Holiday Spots to Escape to During Winter

The winter months in the United Kingdom can be horrid. While there usually isn’t much snow—knock on wood—the wind and wet cold can seep into your bones and leave you with a chill that lasts. The temperature dips below freezing, everything ices over, and sometimes it feels like you can’t and will never get dry.

If the grey, wet, and windy weather is getting you down, you probably will benefit from a sunny escape, perhaps going somewhere hot that has beaches, or perhaps even going anywhere that does not require a coat and wellies whenever you leave the house. Here are some of the best holiday destinations for Brits looking to get some sun during the winter months.

Portugal

Some of Europe’s best beaches are located in the Algarve, on the coast of southern Portugal. The coastline is seemingly endless, so there are dozens of picturesque beaches to choose from. While the weather in Portugal is milder during the winter months than in the summer, a summer trip can be overwhelmingly hot, whereas a winter trip can be quite pleasant. It does rain more often, but on average, the rainfall is not enough to keep away tourists.

Experiencing more mild temperatures also means you probably will want to get out and explore more than you would in the heat of summer. Walking around won’t seem so exhausting, and there is plenty to see and explore in Lisbon, Porto, and Vilamoura. Check out the historical castles and architecture each city has to offer and enrich yourselves in the culture and nightlife.

If you are after a more tropical getaway, the island of Madeira is subtropical and trendy, with a festival vibe during the winter. It’s also a great place to test out your taste buds, with some of the more exotic restaurants and dishes you can imagine.

Spain

Another popular destination that can get way too hot in the summer, Spain is ideal for some during the winter. The temperature can fluctuate depending on where in the country you are, but if you head to the coast, the average temperature can be between 15 and 20 degrees celsius, which is still warm enough to enjoy being outside and get some sun. Plus, holidays in Costa Brava and Costa Blanca holidays during the winter mean you can enjoy less tourists and crowding on beaches, cheaper flights, and probably more savings on accommodations, excursions and tours.

United States

America is a big country with a variety of climates during the year, but Florida and southern California are both beautiful during the winter, although in California it can rain a bit more than usual. These southern states can get pretty hot and muggy during the summer, making it unappealing to visit and explore fully, because who wants to go out and be immediately drenched in sweat? However, between the months of November and March, the climate cools off and the Californian deserts are a great tourist spot to visit.

If a beach holiday is what you’re after, Florida’s coastline is littered with sandy white beaches, where temperatures remain hovering around 25 degrees Celsius – warm enough to rock a bikini and sun tan. Looking for more than just lazing around on the beach? There’s plenty of watersports and activities to indulge in, like parasailing, surfing, scuba diving, or windsurfing, but if you head away from the coast into the Everglades, you can take tours exploring and checking out alligators in their natural habitat. Of course, there’s also great shopping and world famous amusement parks like Walt Disney World, Legoland, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld, and Universal Studios.

Thailand

If you’re up for a more adventurous trip, head over to the tropics of Thailand during the dry season, which is between November and March. The temperatures reach up to 35 degrees Celsius, so while it’s pretty hot, staying by the water will offer respite if you need it. The evenings are warm as well, perfect for the beach parties that are seemingly always happening.

Visit the many palaces the country has, island hop to as many islands as you possibly can, check out the myriad of food markets and broaden your horizons with the street food stalls, or see ancient ruins and lose yourself in the rich history of the country. Thailand is quite budget friendly, so you won’t feel strapped for cash when you’re shopping, eating, or looking for quality accommodations.

Australia

Winter in the United Kingdom is summer in Australia, so if you aren’t prepared for the Australian heat, you will be in for a surprise. Popular destination cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide all have their own cultures and adventures to offer any traveller on any kind of holiday. Beaches, exciting nightlife, beautiful hiking and world-class surfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

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