Whatever the weather

Sometimes, it's best to forget all about the warm embrace of a winter-sun holiday, argues Emma Love, and cuddle up in the cold, at home and abroad

- Emma Love

THINK of dream holiday destinations for the next few months and it's likely that far-flung tropical islands for a blast of sunshine or tried-and-trusted ski resorts spring to mind. But there's another sweet spot: places that are as joyful to visit in winter as they are in summer, in spite of the weather.

Cities that are sweltering and over-crowded in high season suddenly become less frenetic, cheaper to reach (apart from at Christmas) and, if you wrap up warm, far more pleasant to explore. Hard-to-snag table bookings at the hottest restaurants are more likely to be available, there are minimal queues for blockbuster attractions and hotel rates drop.

In the countryside, a blanket of snow or sugar-coating of frost makes everywhere appear instantly more magical-whether you're into high-adrenaline winter sports, back-to-Nature hikes or admiring the whiteout views from a cosy fireside armchair in your hotel. Here's our pick of where to travel to this winter for an off-the-beaten-track break.

Venice, Italy