Where to go now: winter escapes and the season ahead
As the days shorten in the north, we look at where to find sun, snow and quiet in the months to come.
With the clocks turned back and the days drawing in across the northern hemisphere, the thoughts of many travellers turn to winter escapes — whether in search of sunshine and warmth, snow and mountains, or simply the quiet and good value of travelling in the off-season.
For those chasing the sun, the winter months are prime time for long-haul southern destinations, from the beaches and markets of Southeast Asia, now in its cooler, drier season, to the deserts and ancient sites of the Middle East and North Africa, far more pleasant without the summer heat. Closer to home for some, the Canary Islands and the Gulf offer winter warmth.
Snow-seekers, meanwhile, look to the mountains, where the ski season gets under way. The Alps and the Dolomites, fresh from the Olympic spotlight, draw skiers and snowboarders, while those seeking something different might consider the northern lights of the Arctic or a winter city break amid Christmas markets.
The season also rewards the traveller who embraces the off-peak. Europe's great cities, free of summer crowds and often beautifully atmospheric in the cold, can be a joy in winter, with lower prices and a more local feel.
Whatever the destination, the coming months offer their own distinct pleasures, from the first snow on a mountain to a warm sea under a winter sun. As ever, the best advice is to travel thoughtfully and slowly, and to let the season shape the journey. Wherever the road leads next, here is to the detours ahead.