Predictions of a cold winter in the UK will either send you into hibernation, or searching for winter sun holidays. If you’re dreaming of a sunny getaway or a second chance at summer this year, here are some of the places you can visit:
Koh Samui, Thailand
November to March is the best time to visit the Thai islands. The country offers many islands to choose from, but if you’re a first-timer looking to absorb the best of what Thailand has to offer, then Condé Nast Traveller recommends Koh Samui.
Hailed as the original Thai island, tourists flock to it for its sensational beaches, world-class resorts and spas. You won’t run out of things to do here, whether you’re looking to doze in a hammock, feast on international cuisine, or enjoy adrenaline-pumping water sports like parasailing, flyboarding and scuba diving.
Get away for winter-time sun. Credit: In Cyprus
Paphos, Cyprus
If you don’t want to travel too far from home, you can opt to explore the eastern Mediterranean Sea around Cyprus. Often called Ibiza’s little sister, Paphos offers the best blend of party and peace.
It is especially conducive for catching up on some much-needed “me” time, something that Sex And The City star Kim Cattrall takes advantage of. Every once in a while, the British-Canadian actress likes to step back from her busy Hollywood grind and hide away at the opulent Columbia Beach Resort. With an infinity pool and towering palm trees, the destination begs you to kick back and forget your worries.
Dubai Jumeirah Beach. Credit: The Culture Trip
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
There is a great combination of spotless beaches, historic sites and famous shopping destinations in Dubai. November is the best time to visit, but anytime from December until March is great, too. There are some great Dubai rental apartment options.
Make sure that you visit must-see destinations such as The Palm’s manmade beaches as well as the Old Souk, where you can get beautiful pieces of jewellery, spices, clothes, and much more. You can also stop by the Dubai Design District and the Al Quoz if you’re in the mood for some international pieces of art.
Mallorca beach. Credit: Oliver’s Travels
Mallorca, Spain
Most places in Europe could serve as a picture-perfect paradise, but Spain is one of the lucky few blessed with year-round summer sun. It makes for an ideal vacation destination, whatever season it may be. If you’re not one for the usual Ibiza tourist traps or want something more laidback, the island of Mallorca boasts tranquil waters and beautiful sands. Mallorca also happens to be a celebrity favourite (and for good reason), with the likes of Joseph Fiennes, Annie Lennox, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones known to frequent the area.
Hawaii Maui Makena Big Beach.
Hawaii, USA
For the thrill-seekers, Hawaii is the perfect place to visit. The 18-hour flight from the UK is worth the surf, snorkel and whale-watching activities. That’s why when lorry driver Jim Forbes won a whopping £655,838 last year on the EuroMillions, his first thought was to bring his family of four to the sunny islands of Hawaii.
And with the Aloha State’s year-round sun and fantastic beaches, the Scottish EuroMillions winner might just be on to something. Lottoland reveals that the EuroMillions jackpot prize is currently over £42 million, and numbers like these can definitely go a long way to treating the entire family to a sunshine escape.
Fortunately ,you do not have to have the bank balance of a lottery winner to enjoy the island with its waves, breathtaking volcanoes and fascinating culture, because it can be visited on a budget, too.
