Winter sun holiday destinations to escape to

Chase the sun: top winter getaways revealed

Winter in the UK brings shorter days and colder weather, making many travellers want a change. 

In our Winter Travel Survey 2024, over 61% of our 2,000 respondents told us they hate the cold winter months. And 62% said the UK’s ‘summer’ this year was disappointing. So it’s no surprise three quarters (75%) would consider taking an overseas break in the winter months. 

We’ve shared some key findings from the report here, including how many people are looking to escape for some sunshine and fun – and where they plan to go.

Visiting sunny places in winter is a great way to relax and explore new cultures. Just remember to pack travel insurance to protect yourself from any surprises, so you can enjoy your trip.

Key findings from our Winter Sun Survey 

• We’re not big fans of winter in the UK. Over half (52%) said it’s one of the worst things about living here. And nearly 70% said they long for sun and warmer days in wintertime
• Among the lowlights of winter were dark mornings and nights (over 34%) and paying high heating costs (over 31%). Slipping on ice (24.5%) and getting out of a warm bed when the house is cold (23%) were high on the dislike list too
• More than 52% of people felt they don’t get enough vitamin D living in Britain. About the same number take vitamin D supplements during the winter
• More people (33%) would rather go to a sunny place in winter than in summer (31%)
• The best things about winter breaks, according to the results, include: 
  
  - Escaping the cold (31%)
  
  - Longer days with sunshine (27%)
  
  - The health benefits of sunlight (19%), like boosting mental health (22%) and increasing vitamin D levels (16%)
  
  - Relaxation and rejuvenation (22%)
  
  - Affordable prices (21%)

• Worryingly, just 28% of people buy travel insurance before going on holiday. Only 14% know what their policy covers. And just 13% take time to read the small print in their policy documents
   

Top 5 European destinations in winter

Here are the top 5 sunny places in Europe our survey found UK travellers want to visit this winter.

1. Tenerife, Canary Islands*, Spain: About 20% of respondents want to go to Tenerife. It has sandy beaches, volcanoes, and a lively culture
2. Crete, Greece: Chosen by 19% of people, Crete mixes ancient history with modern resorts and beautiful coastlines
3. Cyprus: Picked by 18% of respondents, Cyprus has a rich history. Visitors can relax on the beach or hike in the mountains
4. Rhodes, Greece: About 15% of people want to visit Rhodes, known for its medieval towns and lovely coastlines
5. Sicily, Italy: Chosen by 15% of people, Sicily has ancient ruins, vineyards, and beautiful landscapes

Top 5 medium- to long-haul winter destinations

And here are the popular places people want to visit in winter that are a bit further from the UK.

1. Maldives: Picked by 22% of people, the Maldives is famous for its bright blue lagoons and cozy overwater bungalows. It’s a dreamy place to relax in winter
2. Hawaii, USA: Hawaii’s islands, like Maui and Oahu, have beautiful beaches, green scenery and amazing sunsets. About 21% of respondents said this is where they’d head for a winter break
3. Barbados: Chosen by 17% of people, Barbados is known for its sunny beaches, fun culture and relaxing vibes. It’s a great place for winter sunshine
4. Jamaica: About 15% of people picked Jamaica, famous for its lively reggae music, warm beaches and green landscapes
5. Dubai, UAE: Chosen by 14% of people, Dubai is a desert city with tall buildings, lots of shopping and a host of exciting activities

Best destinations to warm up your winter 

Want to find the warmest places to visit this winter? Here’s a list of the best spots to escape to for some sunshine. 

Why travel insurance is essential for winter sun trips 

When you travel abroad, it’s really important to get travel insurance. This helps protect you in the event something goes wrong. Here’s what it can cover:

• Emergency medical expenses: If you need help while you’re away
• Trip cancellation: If you have to cancel your trip
• Personal accidents: If you get hurt

Make sure the insurance has enough medical cover for where you’re going and any activities you’ll be doing. This way, if something unexpected happens, you won’t have to pay a lot of money. 

You can choose insurance for just one trip or for multiple trips, whether you’re going abroad or staying in the UK. Some insurance companies even let you talk to a doctor if you need help while you’re away.

If you’re planning a gap year or a long trip, look for special backpacker travel insurance. If you’re going on holiday during the festive season and want to bring gifts, make sure your insurance covers your personal belongings. And if you’re taking expensive devices, consider extra gadget cover for those too.

Always check a policy’s wording to make sure it will offer the protection you need.

Key takeaways 

• Chase the sun: Winter sun destinations are perfect for escaping the chilly UK weather. Popular spots like Tenerife, the Maldives and Hawaii offer warmth and adventure
• Health benefits: Enjoying a winter getaway not only helps you relax but also boosts your vitamin D levels and mental wellbeing
• Travel insurance matters: Don’t forget to get travel insurance to cover emergencies and cancellations, for a worry-free holiday
• Plan ahead: Research average winter temperatures at your destination to pack appropriately and make the most of your sunny escape