Ten of the best winter holiday destinations

The UK may be bracing for winter, but that’s no reason to feel glum. Not with these great winter vacations available

By James Matthews

With the nights drawing in and the first signs of Christmas creeping into shops, no one could blame you for dreaming of a winter getaway.

According to research from ABTA, more than 4.5 million British holidaymakers will leave the UK behind for some winter sun this year. And whether you’re looking to escape the gloomy weather at home, embrace the cold with a skiing adventure, or just take advantage of lower off-season prices, there are plenty of reasons to explore the world in the months ahead.

    ...more than 4.5 million British holidaymakers will leave the UK behind for some winter sun this year.  

So if you need inspiration to beat the December blues, here’s our pick of 10 of the best winter holiday destinations.

1. Estonia

Estonia might be the best winter destination you’ve never thought of. Its capital Tallinn is located on the country’s Gulf of Finland coast and is a great way to experience a Scandinavian-style winter wonderland without hurting your wallet.

Tallinn’s fairytale Old City has plenty to explore on foot, from historic sights like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to citywide views atop the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform. Even better, there are plenty of cheerful cafés and bars to keep you refreshed as you wander.

2. Bulgaria

If skiing is your thing, Bulgaria is a great place to get that fix without paying the price of Europe’s more popular Alpine and Scandinavian resorts. Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo are the country’s biggest ski and snowboard resorts, with slopes for both beginners and intermediates.

If you’re not looking to hit the slopes, Bulgaria’s varied geography comprises mountain ranges, forests and the Black Sea coast to make for a hiker’s paradise.

3. Slovakia

Another great ski destination in Eastern Europe is Slovakia, thanks to the Tatra Mountains running along its border with Poland.

Jasná in the Low Tatras is Slovakia’s biggest ski resort, boasting 49 kilometres of paths and slopes. Tatranská Lomnica offers a challenge to advanced skiers with the region’s steepest slopes, while Donovaly Park Snow is perfect for beginners and families with children.

    ...much cheaper flights and accommodation, it is the perfect location for soaking up some winter sun.  

4. Morocco

Morocco might not be the first place that springs to mind for a winter getaway. But with relatively mild average temperatures and (more importantly) much cheaper flights and accommodation, it is the perfect location for soaking up some winter sun.

Try Tangier for Mediterranean beaches on the Strait of Gibraltar, or take your pick from Marrakech and Fez for all the riads, souks and historical sites that give Morocco its unique flavour.

5. Hungary

Hungary’s capital Budapest is spellbinding in winter. The summer heat drops off quickly here, but that just means you can indulge your inner festive side with a cinnamon chimney cake at the Christmas market and ice-skating on the City Park’s outdoor rink.

And if all that sounds a little too chilly, don’t forget that Budapest is known for its ornate thermal baths, fed by more than 100 hot springs across the city.

6. Spain

Spain might usually conjure thoughts of summer package holidays, but visiting during the off season means you can enjoy a beach holiday in Barcelona or Valencia without the massive crowds.

Believe it or not, Spain even has something to offer the ski enthusiast: head out to the Sierra Nevada resort near Granada, where the ski season runs from November to May with runs ranging from beginner to advanced.

7. Greece

Greece is a must for any self-respecting traveller, but the heaving popularity of its big-name landmarks and Mediterranean beaches can turn a summer holiday into a nightmare.

Not so in winter, however, meaning you can take in as much of historic Athens as you like without having to elbow your way through crowds of camera-toting tourists.

    ...a trip to Cyprus can be far more pleasant outside of the summer peak months.  

8. Cyprus

Just like Greece, a trip to Cyprus can be far more pleasant outside of the summer peak months. Historic sites like Paphos Castle and the Church of Agios Lazaros are spread across the island. They are open year round so you won’t miss anything in winter.

Cyprus’ coastal cliffs and Troodos mountains are also great for hiking holidays, with January proving a particularly forgiving month to get your trek on.

9. Turkey

Turkey’s varied geography and climate offers a multitude of winter break options. For snow sports, head to Bursa in the north west for skiing and snowboarding as well as trekking in its mountainous National Park. For winter sun, go south and sunbathe on the beaches of Antalya as late as November.

And of course, the history-rich Istanbul becomes a beautiful city break setting in winter, with snow dusting the Topkapi Palace and the spires of the Hagia Sophia.

10. Brazil

If a winter escape for you means getting as far away from the cold as possible, head to South America. South of the Equator, the UK’s winter months are its summer.

That does mean that any holiday to Brazil between December and March will fall into the expensive season, but sometimes it’s worth it to trade in the central heating for the Copacabana.

Rio de Janeiro is the prime beach destination, while Sao Paulo boasts some of the most vibrant city life you’ll ever see.

Published: 18 October 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Every one of David Bowie’s studio albums rated

You may also enjoy: Five of the most unusual places to stay

Jobs currently available

Laboratory Technician
Sector: Science and Pharmaceuticals
Salary: £34,029 per annum
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB34
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for a skilled Laboratory Technician to join a manufacturing business in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

The role involves performing analytical testing on raw materials and finished products, ensuring consistent product quality, maintaining accurate documentation, and meeting both internal and external audit requirements.

Key accountabilities include:

  • Performing analyses and operations according to agreed work plans and schedules.
  • Producing and reporting on time only valid, accurate analytical results.
  • Reporting immediately, out-of-specification results, non-conformances, or any aspects of laboratory operation which are prejudicial to the laboratory operation/service to the Line Manager.
  • Achieving/maintaining the desired level of competency in all defined operations.
  • Undertaking operations to comply with world-class operation practices.
  • Carrying out work activities according to agreed work plans and schedules, following the written standard operating procedures.

Key attributes include:

  • Proven hands-on laboratory experience in Microbiological testing, sample preparation and serial dilution techniques, plating and plate reading.
  • Practical experience in chemistry-based analysis.
  • Familiarity with aseptic techniques and contamination/cross-contamination control.
  • Ability to prepare and handle media, reagents etc.
  • Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, balances, microscopes and exposure to use of higher level equipment such as HPLC and any other equipment along those lines.
  • Good understanding of GLP.
  • Accurate record keeping, completion of relevant spreadsheets, and associated databases.
  • Attention to detail for reporting and result verification.
  • Ability to interpret data.
Read more
Process Improvement Lead
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB35
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for a Process Improvement Lead to support a manufacturing business in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

In this role, you will be instrumental in ensuring product quality and supporting the company’s reputation for excellence. You will also help embed improvements across the business by working closely with Team Leaders on-site and beyond.

Engaging with the daily operational teams, the role involves providing laboratory analysis to advance performance improvement opportunities. It also includes supporting multidisciplinary teams through troubleshooting and promoting Lean manufacturing principles.

Role will involve:

  • Conducting non-routine analysis of in-process materials, raw materials and finished products.
  • Interpreting, analysing, and communicating results to relevant departments.
  • Following standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices.
  • Generating and updating existing standard operating procedures and test methods.
  • Troubleshooting laboratory issues and recommending solutions.
  • Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all testing performed.
  • Facilitating plant and process problem solving.

Knowledge and qualifications requirements:

  • Degree in Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
  • Experience in Food and Beverage, or Food services industry is essential – experience of unpredictability and variability in production.
  • Previous experience in a quality assurance or laboratory environment.
Read more
R&D Technician
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB36
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a skilled R&D Technician to join a manufacturing company in Braintree, Essex.

In this role, you will be involved in designing and developing new products, ensuring the successful completion of work on both new designs and product modifications.

Role will involve:

  • Designing and developing new products: taking note of the client’s specifications and participating in their analysis, producing all the technical documents necessary for development.
  • Ensuring feasibility/maintain vigilance on the capability of the industrialisation of the project, creating models and prototypes, etc.
  • Contributing to modifications and adaptations of existing products.
  • Implementing instructions, item sheets, and technical specifications of subcontracted products/components.
  • Contributing to the production of technical files as well as those given to the client.
  • Writing the reports of investigation and qualification tests that have been carried out.
  • Taking charge of projects that do not require interaction with the customer and following a known design.
  • Contributing to the creation of digital simulations of new products to accelerate the product investigation phase in their area of expertise.

Key knowledge and skills required:

  • 2D/3D drawing/Design/Modifications.
  • Knowledge of materials, their properties and constraints: synthetic, ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
  • Know how to recognise the relevance of the value of a measurement or a calculation.
  • Ability to analyse and synthesise.
  • Organisational ability.
  • Critical thinking and continuous improvement.
  • IT and digital tools.
  • Ability to adapt.
  • Ability to collaborate and have a team spirit.

Qualifications required:

  • Evidence of higher education is essential, a relevant technical degree plus 2 years of experience in industrial product design.
Read more
Warehouse Manager
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB33
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an experienced Warehouse Manager to join a manufacturing business in Braintree, Essex.

This is a hands-on role responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the warehouse, supporting the business as it grows and meets increasing demand.

You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation and coordination of the warehouse and logistics functions, while continually seeking and implementing ways to improve performance, processes, and organisational standards.

Duties will include:

  • Managing the warehouse team.
  • Handling raw materials.
  • Handling finished goods.
  • Goods in; picking; packing and dispatch processes.
  • Converting raw material to finished goods.
  • Managing inventory; storage, accuracy, and cycle counting.
  • Coordinating with third-party logistics.

Key skills required:

  • Significant operational leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of applying Lean/CI principles to realise business goals and deliver productivity.
  • General Computer Skills.
  • Minimum of 2 years Team Leader/Supervisor experience in Stores/Warehouse function.
  • Organisational skills.
  • Strong Problem-solving skills.
  • Team Player.
  • Current FLT licence – counterbalance/ flexi truck.
Read more
CNC Turner
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £32,448 - £40,560 per annum
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB32
About the role

Due to continued growth and succession planning, Just Recruitment is recruiting an experienced CNC Turner to operate CNC lathes with FANUC controls for a well-established company in Braintree.

Scope:

  • Setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.
  • Loading and running programs through prove out according to the tools list and works instructions.
  • Producing a valid first-off component in line with component drawing and quality requirements.
  • Loading and operating machines to meet desired quantities.
  • Conducting in-process inspection, checking against drawings and specifications to ensure they are made accurately and to the highest standards.
  • Completing QA records.

Skills:

  • Capable of programming FANUC CNC machines (Specific robot program training/operation will be given to the successful candidate).
  • Selecting the correct tooling and setting the machines as required to produce quality components by reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings.
  • We will consider transferable skills from grinding or milling to CNC turning.

Hours of work: 39 hour working week
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm or 9.00am to 5.30pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm

Read more
Warehouse Operative (3 month fixed term contract)
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913748
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Braintree - they are looking to add a 'Warehouse Operative' to their team, initially on a 3 month fixed term contract.

The key purpose of this role is to support the warehouse team, ensuring all duties are completed to a high standard and stock is processed accurately both in and out of the business.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with the unloading/loading of vehicles and the checking in of stock.
  • Sorting and placing materials or items onto racks and shelves.
  • Collecting items from throughout the warehouse, preparing and completing warehouse orders for delivery or pickup according to a schedule.
  • Performing warehouse inventory controls via scanner and/or through a computer.
  • Stock counting and location checks.
  • Forklift driving (counterbalance) duties as required.

Role requirements include:

  • Previous warehouse-based experience, ideally holding a full and valid counterbalance licence.
  • Good IT and communication skills - able to input stock accurately on the system and on other systems as needed.
  • Previous experience of using a hand scanner.

Please note you need to have a full and valid driving licence for this role, as some van driving duties may be required on an ad-hoc basis.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm - some overtime may be required.

This role offers a competitive salary and great company benefits as well as an incentive package.

This is a great time to join a growing organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Service Engineer (Gas Safe registered)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: North East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB31
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Service Engineer to cover the North East, ideally located close to Newcastle, Durham, or the Darlington area.

The role involves carrying out routine servicing, including filter changes, as well as breakdown repairs across a wide range of company units. You will have a good level of fitness and be comfortable working at heights. Occasional on-call cover will also be required for a key local customer.

Key requirements include:

  • Must have a full driving licence
  • Must be Gas Safe Registered, ideally with CoNGLP1 PD COCN 1 CIGA 1 CDGA 1 ACS accreditations
  • Electrical/Mechanical/Engineering background required
  • Experience with gas/oil burners
  • Self-motivated and innovative
  • Ability to use initiative and have excellent customer liaison skills

The benefits package includes:

Competitive salary depending on experience, overtime, paid door to door (at 1.5x (travel included)

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone/tablet
  • Pension
  • Private health scheme
  • 25 days holidays

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more