Looking for somewhere "different" kid friendly for 1st week of Jan - suggestions?

[Haggisman]

Hoping to get away for roughly a week before the kids go back to school in January - so flying out 29-31st Dec, back 5-6th Jan.

Not a fan of busy resorts, so any of the typical all inclusive deals are probably out of the question, happy with either warm beaches, or somewhere with decent snow would be nice, so maybe Scandinavia or the Alps.

The other half isn't a great flyer, so anything over a couple of hours is going to get shot down quicker than Prigozhin's jet.

Ideally flying from Birmingham, although happy to drive to London (or elsewhere), as that will obviously open far more options.

So far the top contender is renting a camper and doing a drive around Iceland, not sure if we could do the entire ring road in that time though, but would still give us time to explore a decent chunk. Only concern is that given the time of year, there's a reasonable chance of poor weather, resulting in it maybe being a bit claustrophobic stuck inside a van for the majority of the time.

 

[~Divine~Wind~]

We did krakow a few years back for new year, we only saw a little bit of snow unfortunatley but was a good few days away

Food and drink was cheap and the best food was from the local greasy spoons!

 

[Quartz]

So far the top contender is renting a camper and doing a drive around Iceland, not sure if we could do the entire ring road in that time though,

Do remember that Iceland is near the Arctic Circle so at that time of year it will be dark most of the time. If you want to experience polar night then consider a Norway cruise, e.g. the Hurtigruten. You used to be able to cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes (?) and get a plane back or vice versa; I'm not sure if that's still possible. But take it from me: you do not want the cabins immediately above the loading bay!

Have you considered Cyprus? You'll get warmish beaches and snow and skiing inland. Or maybe Israel?

 

[adidan]

Do remember that Iceland is near the Arctic Circle so at that time of year it will be dark most of the time. If you want to experience polar night then consider a Norway cruise, e.g. the Hurtigruten. You used to be able to cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes (?) and get a plane back or vice versa; I'm not sure if that's still possible. But take it from me: you do not want the cabins immediately above the loading bay!

Have you considered Cyprus? You'll get warmish beaches and snow and skiing inland. Or maybe Israel?

About 5 or so hours of daylight I think.

I'd still go, Iceland is awesome and the extra hours of darkness means more of a chance of seeing the aurora.

Whale watching is still possible, there aren't as many that time of year but they're still there.

Norway is a great shout too but then I love the winter and the dark, I guess it depends on what you like OP.

 

[Haggisman]

Cheers guys, some good feedback and suggestions

I do love cold and darkness, but perhaps the camper van idea isn't the best - would be OK if it was just me and the other half and an excuse to keep "cosy" on those long winter nights , but with the kids in tow we'd probably be better closer to civilization with things for them to do, so a hotel in town and day trips is probably more suitable.