CHILLED RETREATS
If you’re looking for an escape to get into the festival spirit, there’s plenty on offer in Europe’s cooler cities
Each week The Independent’s travel team go head to head to see who can put together the best version of a particular break. This week we’re looking at winter city breaks: those places where you can really make the most of the season.
Simon’s choice: Reykjavik Price per person: £297
Reykjavik embraces winter, which is just as well since it is the capital of an island that grazes against the Arctic Circle. Even when the city is doused in snow, it bubbles with life: literally so in the cascade of thermal pools on the edge of Laugardalur Park, the nation’s largest thermal pool complex. Many people show up for the weekend anticipating a display of the Northern Lights, but the fickle nature of the Aurora Borealis means you should treat a fleeting sighting as a bonus. The blossoming of art and cuisine make this a great winter to visit.
Even with the plummeting pound, Reykjavik is affordable – especially so with the ferocious air-fares war between the UK and Iceland. If you avoid Christmas and New Year you can almost name your price. I’ve picked a package from 2 to 5 December with Expedia (expedia.co.uk) which includes flights from Gatwick with WOW Air, and accommodation at the smart, central Hotel Island. Flights are evening outbound/early morning inbound, which means that you might just about get away with taking no time off work. The price of £297 per person includes breakfast.