Winter has been here long enough and it needs to go. But as it’s only January, and winter seems to be sticking around, we’ve scouted the top 10 terrific long-haul destinations that will take you to summer sunshine early! Salsa dance the winter blues away in Cuba, lounge on Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, or stand in awe in front of some of India’s greatest historic treasures. It’s not a bad way to kiss the cold weather goodbye.
1. Thailand
Thailand offers winter sunshine on the cheap, with plenty of flight bargains and charming accommodation right on the beach. Fly straight to Bangkok to explore the bustling city or to Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui for stunning beaches.
2. Australia
Australia is a prime spot for winter sun holidays – because it’s their summer. Whether it’s Melbourne or Sydney, you’ve got more beaches than you can shake a stick at, breathtaking natural landscapes, and that inimitable Aussie charm.
3. Cuba
Cuba is the biggest island of the Caribbean – get ready to explore. There are cigar factories and colonial buildings in Havana and exotic beaches in Varadero. With a fascinating history and an enviable laidback attitude, Cuba is an idyllic island getaway.
4. UAE
The UAE is known for its opulent lifestyle. Fly to Abu Dhabi or Dubai and be taken away by towering skyscrapers, the sprawling beaches, jaw-dropping malls and exhilarating theme parks. It’s also warm all year round!
5. India
Head to India and fly right into the bustling centres of Mumbai or Delhi. Explore India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites (and the famous Golden Triangle) and tuck into mouth-watering curries. Or just soak up the balmy sunshine on a beach break in Goa.
6. South Africa
Everyone raves about South Africa, and for good reason. Fly to sunny Cape Town to explore dramatic coastlines and verdant winelands. Johannesburg is well placed for coming face-to-face with lions, rhinos and elephants in wildlife reserves.
7. Barbados
No one can resist the Barbados charm. After you’ve had your fill of rum punch, explore the exotic Caribbean jungle, hug the giant Baobab tree, and soak up the plantation history. Even head out on boat trips to explore a stunning underwater world of sea creatures. Get booking!
8. Maldives
The Maldives has been labelled a honeymoon destination but you’d be a fool to wait until after a wedding. Fly to the Maldives this winter and discover your own slice of paradise, spending your days on white-sandy beaches and diving beneath crystal clear waves.
9. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s 2,000-plus years of culture have made it a fascinating destination but that’s not all it has to offer. Book a flight to Colombo and be taken away by its timeless ruins, endless beaches (boasting incredible diving and surf) and oodles of elephants, not to mention its many sprawling parks.
10. Malaysia
Book a holiday to Malaysia and fly straight to the capital of Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu. Sip cocktails in Kuala Lumpur’s famous Petronas Twin Towers, tour cultural Georgetown – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and go for a jungle trek in fantastic Kota Kinabalu National Park.
