Short break wildlife vacations travel guide
2 MINUTE SUMMARY
Anyone who’s sat through an episode of Springwatch will have a feel for the wildlife that makes its home in the UK, but if you’ve had your fill of deer and hedgehogs and yearn for something a little ‘other’, the good news is, you don’t have to book a safari and fly to Africa. Europe is brimming with wildlife – exciting, exotic wildlife – and you can see it on a short break of four or five days. Board a plane to Stockholm, Budapest or Warsaw and you’re only a few hours’ drive from moose, wolves, beavers, birdlife and bison. Yes, bison! Short break wildlife vacations run all year round, too. Spot bears during the super-long days of summer in Eastern Finland or see orcas in December from a boat cruising the fjords of northern Norway. Europe’s wilder side is waiting to reveal itself – all you need is a long weekend.
Read more in our short break wildlife vacations travel guide.
Read more in our short break wildlife vacations travel guide.
Is a short break wildlife vacation for you?
Responsible Travel recommends
Go on a short break wildlife vacation if…
… you’re short of time. Four or five days are enough to see, admire and learn about Europe’s birds and beasties.
… you don’t do long haul. A quick flight to Europe will bring you to countries where a host of exciting wildlife lives. Often, it’s just a short drive from airport to wilderness, too.
… you want a winter break. Some animals are most active in the colder months – wolves, for example – making wildlife watching a great option for an alternative winter vacation.
… you love the great outdoors. Of course, short break wildlife vacations tend to involve being outside most of the time. Immersing yourself in the landscape is as much a part of the trip as spotting the critters.
… you don’t want to blow the budget. A short trip to see Europe’s wildlife tends to cost less than a long African safari, but doesn’t scrimp on exciting wildlife experiences.
… you don’t do long haul. A quick flight to Europe will bring you to countries where a host of exciting wildlife lives. Often, it’s just a short drive from airport to wilderness, too.
… you want a winter break. Some animals are most active in the colder months – wolves, for example – making wildlife watching a great option for an alternative winter vacation.
… you love the great outdoors. Of course, short break wildlife vacations tend to involve being outside most of the time. Immersing yourself in the landscape is as much a part of the trip as spotting the critters.
… you don’t want to blow the budget. A short trip to see Europe’s wildlife tends to cost less than a long African safari, but doesn’t scrimp on exciting wildlife experiences.
Don’t go on a short break wildlife vacation if…
… you like lots of down time. Itineraries tend to be pretty packed to make the most of a short break. Wildlife watching often starts early in the morning, too, or takes place through the night, if you’re seeking bears…
… you love luxury accommodation. The focus is on the wildlife, not the bath robes and room service. Some trips spend a night in a hide, others camp in the wilderness, howling for wolves, and many involve long hours walking through wild terrain.
… you want guaranteed sightings. Wildlife won’t emerge on cue, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t see a wolf or bear. Vacation companies are realistic about the odds of seeing each individual species. They’ll also emphasise tracking skills and enjoying being outdoors, not just ticking animals off a list.
… you like to travel alone. Most short break wildlife trips are in small groups, with fixed dates. A sociable personality, as well as a love of animals, is helpful.
… you love luxury accommodation. The focus is on the wildlife, not the bath robes and room service. Some trips spend a night in a hide, others camp in the wilderness, howling for wolves, and many involve long hours walking through wild terrain.
… you want guaranteed sightings. Wildlife won’t emerge on cue, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t see a wolf or bear. Vacation companies are realistic about the odds of seeing each individual species. They’ll also emphasise tracking skills and enjoying being outdoors, not just ticking animals off a list.
… you like to travel alone. Most short break wildlife trips are in small groups, with fixed dates. A sociable personality, as well as a love of animals, is helpful.
Best time to go on a short break wildlife vacation
TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL
Poland bison safari in the Primeval Forest
Short break wildlife adventure in the Bialowieza Forest
From
PLZ 3450
4 Days
ex flights
Finland wildlife short break
Bear, wolverine and elk widlife short break in Finland
From
€750
5 Days
ex flights
Sweden vacations, Wolves, Moose and Beavers
Wildlife vacation in Sweden with full focus on large mammals.
From
€1595
5 Days
ex flights
Sweden wildlife vacation, ecolodge vacation
Wildlife break at Sweden's most primitive hotel
From
£630
4 Days
ex flights
British wildlife tour on the Isle of Man
A short weekend wildlife adventure to the Isle of Man
From
£595
4 Days
ex flights
Lesvos birdwatching vacation in Greece
Top birding with a private bird guide on Lesvos Island
From
€650
5 Days
ex flights