Escaping the Winter

Grey skies, relentless rain, cancelled trains and pricey festive seasons make a British winter a hard thing to face. Many people wonder whether there is a way to swap it for somewhere warmer without emptying their bank account. Long reserved for the wealthy, spending the cold months overseas is now open to anyone with enough free time, and it can even work out cheaper than staying put.

Anne Mustoe, a travel writer best known for her long cycling journeys around the world, has spent every Christmas abroad since 1987, so she speaks from experience. Her guide is a practical, no-nonsense handbook for anyone considering leaving the British Isles during the winter. It helps readers pick a destination that fits their budget and needs, whether they want a quiet mountain retreat or a busy town full of local life.

The book also covers the practical side of a long absence: managing money, renting out your home, packing for an extended stay, making friends abroad and keeping in touch with people back home, staying safe and healthy, and getting around once you arrive. It is aimed at readers who dread another British winter and want a clear plan for getting away.