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5 Warm Winter Vacation Spots You Need to Try

Jen Bloss

Because winter is always too long!

green gardens and a stone house in front of tropical blue water in New Zealans
View from Mudbrick Winery, Waiheke Island, New Zealand

There are two types of people in this world: those who think that winter vacations are for playing outside in the cold, and those who think that winter vacations are for escaping the cold. Though I truly do enjoy snow in small, occasional doses, I grew up with a mom that despised cold weather and insisted on warm winter vacations. And well, I am a product of my environment. So when I get that itch to travel during the winter months, any destination that requires a parka is not on my list. If you’re like me, check out these five warm winter vacation spots that get you out of the cold weather!


1: Guatemala: 

This first warm winter vacation spot just happens to be the one I return to over and over again- Guatemala. American winter is the peak season for Guatemala, and Central America in general. The rainy season starts in April and can last for months, with September and October even being affected by hurricane season. Considering that the roads aren’t always in good condition, cobblestone streets can be deadly when wet, and hiking isn’t much fun in the rain, I would really avoid Guatemala during those times. However, November through March is perfect. Dry weather with warm and sunny days in the high 70s on average! Imagine spending your days drinking coffee and hiking volcanoes, perusing textile markets, and sampling the local fruits and cacao. These are some of the reasons why Guatemala is one of my favorite places on earth! From the quaint colonial city of Antigua, to the massive, volcano-flanked Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins of Tikal, there is much to see and do in Guatemala. If you’ve got some time on your hands, it is also an incredible destination for learning Spanish. Spanish-immersion schools are plentiful and affordable in Guatemala, and the Spanish spoken there is quite slow and clear to understand without any crazy accents. I’ve gone to Spanish school there twice, and it is one of the best ways to spend time abroad. You learn a valuable skill, have direct connection to local people and culture, and have time to explore! 





2: Thailand

If you’re in the mood for a seriously tropical trip, Thailand is one of the best places you can go in the winter. It is going to be hot and humid, but in a “warm hug” type of way, not a suffocating kind of way. We're talking average temperatures in the high 70s to low 90s. Monsoon season runs from May-October, so another reason why winter is the perfect time. Thailand is one of the countries with the most bang for your buck. You can do some epic snorkeling or scuba diving (I would say it is the best I’ve done!), island hopping, and tour lots of cool temples. You can spend time in the jungle, go to a floating market, see elephants, get cheap massages, or drink fresh coconut juice daily. And the FOOD! The best. And while you're over there, add on a side trip to Siem Riep in Cambodia to visit the massive ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. Another thing to consider is that Thailand is a very budget-friendly destination. While it is a massive hotspot for young backpackers looking to party on a budget, you don’t have to sleep in a dorm to afford decent accommodation here. 





3: Australia and New Zealand

If you’re looking a warm winter vacation spot that doesn’t require any vaccinations or translator apps, Australia and New Zealand are in mid-summer during the American winter months! Australia has world-class beaches, surfing, the Great Barrier Reef, and the outback. New Zealand also has beaches, but also epic hiking and geothermal wonders to check out! You could live the van-life dream on New Zealand’s south island, camping and hiking your way around the mountains and along the ocean. They even have hut to hut treks, which allow you to do multi day hikes without needing a tent. And if you’re anything like me and are always on the lookout for a good runcation, the UTMB Tarawera Ultra-Trail is in February, and is one of the most beautiful and fun races I’ve ever done! You can check out that race report here.




4: Patagonia

This is the one place on this list that I have not been to… yet! If you’re looking for an active vacation full of hiking among jagged mountains and glaciers and some of the most breathtaking and remote landscapes, Patagonia is for you! Patagonia spans across both Chile and Argentina, but some of the most famous treks are on the Chilean side. You can do the 4-5 day “W” trek, or the longer “O” trek, and opt to stay in refugios or camp on your own. As Patagonia is so far below the equator and generally a cold place, it’s a place you definitely want to visit during their summer, which is December through February. Average temperatures are in the 60s during the daytime, and this peak season has long periods of daylight which are ideal for hiking. 



5: India

If you’re ready for full-on assault to your senses, wild-culture-shock kind of trip, India is calling your name! Average temperatures in New Delhi from December-March are about 67-87 degrees Fahrenheit, while averages are over 100 degrees F in the summer months. And down in Kerala, it’s even warmer. I fondly referred to my experience in Kochi in February as “permasweat”. India is one of those destinations where you learn to go with the flow and roll with the punches. You’ve got bustling bazaars, peaceful backwaters, spectacular architecture like the Taj Mahal and forts and palaces. You can go out to the desert, or up to the Himalayas, do lots of yoga, or just drink ridiculous amounts of chai. And the food is delicious. India might also be one of the most budget-friendly places you’ll ever visit. It’s loud, busy, chaotic, colorful- a little bit of everything. There are so many reasons I love India. One visit won’t even scratch the surface of all there is to do and see there!



Inspired to book your warm winter vacation yet?

As you can see, winter vacations don’t need to be cold. And there are so many more places that didn’t make this post- in general, look for locations below the equator. If you’re sitting in your house, wrapped in fuzzy everything and planning another meal of soup, you might need one of these trips. I hope this list inspires you to book a getaway to help you through this season of post-holiday, short day, cold weather blah!

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