Bracing ourselves for an extended spell of wintery weather, a well-planned getaway fits in perfectly to bring life to this dreary season. It results in a sense of anticipation amongst the gloomy days and post-vacation, the influx of Vitamin D keeps the spirits high until the arrival of summer.
Going on a holiday doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive affair. Choosing to head out during off-peak can be a money-saver, Europe being a fabulous destination. Return flights may be available for rates touching only €47. If that ignites interest, here are some sun-drenched winter destination suggestions.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Situated an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is a thriving vineyard area in South Africa. The arrival of the months November, December, and January brings clear, blue skies and a much-needed burst of warmth here. This is also the period when fresh batches of wine are released for the year. The grandeur of the mountain backdrop and the excitement of tasting new wines makes it a memorable experience.
One of the country’s premier red wine manufacturers, Alto, offers a tasting of four wines accompanied by four varieties of biltong. For a more wholesome family experience, Skilpadvlei offers children-friendly platters coupled with wine tastings and delicious cheesecakes.
Budget travellers would find it quite affordable. For instance, a guided day trip encompassing winery visits and tastings costs around €90, while vehicle rentals are only €20/day.
Dublin, Shannon, and Cork have indirect flights available to Stellenbosch with fares beginning at €517.
Malta
The historically rich country of Malta, recognised for having thrice the amount of sunshine as Dublin in December, is amongst Europe’s sunniest spots. With temperatures ranging between 17 and 20 degrees, it guarantees a healthy dose of Vitamin D for visitors. If possible, a swim at The Blue Grotto, an intricate set of rocky caves surrounded by strikingly clear blue waters, is highly recommended.
During the low-season, one can truly experience the beauty of the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St John’s Co-cathedral in a less crowded environment. The cathedral is home to Caravaggio’s renowned work, The Beheading of St John The Baptist. It’s also an opportunity to immerse oneself in authentic Maltese living, with local inhabitants frequenting the vibrant St George’s Square for spontaneous gatherings as well as planned meet-ups. With less tourist footfall, it’s an ideal time for observing local life at a relaxed pace. Expenses, from living accommodations and flights to public transportation, are significantly cheaper during this period. Ryanair operates return flights from Dublin to Valletta, with fares starting from €50.
As for the popular destination Phuket in Thailand, there’s good reason why it holds such appeal. This energetic province offers a myriad of experiences, whether it’s affordable local cuisine that stimulates the palate or the joyful Full Moon celebrations at Paradise Beach on select dates in November through February 2025. Those interested in the local culture can visit the imposing Big Buddha statue or gain insight into the area’s spiritual core at the tranquil Wat Chalong temple. With versatile accommodation options and a range of itineraries catering to all ages and interests, it remains a top choice for an exotic getaway. This is especially true between the present time and March when the weather is most pleasant. To get to Phuket, travel on Turkish Airlines or Qatar with indirect departure from Dublin that starts at €957.
Lastly for Paphos, Cyprus.
Renowned for its superbly warm days and average winter temperatures of 18 degrees, Cyprus is a favoured destination for winter sun seekers. It’s the perfect time to engage in outdoor pursuits like hiking and cycling, which are more comfortable in these cooler temperatures than the blistering 33-degree summer heat. One can enjoy climbing the magnificent Trodos Mountains, or venturing on a bike along the coastal route in Limassol. Alternatively, Paphos offers a rich history to explore, being a Unesco World Heritage Site, or if you prefer, head inland to the verdant vineyards. Although a small island and not a major exporter, tasting their local wines – Xynisteri or Commandaria, a sweet dessert one – will show why the locals take such pride in their winemaking. On a side note, Ryanair offers direct flights to Paphos starting from €70 for a return trip.
Just like the rest of the Caribbean, St Lucia is a winter haven. It’s during this period that the oppressive humidity of spring and summer dissipate, making way for more agreeable weather. January and February tend to be the driest months, so consider a winter sojourn to this vibrant island. More than just stunning beaches and azure seas, St Lucia also boasts of a wealth of natural attractions like the sulphuric mud baths at the Soufriere Volcano, the trekkers’ delight – Piton mountains, and myriad snorkelling and diving spots. It also provides rich cultural experiences – be it the French-influenced town of Soufriere or the exuberant street parties or “jump-ups”. Keep in mind, as its peak season coincides with our winter, early booking is advised for better deals and choices. You can fly indirectly from Dublin to Castries via British Airways for a return fare starting from €793.
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, continues to be a favourite amongst families looking for winter sun, despite its questionable human rights record and authenticity as a destination. It offers convenient direct flights, an abundance of accommodation options, superb service, and certain gorgeous weather. It promises wonderfully sunny days where you can bask in the warmth of the sun, making its immaculate beaches even more beguiling.
Emirates provides a direct route to reach your destination from Dublin and it starts just from €653.
In winter, Tenerife on the Canary Islands still experiences an average temperature of 22 degrees regardless, making it an ideal no-fuss location for a winter break. Despite the season, numerous flights operate straight from all the major airports, several times daily. Upon your arrival, most of the hotels, bars, and restaurants remain open throughout the season.
It gets warmer towards the south, so it’s a great idea to lodge there and bask in the sun on a simple holiday or take part in outdoor activities like hiking on Teide Mountain. If you’re a food enthusiast, opt for a gastronomic holiday as the winter season marks the harvest of mouth-watering fruits such as oranges, limes, lemons, avocados, and bananas, injecting freshness into the food served in the island’s cafes and upscale dining spots. The island also boasts nine prestigious Michelin stars. Furthermore, winter is the prime time for whale watching; maintain a lookout for sperm whales, sei whales, and false killer whales along with dolphins and pilot whales. Coming up to almost 20m, sei whales are easy to spot.
Arrange your flight via Ryanair, TUI, or Aer Lingus from Dublin, Cork, Knock, and Shannon for as low as €47.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a city living for a bit of winter sun pleasure, Miami, Florida, is your best bet. Spend the day relaxing on South Beach under the warm Florida sunshine, then head off to Nikki Beach’s original beach club for a tasty lunch and a refreshing Cuba Libre. Utilize the afternoon to discover Miami’s numerous art galleries or take a journey to the Wynwood district to view one of the world’s most significant street art collections. When the night falls in Miami, it’s time for you to unwind. The city is renowned for its EDM scene and has always something big to offer, be it at the hot and happening club LIV located in the Fontainebleau Hotel, or at underground locations such as the Electric Pickle.
You can opt for a direct flight from Dublin to Miami with Aer Lingus at the cost of €469 for a round trip.