The top winter sun destinations to have on your radar

28 July 2026

As the days become shorter and temperatures begin to drop, there's something incredibly tempting about swapping coats and scarves for sunshine and warm seas. But winter sun doesn't have to mean the same destinations year after year. Whether you're dreaming of tropical islands, unforgettable wildlife encounters, bustling cities, or beaches that stretch for miles, there are plenty of destinations that come into their own during the UK's winter months. If you're already thinking about your next escape, here are five winter sun destinations worth adding to your travel wish list.

The top winter sun destinations to have on your radar

The Maldives: more than just overwater villas

Winter is one of the best times to visit the Maldives, with warm temperatures, low rainfall, and excellent conditions for snorkelling, diving, and island hopping. While the iconic overwater villas remain a dream for many visitors, the Maldives offers so much more. Spend your days exploring colourful coral reefs, spotting manta rays and sea turtles, enjoying world-class wellness experiences, or dining beneath the stars on a private stretch of beach. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to completely switch off, the Maldives offers the kind of tranquillity that's difficult to find anywhere else.

Mexico: sunshine, culture, and coastline

Mexico has become one of the most exciting winter sun destinations, combining beautiful beaches with fascinating history and exceptional food. Along the Riviera Maya, you'll find powder-soft beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters, but it's worth venturing beyond the coastline too. Discover ancient Mayan sites such as Chichén Itzá, swim in natural cenotes, explore colourful colonial towns, or enjoy some of the country's outstanding culinary experiences. The winter months also bring warm, dry weather, making it an ideal time to explore both the coast and the country's cultural highlights.

South Africa: one holiday, countless experiences

Very few destinations offer as much variety as South Africa. The Southern Hemisphere's summer makes our winter one of the best times to visit, with long sunny days perfect for exploring Cape Town, driving the Garden Route, visiting the Winelands, or relaxing on the beaches around Camps Bay. It's also an ideal time to combine city life with a safari. Just a short flight from Cape Town, you'll find some of Africa's most celebrated wildlife reserves, where unforgettable game drives bring you face-to-face with elephants, lions, giraffes, and much more.

New Zealand: sunshine at the edge of the world

Aruba: the Caribbean's sunshine island

If reliable winter sunshine is high on your priority list, Aruba deserves a place on your radar. Located outside the main hurricane belt, the island enjoys warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Eagle Beach and Baby Beach are among the Caribbean's finest, while calm waters make them ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Beyond the beaches, Aruba offers colourful Dutch-Caribbean towns, excellent diving, delicious local food, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps visitors returning year after year. It's an easy choice if you're looking for a classic winter beach escape with plenty to explore beyond the sand.

To book your winter sun escape, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

How to spend a week in Antigua: Experiences beyond the beach that bring the island to life

28 July 2026

Antigua is famous for its beaches, and rightly so. But some of the island's most memorable experiences begin the moment you step away from the sun lounger. On a recent visit, our Travel Counsellors discovered an Antigua shaped not only by its coastline, but by rainforest trails, historic harbours, local flavours, lively traditions and the people who bring the island’s story to life. From off-road adventures and rum tasting to Caribbean cooking and sunset views, here’s how to spend seven days discovering another side of Antigua.

5 lesser-known Greek beaches worth seeking out

27 July 2026

Greece is blessed with countless beautiful beaches, but the best-known spots can become busy long before lunchtime. So, we’ve looked beyond the usual favourites to find five quieter stretches of coast that are well worth adding to your itinerary. Each is easy to explore with a hire car, and whether you’re looking for wild scenery, soft sand, or a peaceful place to swim, each one offers its own memorable day by the water.

Discover Costa Rica’s wild coastlines: The Osa Peninsula and Caribbean coast

24 July 2026

Costa Rica may be known for Arenal’s volcano views, Monteverde’s cloud forests, and the beaches of Guanacaste, but some of its most rewarding experiences lie farther from the usual route. In the remote southwest, the Osa Peninsula offers deep rainforest, untamed Pacific shores, and extraordinary wildlife, while the Caribbean coast brings its own blend of beach life, Afro-Caribbean heritage, and easy-going towns. Together, they show two very different sides of the country, making them a strong choice for visitors looking to spend longer in each place and experience Costa Rica in greater depth.