Short-Haul Trips Brits Can Enjoy This Winter

Winter weekends don’t have to mean staying indoors; with dozens of short-haul destinations just a two- or three-hour flight from the UK, Brits can swap grey skies for Alpine slopes, festive markets, or even a touch of Mediterranean sun. Go skiing in Geneva, or soak in Budapest’s thermal baths; these trips prove that a quick getaway can feel like a full holiday.

Geneva: Slopes Within Two Hours

Geneva is the entry point to some of Europe’s best skiing and is closer than most people realise. The flight from London takes under two hours; within another hour, you can check into Chamonix or Verbier. Even if skiing is not your style, Geneva offers lakeside promenades with the Alps as a backdrop, chocolate shops, and winter markets that turn the city centre into a postcard. For anyone with only a weekend to spare, the convenience of leaving work on Friday and being on the slopes by Saturday morning is hard to beat. 

Reykjavík: Snow, Steam, and Northern Lights

Reykjavík feels raw and refreshing in winter. A three-hour flight takes you from London to otherworldly landscapes under the snow. Hire a car and within an afternoon you can see waterfalls turned to ice and beaches of black sand against white surf. The city is compact and walkable, with cafés serving rye bread baked in geothermal heat and bars offering local craft beers. Evenings can be spent chasing the northern lights on the edge of town or slipping into steaming pools while snowflakes drift into the water.

Prague: Frosted Spires and Quiet Streets

Prague in winter has an atmosphere that suits the city’s Gothic skyline. From Charles Bridge, the view of Prague Castle rising above the frozen river stays with you long after you return home. Cafés with heavy velvet curtains keep out the cold and serve rich goulash with dumplings alongside Czech lager. If you visit in December, you can walk through Christmas markets where the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air. Flights from London take less than two hours, making Prague a strong option for travellers who want history and culture without sacrificing convenience.

Málaga: A Softer Spanish Winter

While much of Europe is covered in snow, Málaga offers a milder winter. A short flight places you in a city where locals still eat outside on sunny days and fresh seafood arrives daily from the harbour. The Picasso Museum is a must, but the Alcazaba fortress and Roman theatre remind you that the city has centuries of stories beyond the beaches. Tapas bars are lively in winter, when the crowds are mostly local rather than tourists. For travellers who value control over time, hit “book private jet” on Google to head straight to destinations like Málaga, gaining the flexibility to leave when work and weather allow.

Lisbon: Light, Coffee, and Cobblestones

Lisbon shines in winter with golden sunlight that reflects off its tiled buildings. It is a city built on hills, so you are rewarded with views of the Tagus River at almost every turn. The food scene stays lively year-round, with small family restaurants serving grilled fish, bifana pork sandwiches, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. With fewer visitors than in summer, you can ride the yellow trams without queues and find a quiet table in historic cafés. The flight time of around two and a half hours keeps it firmly in the weekend-trip category.

Budapest: Thermal Baths in the Cold

Budapest may be cold in winter, but that only makes the thermal baths more appealing. The Széchenyi Baths are open every day, even in January, and locals gather in the outdoor pools to play chess on floating boards while steam rises into the night. The city’s ruin bars are also worth experiencing, with their mix of crumbling architecture and modern music. Hungarian food is heavy and satisfying in the colder months, with paprika-rich stews and pastries filling menus across the city. With just over two hours of flights, Budapest balances value, atmosphere, and accessibility.

Learn about Imogen Lucie on official xxbrits UK.

Copenhagen: A Few Hours of Hygge

Copenhagen in winter is about warmth despite the cold. Candles are in every window, blankets drape over café chairs, and locals linger over pastries even when temperatures drop. It is also a design capital, so shops and galleries give you plenty to explore indoors between strolls along Nyhavn or visits to Tivoli Gardens, which stays open through Christmas. The food scene is another highlight, ranging from casual smørrebrød sandwiches to Michelin-starred tasting menus. It feels like a modern city without losing its sense of intimacy. 

Innsbruck: Mountains at Your Doorstep

Few places bring you so quickly from runway to mountains as Innsbruck. Less than two hours by air, the city sits in a valley ringed by peaks that rise sharply on every side. Ski resorts are only minutes away, but Innsbruck’s charm is worth lingering over. Pastel-coloured houses line the river, and the old town has arcades and medieval facades. After a day on the slopes, mountain huts serve schnapps and dumplings to skiers still in their boots. It is a compact and manageable trip for anyone wanting alpine drama without long transfers.

Making Winter Weekends Count

Short-haul trips this winter give Brits the chance to change their routine without a long flight or heavy planning. From Switzerland’s slopes to Prague’s markets and Budapest’s thermal waters, each destination offers a different way to spend a winter weekend. To summarise, the season is short and weekends are precious. A flight of two or three hours is all it takes to feel you have stepped into another world. Pack a small bag, choose a city, and let winter work for you instead of against you.

Source: XXBRITS Official UK Website.