It’s not the first time I’ve said it, but one of the only downsides of writing about past trips is the inevitable urge to then book more trips immediately.
So while the rest of my Japan write-ups sit half-finished (Tackling Tokyo #3: Tsukiji Fish Market - Ginza - TeamLabPlanet - Akihabara is imminent, honest), I feel inclined to loop you into my winter-trip-obsessed headspace for a while.
With the way Christmas Day falls this year, many workplaces and schools are closing for the holidays as early as Friday 15th December, offering a prime opportunity for a pre-Christmas or full on festive escape.
Here are just a few ideas, inspired by our planning for Trips of Christmas Past, Present and Future…
Budapest Cabin Stay
Yorkshire Cottage Stay
Canary Island Escape
Budapest Cabin Stay
We visited Budapest in February, but not only was it a great winter destination worthy of any Christmas list, it’s also a case of visit now or never when it comes to our cabin accommodation, as the owners have announced they will stop taking bookings in February 2024.
Budapest’s city centre is a winter wonderland; all stunning historic sights, warm thermal baths, cosy cafes and ruin bars, with a side of street food (Lángos, their deep fried flatbread covered in cheese and sour cream, could well be the ultimate winter comfort food).
From late November and throughout December there’s the added attraction of an adorable-looking Christmas Market and Winter Festival.
We split our stay between an old faded glamour style city centre apartment by Basilica (you’ll find the listing here, but there are no recent reviews, so I’m not sure they are still taking bookings but I would recommend if they are) and a stunning secluded cabin 30 minutes outside the city centre at the bottom of the Buda hills.
This cabin and surrounding area were the star of the show for us. While the amazing Zugliget Chairlift, which is accessed via a breath-taking hilly walk, is currently closed for maintenance, the other, The Children’s Railway, is just 16 minutes away by car.
This incredible communist-era inspired concept is exactly what it sounds like… a train line run by children (aged 10 - 14). With their amazing uniforms and retro carriages, the whole thing can feel more Wes Anderson than a Wes Anderson film. You can buy a day ticket, allowing you to hop on and off for alpine walks, or just enjoy the ride.
The cabin itself is worthy of inclusion in any coffee table cabin porn book you might encounter, with a dreamy design, cute touches like an old typewriter, plus welcoming woodburner and outdoor firepit to make winter stays all the more special.
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