For some people, the festive season is all about waiting for snowfall around a crackling fire or dreaming about the northern lights, whereas others it’s all about getting as far away from those dropping temperatures as possible. Fortunately, there are places across the world that continue to experience plenty of warmth and sunshine, even if you haven’t seen the sun for months.
If you’ve been daydreaming about a winter break for the last few weeks – it’s not too late to make your dream a reality. There’s still plenty of time to stock up on travel accessories, and get a fantastic deal on a last-minute getaway during December, January, or even February. But where exactly should you go on a trip? We’ve put together a list of some of the best winter destinations for last minute sun, so grab your money belt, stock up on sun cream, and get ready to banish the Christmas chill from your life for one more year.
1. Mauritius
When it comes to vibrant people, versatility, and of course, stunning last minute sun, Mauritius is one of the most incredible destinations available to choose from. What makes Mauritius shine over its neighbors along the Indian ocean (The Maldives and Seychelles) is its natural diversity and size. Each beach is a personalized paradise made to help you forget the icy thermometers back home, and if you find yourself itching for adventure, there’s plenty of places to explore, from deserted coves, to rain-forested hills, and oceans brimming with beautiful tropical fish.
Though the resorts in Mauritius can be a little “overly-groomed” for some, it’s worth noting that there’s also a collection of some of the finest beach hotels available in the world – as long as you’re willing to search, the chances are you’ll find something that suits your tastes perfectly.
The Best Time to Go:
Typically, the best time to visit Mauritius is in the dry season, from September, to December, but keep your eyes open for flight deals.
2. The Maldives
There really isn’t a bad time to take a vacation to the Maldives. These incredible islands are the perfect exotic getaway for someone who wants to leave the cold of winter behind them, and look forward to the new year in style. When it comes to the best winter destinations for last minute sun, the Maldives allow you to choose the island that suits your interests best – from sandy islets, to high-activity coasts.
While there might not be quite as much to explore in the Maldives as there is in Mauritius, if you’re searching for a blissful beach nirvana – you’ll struggle to find anything better. Best of all, you’re bound to get some sweet deals if you choose to visit during the winter months.
The Best Time to Go:
We recommend visiting The Maldives sometime between December and April, when the tourist rush has slowed down, and you can still enjoy the sun without fighting people for a lounge chair.
3. Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico – located on the Atlantic Coast, has a mixture of modern party, and ancient culture that’s impossible to ignore. If you’re looking for a way to spend the festive season in style, you can visit this stunning location to swim through lush green ceynotes, uncover timeless temples, and salute the sun with the beachgoers in Tulum.
For those with a more adventurous side, the Pacific coast offers plenty of options for surfing, and exploring. Whatever appeals to you, it’s good to know that one of the best times to visit Mexico is during the months when home is chilliest.
The Best Time to Go:
Either coast is best visited during the months between November and March. It’s still warm enough that you can soak up the sun and work on your tan, but the majority of the tourists will have gone home, meaning that you can get a true insight into the culture of this fantastic place.
4. The Canary Islands
Summer never stops in the Canary Islands, where the temperatures generally average out at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year around. Besides the more well-known destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, there are a number of smaller islands to consider that are less visited, and therefore largely unspoiled.
Check out La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma. Though they don’t appear on the average world-map of a tourist today, these locations offer great opportunities for adventurers, and provide fantastic winter sunshine unlike you’ve seen it before. Plus, you get the option to boast about your worldliness the next time you find yourself searching for a conversation starter at a local party. You can thank us later.
The Best Time to Go:
We weren’t kidding when we said that the sun never fades in the Canary Islands. You can go any time of year and still have an incredible vacation. Of course, if the idea is to get away from home in time for the coldest days of the year, you might want to look for flights sometime around December or January.
5. French Polynesia
If you can’t wait to ditch the gloves and snowshoes this winter, French Polynesia is one of the best winter destinations for last minute sun – about as far away from a drizzly winter evening as you can get. Made up of around 100 different tiny islands across the South Pacific Ocean, some of the best known choices are Bora Bora, and Tahiti.
Wherever you choose to go, you should find that your destination is out of this world, offering a castaway fantasy experience on a beach ridged by stunning reefs, turquoise blue waves, and vibrant hibiscus flowers. Go ahead and live the dream.
The Best Time to Go:
Just like the Canary Islands, you can visit French Polynesia whenever you like, and expect an amazing vacation. However, it’s worth doing a little bit of research on your chosen island before you fly out if you want to get the best possible weather. For instance, Tahiti can be prone to rain during March.
