Ideas for Winter Family Travel 2022
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Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway
Family holiday inspiration for winter
Check out this amazing guest post written by Mike Sheer!
Looking for a change of scenery, or want to get away from the cold winter weather? Why not book a family holiday this winter. There are many great places to choose between – from sunny escapes to snowy mountain towns. We’ve put together a list of things to do and places to go that families will love, so pack your bags and get ready for some fun.
Hobbiton in Auckland, New Zealand
1. New Zealand
27% of parents say travel helps their children to be more brave and adventurous. And where better to be adventurous than in New Zealand? The country is renowned for its natural beauty. Families can explore stunning landscapes, from towering mountains to verdant rainforests, and encounter unique wildlife, such as kiwis and tuataras.
It’s also home to a vibrant culture, with a rich Maori heritage and a growing food scene. Families can learn about the country's history and customs while enjoying delicious local produce. And with plenty of activities on offer, from hiking and biking to kayaking and surfing, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
New Zealand has four seasons per year but because it’s located in the southern hemisphere, these come at different times, with their summer falling at the same time as the northern hemisphere’s winter. So it’s a great opportunity to escape the cold too!
Side note: Josh and I went here on our honeymoon and went to visit Hobbiton! Anyone watching the new Lord of the Rings series?!
Visiting Reindeer in Tromso, Norway
2. Lapland
Lapland is a truly magical place, and there is no better time to visit than during the winter months. Families can enjoy all the festive activities that the region has to offer, from meeting Santa Claus and his reindeer to going on a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests, and curling up in front of the fire with a delicious hot cocoa.
In addition, Lapland is home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe, making it the perfect destination for a winter sports holiday if you’re looking for something more active.
With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that families flock to Lapland every year. So if you're looking for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience, be sure to add Lapland to your list of must-visit destinations.
Check out how we found the Northern Lights in Norway!
Disneyland Paris
3. Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is the perfect destination for families who are looking for an unforgettable vacation. The park offers a wide range of activities that will appeal to people of all ages, from thrilling rides to enchanting shows, and extra festive events throughout the winter season to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
There is also a variety of dining options available, so everyone can find something to their taste. Best of all, Disneyland Paris is home to some of the most iconic characters in the world, making it the perfect place to create lifelong memories. So why not take the whole family on a magical journey to Disneyland Paris?
Winter is a great time to take a family vacation. We’ve shared some of our favourite winter destinations, but we want to hear from you. Where do you like to go on winter vacations? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family.
Wanna read s’more? Did someone say s’mores?
Navigating the open road with a toddler can feel less like a scenic drive and more like a high-stakes, full-contact sport. Forget the tranquil hum of the engine; you're more likely to be serenaded by a chorus of "Are we there yet?" and the frantic search for a rest stop with a decent playground. But fear not, brave navigators! I've spent countless miles perfecting the art of the toddler-friendly road trip, and I'm here to share my quirky, tried-and-true survival guide.
My secret weapon? A pre-packed arsenal of sanity-saving essentials that never leave my car. First up, snacks, glorious snacks! This one's a no-brainer, but when you're hurtling down the highway, these morsels become more crucial than your GPS. My go-tos include That’s It bars, a brilliant way to sneak in some fruit; Go Go Squeeze Pouches for mess-free slurping joy; and, of course, the ever-reliable Goldfish crackers, which have the magical ability to avert a meltdown in seconds. To slow down the snack-gobbling process, I always pack snack pack containers—they're a sneaky way to work on those fine motor skills while keeping the crumb-pocalypse at bay.
But what about when the snacks run out? That's when I deploy my next secret weapon: reusable sticker books. I swear these are enchanted. I've found that each one buys me at least 15 minutes of blissful quiet—that's enough time to listen to an entire song without interruption! And for the inevitable screen time, a headrest-mounted iPad holder is a game-changer. It means less neck craning for your tiny passengers and more hands-free time for you to, you know, eat your own snacks in peace.