Winter is a great time to go exploring and see what other countries have to offer.
Escaping to warmer countries is always tempting when the winter comes, or it’s a chance to see what other countries are like during the festive period.
Check out our 10 winter escapes will leave you with those wanderlust feels.
For a sunshine escape with a cultural twist, winter is an ideal time to visit Qatar, with temperatures in the twenties and low humidity.
In the capital city of Doha visit the Museum of Islamic Art with exhibits covering 14 centuries of the finest art and artefacts from across the Islamic world, followed by lunch in the marina on The Pearl-Qatar, or experience the culinary delights of the world’s largest Nobu at The Four Seasons Hotel Doha.
Spend the evening relaxing in Doha Bay on a traditional Dhow boat cruise and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Corniche and Doha’s glittering skyline.
South Africa: Karkloof Safari Spa
Spend your winter venturing into the wild for an unforgettable safari spa break, where you’ll be able to spot giraffes, rhinos and zebras during a private guided safari tour.
Get a taste of the magnificent African landscape on private hiking and mountain biking tours, where dramatic cliff faces, and breath-taking waterfalls await your discovery.
Make this winter the most stress-free season with a healthy holiday where you can relax and recuperate with unlimited spa therapies, from vitamin C facials to royal Thai massages.
For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891
Paris, France
A trip to the most romantic place in the world, will make a fab winter escape.
With the iconic Eiffel Tower to explore, designer boutiques to get your Christmas shopping done, and a never ending wealth of Parisian foods to try- from croissants to macaroons, and France’s finest wines, and a chance to see some of the most famous paintings in the world in Paris’ many museums, is just some of the reasons on why you should visit Paris this winter.
India: Ananda in the Himalayas
Restore your mind and body in the blissful oasis of the Himalayan foothills amid the welcoming warmth of the winter sunshine.
Experience the fully rejuvenating effects of a holistic Ayurveda spa retreat to harmonize your well-being with healing treatments and specialised massages. Embrace the tranquillity of your surroundings with personalised mountain treks and nature walks, before taking part in calming meditation and yoga sessions in the outdoor yoga pavilion for a spiritually awakening experience.
Refresh your mind, body and soul with ancient Ayurvedic techniques that will carry you through those long winter months.
For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891
Ontario is the ultimate winter wonderland complete with beautiful snowy landscapes, exhilarating winter activities and cosy accommodation. Muskoka, a playground for the rich and famous is located just two hours north of Toronto, and spans 2,500 square miles offering visitors the chance for visitors to enjoy wintry activities including snowmobiling, dog-sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and sleigh rides.
This year, in Kingston, Fort Henry National Historic Site will transform into a winter wonderland, with a new multimedia sensory experience, Lumina Borealis. This interactive theatrical event will take visitors along a 1km pathway, across snowy landscapes through forests and past interactive icebergs – all accompanied by a high-tech light and sound show that will bring winter to life.
In Ottawa, Winterlude will celebrate its 40th anniversary from 2-19 February 2018, where holidaymakers can skate along the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal – the longest ice skating way in the world at 7.8km long – and watch the 38th annual Accora Village Bed Race, which sees costumed teams race huge decorated beds across the frozen ice!
There’s also the opportunity to enjoy live music, the Snowflake Kingdom (the world’s biggest snow playground), as well as a number of culinary events.
Winter isn’t winter without ice skating in New York City, from Bryant Park to Rockefeller Centre, it’s the first hint of the holiday season.
Visitors can enjoy one of the city’s many outdoor skating rinks that open throughout the season; skate around the Rink at Brookfield Place which opens 1 November and glide onto the ice at the heart of Bryant Park at the Bank of America Winter Village.
For a quintessential New York moment, The Rink at Rockefeller Centre is a must-see this winter. Soak up the atmosphere or dance on the ice against the famous Christmas tree backdrop.
Not only is New York perfect to soak up the festive atmosphere, but is the best place to do all your Christmas shopping!
There are many outlets and shopping malls to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice.
New York is one of the busiest cities in the world, and there is doubt you will always have something to do.
Budapest, Hungary
Budepest is perfect for a long winter weekend. The city has plenty to offer from thermal baths, trendy pubs to opera and theatre shows.
The city is budget friendly, where you can save more money for the amazing Hungarian food that is on offer, at the city’s many food markets and festivals.
Virgin Atlantic has reported that Las Vegas is in the top-five sun-seeking destinations for British Travellers.
With pools open year-round and a buzz of entertainment, bars and restaurants it’s clear to see why.
The southern states are warm all year-round and during the winter period the temperature in Las Vegas is perfect for exploring the iconic sites or relaxing by one of the many spectacular hotel pools.
As temperatures cool, exploring the Mojave Desert just a few miles west of Las Vegas is the perfect day trip. From kayaking through small coves on the river to rock climbing hiking and bike trails, there is much to be explored at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area.
Visiting Southern India; Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, guests will have the opportunity to experience the country’s highlights and discover its hidden gems this winter.
Enjoy a safari drive in the Madumalai National Park, a small Keralan backwaters boat exploration and to complete the trip, guests will be treated to a relaxed day on the beach outside Chennai at Mahabalipuram.
Dubai
There are many reasons to visit the most extravagant city in the United Arab Emirates.
With plenty of architectural buildings such as the Burj Al Arab to see, exploring the Jumeirah Beach, the trendy bars and restaurants to eat, to shopping at the Mall of the Emirates, and basking in the heat, that can reach up to 30 degrees- Dubai is the perfect winter escape.
By Amy Lehal
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