The chill in the air is undeniable: winter is coming. If you’re not a fan of the frosty season, we’ve got some blue-sky beaches lined up to warm your hearts.  

For warm-weather South Africans, nothing is more exciting than going on a ski holiday for the first time. It’s an altogether new adventure and one that you will never forget. But there’s plenty of preparations to make before you hit the slopes, not the least of which is packing the right gear to keep you cosy, warm and dry.

If you feel somewhat intimidated by the thought of all the snow equipment you’ll need, don’t worry about it. Booking a Club Med ski holiday with Pentravel means you can rent boots, skis, helmets and other ski equipment at the resort. Bonus.

Every summer, Europe greets a stampede of tourists who sprawl out in grand city parks or hop between Mediterranean beaches. Some travellers are devoted to warm-weather destinations, but Europe in winter is a magical time to visit. Think traditional log fires, the snowy Alps, and Christmas trees in every town square. Besides the obvious reasons to visit in the colder season, like skiing and snowboarding, Europe’s best cities are also crowd-free and less expensive between November and March.