Winter sun hotspots
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The icy fingers of winter have tightened their grip and summer now seems a distant memory.
So what better way to ease the winter blues than to plan a sunshine getaway to look forward to? Instead of shivering in your woollies at home you could be reaching for your sunglasses and basking on the beach.
If you’re feeling tempted, here are some winter sun suggestions, whatever kind of holiday you’re looking for…
For paradise beaches and relaxation
If exotic beaches on distant shores are calling, how about a desert island getaway in stunning Thailand?
November to February is an ideal time to visit, with warm temperatures and little rain. Its many beautiful islands such as Koh Samui, Phuket and Koh Lanta will reward you with picture perfect palm-fringed beaches, aqua-marine sea, and a chance to really get away from it all.
The new non-stop service from Thompson means you can now fly direct to Phuket from Gatwick, allowing your island adventure to begin as soon as you step off the plane. Phuket boasts great beaches, an array of watersports, vibrant nightlife and superb shopping. You can also visit the stunning Phi Phi islands by boat from here.
For a short-haul getaway
You don’t have to trek to exotic shores for winter sun – there are plenty of short-haul European destinations where you can top up your tan and get your beach fix.
Besides its fabulous beaches, Cyprus is crammed with history, meaning that you can combine a sightseeing break with a relaxing holiday. You could discover the ancient city of Paphos with its fortresses and tombs, take a trip into the Trodos Mountains, or go scuba diving and explore a wreck site.
Another option is the beautiful islands of Cape Verde which sit just off the coast of South Africa. If you want unspoilt long sandy stretches where you can totally unwind, then head to Boa Vista. The island of Sal is a great destination for watersports, Santiago boasts dramatic scenery, and Sao Vincente is known as the cultural hub and has a rich music tradition.
For culture and sightseeing
Culture vultures and those looking for a historical holiday will find a treasure trove of ancient sites to explore in Egypt. While the country may have hit the headlines this year for all the wrong reasons, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) recently lifted its restrictions on travel to Luxor, meaning you can indulge your inner historian with trips to the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, the temple complex at Karnak, and numerous tombs and ancient temples. Find out more in Bob Atkinson’s article.
Alternatively, beautiful Sri Lanka is a great value longer haul break where tea plantations and rice paddy fields contrast against golden temples and exotic buildings. You’ll find plenty to do, whether it’s visiting attractions within the ‘cultural triangle’, going to an elephant orphanage or trekking through the tropical rainforest of Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Sri Lanka also boasts beautiful beaches where you can relax on gorgeous white sands in areas such as Beruwala and Kalutara.
For wildlife lovers
For a real taste of jungle life, wildlife lovers will be captivated by Borneo. Here you can enjoy jungle treks through rainforests, visits to monkey and orangutan sanctuaries, wildlife river cruises, and diving among stunning coral reefs. Pristine white beaches are another highlight of holidays here, meaning that you can have a really varied break.
Kenya is another option for a classic safari experience. Bring your binoculars and see if you can spot the ‘big five’ – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. White sand beaches are also a feature, as is majestic scenery – meaning you can enjoy the best of all worlds on holidays here.
For beaches and BBQs
Cape Town in South Africa has all the ingredients for a fantastic winter sun getaway – incredible beaches, fabulous cities and great food and wine. Being in the same time zone as the UK, it also means that you can avoid jet lag and get your holiday started straight away. Hire a car and take a road trip across the beautiful Garden Route, take a cable car up Table Mountain for incredible views over the Cape, go whale watching, and head inland to discover fantastic wineries.
If you’re looking for a really big winter holiday, then Australia is the classic winter sun destination, where you can enjoy beaches and barbecues and bask in toasty temperatures. Whether you’re looking for outback adventures, coastal drives or city slicking, you’ll find it here. Buzzing cities like Sydney and Melbourne will allow you to explore iconic sites, or maybe you want to discover natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef. You could visit Darwin and delve into the country’s ancient past by taking trips to sites like Litchfield National Park which is rich in Aboriginal heritage.
For glitz and glamour
If your perfect winter holiday involves glitz, glamour and sophistication, then consider Dubai.
Everything here is bigger and better. For example, you could visit the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa – and enjoy a meal in the world’s highest restaurant. You could enjoy retail therapy at the world’s biggest shopping centre and take a trip on the longest driverless metro, before getting your thrills on the world’s fastest steel roller coaster at Ferrari World. And that’s just for starters!
Alternatively, why not be dazzled with a trip to Hong Kong where you can enjoy fabulous shopping, great nightlife, fantastic restaurants, bars and roof top pools? Relax with a cocktail at Victoria Harbour, take a trip to the Peak for views of sparkling skyscrapers, and enjoy the theatre of Temple Street Night Market.
For a family winter getaway
If you’re looking for a sunshine getaway for the whole family then you can’t go far wrong with the Canaries, which enjoys year-round sun. The largest of the islands, Tenerife, is one option, with its numerous family friendly resorts, great beaches, and attractions such as waterparks like Siam Park. Other options include Lanzarote with its black volcanic sands, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
Or, if you’re looking for a big family winter holiday that will be truly memorable, why not consider Florida? You can fly direct from the UK making it a convenient option for families with kids. Walt Disney World and the other theme parks here are obviously the biggest draws for families, but if you want to see more of Florida, you could even hire a car and visit the Everglades National Park and Miami.
So what are you waiting for? If the dreary weather is getting you down, now is the perfect time to book a winter getaway!
