If you had a short holiday between Xmas & New Year ...

[deliveryonitsway]

... where did you go, how much did you spend, how far ahead did you book, and would you recommend it?

We want to go away next year - it will be me, DH, DC2 (19) and maybe, but probably not, DC1 (21). Thinking of either a city break (UK or Europe) or somewhere we can go walking, ideally warmer than home (London) but not crucial. We have some ideas already, but it's good to hear other people's experiences of travelling during the festive period.

Barcelona is great that time of year and lots to do and enjoy for mixed ages. Also Lisbon- lots of hills to walk up and down. I haven’t been to Valencia but I’d also consider that.
Madeira is gorgeous and warm like the canaries and has lovely Xmas lights

We did Oxford this year - found it pretty enough, decent walks out into countryside and nearby pubs, and some good value on the restaurants we went to (particularly for the quality of produce). The worst part was how busy the train was given the Bicester crowds from London. Hotel was about £90 a night, train was about £50 return, and our most expensive meal was £75 per head inc wine which felt v good value.

We have done Tenerife for some winter sun in the past and went just before Xmas this time - the north being particularly nice for cafe-type culture but the south being v easygoing (for mobility challenged relatives). Hotel is about £120 a night booked 6 months in advance and flights were v cheap too. We find the passport queues beyond frustrating now though.

We are/were working our way around Xmas markets - Zurich, Geneva… would like to do Prague and Vienna too having enjoyed both at other times of year.

Amsterdam but 2015 so no recent intel.

We went to Lalandia, it’s like Centre Parcs in Billund, Denmark. You stay in a cabin and there is a massive Aquapark/swimming pool with flumes/saunas etc. not much else to do but we swam every day and enjoyed it! Flight was only 1.5 hrs from Gatwick.

Was pretty cold though!