The colder months have their own magic and mystery, there’s no doubt about it. Although the days may be colder and shorter, the season compensates by turning ordinary landscapes into winter weather fairy tales waiting to be explored.
Perhaps unsurprisingly considering our desperate desire to escape the truly bleak months, recent ABTA research suggests a 16% increase in winter holidays in recent times. Whilst some visitors are thrilled by the first snowfall, others are eager to escape the harsh temperatures, and whichever camp you fall into, if you’re yearning for an exciting winter holiday, below are 14 top destinations to add to your travel bucket list.
The Maldives
Aside from being a true paradise, the Maldives are the perfect destination for escaping the cold and soaking up the tropical sunshine. The winter climate is mostly dry weather with moderate humidity. The air temperature here stays in the 25 to 30-degree range all year, while the water temperature seldom falls below 26 degrees.
Given such pleasant weather conditions, the holiday season in the Maldives never stops. You can do several things to add variety to spice up your holidays, including diving to experience the underwater world with certified dive instructors and trying out one of the active sports provided by the hotels. Or, you can simply kick back in your resort, luxuriating in the pure indulgence of it all.
Read: 4 IDEAL things to do on your romantic getaway in the Maldives
Courchevel, France
France’s 3 Valleys is one of the world’s most diverse terrain and ski routes. It houses several amazing ski resorts, including Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens. Courchevel stands out due to its unwavering emphasis on the good life. With attractions such as sledging and a fantastic après-ski scene, the Courchevel is one of the top winter holiday locations if you enjoy skiing. You can also experience Michelin-starred restaurants, mountain sculptures, and so much more. What’s not to love?
Read: 6 of the best resort villages in the Swiss & French Alps for ski season 22/23
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Are you looking to experience a more tranquil city centre boasting lots of attractions during the winter? Amsterdam is appealing all year round, sure, but the downtown neighbourhoods and museums do tend to get packed out during the summer. Because it is a fairly small city centre with many tight streets, visiting during winter gives you more room to explore.
With winds sweeping in from the North Sea, the Dutch capital might get a little chilly in the winter, but don’t worry – the Dutch have the right snug retreats for warming your cockles in old-fashioned brown cafés. These celebrated taverns are at their finest during winter, and their warm, golden glow invites you in from the cold. These are just a few of the many exciting things to do in Amsterdam.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s summer season begins in December and lasts until February, making it a popular destination for travellers looking to escape the harsh winter weather of the Northern Hemisphere. Average daily temperatures range between the mid-70s to the low-80s, making it ideal for surfing and kayaking at Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour.
This time of year is jam-packed with must-see athletic events and celebrations, including the Australia Sail Grand Prix and the city’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Since tickets can be pricey during this popular period, it would be best to buy your tickets early.
Sydney is also an amazing place to eat, drink and party. Do check out our guide on doing just that here. Cheers!
Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa offers so much to see and do during winter. Cape Town, for instance, offers everything from stunning beaches to terrific hiking, and it’s not far from the world’s top wines. Cape Town is one of the top winter tourist locations with wonderful matching weather. Winter in South Africa is a whole other experience.
There are fascinating museums in Cape Town, wine-tasting rooms in the Cape Winelands, and pleasant beaches on the Garden Route. You may even gain exclusive access to some of South Africa’s most famous landmarks and activities, all from a base in the city. Cape Town’s food scene isn’t half bad, either!
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos islands’ winter months are characterised by warm weather, which can rise to the mid-80s. It offers plenty of possibilities for scuba diving and watching wildlife. Even though it is technically the rainy season, the rain showers are short, and the sun lights the skies most days.
You can observe many sights when you visit in December. For instance, you can see male marine iguanas flashing bright colours during the mating season, fresh hatched giant tortoises, and waved albatrosses before they depart for the season. You can also experience more action, including the Santa Cruz Island carnival, if you stay until February. Any excuse for a longer holiday, hey!
Read: 5 amazing places to photograph wildlife in the Galapagos Islands
Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide isn’t usually at the top of people’s lists when visiting Australia. However, it is an affluent winter destination. The weather is mainly dry and appealing for exploring the city and nearby wine regions. Adelaide boasts several charming alley pubs and cafes, great restaurants, and roaring fireplaces ideal for unwinding with a soft red wine.
The city’s ancient architecture is exquisite, and the surrounding remote regions represent beauty in the Australian countryside. Adelaide getaways have a vibrancy reflected in the local vegetables, outstanding wines, small villages, and pleasant people.
There’s a lot to discover and do in this destination throughout the winter, with the city throwing a whole host of events that bring the city to life with music, dancing, and theatrical performance. There is also a wacky fringe festival, running from mid-February to mid-March, for individuals searching for more diversity!
Lake Tahoe, United States
While many seek warm winter vacations in the USA, like Hawaii’s tropical beaches or Florida’s sunny Miami, Lake Tahoe offers a different kind of winter magic.
Sure, the winters at Lake Tahoe provide lots of snow, but the temperatures remain relatively mild, not often dipping below freezing. This makes the scenic lake on the California-Nevada border a fantastic destination for powder-hounds. Heavenly Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort are among the ski resorts to consider.
You can visit a nearby casino or curl up by a fire at one of the lodges in the area when you need to warm up. With accommodation costs rising during the increased tourist season, booking your lodgings in advance can help you save on your holiday budget.
Read: 6 IDEAL mountain getaways around the world
Hurghada, Egypt
For travellers from the UK looking for an unforgettable journey, Egypt offers an extraordinary blend of ancient history and vibrant seaside resorts. Unlike the tropical climate of the Maldives, Egypt enjoys a warm desert climate, ideal for winter escapes with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees.
An Egypt holiday package from the UK is a dive into the past, where you can explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the ancient tombs in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, and sail on the Nile. Cities like Cairo and Alexandria offer a bustling urban experience rich in history and contemporary Egyptian culture.
Hurghada, a gem on the Red Sea coast, is a highlight of any Egypt holiday. Known for its spectacular coral reefs and aquatic sports, Hurghada is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The city also boasts luxurious resorts where you can unwind on sandy beaches, enjoy water activities, or soak in the sun. In the evenings, Hurghada comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment.
An Egypt holiday package from the UK is more than just a trip; it’s an opportunity to experience ancient wonders, cultural richness, and the natural beauty of the Red Sea, all under the warm Egyptian sun.
Alberta, Canada
Ice skating in Alberta, Canada, is a terrific way to experience fresh snow and a range of lines at Banff National Park’s three resorts. A few resorts, including Banff and Lake Louise, remain open until May so that you can ski long into spring.
Several recreational activities contribute to Alberta becoming one of the greatest winter tourism locations. It has everything for your Canadian winter wish list: glittering vistas, unusual fauna, and comfortable lodges suitable for warming up with loved ones. It is also home to the famed Canadian Rocky Mountains (the ‘Rockies’), which change into a spectacular paradise during winter.
Rome, Italy
Winter visitors may visit the Eternal City if they don’t mind donning cold-weather clothes to view historic monuments such as the Spanish Step, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. Many of Rome’s famed summer crowds are kept away by average highs in the 50s, and tourists can stay warm in one of the city’s museums or enjoy a cappuccino or a dish of fresh pasta. You can visit in December to experience the huge Christmas market at Piazza Navona and to hear the Pope hold Christmas eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
All that said, Rome can get prohibitively expensive, fast. For similarly historic explorations of some of Europe’s most significant ancient cultures, in an arguably more affordable setting, consider Greece, and, particularly, the capital Athens.
Read: Exploring Rome by numbers
Curacao, The Caribbean
Vacationers on a tight budget can consider visiting this island off Venezuela’s northern coast. Curacao has white sand beaches and blue seas like other Caribbean islands, but accommodations are less expensive. You can spend your days trekking or diving around Christoffel National Park and its famous peak, or both.
Around the island, there are various pubs, restaurants, and casinos to keep your evenings exciting. Meanwhile, Playa Lagun and Cas Abao Beach are two favourites for the best blue seas and white sand beaches.
The ideal time to visit Curaçao is between December and mid-April, the peak season. You’ll make the most of your stay on this island because most activities occur during the period, including Curaçao Carnival, and the climax is the big street parade in March.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz can be an ideal spot to unwind during the colder months. Not only are there more opportunities to experience the snow up here at 1822 meters above sea level than nearly anywhere else, but the iconic Alpine community also provides guests with a wide variety of distinctive holiday activities and experiences.
An Alpine world of sport, arts and culture, well-being, and exquisite gastronomic delights awaits exploration. Are you looking for must-do activities for your St. Moritz winter holiday bucket list? There are many to consider, including surf over, teatime in St. Moritz, Museums and galleries, hikes under a full moon and nightlife. You can also take an amazing adventure on the snow safari or enjoy a private spa and whirlpool to relax and calm your mind in a luxurious ambience in several hotels in and around St. Moritz.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Despite being so close to the rainforests and surrounding mountains, Rio de Janeiro does not have highly wet seasons compared to other Brazilian cities. Many people believe it’s the finest season to enjoy a beach. There’s plenty to be excited about in Rio de Janeiro, from the famed Carnival to the iconic New Year’s Eve events on Copacabana Beach. Don’t forget to bring your bikini!
Read: 5 IDEAL dishes to try in Brazil
Bangkok, Thailand
What’s left to say that hasn’t already been said about Thailand’s capital Bangkok? Well, you might find something here, in our 9 IDEAL travel tips for getting the most out of Bangkok. Bon Voyage! Or, as they say in Thailand, สำนวนในการอวยพรให้เดินทางโดยสวัสดิภาพ!