latitude55scapes

Your Autumn & Winter Travel Inspiration: Christmas Markets, Winter Sun & Himalayan Adventures

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:23:54 GMT

Looking for autumn and winter travel inspiration? From magical Christmas market breaks and winter sunshine in Spain to Himalayan trekking and cultural adventures, discover some of our favourite travel ideas for the months ahead.

As summer begins to draw to a close, it might seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas, winter sunshine or even next year's adventures – but September is actually the perfect time to start planning your next escape.

Whether you're dreaming of a festive European city break, some much-needed winter sun, a cruise, an escorted tour or an adventure somewhere completely different, there are plenty of exciting travel opportunities to look forward to over the coming months.

And with two very different travel seasons approaching, there's plenty to inspire you!

�� Christmas Market Breaks

It won't be long before European cities are transformed into magical winter wonderlands, with twinkling lights, festive markets, delicious seasonal food and plenty of opportunities to browse for those all-important Christmas gifts.

A Christmas market break is a wonderful way to enjoy the festive season without having to travel too far. From the grand boulevards of Vienna and the beautiful architecture of Prague to the markets of Amsterdam, Kraków, Paris, Geneva and closer to home, Edinburgh and London, there are countless destinations to choose from.

Whether you fancy a romantic few days away, a festive trip with friends or a family city break, September is a great time to start looking at Christmas market holidays – particularly if you have a specific destination, hotel or weekend in mind.

So, if you've been thinking about a festive getaway, now could be the time to turn that idea into a booking!

☀️ Escape to Some Winter Sunshine

If cold mornings, dark evenings and winter weather aren't quite your thing, perhaps your perfect autumn or winter escape involves heading somewhere warmer instead!

Spain is always a popular choice for winter sun holidays, with destinations across mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearics offering opportunities to enjoy some sunshine and a change of scenery during the colder months.

From relaxing beach holidays and lively resorts to beautiful cities, great food and cultural experiences, there is much more to a Spanish getaway than simply lying by the pool.

And whether you're looking for a budget-friendly package holiday with Jet2 or easyJet, or something a little more luxurious and tailor-made, we can help find the right option for you.

��️ Time for a Himalayan Adventure

While many of us are thinking about Christmas markets and winter sun, October also marks the beginning of one of the most exciting travel seasons in another part of the world – the Himalayas.

For those dreaming of trekking through spectacular mountain landscapes, discovering ancient cultures and experiencing somewhere truly different, autumn is an excellent time to explore many of the Himalayan destinations.

Through our sister brand, One Himalaya , we specialise in luxury and adventure travel across Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet, creating tailor-made journeys that combine incredible landscapes, cultural experiences, adventure and some very special places to stay.

From Himalayan trekking and mountain adventures to cultural tours, wildlife experiences and luxurious tailor-made journeys, the region offers an incredible diversity of experiences.

Whether you're an experienced trekker looking for your next challenge or simply want to discover the fascinating cultures, landscapes and history of the Himalayas, there is a journey to suit.

Following My Journey Through India

And this is particularly exciting for me at the moment, as next week I'll be heading off to India.

I'll be spending a few days in Delhi then travelling into the Ladakh region in the Indian Himalayas, before continuing south to Madhya Pradesh in central India.

It's a fascinating combination of destinations, taking in the dramatic landscapes and unique culture of Ladakh before discovering the wildlife, history and heritage of Madhya Pradesh.

I'll be sharing more of my journey on our social media channels while I'm there, as well as bringing you more stories, travel inspiration and ideas through future blogs.

So, if India or the Himalayas are somewhere you've always dreamed of visiting, make sure you follow along!

�� Where Will Your Next Escape Take You?

Of course, these are just a few of the possibilities.

Perhaps you're already dreaming about a Christmas market or winter-sun break. Maybe 2027 is the year you've decided to finally take that cruise, explore America or Canada, join an escorted tour or embark on a completely tailor-made luxury adventure.

Whatever kind of holiday you're looking for, that's where we come in.

At Latitude 55 Escapes , we offer worldwide travel to suit different budgets, travel styles and dreams – from great-value package holidays and cruises to escorted tours, long-haul adventures and bespoke luxury travel.

And through One Himalaya , we specialise in creating exceptional luxury and adventure journeys across Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet.

So, whether your idea of the perfect escape is wandering through a magical Christmas market, soaking up some winter sunshine in Spain or trekking amongst some of the world's greatest mountains, we'd love to help you make it happen.

Wherever you're dreaming of going next, let's start planning your escape.

An introduction to Japan

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:36:58 GMT

Thinking of visiting Japan?

The Land of the Rising Sun has emerged as one of the top travel destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re exploring the shrines and temples of Kyoto, climbing Mt Fuji, or visiting the giant Godzilla head in Shinjuku, Japan is sure to have something for every type of traveller. In this blog I’d like to give an overview of the kinds of experiences Japan offers and paint a picture of what your trip could look like!

Tokyo

For a first-time visit, the trip will almost always start and end in the capital, Tokyo. Nearly every type of activity you can imagine is available in this bustling metropolis, from shopping for clothes in stylish Harajuku, to go-kart racing in the streets dressed as videogame characters. One of the highlights of my own trip was exploring Akihabara, a neon-lit electric town, and kind of heaven for arcade lovers, gamers and anime fans.

The Golden Route

A common route for first-time travellers is known as the Golden route, taking in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka. Hakone is a small town only 1-2 hours away from Tokyo by train, where many go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and catch a magnificent sight of Mount Fuji!

Kyoto was the capital of Japan up until the year 1869, and is renowned for its temples and traditional culture, as well as stunning scenery. Walking around the Gion district, visitors can spot Geisha: women dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos and distinctive makeup.

Osaka is a city similar to Tokyo, but smaller in size. It is home to Osaka Castle, a stunning building and a famous Japanese landmark. Osaka is often called the “kitchen of Japan” and is known for its street food culture. Travellers can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka and be back in Tokyo in just 2-3 hours, ready for their return flight.

Tip

Speaking of transport, its worthwhile for any visitor to get a Suica Card when they arrive at the airport in Japan. This card can be topped up with money at ticket stations and be used to easily pay the fares for trains, subways and buses around Japan. A “Welcome Suica” is available for tourists and is valid for 28 days. However, it should be noted that Suica cards cannot be used for Shinkansen tickets.

Food

I couldn’t write about Japan without mentioning the food. If you consider yourself a foodie, Japan will not disappoint. Sushi is the iconic Japanese dish (have it delivered to you on a conveyor belt at special conveyor belt sushi restaurants!) as well as the various kinds of noodle dishes, such as Ramen, Soba and Udon. Other staples include Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake; Yakitori, grilled chicken on a skewer; Tempura, deep-fried sea food; and of course, the famous Wagyu Beef.

When to visit?

Many will want to visit when the cherry blossoms are blooming, and that’s certainly a great time to experience Japan. The time to see the blossoms is the spring season, from March to May. Just be aware, as this is a busy time of year, prices can be higher due to demand. Japan has a very hot and humid Summer, therefore visiting in the Autumn season between September and November is usually recommended as a good balance of pleasant weather and affordability compared to the spring season.

I’ll be sharing more about different areas and experiences in Japan in my next blogs.

If you’d like to find out more and book your very own journey to Japan, get in touch . We look forward to helping with your plans!

Joe

Chase the Sunshine: Why a Late Summer Holiday Could Be Your Best Escape Yet

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:55:19 GMT

Why a Late Summer Holiday Could Be Your Best Escape Yet

Think you've missed your chance for a summer getaway? Think again! Late summer is one of the best times to travel, offering warm weather, fantastic value, and a more relaxed holiday experience. Whether you're dreaming of golden beaches, vibrant cities, or breathtaking scenery, there's still plenty of time to book an unforgettable escape.

One of the biggest advantages of travelling in late summer is the opportunity to find excellent deals. As the peak holiday rush begins to ease, many destinations offer attractive prices on flights and accommodation, giving you the chance to enjoy a quality holiday without stretching your budget. It's the perfect time for couples seeking a romantic break, families making the most of the school holidays, or anyone who simply needs a well-earned change of scenery.

The Mediterranean remains a favourite at this time of year. Greece continues to enjoy long, sunny days, while Spain's Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands offer beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and plenty of activities for every type of traveller. Portugal's Algarve is another excellent choice, combining spectacular coastlines with charming towns and fantastic seafood.

If you're looking for something a little different, why not consider Croatia? Its crystal-clear waters, historic coastal towns, and island-hopping adventures make it an increasingly popular destination. Turkey also offers exceptional value, with luxury hotels, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality that make every holiday feel special.

Of course, not everyone is searching for a beach holiday. Late summer is also an ideal time to explore some of Europe's most beautiful cities. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the streets of Rome, discover the culture and cuisine of Barcelona, or soak up the history of Prague before the cooler autumn weather arrives.

At Latitude 55 Escapes, we know that no two travellers are the same. That's why we take the time to understand exactly what you're looking for before recommending the perfect holiday. Whether you're searching for an all-inclusive family resort, a luxury adults-only retreat, a city break, or a tailor-made adventure further afield, we're here to make planning your trip simple and stress-free.

Booking through an independent travel agency also means you'll receive personal service from someone who genuinely cares about your holiday. We work with trusted travel partners to find competitive prices and offer expert advice every step of the way, so you can book with confidence.

If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to get away, this could be it. There are still fantastic late summer opportunities available, but the best offers won't last forever. Get in touch with Latitude 55 Escapes today, visit our new retail shop, or browse our latest holiday inspiration online. Your next adventure could be just around the corner.

Wherever you dream of going, we'll help you get there.

Welcome to our blog

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:12:26 GMT

Welcome to the Latitude 55 Escapes blog. This is where you'll find all the latest news, updates on new and existing trips, travel information and lots of tips, suggestions and information about holidays and travelling.

Our aim is to write about a variety of information with you. We'll have regular features on specific destinations and on hotels as well as what you can expect to experience on the wide variety of trips we offer.

If there's a topic you'd like to explore more or a subject you'd like us to write about, simply Contact Us and we'll do our best to add the subject to our blog as soon as we're able to.