Where Will You Escape Winter This Year?

Craving some sunshine this cold and grey winter? Give yourself some much-needed respite from work, home and school routines, and go on a well-deserved spring break to warmer climes. If you’re wondering where to go, we’ve handpicked some of the finest experiences you can have across the world – from the tea plantations of Sri Lanka to the sunny islands of Hawaii. With COVID-19 unfortunately still present, we recommend opting for safer, crowd-free holidays.

Here’s our pick of exciting destinations to visit on your winter escape.

Discover the rich biodiversity of the Amazon region in Peru

Peru’s Inca Trail is a bucket-list wonder for good reason. However, if you want to discover a quiet, crowd-free side of the country, head to its biodiverse Amazon region. We encourage you to be mindful of travelling sustainably in this pristine environment, as you admire the otters that swim in the river and the parrots that feast on the clay along the water’s edge. If you’re up for an adventure, try canopy walkways, ziplining and river rafting adventures deep in the Peruvian rainforests.

Don’t forget to pack layers, gumboots, umbrellas, a raincoat and mosquito repellant.

Explore local culture in Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula’s stunning beaches in Cancun and Playa del Carmen are perfect for snorkelling, diving and swimming, but they also draw big crowds during spring break time, so take a step off the beaten track and explore inland Mexico’s cultural scene. Oaxaca is a burgeoning design, art and craft, and food town, where you can pick up some incredible beautiful local handicrafts, eat amazing food and still enjoy swimming in elegant hotel pools.

Or, if you are looking for a bit more action, you’ll love Mexico City’s vibe. The Aztec ruins, museums, Frida Kahlo museum, and colourful boats at Xochimilco – the last remnants of a water transport system built by the Aztecs – are all worth a visit.

Get in sync with nature on a sustainable trip to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise with a serious focus on sustainable travel, and it offers the perfect winter getaway. Visit the hot springs and hike a volcano crater at Arenal, swim at La Fortuna waterfalls, or try glamping and birdwatching at Isla Chiquita. Need to de-stress? Invite yourself to properly unwind at a yoga retreat in the Bohemian town of Nosara.

Go beach-hopping and sip on refreshing Ceylon tea in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small yet diverse country, so it’s possible to pack in plenty of variety in one trip. Dine on seafood with your toes in the sand at the beaches of Mirissa or surf at Weligama. Visit Asian elephants on safari in Yala and Udawalawe national parks, or wander through the lush tea plantations at Nuwara Eliya. No matter where you go, the one constant will be the delicious cuisine and welcoming smiles.

Drink some of the finest coffee in Colombia

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll enjoy delving deeper into Colombia‘s coffee culture. Start by exploring the mountainous Zona Cafetera (coffee country). Spend the night in a coffee farm and learn more about the art and science of coffee production, from harvesting to brewing the perfect cup.Perched up high, these farms have their own cool microclimate so make sure you pack a raincoat and jacket.

Spend some time exploring the region’s other attractions, such as hiking through the natural cloud forest and towering palm trees at Valle Cocora, soaking in the natural Santa Rosa de Cabal hot springs, and unwinding at Pijao, South America’s first designated ‘slow town‘.

Don’t miss the Coffee Festival every June in the town of Calarcá, with competitions and cultural activities, demonstrations of local crafts and the crowning of the Coffee Queen.

Get an insider’s view of Hawaii as you go island hopping

Hawaii is a year-round destination for beach lovers, and while its well-known beaches draw big crowds, there are still so many lesser-known places to discover without the crowds.

Start with Oahu, and take the challenge of hiking the scenic Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail for stunning ocean views. Have fun navigating through the largest plant maze in the world at Haleiwa, also in Oahu. On the other side of the island, take a tour of the 4000-acre Kualoa Ranch to see where many Hollywood movies including Jurassic Park were filmed.

Hop over to Hawaii’s other islands to watch the sunrise over Haleakala Crater in Maui, cruise along the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park in Kauai and snorkel near Captain Cook’s Monuments off the coast of the Island of Hawaii.

Let these sample itineraries spark some travel inspiration!

Splendours of Sri Lanka Boutique Tour

• 5 Days
• from £1,499 PP

Best known for its rich heritage and diverse landscape, we’ve created this 4 night itinerary to allow you to experience…

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Cultural holidays

Private Tour To Northern Peru

• 3 Days

Journey to Northern Peru’s stunning coast and trace the area’s history as you discover its breath-taking gems. Step into this…

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Adventure holidays

Colombia Tour From Bogota

• 8 Days
• from £2,899 PP

Colombia – coffee and culture, a diverse country – from the green hills of the Andean foothills, the Caribbean coastal…

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Adventure holidays

Our travel teams are experts at curating bespoke winter getaways with incredible activities while taking into consideration necessary COVID-19 precautions. Get in touch and we’ll help you plan the perfect winter escape.