Leave the cold behind and enjoy days lazing on the beach, exploring new cities, and sipping cocktails by the pool.

What is the best way to survive the winter? Escape it. While we are stuck in winter’s icy grip, it’s a relief to know there are places warm and breezy to escape to. We have readied a list of the top warm-weather getaways in hopes of helping you find the perfect place where beaches, warm waters, and outdoor adventures await. Plan a holiday in one of these places to get out of your heavy winter gear for a while. 

Enjoy the islands of Thailand 

These places are the stuff of castaway fantasies. White sand, rustic-chic beach shacks, a hammock gently swaying between two palm trees as a turquoise sea laps at the shore – all things vacation dreams are made up of. And the good part is that there are dozens to choose from, and each offers something quite different, from the super-spas of Koh Samui to barefoot beach-bum in Koh Lipe, while Koh Lanta remains quietly chilled-out with lovely places to stay on beaches that stretch for miles. Pick the best Thai island to suit your needs and escape the winter blues. 

Explore the ancient temples in Cambodia

The temperate, dry winter season is the best time to visit Cambodia (summertime tends to be oppressively hot, rainy and humid). Visitors flock to the Angkor area to discover hundreds of ruined temples dating back to the Khmer empire of the 9th through 13th centuries. The five-towered Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building, is a sight to behold. To fully appreciate the rich details of the temple’s bas-relief scenes and carvings, hire a knowledgeable local guide and travel like a true tourist.

Adventure await in Blue Mountains, Australia

When winter comes to the Northern Hemisphere, things are just heating up on this part of the world. Once you’ve checked out Sydney’s urban attractions, head an hour or two out of town to enjoy summer in the Blue Mountain region which is home to densely forested peaks, lush gardens, and dozens of hiking trails. The most famous attraction is the Three Sisters, a spectacular sandstone rock formation. If you’re not up for hiking, hop on the Katoomba Scenic Railway (one of the world’s steepest) or ride in the Scenic Skyway, a cable car that has a glass floor for dizzying panoramic views.

Family fun in Maldives 

There is no bad time to go to the Maldives. Actually, those who have been here vouch that there is nothing bad about going to the Maldives at any time ever, though the perfect time, they say, is from December to April. There are perfect little islands here – tiny castaway – fantasy sandy islets, mostly with one immaculate resort, with various levels of splendidness. People who have been to the Maldives confess to wanting to go to the Maldives again and again. For the ultimate family-friendly, and blissed-out beachy nirvana, Maldives is the place to head to. 

Learn to tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

In Buenos Aires, it’s easy to take in a show at a tango hall or even stumble upon a pair of locals locked in a passionate dance on the sidewalk. But what will be more fun is if you try the tango for yourself. Learning the tango is a popular immersion experience for visitors to Buenos Aires. You can strap on your dancing shoes at a milonga (a place where the tango is danced) and study the basic posture and steps of the dance and dance away your winter blues. Wintertime in the Northern Hemisphere is the height of the sultry summer season in Buenos Aires.

Live it up in Rajasthan, India 

With its cities of pink, blue and gold, its romantic lakeside palaces and desert camps, Rajasthan is India’s brightest and most beautiful state. Go there and get carried away, whether you’re getting stuck into the hustle-bustle streets of Jaipur, escaping into the desert around Jaisalmer, or floating wistfully across the lake in romantic Udaipur. Rajasthan is otherwise too hot during the summer months so it’s definitely a good idea to explore this state of India during wintertime when it’s much more pleasant. 

Beach time in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a must-visit African destination, especially during its summer season (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), which is prime time for working on a good tan in one of the city’s many clean, white sand beaches. One of the most popular destinations is Bloubergstrand, where you can enjoy stunning views of Table Mountain, South Africa’s most famous natural landmark. Another strip of sand you wouldn’t want to miss is the Boulders Beach, where you can rub shoulders with a colony of African penguins.

A little bit of everything in Singapore

Sometimes dismissed as a stop-off point on a longer journey, this fascinating city-state is far more than a place to change planes. You can enjoy the old British colonial days in the iconic courtyard of the Raffles Hotel (where a Singapore Sling cocktail is essential) as well as enjoy the vibrant 21st century futuristic flora of its Gardens by the Bay. Do a little bit of shopping along the long retail avenue of Orchard Road. Go on a day trip to the zoo, enjoy the many rides at Universal Studios in Sentosa island, or just lounge by the beach. There’s something for everybody in Singapore.  

 
• winter escapes
 
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