Sparkling snowflakes and chilly winds not your cup of tea? If, like Active You, you’ve been marooned in the comfort of your own home for days at a time (this week in particular), now might be the perfect time to consider a winter sun break. If nothing else, the warm winter sunshine will drag you out of your winter slumber and perk you up before 2010 starts in earnest!
The question is, where to go? Active You ranks below our top 5 destinations.
The Scilly Isles, located 28 miles off Lands End is Active You’s hidden gem. Only six hours from London by train and plane, this collection of little islands is perhaps the UK’s most beautiful spot – not just in terms of the beaches and unspoilt islands but also in terms of the climate. Even now, as I write this, whist Britain suffers one of its worst winters for many, many years, the Scilly Islands is basking in sun. OK, it’s not hot, you’ll still need to wrap up in a warm fleece – but where else in the UK are daffodils flowering on January 7th? That says it all and better still, there are no airline security delays anywhere in sight. Indeed, whisper it quietly but you don’t even need a passport. Rank: 9/10 with one point docked for no beach swimming in winter – it’s sunny but a tad cold.
The Maldives are a great place to visit especially between November and April. The paradise islands can get as warm as 32°C in December. With its pristine beaches and coconut palms fringing the shore, your winter trip would seem no less than a travelers’ paradise. Go diving at the North Ari Atoll, or soak up the sun in the turquoise blue lagoons. Speed boating, snorkeling, parasailing, and reef casting are some of the many exciting and adventurous activities you can enjoy here. Rank: 8/10 with two points docked for the difficulty and distance in getting there. It’s a long way.
Another sunny winter destination with no rain and perfect weather conditions is Egypt. An air of ancient mystery lies over the Land of the Pharaoh, and you can savour the beauty of the pyramids, tombs, and temples in the pleasantly warm winter rather than in the scorching summer heat. Luxor and Karnak are must-visits, and don't leave without having experienced the Nile cruise. We also love Sharm El Sheik simply because, if you like coral reefs and marine life, Egypt is probably the best location in the world. Rank: 8/10, with points docked for the uncertain political situation and the odd bout of terrorism.
Want more? Well... what could be better than a winter sun destination packed with glitz, glamour and a world-class shopping extravaganza? Dubai, known as the Hong Kong of the Gulf, is the winter vacation destination for celebrities who love to stay at beach resorts in this amazing city. Winter temperatures hover around 25°C but it can be pretty windy. The resort also boasts the world’s highest building, the Burj Dubai, now renamed the Burj Khalifa if you weren’t already confused. Rank: 6/10, with points docked for the wind and overall kitsch of the place. A tiny bit seedy in parts too.
Travel to Australia for a 'hot' and adventurous winter break. Make sure you slather on a lot of sunscreen when you are in Aussieland, as the sun can get really strong. From the tropical rainforests of Queensland to the dry outback in Western Australia, there are many places to visit - beaches, mountains, deserts, and amazing natural wonders such as Ayers Rock. Rank: 5/10, great place for winter sun but a long, long way; expensive; and the time zone can be a problem.
But don’t let our ranking system put you off. It’s only our personal opinion after all. All five of the locations listed are guaranteed to put a winter smile on your face and come highly recommended. Enjoy!
Finally, if you’re looking for a flight for any of the destinations mentioned, don’t forget to visit Cheapflights.
Photo: Dubai's Palm Island
