Top Five Destinations to Escape Winter Sun

Winter is on its way, and with it comes a terrific time to go travelling and chase down warmer climates.  Sara Birtwhistle, Founder and Director of the 50+ Travel Club, has shared her top five destinations to escape the chill and catch some rays this winter:

1.  Canada

Canada has something for everyone and summer is one of the best times to take in the dynamic landscapes of this vast northern frontier. Take a grand tour across the country or focus on exploring specific areas, like the Rocky Mountains and Vancouver areas. These locations give a great taste of the incredible scenery and hospitality that draws people to this country – you can spend weeks here and not scratch the surface.

— Top tip: choose a guided tour with plenty of free time to ensure you can pack in as many eating, drinking and shopping experiences as you can.

2.  Alaska

Many mature travellers check out Alaska by cruise ship and for excellent reason – this is a super way to see the coastline to the North of Vancouver, known as the Inside Passage. Glaciers, fjords, quaint coastal towns and abundant sub-arctic wildlife are the main draw cards, and our winter is a great time to visit Alaska without running the risk of hypothermia!

— Top tip: take a small group tour to have a more dynamic and intimate experience.

3. Hawaii It doesn’t get much better than Hawaii in summer. Hang out on Waikiki Beach and enjoy lazy hot days, pick up a hire car and hit the road (in the right hand lane) or take a cruise to get a different perspective and marvel at the mountains and volcanoes that create the remarkable Hawaiian skyline. Hawaii is also a great stopover point to the USA so you can drop two birds with one stone.

— Top tip: explore several islands while you’re there to get a real feel for what Hawaiian island life is all about.

4.  Australia’s Top End

Our winter is the perfect time of year to check out the Top End of Australia. The sticky heat and monsoonal rains of summer are replaced by comfortable warmth and lush greenery. From the jaw-dropping scenery of national parks like Kakadu and Litchfield to the multi-cultural and character-filled towns of Darwin and Broome, there’s an amazing amount to see and do in our own backyard, so to speak.

— Top tip: if you’re looking for a special something for the wall at home, you’re sure to it in the Top End. Local galleries display a huge range of Australian Aboriginal art and Darwin is famous for it’s Mindil Beach Sunset Market where a huge array of local crafts and keepsakes can be picked up.

5.  The…uh, World An ambitious idea I know, but not if you take to the seas and book a cruise holiday. Cruises often follow the sun so you’re almost guaranteed to get good weather. From private yacht charters to large cruise ships, there really is something for everyone. I know there are some mature travellers have dubious memories of international cruising in the 60s but how times have changed – cruising can be one of the most luxurious holidays you’ll ever have. Plus it’s great value in terms of both price and experience – you’ll pack in several holiday’s-worth of destinations.

— Top tip: Find out what is covered when you pay your cruise fee. Cruises are typically all-inclusive, meaning accommodation, dining and basic on-boat activities are included but be aware that alcohol, spa services and some shore excursions can incur extra costs.