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Seeking a little bit of sunshine in the middle of winter?
Whether you’re planning an action-packed adventure holiday or simply taking a break from the daily grind, travelling outside of the peak summer season could be a wonderful idea. You can expect quiet resorts and better deals too!
If you’re ready to start planning now, keep reading to find some inspiration for your winter holiday.
- Bali: Warm winter sunshine
Looking for an authentic break that leaves you feeling truly connected to the local people and their traditions? If so, countries like Bali promise characterful villages, lush greenery, and alluring turquoise waters.
From bustling towns to remote fishing villages, the scenery is bountiful and diverse. A trip to the Uluwatu Temple promises serene coastal views, a daily sunset dance ritual, and incredible ancient architecture.
Throughout the winter months, it’s Bali’s rainy season: but temperatures still range between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius, helping you to escape the cool air at home. Hot, sunny days continue in January, interrupted only by the occasional tropical downpour.
- The Alps: Snowsports and ski resorts
Sometimes, nothing ticks all the boxes quite like a classic winter sports holiday. From Les 3 Vallées to Chamonix, some of the world’s top-rates resorts are all clustered in and around the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps.
Skiing and snowboarding are undoubtedly the main attractions on the slopes, with a mesmerising array of runs to try. For groups and solo travellers alike, ski holidays offer much more than just winter sports.
There’s a huge appeal behind the après ski culture, and many tourists choose hiking or ice fishing instead. Or, if you’d rather sit back and relax, why not indulge in a spa treatment or an authentic bistro lunch?
- South Africa: Trekking and wildlife safaris
If you’d like to book a beach holiday in December, don’t overlook South Africa. You’ll get beautifully warm sunshine almost anywhere along its coastline, and paired with the incredible wildlife opportunities nearby, you can expect the adventure of a lifetime.
The world-famous Kruger National Park is home to nearly 2 million hectares of diverse habitats. Private and public reserves offer unmatched opportunities for game spotting and safaris, with many featuring off-grid accommodation options in the wild.
- Australia: The dream long-term trip
Australia is a bucket-list winter travel destination. From the beautiful Blue Mountains in New South Wales to the world-renowned Kangaroo Island, this land is as unique as it is fascinating.
During the coldest months in the UK, Australia benefits from warm, dry weather and plenty of sunshine too. Those interested in eco-tourism can book holidays that focus on wildlife conservation, environmental preservation, and rebuilding hiking trails.
There are plenty of opportunities for solo travellers down under. With the flexibility to check into hostels, rent apartments or book group tours, it’s easy to meet likeminded people and go on inspirational guided adventures.
- Caribbean islands: A taste of the Tropics
Lastly, the Caribbean is perfect for a high-end holiday.
These fascinating, star-studded islands are proving increasingly popular with British tourists. According to TripAdvisor’s Summer Travel Index, Sint Maarten was the number one trending summer destination for Brits. And thanks to year-round warm weather, it’s a popular winter destination too.
If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean, make sure you do your research first. Some islands are subject to the Atlantic hurricane season from June until November, so it’s safest to travel from December onwards.