When you add up the cost of flights, accommodation and spending money, taking the family on holiday can get pretty expensive and you might not be able to afford it every year.

But that’s probably because you’re going at the wrong time of year. The summer holidays are the most obvious time to go away, which is why all of the prices shoot up around that time of year.

You can save yourself a lot of money if you go away in the winter instead. A lot of people are put off the idea because they don’t want to travel while the weather is bad but there are plenty of great places that are just as good in the winter as they are in the summer. These are some of the best winter destinations in Europe.

ICELAND

Iceland probably sounds like the opposite of a good holiday for a lot of people, especially if you love the sun. But it’s a beautiful country that has so much to offer if you’re willing to make sacrifices on the weather. The landscapes, dotted with huge glaciers and impressive mountains are like nothing else you’ll find on Earth. Iceland is probably best known as the place where you can see the Northern Lights, one of the most incredible natural sights in the world. The best way to see the country is by taking G Adventures Iceland Tours; you’ll be able to see all of the major sights in one trip, with great guides to help you get the most out of your time there.

ITALY

Italy is a beautiful country, especially in the summer, but there are some downsides. If you want to go to some of the more touristy areas like Rome, you’ll have to contend with all of the crowds. If you want to avoid all of the people, it’s far better to go in the winter instead.

The mountainous areas in Italy also come into their own when the weather is cold; there are some incredible ski resorts and the views are stunning when the snow is falling. If you’re dead set on finding somewhere warm for a holiday but you don’t want to pay the summer prices, Italy can cater for that too. If you head to the south of Italy, the climate is going to be warm all year around and you can even sunbathe in some places. It’s one of the best places to go if you want the hot weather without the hefty price tag.

BUDAPEST

Budapest has become an incredibly popular destination for city breaks recently and although it’s still cheap, those prices are starting to creep up. It’s still affordable in summer and it’s well worth a visit but you’ll get a completely different experience if you head there in the winter. You’ll be able to skate on outdoor ice rinks that pop up in the colder months and enjoy the stunning architecture brought to life by a layer of snow. If you get too chilly, you can always warm up in one of the many thermal baths that you’ll find around the city.

Don’t pay over the odds for a holiday in the middle of the summer this year, just go to one of these great European winter destinations instead.