As the mornings start to get a bit chilly and the nights a bit darker, our inner traveller starts dreaming of tropical sun, palm trees, turquoise waters and care-free days.
Planning a winter getaway can have multiple benefits. Simply having something to look forward to as the dark, cold winter days come upon us is enough to motivate most travellers to start planning. Those suffering from seasonal affective disorder will also benefit greatly from a boost of vitamin D.
Each season, new destinations come up onto the marketplace as appealing travel options. Of course, there are also some tried and true winter sun getaways that will always exceed expectations.
The key to getting the most out of your winter getaway is to book early. Now is the time to plan and book vacations to get the best flight and accommodation deals.
In this blog, we provide our top 10 picks for travellers looking for some winter sun.
Maldives
With over 1,100 islands in the archipelago, the Maldives offers variety with a few staples such as white sandy beaches, pristine coral reefs and lush vegetation on all islands. Our top pick is Bolifushi Island. Located just 20 min from the capital city Male, this tiny paradise offers a fun vacation for couples and families. Here you can experience a postcard view, daily adventures and a private villa or overwater water bungalow.
India
India is a cultural enthusiast’s dream. There is so much to see and do! From the stunning Golden Triangle in the North, to the boho-chic beaches of Goa in the South West, there is sure to be something for everyone on a trip to India. Close by to Goa is the village of Velas, a slightly lesser-known beach town famous for its turtle hatching. After exploring the coast, head inland for some local culture, exquisite spice markets and local cuisine.
Bali
Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, is a great choice for a winter vacation. The tiny island offers sun, surf, sand, culture, hiking, scenery and of course delicious cuisine. Since Bali is relatively small, you can move around the island exploring both inland and coastal destinations. Some of our favourites include Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, Lovina and Nusa Dua. If you have a longer stay you may want to consider exploring some of the surrounding islands such as Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida or Lombok.
Malaysia (Langkawi)
If you are looking for a bit of outdoor adventure, consider Malaysia. The Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo are what Malaysia is comprised of, and choosing where to go can be a tough decision! For beach, sun and adventure enthusiasts we suggest Langkawi. Langkawi is home to the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Geopark. Enjoy watersports and hiking during the day and settle into one of Langkawi’s five-star resorts at night for some culinary delights and beyond comfort accommodations.
Australia
Australia is experiencing the best of their summer as we, in North America, move through our winter. This fact alone makes Australia an appealing winter destination. In addition to the weather, Austalia has much to offer in terms of activities, variety and safety. If you are looking for a vacation that feels a bit like home, with sunny weather, stunning beaches and unlimited outdoor activities, Australia may be a great option. This large country has attractions coast to coast and in-between, so allow yourself some extra time to explore.
Barbados
Barbados has been a long-time favourite for many sunbirds. The warm, dry temperatures between December – April make it very appealing for a Christmas or winter vacation. Get on island time and slow down the pace on this dreamy Eastern Caribbean island. Barbados is a well-oiled machine when it comes to tourism as it’s been on the top list for some time. Enjoy luxury resorts, endless beaches and fresh, colourful seafood.
Cuba
Cuba has an interesting mix of culture and coastline. Explore Havana for a few days and then head onto the beach to relax in warm, dry sunshine during the month’s of November – April. Cuba has 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and all are worth exploring including the two National Park sites in the South.
Mexico
Mexico is, and has always been, a great option for solo travellers, couples and families looking for a relaxing sunny getaway. All-inclusive resorts can make a trip to Mexico very cost effective and stress-free. There are extensive resorts and location options in Mexico from kids clubs, to adventure travel, to adults only. It’s best to contact your travel agent to ensure that you are visiting the ideal resort for your travel needs.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a popular spot in December for holiday travel. However, December is within Hawaii’s rainy season that spans November to March. The rainy season in Hawaii usually means that it will rain for a short period of the day, temperatures will still remain around 26 degrees and the lush vegetation will be in full bloom. Enjoy hiking, shopping, snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing all year round. Each island has something unique to offer and depending on your budget and time frame you may want to explore more than one island during your vacation.
Florida
If you are looking for something a bit closer to home, Florida is a great option. November through May offers dry, warm temperatures perfect for all kinds of activities and travellers. Florida is home to Disney World and a top destination for families and adult travellers alike. Experience non-stop flights to Orlando with WestJet.
Where to start?
If you are thinking about a winter getaway and need some tips, tricks or destination ideas, please feel free to reach out to one of our Travel Specialists. They will be more than happy to assist in making your winter sun dreams come true.
