3 Alternative Winter Weekend Getaways

The festive season is well and truly over and a new year has begun. Which means lots of new and exciting travel adventures are waiting for you. However, if like me, you all ate, drank and spend a little too much over the holiday period; the notion of planning a summer getaway seems like forever and a day until it arrives.

Therefore, I always think it is a great idea to take a cheap and cheerful weekend away somewhere to help refresh those worn our winter batteries. So, I have gathered some delightful little places, to suit a variety of tastes and potentially where I will/would like to be taking a winter weekend away in.

Historical Treats in Edinburgh, Scotland

I'm ashamed to say that I live in the beautiful UK and have never been to Scotland! I have a number of friends who have lived/live here and say that this is a city of great history and so much fun.

Image: We Heart It

With it's 12th century castle, cobbled streets and not to mention iconic comedy festival; without a doubt, Edinburgh is going to be on my list of places to see in 2014

Not to mention, it's rather easy to get to; easyJet holidays run a cheap-ish flight service from European destinations to Edinburgh airport and you can also take a cheap Mega Bus or Train from a variety of locations in the UK.

Winter Sunshine in Marrakech, Morocco

Explore the charismatic souks, take a camel ride in the dessert, indulge in a spot of famous Morrocan style tea or simple relax and soak up the sun by a pool. Marrakech offers a variety of activities for you to enjoy. 

Note: Parts of Marrakech were used to make the second Sex and the City Film - the film was terrible yes - but the location was stunning non the less.

Image from We Heart It

For me Morocco is a destination that is definitely on my must-see list; maybe this is all the movies talking, but it strikes me as a place of adventure and excitement. A little like Egypt, with all it's history and beautiful architecture. I'm tempted to take a flight right now!

If you're looking for some winter sun in  Marrakech, I've read that British Airways and On The Beach have some great last minute winter holiday sales.

Festivals and Culture in Berlin, Germany 

Berlin has been a place that I once paid a flying visit to when travelling around Europe for 3 weeks in a Summer off from University. I don't really remember to many outstanding qualities except rain and the Brandenburg Gate.

However, I know that I am WRONG to make this statement; I have a best friend who is German and a number of friends who have been to Berlin and have said how fantastic it is. What is more, my dad was actually born and raised in Berlin, along with his brother and sister and lived there until he was 9 years old, whilst my grandfather worked in the overseas British Army. My grandma always tells me how beautiful the city of Berlin is. It's funny how your travel experiences can be tinted by other factors.

Berlin offers a number of iconic and historical landmarks, as well as a number of art galleries, museums, bars and restaurants to visit. Also, in the month of February Berlin becomes a kind of carnival city. For instance on the 6th of February Lenten madness takes and creates an exciting atmosphere with floats, costumes and an array of parties. Followed by the glitz and glamour of the Berlin International Film Festival, which brings all of Hollywood's finest to town.

There's some pretty good deals with Lowcostholidays.com on their city breaks to Berlin, so be sure to take a peek over on their site, if Berlin is the city for you.