Top Short-haul Winter Destinations

The weather has already turned cold and grey across much of the UK and many people will be sitting at their desks daydreaming about a break abroad.

The good news is that this is the perfect time of year to book a last-minute winter break, whether you choose to head to Europe for the weekend or enjoy a beach break for a week. Here are some short-haul flight destinations you really can't afford to miss this winter!

Rome

If you're in need of a little pick-me-up, look no further than the beautiful Italian capital of Rome. Ancient architecture nestles alongside modern office blocks and shopping arcades and the whole city is filled with the warmth and passion of the Italian people. You can be in Rome in just under 3 hours from London and the first thing you should check out when you land is the Coliseum, the Roman amphitheatre.

Other must-see spots include the Trevi Fountain (throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure you'll return to Rome), the Spanish Steps and of course The Vatican. Make sure you sample some delicious Italian ice cream - the weather in

Rome should still be fairly warm at this time of year compared to the UK!

Greece

Greece is a great destination for a winter break - head for Rhodes or one of the other Greek islands for an escape to the sun. The climate in Greece is still warm (although not as hot as during the summer months) at this time of year, so you should be able to enjoy the beach.

Rhodes is a 4 hour flight from London, so you could be enjoying a traditional Greek meze at a beach bar sooner than you might think! Stay in a quiet beach resort such as Pefkos, check out the whitewashed houses and Acropolis at nearby Lindos or head for somewhere more buzzing such as Corfu or Zante if you're looking for great nightlife.

Paris

Paris is one of those destinations that always comes up in a list of short haul destinations and whilst it's colder than some of our other top picks, the City of Lights can be beautiful and romantic in the winter, provided you wrap up warm!

Take a romantic walk through the Tuileries Garden or stroll around the Louvre or Dali Museum to keep out of the cold. Enjoy a hot chocolate at Angelina tearooms - they offer the most famous hot chocolate in the city and it's so delicious, it's more like a dessert!

Make sure you have travel insurance in place to cover you no matter which destination you choose and always ensure you have applied for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which will provide you with free or reduced cost public medical care whilst travelling in Europe.