Chase The Sun This Winter And Escape The Big Freeze
Every year I say it. I am jetting off to sunnier climes for a quick blast of sunshine. So far, my winter travel dreams have been just that. A pipe dream. I never seem to get round to actually booking my dream trip, instead I stay here and get sucked into the mad pre-Christmas rush and then sink into a mild depression in January when the tinsel has been packed away and there’s nothing but New Year resolutions to diet and exercise more. Those are hardly likely to see me through the long, dark months of January and February are they? Now, what would put a smile on my face is dusting down my suitcase and my flip flops and heading for some heat. It’s now getting too cold to go anywhere but the fireside but with a valid passport and my summer wardrobe still (kind of) fitting me, there’s no excuse. And with all the great holiday packages and offers around right now, I think it would be better to splash out on a reviving, feel good trip than a new Christmas tree and baubles!
I’ve been having a look at some of the best winter sun destinations around as well as the best prices and boy, is there a few that I’d like to see in my stocking come Christmas morning. I’m sure Santa knows what an airline ticket looks like and I’m pretty sure I have been a good girl.
So, the burning question is…where to go for the best of the sunshine this winter. For quickness and ease, the best short haul destinations seem to be the Canaries…again. These sun drenched Spanish islands have been in vogue for winter escapes for years and are showing no signs of a dip in popularity. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are perfect year round hotspots. Tenerife is a brilliant bolthole for the winter as the attractions stay open all year round and likely to be less crowded than the summer months. The Costa Del Sol and the Costa Blanca are still pleasant too and here’s some average temperatures we can expect in the winter months.
So, compared to the icy chill we stand to face over the coming weeks and months, these seem like a good bet.
If you can afford it, and fancy somewhere further afield, there’s some dreamy distant shores just waiting to welcome you with open arms this winter.
Proving popular for 2016/2017 are The Bahamas, Aruba, South Africa, Cuba and Florida.
The Bahamas
The beaches on The Bahamas are just idyllic and will really make you feel like you’ve landed in a sun-kissed paradise. These beautiful islands in the Atlantic Ocean are ideal for water sports enthusiasts and lovers of fresh seafood. Here, you can just go with the flow and soak up the sun. Nothing is too hurried here yet with such an American influence, there’s still an air of luxury and efficiency despite being so far from home.
The Bahamas Winter Temperatue Guide
Aruba
Lying off the South American coast, Aruba basks in year round sunshine so it’s little wonder the locals refer to the place as One Happy Island.
It also has everything a Caribbean holiday should have …sugar white sands, crystal clear, tepid waters and swaying palms and all the other things that dream holidays are made of. Aruba will certainly tick all the boxes.
Aruba Winter Temperature Guide
Cuba
If you fancy releasing your inner spirito Latino, Cuba, is one of the most exciting long haul destinations on the market right now.
This intriguing island is just brimming with character and vibrancy. Havana and Varadero are looking like real hotspots for this winter and into 2017 too. There are some great all-inclusive deals around which a great way of taking a holiday without worrying about running out of cash for food and drink!
Cuba Winter Temperature Guide
Florida
Florida has so much to offer all year round that it has really become a big hitter when it comes to choosing a typical sunshine getaway. At the heart of Florida is Orlando, home to world-class theme parks and amazing shopping malls to spend your hard earned cash in. Florida is not known as the ‘Sunshine State’ for nothing. It’s a haven for sun worshippers and you can pretty much count on year round blue skies. If glitz and glamour are the order of the day, Miami offers palm tree lined boulevards and a vibrant nightlife. The Keys in the south offer a more tranquil vacation and will suit beach-lovers who simply want to grab a book, a cocktail and a sun lounger and spend the day doing little else. Sounds good, doesn’t it? I can’t think of anywhere more magical to spend Christmas than Florida, especially if you have little ones in tow. Walt Disney World Florida is the place of every child’s dreams all year round but it is particularly special (and twinkly) in December as the parks are transformed into winter wonderlands. Bring all your yuletide fantasies to life and let the magic take over. Tis the season to be jolly, after all…
Florida Winter Temperature Guide
Did you know there’s also a little place called Christmas in the sunshine state? Yep, about 20 miles east of Orlando you will find Christmas,Florida and just think if you went now, you could post your Christmas cards from here. Imagine getting a card in the post on a dreary December day and the postmark was CHRISTMAS?!
The feeling that hits you when you holiday in exotic places around the world is like no other but I think that feeling would be amplified during a winter break. Everyone back home is trudging around in rain, sleet, wind and maybe even snow. That’s bound to make you feel pretty smug as you splash on the sunscreen and take a nice dip in the pool. Sure, we all feel good on any holiday once the first cocktail kicks in but when the hot sunshine beats down on our bodies that would normally be wrapped up in woolly jumpers and winter coats, it’s bound to be a little bit satisfying.
Why not think about taking a holiday out of season this year. I think it would do us all some good to mix it up a bit and who knows, you could be saying Happy New Year on the beach this year. Just remember to call the folks back home…and remember the time difference!
I love travel. I’ve been fascinated by other countries and cultures since my first foreign trip in 1985 and I’ve had serious wanderlust ever since.I also love to write about where I’ve been and tripsology lets me indulge that passion. I’m thrilled to be a regular contributor and editor. When I’m not writing I also run my own PR and publicity company.