Feel the heat - 5 winter sun escapes
Shake off those shivers by taking off for one of these heat-seeking escapes for a restorative blast of bliss.
Whether a far-flung tropical island, a sun-drenched city break, or a balmy beach closer to home, there’s nothing like a mood-lifting dose of vitamin D and the spirit-calming sight of the sea to cure the winter blues and set the new year off on a positive note. This can mean much more than simply hitting the pool, instead tapping into local culture between sun-bathing time and seeking heart-pumping activities as much as shoulder-dropping relaxation. A new winter wanderlust formula that is as easy as ABC: adventure, beach, culture. Here’s where to find it right now.
Sun, sea and surf on Australia’s Gold Coast
Gold Coast, Australia
Winter in the northern hemisphere means high summer south of the equator and long, hot sunny days on Australia’s Gold Coast. The name says it all, and there are over 44 miles of golden beaches to discover, from sheltered family-friendly spots for paddling (try Rainbow Bay) to world class surf breaks such as Currumbin Alley and Snapper Rocks. The natural beauty doesn’t stop there, and you can snorkel with turtles on a trip to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve or take a kayak out to paddle alongside dolphins on the Broadwater. On land, the action continues with scream-worthy amusement parks and championship golf courses, beachside craft breweries and coastal hikes. The Gold Coast is where big city energy meets some of Australia’s most dazzling coastline.
The perfect day on the Gold Coast
To kickstart your morning: get outside
The Gold Coast is your playground to kick off an action-packed day. On the cute end of the spectrum visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to meet a host of iconic Australian wildlife, from koalas to kangaroos, before tackling the Treetop Challenge and zipping through the canopy. Test your head for heights further at SkyPoint Climb overlooking Surfers Paradise - with incredible views of golden beaches from high up in the Q1 building. Or get your thrills at one of the Gold Coast’s theme parks, from Dreamworld’s roller coasters to Warner Bros Movie World’s stunt shows.
For lunch: taste the Gold Coast
Raise a glass to the Gold Coast’s craft brewery scene hopping around the likes of Burleigh Brewing Company, Black Hops Brewing or Balter Brewing Company, which has a roster of food trucks. Landmark gallery HOTA (Home of the Arts) has a street food-filled Sunday market (get there early as it closes at 11.30am) or enjoy panoramic ocean frontage at Rick Shores - a seaside restaurant with pan-Asian dishes and tropical-inspired cocktails.
After lunch: hit the beach
Discover the perfect patch of sand along the Gold Coast, with the ideal spots for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and more - Burleigh Heads is a great all-rounder, with shallow waters for paddling and breaks for beginner lessons as well as consistent swells for more experienced surfers—plus a laidback line-up of restaurants and bars for afterwards. Surfers Paradise lives up to its name, while Tallebudgera Creek is a calm estuary perfect for paddleboarding.
In the evening: enjoy after dark thrills
Night time fun gets a glow up with special glow worm tours at the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park or Curtis Falls. Miami Marketta is a neon-lit, hawker-style night market straight out of Bangkok or Hong Kong, with live music alongside bao buns and sobameshi. And Aussie summer is the time to catch a movie under the stars, whether floating on a pool inflatable at Wet’n’Wild or on a deckchair in the park.
Island hopping and night markets in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
This tropical island off Vietnam’s south coast is one of Expedia’s Destinations of the Year in the Unpack ‘26 travel trend report. It’s easy to see why, with Phu Quoc’s unique food scene, rich local culture and pristine white sand—as seen at the blindingly beautiful Sao Beach. Once a sleepy backpacker’s paradise, the island has increased in popularity in recent years, bringing with it smart hotel openings and exciting new experiences. Winter is the dry season and perfect time to explore - island hop via the spectacular cable car to Hon Thom or to smaller spots by boat. Foodies will also love the island’s famed fish sauce, touring one of its pepper farms or tucking in at the Duong Dong Night Market on this delicious adventure.
Colorful Pacific coast charm along the Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
With some 200 miles of stunning shoreline unspooling along the Pacific Coast north of Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit runs from Los Cabos-style glossy resorts to Tulum-like hippy cool beach scenes. At the gleaming luxury end of the spectrum, recent big brand arrivals include Rosewood and Ritz Carlton Reserve, alongside the growing hotel hub at Punta Mita. The newly expanded Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International Airport has direct flights from LAX, making the escape to paradise even easier. Elsewhere, the jungle-backed beaches at Sayulita and San Pancho are popular with surfers and yogis, who dip from downward dogs and carving up breaks to the taquerias that line the colorful cobbled streets.
A cultural guide to Mexico City
Dramatic landscapes and dreamy days on Lanzarote
Lanzarote, Spain
Around 60 miles off the coast of Morocco, the Spanish Canary Islands are perennially popular with Europeans escaping the winter chill. Visit Fuerteventura for surfing off golden beaches, Tenerife for mountain hikes up Spain’s highest peak Mount Teide and amenity-laden resorts along the coast, and Tiny El Hierro for off-the-beaten track adventures in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Popular Lanzarote is a stand-out Spain beauty and full of surprises from its volcanic wine scene to the modernism-meets-The Flintstones architecture of César Manrique. Explore the island’s dramatic, lava-sculpted landscapes at the Timanfaya National Park, or spend leisurely days beach hopping from white sand stretches to craggy black rock bays.
Arabian culture and authentic adventure in Muscat
Muscat, Oman
Compared to the frenetic modernity and glitz of its neighbors, Oman is the Middle East at its most classic and laid-back. There are no glassy skyscrapers in the coastal capital of Muscat, instead the gleaming white marble Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque will make jaws drop (it’s open to non-Muslims 8-11am, except Fridays). The spice-scented alleys of the Mutrah Souk makes for an atmospheric change from designer-filled mega malls, while Muscat’s beach-front resorts, many along the wide sandy shore and palm-lined corniche of Shati Al Qurum, major in relaxation. But you can also use the city as a base for day trips too, exploring the Hajar mountains, historic forts and wild deserts of this fascinating country.
Fiona Kerr is a food-loving travel journalist and former features director at Condé Nast Traveller. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Telegraph, Elle Decoration and the The New York Times. When she gets to a new country, her first stop is usually the local supermarket.
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