Winter Sun Inspiration
Statistics show how winter holidays are becoming increasingly popular, with almost a third of people planning a winter sun getaway. Whether it’s a city break or a long winter vacation, many destinations offer a rich variety of activities and experiences. From relaxing and sunbathing on the amazing beaches of Phuket or visiting the pyramids in Giza, to exploring the Medina in Marrakech, here's a list of destinations and ideas for getting some winter sun.
Thailand: Vibrant beaches and warm weather in the Southeast Asian gem
Winter is one of the best times of the year to visit Thailand, when the weather is warm, humidity is low and there’s less rain. It’s also the time of year with the most hours of sunshine. Travellers will find many exciting and diverse activities in Thailand, from exploring its many islands to experiencing the bustling streets of its capital city.
The capital, Bangkok, combines history and architecture with shopping and street food; not to mention its incredible views. One of the must-see attractions in the city is the impressive Grand Palace, built in 1782 the complex of buildings – once serving as the royal residence – reflects the beautiful old Bangkok-style architecture, and is now mainly used for royal ceremonial occasions. Other top historic attractions to visit include the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho – one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, and the Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, this Buddhist temple is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks.
If you’re looking for beaches Phuket might be the place for you. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is a perfect destination for people looking to relax on the beach, but also wanting to explore local sites and attractions. Visitors can visit old Phuket Town with its colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, night market and street art. Or have a day trip to Phang Nga Bay – also known as James Bond Island as it was featured in the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun – taking in the stunning scenery with limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Egypt: Ancient wonders and sunny days along the Red Sea
Travelling to Egypt during the winter months provides many delights including, attractions and landmarks being less busy, and of course the gloriously warm sunny days. Whether you're planning to visit historical sites, immerse yourself in the ancient and vibrant streets of Cairo, try the amazing Egyptian cuisine, or simply relax while enjoying sea views in Sharm el Sheikh, you'll be guaranteed bright, sunny weather.
The vibrant and bustling city of Cairo has plenty attractions and areas to explore including the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, the Pyramids of Giza and shopping in Khan Al Khalili bazaar. In addition to the vibrant and historic streets of Cairo, there’s some delicious cuisine to try such as feteer a type of pancake that has layers of pastry with fillings that can be sweet or savory, or sahlab, a dessert drink made of milk pudding and cinnamon, chopped nuts and desiccated coconut.
The Red Sea contains a long list of amazing coastal destinations including Sharm el Sheikh, Marsa Alam, Dahab or Hurghada. Here you can enjoy water activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, or sailing on crystal blue water. If you’re looking for activities on dry land, why not try hiking or exploring a local market or you can always just relax by the pool.
Morocco: Winter sun in this historic North African country
Marrakech is a great destination with unbelievable views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the background. Some of the must-see attractions include the city’s Medina, famous for its labyrinth of souks, the Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, not forgetting Bahia Palace for its stunning architecture. Marrakech also offers a rich and diverse bar and cafe scene with several new, modern and stylish restaurants. Moroccan food is famous for its subtle spicing and delicious flavour combinations. On your visit you must try tagine, couscous, Harira, a dish made with legumes, chickpea, herbs and spices, a doughnut-like treat called sfinge and mint tea.
If you’re looking for a beach destination Agadir located in west of Morocco on the Atlantic coast is for you. This is the main seaside resort of the country and has become more popular with travellers over the last couple of years. The area is known for its golf, fantastic food, golden beaches and Souk el Had. A visit to Souk el Had is a must for any visitor, this is one of the biggest souks in Morocco and boasts over 6,000 vendors. In the afternoon explore Agadir’s Medina, reconstructed in 2007 after the original was destroyed in 1960. The beautiful architecture of the Medina houses a museum, workshops and bazaar – the perfect place for local artists to showcase their talents. There’s plenty to see and do, great for a short break or longer holiday.
Dubai: The Middle East oasis
Dubai has an amazing number of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including theme parks, beautiful botanical gardens and parks. One of Dubai's most popular attractions is the Burj Khalifa, this record-breaking skyscraper is the tallest building in the world. The building has 163 floors with observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors, offering amazing views over Dubai.
Dubai is famous for its incredible shopping at Dubai Mall which has over 1,200 retail stores, including major department stores as well as 150 places to eat and drink. Located in the downtown district Bur Dubai is the Textile Souk, a wonderful location with a wide array of fabrics and cloth as well as outfits and fashionwear made by local designers. You will also find a vast selection of both international and traditional Emirati cuisine for those seeking a great gastronomic experience.
Before your holiday make sure you check the foreign travel advice for the country you’re visiting. The information includes the latest entry requirements such as rules around passport validity and visas, advice on health such as any recommended vaccinations, and guidance on safety and security.
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