Festive cheer or winter sun... that is the question! Luckily, thebestof Macclesfield member and Co-operative Personal Travel Adviser, Jill Wilson is on hand for advice and ideas.

Festive Cheer

Immerse yourself in the seasonal sights, sounds and shopping opportunities offered by Europe's or Britain's many Christmas markets, available from late November right to the run up to Christmas. From Bruges, Vienna and Cologne, which can be visited by air, train or even an escorted tour to those closer to home in Lincoln, Bath and York, to name just a few – you won't be disappointed.  With prices starting from £199 per person for a 3 day break on a bed and breakfast basis to Cologne you can always reward yourself with a warming mug of gluhwein!

What about a festive cruise?  There are a range of cruises from 3 night mini to 25 nights celebrating Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean. Festive cruises come with all the 'trimmings' including a beautiful Christmas tree, decorations, festive food and drink, themed activities and entertainment.  There are some great offers to book right now, for example 14 nights over Christmas and New Year in The Canaries from just £999 per person.

Or for a once in a lifetime experience for the family, why not take either a mini break or just a day trip to see Santa in Lapland?  With direct regional flights now to Finnish Lapland you can not only have that private meeting with the man himself, but experience many other wintry activities, such as reindeer and husky dog rides, tobogganing or you could even stay at the Ice Hotel at Jukkasjarvi!  Day trips start at just £419 per person with half price children rates!

You could also discover Disneyland Paris at the most magical time of the year.  They are currently offering an extra day and night free plus children under 7 travel FREE! 

Or for a Christmas present with a difference for the man in your life – why not buy him a fast car experience??  From just £59 the receiver can choose from 1 of 5 supercars to drive! You must be quick though, as this offer is on for a limited period only.

Winter Sun

Do you just want to escape it all and head for sun?? Look at some of the top 10 Christmas destinations and some of the offers that are available right now:

Mauritius from £1799 per person
Departs 21 Dec 2011 for 7 nights
3 Star Coin De Mire in a superior room on a half board basis

Tobago from £899 per person
Departs 21 Dec 2011 for 7 nights
3 Star Turtle Beach in a standard sea facing room on a room only basis

Marrakesh from £599 per person
Departs 22 Dec 2011 for 4 nights
4 Star Le Meridien N'Fis in a superior room on a room only basis

Egypt – Sharm El Sheikh from £1219 per person
Departs 21 Dec 2011 for 7 nights
4 Star Jaz Belvedere in a superior room on an All Inclusive basis

Please contact Jill Wilson to find out more.

All offers are subject to availability.