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We know it’s hard to make a decision about where to go on your winter family holiday, so why not take some expert advice?

We asked our Activities Abroad and here’s what they had to say:

Carol from our Admin Team experienced Keswick this summer. Here is what she had to say:

'There’s nothing better than travelling to the Lake District in summer with the family, there’s so much on offer!

After my helmet was fitted, I beamed around at the others in the group before heading outside to cool down whilst I waited for the rest of the group to have their helmets fitted too.

Once we were all outside our guide Laura called to get our attention and introduced herself and the other guide before taking us over to a row of large red and black snowmobiles. We all listened attentively whilst she showed us the controls and the hand signals we would use on the safari. Once we were all confident and found our snowmobiles we set off in single file, moving through the snowy landscape.

We know! You’re probably thinking ‘isn’t it a bit too soon for Christmas talk? It’s only August’

Well yes; it probably is. But when it comes to winter holidays, we find the earlier the better. Here at Activities Abroad we get booked up early, so it’s time to start talking snow!

The Finns have something like 50 words for different types of snow and you will be able to see a range of types on the way to the amethyst mine - even if you do not know the Finnish words for them yet! On the last stretch of the snowmobile journey from Luosto to the mine, you will find ‘tykky’ in abundance; large chunks of snow frozen onto the trees, to the point that they no longer look like trees and have taken on the persona of alien sculptures creating a science fiction-esk landscape.

The snow is thick on the ground and untouched by human feet and the landscape is worth a visit but you are here to ‘dig yourself rich’ with some amethysts (well perhaps!).

Arriving at the reindeer farm we were met by a fellow in a startling blue cloak decorated with a bright red trim. On his head sat a giant fur hat with flaps similar to that of a deerstalker; his feet were as interesting as the rest of his outfit as, casting my eyes down, I noticed he wore furry shoes that could have been furry slippers that curled around at the toe.

He welcomed us by opening his arms and standing very straight and tall and introducing himself as Joonas; telling us that he is a reindeer herder before he led us towards his reindeer, about 30 metres away. The reindeer stood fairly still as we approached, moving their heads only to check who we were. They were then harnessed up and attached to a sleigh and behind that reindeer’s sleigh was another reindeer and then another sleigh and so on; so standing in front of us was a ridiculously cute reindeer train!

Without a doubt, one of the most desired holiday requests is an idyllic island holiday featuring days of sun, sea, and sand.  At Activities Abroad, however, we see a lot more to islands than just that.  Our Island holidays offer adventures across mountains, through forests, along coastlines and on the sea in some of the most thrilling ways.

Get a feel for island life this summer with our top three island adventures:

 I travelled to Madeira in late September 2016 to see what the archipelago had to offer and I was blown away by the beauty of the landscapes, the variety of the activities and the range of wildlife to see.

Sadly one of Malta and Gozo’s most cherished natural wonders, the Azure Window, collapsed early yesterday morning due to overpowering weather conditions. After giving so many travellers such joy for so many years, it is sad to see it lost to Mother Nature.

Nevertheless, this delightful part of the world offers so many other great experiences for all to enjoy!