold – you can read more about it here.
We asked for your thoughts on the product, and some of you supported the hype – but many of you hit back at its price.
Here’s what you had to say…
I buy this bread in Mercadona (a Spanish supermarket) for €2 and make my own tomato just 50 cents. The UK is greedy.
Pan de crystal
The amount of packaging is the most scandalous in my opinion. Consumers are able to exercise the choice of to buy or not to buy … For myself, I would not want to spend my hard-earned cash on this product.
Annie
Disgusting price. Thought M&S would price more fairly.
Joan badger
Rip off Britain. Money and greed have taken over.
Trevor
Same old bumph, trying to rip people off again. £4.50 for two pieces of bread. Don’t care what type it is, it’s still only bread. I bet you could make a complete loaf for the same price.
Staff mike
M&S 2 slices of bread for £4.50… how do they sleep at night… I guess they never see homeless people, or realise kids go without food before bed tonight in their nice cosy very expensive world…
Stu2023
Some of you didn’t see the point in complaining…
Okay so don’t buy it
Novlangue
They can charge what they want. You don’t have to buy it.
Kelly
Seems simple to me……everyone has the choice, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it! Others like to try something different “for a change”
Colchester Man
M&S bread. No-one’s making anyone buy it: if you think it’s too expensive then it’s quite simple! No need to criticise M&S.
DeeCee
I think it’s delicious and happily buy it. It’s got a lovely taste. Don’t mind paying that for something tasty and quality. M&S do it best.
Elizabeth
M&S told Money: “We offer a broad range of products at different price points including our 75p Remarksable value loaves, which we have held the price on since 2023, and our classic half baguette at 80p.
“We know our customers want different products for different occasions, from a weekday breakfast with the family to serving friends restaurant quality tapas at home using the best authentic Spanish products. In fact, we know that more people are often choosing to eat something different or special at home instead of going out.”
The cost of car insurance has fallen by an average of £56 over the past year, data from the Association of British Insurers has shown.
The typical car insurance premium was £551 between July and September – down from £607 during the same period last year.
The ABI’s motor insurance premium tracker is based on prices paid by motorists rather than quotes, and analyses nearly 28 million policies sold per year.
Motor insurance premiums have fallen each quarter so far in 2025, both on a quarterly and an annual basis.
Here are some of our top tips on how to save on your car insurance…
A ban on no-fault evictions, a cap on the number of times landlords can increase rent and an end to bidding wars are just some of the changes coming into force for renters next May.
The overhaul is part of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which the government has just confirmed will be rolled out from 1 May.
Here, we break down the key changes being made and what they mean for you.
1. A ban on ‘no fault evictions’
Landlords will not be allowed to serve private renters with a Section 21 notice – also known as a no-fault eviction notice.
This means your landlord will need a valid reason, such as missing payments, to kick you out.
2. Cap on number of rent increases in a year
Landlords will be prevented from increasing rent more than once a year.
Tenants will also be able to appeal excessive above-market rent increases that try to force them out.
3. End to bidding wars
Bidding wars between prospective tenants will be illegal. Landlords will not be allowed to accept more than the advertised rent price.
4. Goodbye to fixed contracts
All tenancies in the private rented sector will roll on from month to month or week to week (depending on your arrangement) with no end date to give renters more flexibility.
Tenants will also be able to end them with two months’ notice.
5. Pets welcome
Renters will be able to ask to live with a pet, and landlords must consider this fairly.
They will not be allowed to unreasonably refuse their request.
6. Maximum limit place on upfront rent
Landlords will not be allowed to ask for more than one month’s rent in advance.
7. No discrimination
Landlords will no longer be able to discriminate against tenants for being on benefits or having children.
What about landlords?
Though the measures are aimed at bolstering legal protections for tenants, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government was keen to insist that landlords will have stronger reasons for getting their properties back when needed as a result of the Act.
This includes when they want to sell up, if tenants are in rent arrears, or are engaging in anti-social behaviour.
Other measures in the act will come into force in two further phases, according to MHCLG.
Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have scrapped plans to break their manifesto pledge and raise income tax rates in a massive U-turn less than two weeks from the budget.
The decision, first reported in the Financial Times, comes after a bruising few days which has brought about a change of heart in Downing Street.
Our political editor Beth Rigby understands Downing Street backed down amid fears about the backlash from MPs and voters.
You can read her full report below…
Every Friday, we take an overview of the mortgage market with industry experts. Today, Moneyfactscompare.co.uk expert Rachel Springall outlines what has been happening with remortgage deals…
Some remortgage customers coming off a two-year fixed deal can expect to save around £200 a month, according to the latest Moneyfacts analysis.
In November 2023, the average two-year fixed rate was 6.29% – now it’s 4.94%.
For a mortgage of £250,000 over 25 years, that’s a saving of £203 a month.
While it’s good news for those at the end of a two-year deal, it’s bad news for people coming off a five-year fix.
“There will also be millions of borrowers who secured a cheap five-year fixed rate back in 2020, who are due to refinance, so they do need to prepare themselves for higher mortgage repayments,” said Springall.
“Seeking advice to assess the latest deals and not to fall onto the revert rate is essential, particularly as the average SVR is 7.27%.
“It is worth noting that lenders are already working hard to price down their mortgages to entice new business as part of their end of year targets, supported by recent falls in swap rates.”
Several lenders have made cuts to their fixed rate deals this week, including Barclays by 0.21%, First Direct by 0.27%, and HSBC cut by 0.17%.
Here’s a look at the lowest remortgage rates currently on the market…
As a remortgage customer, you may be looking to save on the upfront cost of any deal. You might also want a deal to cover a valuation or legal fees. A Best Buy mortgage could be the most cost-effective choice in this instance…
If you’re unsure how much you can borrow, you can get an idea by using our mortgage calculator…
Tesco Bank has announced that its popular Clubcard Pay+ account will close on 26 April 2026.
The supermarket’s finance brand said it had made the decision after a “careful review” of its products.
Clubcard Pay+ was made up of a prepaid debit card and a round-up savings account which let customers earn extra loyalty points on their spending.
Tesco Bank has urged customers to withdraw any funds from their account before the closing date. But don’t worry if you forget, it will return any funds that are left in there to you.
If your account is linked to a Clubcard, your loyalty points will be transferred over automatically. If it isn’t, you can still apply for a Clubcard on the Tesco website or app.
If you use your account to pay for any subscriptions, make sure you update your payment details with the service provider before your account is closed.
A Tesco Bank spokesperson said: “After a careful review, and due to limited usage of the product, we’ve made the decision to close Clubcard Pay+ accounts for existing customers from Sunday 26 April 2026.
“We’ve written to customers to inform them of the closure and to outline the next steps.”
Rightmove is set to face legal action – and the group making the claim estimates the damages could total around £1bn.
The property website is accused of charging unfair and excessive fees to thousands of UK estate agents.
The case, led by former panel member for the UK’s competition watchdog Jeremy Newman, is due to be brought to the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Newman said Rightmove has taken action that “exploits its dominance of the online property portal market in the UK to charge excessively and unfairly high subscription fees, both at face value and when compared with its competitors”.
The claim will “seek to return the overpaid fees to estate agents across the country”, he added.
Thousands of estate agents will be represented in the legal action, unless they choose to opt out.
The huge estimated total damages, and the size of the class action, suggest agents can be charged thousands of pounds in fees for their properties to feature on Rightmove.
The company said in a statement to investors that it had “received notice of a potential claim”, adding: “We’re confident in the value we provide to our partners.”
The FTSE-100 listed company made a pre-tax profit of £146.5m in the six months up to the end of June.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
