Some people love frolicking in the snow and will even book holidays to experience more of it. Then again, you’ve got others who couldn’t care less about the cold weather and are desperate to get away and see some sun. If you fall into that second category, then this list is for you. Keep scrolling to see seven of the best winter holiday destinations that banish the cold and fill you with warmth.
7 best winter holiday destinations:
1. Abu Dhabi & Dubai
These two are the standouts from this list because they’re cities, not countries. Both are situated within the UAE, and both are perfect for a hot winter vacation. Abu Dhabi is famed for its stunning islands and gorgeous beaches, with Saadiyat Island offering all you need for a week or two away. We’re talking museums, beautiful hotels, amazing nature trips, and phenomenal resorts.Â
Dubai is equally worth a visit, and also gives you some amazing beaches to relax on during your stay. You’ll find plenty of tourist attractions throughout the city, as well as many luxury experiences to blow your mind. Both are worthy of a visit – and they’ll offer hot weather with almost zero chance of rain.
2. Canary Islands (Spain)
The Canary Islands are situated so far south of Spain that you’d be forgiven for not knowing they’re part of this country. Closer to Morocco than anything else, this collection of seven islands features:
- Fuerteventura
- Tenerife
- Gran Canaria
- Lanzarote
- La Palma
- La Gomera
- El Hierro
All of them are excellent vacation destinations, though the first four tend to be the most popular. As islands, they provide everything you need from a winter holiday: sun, sea, beaches, and brilliant food. It gets a bit windy in these parts, yet the temperature stays warm throughout the year. You won’t need to wrap up during this trip – and there will be plenty of sun, even in the winter.
3. Thailand
Thailand is quite some distance away, yet it’s an absolute traveler’s delight. From the vibrant nightlife and busy streets of Bangkok to the utter paradise of Koh Tao – and any of the country’s gorgeous islands. It’s a place everyone needs to visit at some point in their lives, but it’s also one of the best winter holiday destinations, and is one of the best New Year travel destinations for a stunning celebration.
The Thai climate is quite specific every year, with monsoons happening from May to October, and also a bit in the super-hot season of March to May. This means that November to February is actually the best time to go. The weather is much cooler than during the summer, yet not as wet as before. It’s much more bearable and gives you plenty of sun and scenes to take in.
4. Australia
Is there anything more iconic than going Down Under during the winter? Everyone knows that Australia’s seasons are flipped for us, which means you’ll be visiting during peak summer. It’s one hell of an experience – there are so many things to see and do all throughout Australia, from coast to coast. The beaches here are some of the best in the world, and let’s not forget about cities like Melbourne and Brisbane with their thriving cafe and restaurant scenes.
Another great thing about a trip to Australia is the lack of any language barriers. It’s so easy to get around and do things in the country because everyone speaks English. You don’t get any of the travel anxiety that comes from being in a foreign country and struggling to communicate with the locals.
5. Vietnam
Going back to Southeast Asia and Vietnam is another outstanding travel destination when you want to get rid of the winter blues. It experiences a really nice climate during this time of the year, offering hot spells without it getting too hot. The main allure here is that Vietnam is a really cheap place to travel – and it has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes you will ever see.
Key places to visit if you go there include:
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh
- Ha Long Bay
- Ninh Binh
- Cab Ba Island
Learn more about these and the other best places to go in Vietnam to plan the trip of a lifetime. One thing to note: this probably isn’t your ideal family vacation destination. Vietnam is best experienced alone, backpacking with friends, or as a couple.
6. Mexico
Somewhere a little closer to home for many of you, Mexico remains a stunning stop on your tour of the best winter holiday destinations. It doesn’t get anywhere near as cold as the rest of North America, so you can absolutely wave goodbye to any hope of snow.Â
Cancun is always a great shout for a Mexico trip, and this phenomenal city will treat you to plenty of warmth and lovely beaches. Of course, you also have the other Mexican tourist things to enjoy, like ancient Mayan ruins and more of the deep culture that makes this country special. It’s also very well-known for all-inclusive resorts, making it a prime choice for families that want to get away for a week, enjoy the sun, and stop stressing about Christmas.
7. South Africa
Not many people consider South Africa for a holiday destination, but it’s seeing a tourism boom as of late. It feels like every other person on Instagram is there – and after looking at their photos, it’s easy to see why!
South Africa has so many otherworldly things for you to see or do. Safaris are a massive draw here; just imagine driving around and seeing lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and loads of other animals in their natural habitats. It also has some pretty amazing beaches, especially near Cape Town, which is also home to penguins. Yes, penguins on sandy beaches. It’s an awesome place, and the South African summer runs from December to February, making it perfect for this type of holiday.
Let’s be honest, you’re spoilt for choice here. You’ve got the seven best winter holiday destinations from all over the world that give you a taste of summer during winter. Say goodbye to the long, dark nights filled with cold, and hello to sunshine and fun.
