Winter sun holidays

Winter sun holidays

Expert travel guides and holiday advice

Winter weather isn't for everyone so escaping to a warmer, sunnier climate is on a lot of Christmas wishlists every year. Read our guides from our team of travel experts on the best holiday destinations for winter sun, plus hotel reviews and recommended restaurants, bars and things to do.

<p>Krabi, Thailand: Lucy’s port of call for winter sun</p>

Winter sun: Why surging flight prices have me sticking to short-haul

As demand for a winter sun holiday goes through the roof, affordable travel fans are having to look beyond the obvious, says Lucy Thackray

Winter sun: Why surging flight prices have me sticking to short-haul

Head shot of Lucy Thackray

As demand for a winter sun holiday goes through the roof, affordable travel fans are having to look beyond the obvious, says Lucy Thackray

<p>Krabi, Thailand: Lucy’s port of call for winter sun</p>

<p>Get some winter sun with a cruise to the stunning Canary Islands </p>

Six of the best winter cruise destinations

<p>A beach in Mexico, captured from above</p>

9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for December sun

<p>Las Teresitas beach in Tenerife</p>

The best destinations to visit in January

<p>Amazing Icelandic winter landscape of majestic waterfall of frozen Gullfoss</p>

The best destinations to travel to in February

<p>Amazing Icelandic winter landscape of majestic waterfall of frozen Gullfoss</p>

The best destinations to travel to in February

Essaouira is Morocco's laid-back Atlantic coast outpost

Where's hot in March? From the Philippines to Morocco

Hurghada makes an inviting Egyptian alternative while Sharm el-Sheikh remains off the airline map

Simon Calder's winter sun suggestions for New Year

<p>Swap the gloomy British winter for the sun-soaked luxury of a stunning hotel like The Holiday Inn Resort, Montego Bay </p>

Soak Up The Sun: Six Must-Visit Hotels For A Winter Getaway

<p>From Jazan to Jeddah, there are plenty of beautiful Saudi beaches to enjoy </p>

Sun versus ski: How to solve the great winter break debate

The dry plains of Uluru

Australasia & Pacific

Three of the best Australian winter trips for Australia Day 2019

Why you should head to Tobago for winter sun

<p>Escape the February blues with a trip to the Caribbean </p>

The best holidays to book for February

<p>There’s big discounts on travel from Eurostar, Jet2Holidays and Ryanair this winter </p>

Best travel deals for January 2024: Reach the sun for less

<p>Trade snow for sand on half-term family breaks and romantic Valentine’s getaways </p>

Where is hot in February?

<p>From Florianópolis to Ceará these are the beaches that showcase Brazil at its best </p>

The best beaches in Brazil

Winter city breaks

If you're looking for more of a city feel for your winter getaway, read on to let our travel guides give you inspiration

<p>Bruges is just as captivating in winter</p>

10 best European city breaks – and where to stay this winter

Indulge in a culture-packed trip to the Continent at one of these top picks from The Independent’s travel team

<p>The Shard, the tallest building in the UK – and one of the many things to see in London </p>

10 best UK city breaks for 2023

<p>Zaragoza, Spain, is home to some of the country’s best tapas</p>

Five cultural European city breaks you might not have considered

<p>Izmir Town makes for the perfect summer city break</p>

Best budget European city break destinations 2023

<p>Sublime Comporta has chic suites and large windows filled with natural beauty </p>

Best romantic city break destinations in Europe

Long haul destinations

Our travel guides will get you inspired to head on a long haul holiday this winter, from Thai beaches to an Australian escape

<p>A legendary landscape that makes way for an unforgettable road trip, Victoria’s Great Southern Touring Route is brimming with ocean views and fauna-filled forest drives </p>

Australia’s best road trip: drive the Great Southern Touring Route

<p>Praia de Cumuruxatiba beach, Bahia, Brazil</p>

Brazil travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

<p>Whether city or countryside, Argentina delivers dramatic vistas </p>

Argentina travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

<p>Traffic along the famous Hollywood Boulevard</p>

Best things to do in Los Angeles

More on winter sun destinations

<p>Plenty of destinations are blessed with sun in Britain’s colder months </p>

Where is hot in January? The best destinations for winter sun

<p>You don’t necessarily need to travel long haul for winter sun </p>

Cheap winter sun holidays for 2024

<p>Paradise beaches take prime position on the “Island of the Gods” </p>

The best beaches in Bali

<p>The Esperance inlet, Lucky Bay, has blinding white sands and a whole palette of turquoise waters </p>

The best beaches in Australia

<p>Arctic expeditions, Christmas markets and sun drenched islands await</p>

Best winter cruise holidays for 2023/2024