There is another month of summer ahead of us, but it will be over before we know it. For those of us who aren’t ready for the warm weather to end, we might already be thinking about a holiday somewhere hotter. Fortunately, there are some holiday destinations that enjoy hotter weather when the cold reaches us. To help give you something to look forward to as temperatures cool, here is our list of the top winter sun holidays.
What is a Winter Sun Holiday?
The term ‘winter sun holiday’ is, in simplest terms, a name given to holidays to locales that continue to receive sunny weather during the British summertime. Quite often, this will include destinations in either the southern hemisphere – where our winters are their summers – or close to the equator, which gets the most sunlight in the world.
If you are considering a winter sun holiday in the southern hemisphere, you will want to aim for a trip in December, January, or February.
Winter Sun Holiday Destinations
There are many winter sun destinations, near and far. We have picked out some of the most popular, with a balance of more equatorial locales and places further south. Of course, there are far more options than those we have selected. However, we hope you will find these locations inspiring.
The following list is in no particular order.
Morocco
For somewhere close to home, Morocco could be the perfect destination. It offers hot winters with plenty of sun, all set against a backdrop that blends African and European cultures. Morocco is a historic destination, with a vivid past. It has been annexed by the Romans, invaded by Berbers, and subjugated by Spain. Today, it is ruled by the Alawite dynasty, who can claim descent from the Prophet Muhammad.
A visit to Morocco provides access to beautiful beaches at the mouth of the Mediterranean. However, there are also fantastic destinations further inland. For movie fans, scenes from Star Wars were filmed in this country. And, with all the history we have alluded to, there are some spectacular sights to discover.
Ecuador
This destination is a bit of an outlier. It’s a popular winter sun holiday destination, yet also one that doesn’t get talked about very often. However, it is a destination that offers something different, with tropical surroundings and a vivid colonial history. In Ecuador, you can enjoy beachside relaxation, jungle treks, and trips to the Galápagos islands to walk in the footsteps of Darwin.
A winter sun holiday in Ecuador will guarantee hot weather, as well as an opportunity to explore historical sights. You will also get an opportunity to see varieties of animal life you may not see elsewhere in the wild, such as giant tortoises and tapirs – if you’re lucky.
The Whitsundays, Australia
When people think of winter sun holidays, Australia is probably one of the first locations that comes to mind. Whilst a visit to the mainland can be time well-spent, the truly desirable destination is the Whitsundays on Australia’ eastern coast. These islands have become a favourite winter holiday destination for many northern hemisphere natives.
Enjoying average temperatures of 27°C, a trip to the Whitsundays surrounds you with blue seas and white beaches. Enjoy a swim or just sun yourself on the sand. And if you’re worried the heat will be too much for you, don’t worry. This region enjoys pleasant breezes that make a trip desirable. And the Great Barrier Reef is only a short boat ride away.
Pattaya, Thailand
A popular destination in Thailand, Pattaya is home to bars, clubs, shops, and resort hotels. This is a winter sun holiday destination that has something to offer everyone. It is also well-placed in the country, just two hours away from Bangkok and with other desirable destinations even closer. Perhaps one if its most impressive draws is the golden Buddha engraving on Khao Chi Chan.
A trip to Pattaya gives you access to countless forms of cuisine, with traditional Thai restaurants alongside expat eateries. Furthermore, you could visit the nearby golf courses or, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are opportunities to go snorkelling and water skiing. The area is also home to amazing beaches that receive hot sun throughout the year.
Tanzania
Visit Tanzania to experience the wonders of the country’s national parks and cities full of spectacular architecture. Most visitors to this beautiful African nation are visiting in hopes of enjoying the safari experience, and most holiday packages are tailored around this. Perhaps the most famous of Tanzania’s national parks is the Serengeti, home to cheetahs, elephants, and so much more.
Wildlife experiences are not all Tanzania has to offer, though. Like many of the top winter sun holiday destinations, it is also home to sandy beaches and clear waters. One of the most popular destinations in Tanzania is the archipelago of Zanzibar. As well as its natural beauty, this area is also home to a rich cultural history, including the former palace of a sultan.
Florida, USA
As the most southerly part of the United States, Florida is the country’s closest point to the equator. This means it is guaranteed to receive warm weather throughout the year, making it a popular winter sun holiday destination. It is a state that boasts tourist traps like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. These destinations draw thousands of people every year. But these attractions aren’t all the state has to offer.
Florida enjoys semi-tropical weather throughout the year, making its beaches desirable whatever the season. Furthermore, there are countless culinary opportunities, so why not try a food tour from Miami to Key West. And if you want a taste of nature, the Everglades offer the opportunity to get up close to the famous alligators that call the waterways home.
Barbados
Situated amidst the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean, Barbados is a popular winter sun destination, enjoying sunshine and warm seas throughout the winter. For Barbados, this season tends to be dry, making it the perfect place to visit if you want to avoid a wet holiday. The country has a lively night scene, with rum bars all over the coast, but that’s not all you can enjoy here.
Inland you can find spectacular gardens ideal for relaxing walks. Or you can visit the sugar plantations to learn about the country’s history. For the more adventurous holidaymakers, you could go paddling amongst the turtles of Barbados’ east coast. This is a winter sun holiday that offers something for everyone.
The Canary Islands
Perhaps one of the most popular holiday destinations for British travellers is the Canary Islands. These Spanish territories lie off the coast of north-western Africa, known for beaches of both black and white sand. These are ancient islands formed by volcanoes, such as Mt Teide on the largest island, Tenerife.
You can take trips to the beautiful national parks or visit some of the zoos nestled amongst the islands. For some additional adventure, you could head out onto the waves to watch whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. And for those who are young at heart, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from for a lively night out.
Choosing Your Winter Sun Holidays
When deciding on a holiday destination, it is important to consider what you want to get out of your trip. Are you looking for relaxation or adventure? Do you want to enjoy the sun or engage with the history? Or perhaps it’s a combination of these things. Finances, of course, should also be considered. Where can you afford to go? Is it worth spending more to go further away?
When arranging a winter sun holiday, it is also important to think about travel insurance. Depending on your destination, you may need to pay extra to cover medical costs if the worst should happen. An extra £70 on your travel insurance now could protect you from a £5,000 medical bill in America, for example.
Peace of Mind from Careline365
Personal alarms cannot be used outside of the UK. However, whilst you are at home, it is reassuring to know that you are in safe hands. A fast response in the event of a fall could be the difference between going on a winter sun holiday or not.
With a personal alarm from Careline365, help can be arranged at the press of a button. When your alarm is activated, an alert is sent to our 24/7 Care Team. They then inform your emergency contacts that help is required. In appropriate circumstances, they will also alert the emergency services.
To find out more about the Careline365 alarm service, read our detailed guide. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Call 0808 304 4510 to speak to our helpful customer service team. Finally, don’t forget to order your Careline365 alarm online today.
