You don’t have to spend a lot of money to take advantage of a well-earned winter sun family holiday. Whether you are looking to get away for a few weeks over the school holidays or staying in a budget self catering apartment or just want to take it easy on an all inclusive winter beach break, I have compiled my favourite holiday ideas filled with images I have taken during my travels. All my suggestions include kids’ activities. Winter sun holidays are a great way to get away from the cold weather and dark evenings. 
Now is the time to start thinking about where to go for winter sun. Here are my top 5 options, including some within a couple of hours of the UK. However, if you need more inspiration try Family Traveller’s top 10 Winter sun holidays. It will help you find the perfect sunny destination for yourself and your little ones.
1. Lanzarote
Have you ever landed on a beach? Well, that’s what expects you when you arrive at Lanzarote airport and this sets the scene for the holiday. Lanzarote is an incredible island, with landscapes resembling nothing like you’ve seen before. White beaches, black volcanic beaches, gulfs that seem strange mixes of lunar and infernal landscapes.
Read London Mums’ Family guide to Lanzarote to find out where you can stay on this gorgeous Canary Island, what to do with the kids and landmarks.
2. Tunisia
London Mums’ nutritionist Fern Callister went on a discovery trip to Tunisia and found an amazing opportunity for luxurious family getaways on a budget.
Before travelling to Tunisia she thought it was a land of sand, sun, Souks and camels but Tunisia is actually much more than that and is a holiday destination waiting to be discovered. Emerging from the recent Jasmine Revolution (on 14th January 2011) there is an air of excitement and opportunity as Tunisia prepares itself for its first Democratic government and the freedom that comes with it. The Tunisians are keen to show us that there is a lot more on offer as a holiday destination than beaches and markets. With a rich history of occupation from Roman, Spanish, Arab, Turks and French, you can still see the remnants of these influences in the architecture, language, food and culture.
Known for providing the film set locations for Life of Brian, Jesus of Nazareth, The English Patient and Star Wars, the landscape is actually a lot greener and more fertile land than the film sets suggest with miles of olive and almond trees, fruit trees, vines and lakes. Perhaps surprisingly, Tunisia supplies much of Europe with olive oil. Read her travel diary in this post: Tunisia, the hidden gem in the Mediterranean By Fern Callister
3. Florence
Visiting Firenze (Florence in English) during school holidays is a bit of a challenge because of the huge number of tourists and the long queues to get in everywhere. After all Firenze is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and inevitably over-crowded at all times. But with a bit of planning you will be able to see lots of the key sight-seeings in a few days and the sun is almost guaranteed although in the crispy cold continental climate.
Read my suggestions to have a wonderful Winter sun holiday in Italy in my blog post Firenze on a budget including things to see and do with the kids, food places and amazing landmarks.
4. Roadtrip to France
If you feel adventurous during a half term / school holiday you can take the kids from London on a roadtrip to France. Without much planning but seeking Winter sun in a European country we decided to go skiing and sledding for a couple of days on the Mont Blanc on the French side with a few stops along the way. It’s 1000 km one way and you can get there in 15 hours with no stops.
However with young children (my son was 8 at the time) this is unthinkable and a more traditional road trip is recommend. Read all about our French adventures including two stops in Paris, Avallon, and catching on Winter sun in the French Alps in my features Roadtrip to France, A hidden quarter of Paris and 5 Things to do en route to Disneyland Paris.
5. Sardinia beyond the Coast
I am certainly biased choosing Italy for lots of Winter sun destinations but I happen to know it very well and appreciate the greatness of its people, natural landscapes, architecture and of course food. Sardinia (Sardegna in Italian) is a guarantee in terms of sunshine. Sardinia is well known for its white sandy beaches, perennial sunshine, great food and very hospitable Italian islanders. But I have actually discovered that there’s a lot more behind the beautiful coastal landscapes.
During the Winter months it’s very mild and you can be playing beach volley in T-shirt and shorts during the hottest hours of the day. In Winter we often take the opportunity to explore areas in the hinterland which are normally not even considered during the Summer months which is better to spend on the gorgeous beaches.
The Sardinian roadtrip took us to the Barbagia, Orgosolo in particular exploring the town beyond the negative aspects that might put a shadow into a fascinating culture. In my feature Sardinia beyond the Coast I also uncover lots of things that might not be on the typical tourists’ map. In fact I focus on those less well known quirky little secrets about Italy.
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The post Winter Sun family Holidays that won’t break the bank appeared first on London Mums Magazine.