Winter holidays at sea: which country to choose. Beach holiday in winter. Where to go? Warm countries for holidays
Long the winter vacation many tourists from Russia prefer to spend time on the shore warm sea. Such a trip is not cheap, but the memories of celebrating the New Year on the white sand under a palm tree remain forever. Besides, winter holidays on the beach will give you strength before starting your workday. Travel.ru has prepared a list of ten popular destinations for a beach holiday in winter, where Russians sunbathe, dive, fish or boat while there is snow in their homeland.
1. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular countries among tourists from Russia in the winter months. Holidays in can be called budget - only air tickets are expensive, but you won’t have to pay much for accommodation and food here. It rarely rains on the coast in winter, the air temperature averages 25-32 o C, the sea warms up to 26 o C. Thailand offers many opportunities for water recreation, a variety of excursions and delicious food. Russians may be in Thailand.
2. Vietnam
IN last years Winter holidays are gaining popularity. It is as warm here as in Thailand; in the south of the country you can swim - the water temperature is 26 o C, the air temperature is 25-30 o C. Tourists at the resorts have access to all types of water activities. In addition, the steady wind in winter creates excellent conditions for kiting. For Russian citizens to enter Vietnam, provided that the period of stay in the country does not exceed 15 days.
3. Philippines
Another popular winter destination in South-East Asia- small island of Boracay. In winter there is real heat here - the air temperature rarely drops below 30 o C, the water is very warm, and rain is rare and falls mainly at night. Surfers love the winter wind. There is a wide selection of hotels to suit every taste and budget: from inexpensive bungalows to luxury hotels. Pearls are mined in Boracay - this is the most popular souvenir from a trip to the island. Citizens of the Russian Federation can also visit the Philippines if they are traveling to the country for no more than 30 days, but the validity of the passport must be at least six months at the time of entry.
4. India
5. Maldives
The most luxurious beach destination for a winter holiday can be called. In winter it is very warm here - the air temperature during the day is on average 29 o C, the water temperature is 28 o C. Almost every Maldivian hotel is located on a separate island, so tourists get real privacy and a relaxing holiday in merging with nature. Local coral reefs - business card Maldives. Some hotels offer bungalows built directly above the water. Through the transparent floor elements you can observe bright fish. There are several underwater restaurants on the islands. People go to the Maldives not only for diving - tourists are attracted by secluded beaches covered with snow-white coral sand and a romantic setting. It is customary here to propose marriage or spend a honeymoon. For Russian citizens, it is available free of charge directly at Male airport for a period of 30 days.
6. Mauritius
Connoisseurs of island culture, white beaches and elite holiday They also go to Mauritius. Getting to this island, located in the western part Indian Ocean, quite a long time, but the inconvenience is more than compensated by the magnificent nature, azure water and the softest coral sand. In our winter months it is summer, the air and water temperature is 27-28 o C. The island is interesting not only for adults, but also for children. There are several national parks where unique endemic plants grow and many animals live, including giant turtles. In winter, Mauritius (especially its southwestern Cape Le Morne) is also popular with kite surfers. For Russian citizens to enter Mauritius if the purpose of the visit is tourism and the period of stay in the country does not exceed 180 days.
7. Kenya
Situated on the equator, Kenya offers comfortable and very interesting vacation. The air and water temperature here is 26 o C. All types of water activities are popular off the coast of Kenya. Besides sea resorts, tourists coming to this African country are interested in National parks and nature reserves, as well as safaris. Nice beaches can be found in different countries world, but such nature as in East Africa - nowhere else. The most famous Kenyan reserve is the Masai Mara, where tourists come from all over the world. You can go to nature from the coast as from one day excursion, and for several days - in the reserves there are very comfortable hotels and lodges. To visit Kenya, Russian citizens need a visa, which can be obtained at the consular section of the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow or directly at the border upon entering the country.
8. Mexico
Overseas resorts also attract Russian tourists in winter. In particular, beaches are popular with our travelers. In the winter months, Mexico is dry and warm, the air temperature on the country's coast is 26 o C. The developed infrastructure of world-famous resorts, such as Cancun in the Gulf of Mexico, Acapulco on the coast Pacific Ocean and many others, allows you to choose both budget and luxury holidays. In addition, Mexico offers interesting excursion programs for those who are tired of the beaches. Citizens of Russia and the CIS are required to enter Mexico.
9. Cuba
10. Dominican Republic
Ekaterina Romanova-Panina
Winter holidays - where to go on vacation in January, February or early March to be warm and cheap? The choice is not easy. Holidays in warm countries are quite expensive. We decided to tell you 10 places to stay in winter if you want to bask in the sun, but cannot afford too expensive tours.
10 PHOTOS
1. Madeira. This Portuguese island is beautiful at any time of the year. Madeira is located near the African coast, so there all year round warm. It is also called the island of spring - temperatures there do not drop below +20 degrees Celsius, but there is also no unbearable heat there. (Photo: MR@tter/flickr.com). 
2. Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries for an exotic holiday. And winter is best season for traveling around Southeast Asia. The only downside to traveling to Cambodia is the high price of airfare, but if you buy it now, other expenses in this country will pleasantly surprise you. (Photo: Stefano Gambassi/flickr.com). 
3. Cyprus. The warm and calm winter on this island should interest lovers of ancient attractions, and the prices of tourist packages to Cyprus during the cold season should attract all those for whom their low price is an important factor; moreover, it is now possible to buy last-minute tours on credit. It’s too cold there for sunbathing and swimming in winter, but just right for hiking and excursions in the pleasant warmth. (Photo: S Argyro/flickr.com). 
4. Islands of Thailand. Turquoise sea, heavenly beaches, idyllic views and sunny weather. What could be better when it's terribly cold and cloudy in your home country? In Thailand, especially in the south of the country, winter is the most better weather- sunny and warm, but not hot. (Photo: Mike Behnken/flickr.com). 
5. Tenerife. In winter you can spend a holiday in the Canary Islands for half the price of a summer holiday, so why not go to Tenerife in February instead of July? Tenerife is the most diverse island in the Canary Islands and for this reason it is called a miniature continent (Photo: @morenox/flickr.com). 
6. Hierro is the smallest of the Canary Islands, not as popular among tourists as its neighbors, despite the fact that it is in no way inferior to them in beauty. Hierro, first of all, is wild nature and beautiful landscapes. The island, green and mountainous, is great for hiking. Thanks to unique nature Hierro Island included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. (Photo: David Hernández Gómez/flickr.com). 
7. Goa. Colorful and fascinating India is full of contrasts. Winter is good time to visit India, except in mountainous areas where there is snow and cold. If you want to relax and bask in the sun, go to Goa, an island that attracts millions of tourists with its sandy beaches, emerald waters, sun and atmosphere of relaxation and freedom. (Photo: Gerald Zinnecker/flickr.com). 
8. Israel. Winter is a time of good prices in Israel. This country cannot be called cheap. However, if you go there outside the holiday season and when there are no serious Religious holidays, then you can count on more low prices. In winter, Israel is warm, but not hot, and the weather is good for walking and sightseeing. The Dead Sea is warmer and you can swim there in winter, just like in the Red Sea in Eilat, although the water here is certainly cooler. (Photo: Ran/flickr.com). 
9. Morocco. Summer in Morocco means crowds of people, ubiquitous dust and unbearable heat. Winter in Morocco, although the weather is not conducive to swimming in the ocean - it is too cold, however, it is the best time for walks, excursions and just a pleasant time on the coast. (Photo: T Baran/flickr.com). 
10. Croatia. In winter, the weather in this country is more spring than winter. In December, January and February, the air temperature remains above 10 degrees Celsius during the day. At this time of year, the water temperature in the Adriatic Sea is approximately at the same level. It’s worth visiting Croatia in winter not for a beach holiday, but for active tourism. (Photo: Michal Sleczek/flickr.com).
For us, who grew up in a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, it is not so easy to imagine that somewhere in the winter there is heat, and in the summer, on the contrary, there is dampness, grayness and rain. And there are many such countries. Countries where winter holidays significantly outperform summer holidays, where the season of beach relaxation starts closer to November, and the most delicious fruits ripen right after the New Year. While in the summer in these same countries you can easily find yourself in tropical hurricanes, midge infestations or hellish heat.
So, we bring to your attention 7 countries where it is much better to relax in winter than in summer
1. EGYPT
The undisputed leader in the list of countries beloved by Belarusian tourists. Even in summer, Egypt ranks second among the top ten countries in which tourists show increased interest in tours. In summer you can relax comfortably at resorts Mediterranean Sea, but of course Alexandria and Marsa Matruh are no match for Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada on the Red Sea. It is in winter that the ideal weather for relaxation is established in the latter - from hellish +45°C the temperature drops to +25°C, and the water warms up to +23°C. The undeniable beauty of the Red Sea, a flight of less than 4 hours, a visa on arrival at the airport and affordable prices make a holiday in Egypt in winter a welcome slice of relaxation and holiday freedom. You can now fly to the Red Sea resorts from 300 USD per person, and on a last-minute tour it’s even cheaper.
- Read more: 7 things to do in Egypt
2. UAE
The state, built of glass and metal in the middle of a hot desert, heats up to the limit in summer - the air temperature rises to +50°C and above. Even Arabs who have seen the worst of it try to move to slightly cooler regions for the summer. Winter is the ideal time to travel to the country of luxury hotels, high-tech buildings, oriental flavor and gold markets. The air temperature of +27°C is conducive to swimming in water +23°C, even tanning, as well as hang gliding, climbing to the highest observation platforms and other excursion activities available in different emirates of the country. The UAE is not a cheap country, being in a slightly different price category than Egypt. Finding budget holiday options in the UAE is not so easy. This season you can relax in the UAE from 350 USD.
- Read more: Flying to Dubai: 9 options to have fun while on vacation
3. INDIA
India is a huge country, so there are several climatic zones here. Accordingly, the weather here will be different in different regions. However, summers in India are traditionally rainy, sometimes with minor hurricanes. The favorable season in all respects here begins in November - good weather, the beauty of Jaipur and other cities, fruits, temperamental local people, exotic culture attract tourists from all over the world. Fans of excursion programs go to see the Golden Triangle, entertainment fans flock to Goa, and lovers of a truly relaxing beach holiday go to Kerala. The air in India in winter warms up to +30°C, the water - up to +27°C. Paradise, no less!
- Read more: “The Myth of 3 Dollars”, or What is a budget holiday in India really?
4. SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is good at any time of the year. Except that in the summer in the west it often rains heavily here. In summer it’s good in the east - the resorts of Trincomalee, Pasikuda, Arugambey. But in winter the season opens to the west - when it is cold and damp here, in Sri Lanka it is especially good in Hikkaduwa and Unnawatuna. Tours to Sri Lanka this season start from 500 USD.
- Read more: Ideal holiday destination in Sri Lanka
5. THAILAND
Thailand has a clear division into three weather seasons, the most pleasant of which is the period from October to February. The country is diverse and amazing - it has its own “Golden Triangle” (only unlike India, it is not three cities, but three countries!), its modern megacities with skyscrapers and high-tech buildings, its noisy party resorts and small secluded islands. You should go to Pattaya to hang out, look for solitude on Phi Phi, Samet, Lanta, and beyond the best excursions go to Northern Thailand.
6. MEXICO
The ideal time to travel to Mexico is from November to March. It is at this time that the air warms up to +27°C, the water on the Pacific coast - up to +24°C, in the Caribbean Sea - up to +25°C. Bounty beaches, discos (the most famous is Coco Bongo in Cancun), remnants ancient civilizations Mayan cuisine, incredibly spicy cuisine and unforgettable Mexican enthusiasm are worth the money you will pay for a vacation in Mexico. And this season you will give at least 1000 USD. But it's worth it!
- Read more: Holidays in the Caribbean (Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic): interview with a specialist
7. CUBA
Summer in Cuba means downpours and suffocating heat coupled with high humidity. Add to this set of hurricanes that pass through the country until the end of autumn, and you will understand why a paradise holiday here begins in December. White sand beaches in Varadero, rum, old Havana, beautiful undersea world and the irrepressible Latin American temperament - this is what you will fall in love with during your holiday in Cuba. This season it will cost you from 1000 USD.
Just yesterday I received an email from one of our new readers named Valentin. The letter asked literally the following. I quote: “ Where can you go to the seaside in winter? And inIs an economical beach holiday possible in the first half of January? Family of three adults and a 2.5 year old child». I, of course, replied that there are many options here. But then, to be honest, I thought about it a little. But really, where to go to the sea in winter? In Egypt and Israel at this time it is already a little cool. In Cyprus and the Canary Islands too. If you believe the weather forecast on the website Gismeteo.ru in January in Eilat it will be about +20. At best +24. In all the countries listed, the picture is also similar. Agree, this is no longer quite a beach holiday. A walk along the sea or wandering through the mountains somewhere in Gran Canaria is certainly enough. But for a full-fledged beach holiday (in my understanding of this term), plus 20, like plus 25, is still not enough. Although it’s worth making a reservation: we’re talking about January here. In other months, the hottest resorts in Europe have really great weather.
That leaves Asia. But this is no longer quite a budget holiday. Go to the sea in winter Not everyone can afford to go to Thailand, Vietnam or India. Although here, of course, you need to define the concepts. Still, everyone’s ideas about “budget vacation” are different. So let's put the question this way: where is it better to go to the sea in winter, having a budget of 300-400 euros. In this article I will present my selection. And you, if you want, offer your options. I will be glad to see your suggestions.
Conditionally warm countries.
Israel. Eilat.
The cheapest way to get there: from Kaunas by plane Ryanair. Minimum cost tickets (30-40 euros for a one-way flight). The price only includes hand luggage. You need to seriously adjust to flight dates.
Where to buy: https://www.ryanair.com/
Price hotel rooms : from 46 euros and above (hereinafter, the prices of the Rumguru website, which compares offers from different booking platforms, are used).
Apartment prices: from 50 euros and above (hereinafter, data from the AIRBNB website is used for apartments).
Tour cost (for two people): from 800 dollars. .
Weather forecast (December—January): +23…+27 degrees Celsius. In other months the temperature is higher.
Visa: not needed.
Pros: modern resort, plenty excursion routes, high-quality service in hotels, the fantastic underwater world of the Red Sea.
Cons: spring weather, high level prices in Israel.
Advice: no matter which option you choose, it is best to buy plane tickets and book hotels in advance. At least a couple of months in advance. Search best deals The most convenient way is on search engine sites - for example, on Aviasales. Here tickets are usually 5-10 dollars cheaper than on the websites of specific airlines. In addition, you immediately get the opportunity to see everything possible options flight.
Spain. Canary Islands. Gran Canaria
Cheapest option: flight Warsaw (Modlin) – Gran Canaria.
Cost: from 155 euros (two ways). You can also look for cheaper tickets. For example, create a more complex route Modlin-Charleroi/Charleroi-Gran Canaria. In this case, tickets will be cheaper (70-100 euros).
Cost of hotel rooms: from 39 euros. The cheapest options.
Example: Hotel Monte Feliz (three stars).
Apartment prices: from 70 euros (apartment for 4 people, booking for a week).
Package tour cost (for 2 people): from 1000 dollars. Detailed options.
Weather forecast: +22…+26 degrees Celsius.
Visa: Schengen (single entry possible).
Pros: good level of service, relatively low prices in shops and cafes, pleasant weather, plenty beautiful cities and vibrant natural attractions (Maspalomas dunes, etc.).
Advice: if you suddenly decide to opt for a “package” tour, it’s best to look for suitable options on the website. This Russian online project often offers tours much cheaper than regular companies. In addition, when purchasing a tour you can get an additional discount of up to 5000 Russian rubles, just by using a simple promo code. What specific discount codes are we talking about in detail.
P.S. Probably, the list of countries could also include Morocco, Cyprus or visa-free Turkey. But in these countries in January it is even cooler than in the Canary Islands or Eilat. At least, in most weather forecasts that I found, the numbers are in the region of +15...+20. Of course, you can go to Turkey or Morocco not only for the sea, but also for interesting natural or historical attractions. But this is a little out of the format of our article.
Weather forecast: +28…+32 С°
Visa: no.
Pros: warm climate, clear sea... well, you know, this is the Maldives.
Cons: long flight, need to get to Moscow, high prices in local restaurants.
Advice. Wherever you end up going, be sure to buy yourself good insurance and carefully study its terms. The best way to do this is, which allows you to quickly compare the conditions of different policies, and also offers you best options in terms of price and quality ratio. This site presents policies from many leading companies in Europe, Russia and the USA. At the same time, prices are practically no different from those offered by Belarusian companies. In general, the main thing is not to buy insurance at random. Otherwise, at conditional hour X, your policy may turn out to be completely useless. We've already had this.
Thailand. Phuket.
Optimal route: Moscow - Phuket.
Flight cost: from 387 euros (two ways).
Where to buy: Skyscanner or Aviasales (Check both. And buy tickets where it will be cheaper). You can also use the table provided.
Tour cost: from 750 (for two people). Specific options. Be sure to check the last minute tours section.
Cost of hotel rooms: from 19 euros. Read more.
Weather forecast: +31…+33 С°
Visa: Thai visa.
Pros: warm, cheap, interesting, many beautiful places and vibrant natural attractions.
Cons: Belarusians, unlike Russians, need a visa to travel to Thailand. Well, again, traveling through Moscow is not very convenient.
Advice. In general, searching for plane tickets is a very delicate art. Here you need to choose the right dates, routes, and airlines. Also of great importance is the factor on which site you are looking for specific options and how flexible you can be in terms of organizing your trip. Read more about all these nuances. Be sure to read it. This article will help you in organizing many trips.
India. Goa.
Route: Moscow - Goa.
Flight cost: from 401 euros (two ways). If you're lucky, you can "catch" tickets at half the price.
Where to buy: Aviasales or Skyscanner. (Check both. And buy tickets where it will be cheaper).
Cost of hotel rooms: from 17 euros.
Example: Coco's Resort & Club.
Apartment prices: from 17 euros.
Cost of tours to Goa (from Moscow): from 600 dollars (for two).
Weather forecast: +29…+33 degrees Celsius.
Visa: Indian visa. There is an embassy in Minsk.
Pros: warm, exotic, inexpensive.
Cons: you need to apply for a visa and be careful when choosing hotels (there are many frankly bad hotels in India). Well, again... It’s inconvenient to fly from Moscow.
Tip: if you decide to stay in private apartments instead of a hotel, try searching for suitable options on the AIRBNB website. Personally, we use this platform on almost all of our travels. You can register on the site using this link. In this case, you will immediately receive a small bonus for your first booking.
Vietnam. Nha Trang.
Route: Moscow - Nha Trang.
Flight cost: from 350 euros (round trip).
Where to buy: Skyscanner or Aviasales (Check both. And buy tickets where it will be cheaper).
Cost of hotel rooms: from 7 euros.
Example: Thien Ma Hotel.
Apartment prices: from 15 euros.
Tour cost: from $950 (for two).
Weather forecast: +30…+34.
Visa: not required (up to 15 days of stay).
Pros : beautiful nature, excellent beaches, no visa barriers, many natural attractions and excursion routes.
Cons: departure from Moscow.
P.S. That's all for now. Again, I will be glad to see your suggestions interesting countries and resorts, where you can go to the sea in winter(I hope together we can find something really interesting).
Where is the best place to vacation abroad in winter? Where is the warm sea? Where is it inexpensive and doesn’t require a visa? All this can be found in Southeast Asia, where we are spending our third winter. Based personal experience We have compiled a selection of countries where you can inexpensively go on vacation in the winter of 2019-2020.
We will only tell you about those countries and resorts where we ourselves vacationed during the winter months. We will describe the weather, nuances, pros and cons, prices, and give advice. Choose the most suitable resort for you and go on vacation to the warm sea!
Find and book a hotel By best price You can use the Skyscanner Hotels service.
Vietnam
Vietnam is our love at first sight. This the best place, where you can relax in the winter abroad by the warm sea. We've already met there three times.
Advantages: very cheap, tasty food, nice people, unique culture, great hotels (even for $10), plenty of attractions, good beaches.
Minuses: sanitation in public catering is a weak point of the Vietnamese. However, this applies to almost all of Southeast Asia. If you are disdainful of eating with the locals street cafes, choose more expensive establishments.
Weather in winter. During the winter months, we lived in all regions of the country: in the center (Danang, Hue, Hoi An), in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Da Lat, Mui Ne and Phan Thiet) and in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long). Read about
Things to do. Tourists devote the first days to a lazy beach holiday, and then go on excursions. There are a lot of them, from short sightseeing tours to two-three-day trips to the north of the country. We rent a bike and ride around the area.
Beaches. Vietnamese beaches are good, but they can hardly be called paradise - for those, go to or. However, there are beaches with white sand here too: and.
Prices for tours. Find inexpensive tour to Vietnam you can advance or buy last minute. Week-long tours cost from 60 thousand rubles for two from Moscow.
Thailand
Thailand is a favorite among the Chinese, Indians and our compatriots. From December to April the concentration of tourists is off the charts. Thailand is far from fabulous, but this is the third time we come here in winter - to relax on the powdery beaches and swim in the turquoise sea.
It's clear why: It’s warm in winter and you can swim, interesting excursions, varied leisure activities, .
Minuses: there are a lot of tourists, noisy, some resorts are expensive. However, there are many resorts and beaches in Thailand - it is easy to find quite secluded places (even in popular Phuket).
Weather in winter. In winter we lived in Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and Bangkok. It is still quite humid and there may be rain - usually in the evening or at night. In January and February it is dry and hot, the sea is calm and clean. Air temperature is about +32°C, water temperature is about +28°C.
Things to do. In Phuket, take excursions to the islands: Phi Phi, Similan, Racha. In Pattaya - excursions to the River Kwai, Ayutthaya, and islands. Visit entertainment shows, temples, zoos, and engage in active sports. If you have a driver's license, rent a bike and ride around.
Beaches. In Pattaya, the beaches and sea do not make you want to swim - take a ferry to neighboring Koh Larn, it is clean and there are fewer tourists. In Phuket, the choice of beaches is huge, but the distance between them is decent. We usually stay in Patong and go to other beaches by bike.
Visa. Russians can stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa.
Malaysia
Do you know many people who go to Malaysia for a beach holiday? Nevertheless, you can have a good rest there in winter: it’s warm and you can swim, the weather is great! We advise you to first go to Malaysia for the cultural program, and a beach holiday will only be a pleasant addition.
Pros: picturesque landscapes, exotic country, culture, good beach holidays, delicious food, cool national parks (especially in fabulous Borneo).
Minuses: not as cheap as in Vietnam or Thailand, especially on the islands.
Weather in winter. We lived in Penang. Air temperature is about +32°C, water temperature is about +28°C. Sometimes it rains (usually only in the evening and at night). In Langkawi it’s about the same, only there is no rain.
Things to do? Most people come to Penang for cultural leisure and to get acquainted with local cuisine. It's picturesque here national park, a colorful village on stilts and colonial architecture, as well as street art in George Town. On other islands, tourists engage in diving and snorkeling.
Beaches. For a beach holiday and wildlife they go to Langkawi and its neighboring islands, as well as to Pangkor and Tioman. In Penang you can only swim in the north of the island. Popular beaches are Batu Ferrenghi and Monkey Beach (monkeys really live there!).
Visa. Russians can stay in Malaysia for 30 days without a visa.
Prices for tours. Weekly tours for two from Moscow - from 100 thousand rubles.
Philippines
The Philippines is an excellent alternative to the Seychelles and the Maldives: here you can have an inexpensive winter holiday by the warm sea on paradise beaches with white sand. The islands are suitable for both independent travelers and package tourists. Avoid major cities(Cebu City, Manila) and immediately go to secluded islands - for example,. We vacationed there just in winter.
Pros: islands for every taste, pristine exotic nature and beaches, colonial architecture, plenty of excursions, .
Weather in winter. We visited Bantayan, Cebu, Bohol and Manila in winter. Air temperature is about +30°C, water temperature is about +27°C.
Things to do. Beach holidays, diving, snorkeling, surfing, water activities, swimming with whale sharks, national parks.
Beaches. On Bantayan (in Santa Fe) they are gorgeous: wide, white soft sand. The most tourist island, famous for its beaches, is Boracay.
Visa. Russians can stay 30 days without a visa.
Prices for tours. From 100-120 thousand rubles from Moscow. It's more profitable to rest.
Where else to go on holiday abroad in winter
For an inexpensive beach holiday in winter, the Maldives are suitable. Surprised? Imagine, even on these paradise islands you can rest