Chasing the Sun: Top Winter Escapes

While European Christmas may be on the top of many travelers’ winter wish list, escaping cold climates is on the top of many others.

What you will find here

If you are looking to escape the cold during the holiday season, these are some of our top-rated destinations for a warm winter wonderland.

Beach Getaways

Escape the winter cold and soak up the sun in these warm destinations. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, these spots offer the perfect winter getaway.

Boasting a perfect mix of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural experiences, Phuket is the ultimate place for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers.

The warm weather is ideal for escaping the cold, enjoying beach activities and exploring the island or venturing to the Big Buddha. Enjoy a boat tour to Phi Phi Islands, and relax on Patong Beach while forgetting the cold back home.

Added bonus: Thailand offers a huge range of price points, making it ideal for any traveler.

The Maldives are a dream destination any time of year, but leaving a cold and snow then arriving to pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows? Does it get much dreamier?

The Maldives is a perfect romantic couples’ destination, or anyone looking to spend the holidays snorkeling and diving in vibrant coral reefs, relaxing in private villas, and experiencing world-class spa treatments

No passport? No problem.

Feel like you are in another world without leaving the country by taking a trip to Hawaii.

Whether island hoping, or sitting back and relaxing in one destination, you cannot go wrong with Hawaii for the holidays.

With it’s vast and diverse landscape, incredible National Parks, and stunning beaches, Hawaii is an ideal destination for any vacationer.

Caribbean

A bit closer to home, the Caribbean offers amazing options for American travelers looking to trade in white Christmas for white sand beaches.

Why Go?

Cancun offers a vast range of stays for families, friends, couples’ getaways, and solo travelers, as well as a range of activities from adventure to relaxation.

This warm winter destination offers beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and exciting excursions for any traveler looking to escape the winter.

Added Bonus: Flights are generally frequent and short from most US destinations.

With year-round tropical weather, and winter temperatures ranging high 70s to high 80s, Punta Cana is the ideal winter getaway.

Add in the beautiful beaches, incredible resorts, and exciting excursions and Punta Cana is a dream destination for any traveler.

Offering everything from rest and relaxation to party and adventure, what better place to ring in the New Year? Check out this amazing GWA Travel Group Trip to ring in 2026 in stress-free luxury.

City Destinations

Beaches and sand aren’t for you? No problem! There are many magical cities offering warm winter escapes.

With blazing temperatures in the summer, Dubai’s mild warm winter climate makes it the ideal time to visit.

Stroll the streets of this magical city that blends modern luxury and traditional culture in comfort. A winter visit to this capital city allows you to take in all the sights and sounds of the city, including the ultra-modern Dubai mall, as well as ventures outside the city.

Be sure to add a day trip to enjoy a desert safari because sandboarding > snowboarding.

What could be better than spending winter in summer?

Head to the Southern Hemisphere to truly escape winter and dive in to all this capital city has to offer. Sydney has something for every warm weather lover from landmarks and cultural activities to outdoor adventures and beaches.

Not one for fun in the blazing sun, but still want to escape the winter cold? Cape town offers perfectly mild winter temperatures ranging from 46°F to 64°F. Mild weather along with being off-peak season with fewer crowds, makes winter the perfect time to visit Cape Town.

Winter in Cape Town offers more than just mild temperatures. This South African destination serves up amazing food, world class wine, indoor and outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.

Cruises

Can’t choose just one warm destination? Choose a cruise and explore several!

Cruises are a stress-free way to explore multiple locations (especially when you let us plan them for you).

Treat the whole family to the magic of a Disney Cruise!

With multiple lines and options, there is a perfect cruise package for every family, couple, friend group or solo traveler looking to escape winter with some Disney wonderment.

The perfect holiday gift or way to spend the holidays, you cannot go wrong with a winter Disney Cruise. Reach out to one of our Disney Cruise Specialists today.

What is better than escaping winter to one Caribbean destination? Multiple Caribbean destinations!

Whether it is a quick getaway, luxury vacation, or holiday escape, a cruise is a quintessential winter getaway.

With so many Caribbean cruise options, there is a perfect package for everyone seeking fun in the sun but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Let the knowledgeable and capable team at GWATC take all the stress out of picking the perfect cruise by reaching out today.


Whether you are looking to escape the winter on the beach, in a city, or on a cruise ship, you can trust the team at GWATC to plan and execute the perfect warm weather escape for you.


Check out our beach specials with our trusted partner Goway HERE! There’s great deals featured in Australia, Portugal, Hawaii, and more!


Get in touch with one of our travel experts here and start planning your next getaway.

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