7 Best Destinations for Summer Lovers to Visit in the Winter

The Maldives are a tropical paradise no matter when you visit, but they become the perfect escape from the winter weather.

With transparent blue waters, a relaxed ambiance, and islands that can immerse you in immaculate seclusion, you can find a beach nirvana just for you.

Bask in the unrivaled luxuries of underwater restaurants, rest on powdery white sands, and watch the brilliant colors of the marine world come to life as you explore coral walls, shimmering cafes, or swirling manta rays in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Maldives Vacation Idea

Best of Maldives Tour: A Tropical Paradise Getaway is a 12-day immersion into personalized beauty, wonder, and charm featuring the unique and colorful natural charms that spread from private islands to protected biosphere reserves.

Highlights: Embrace a luxurious resort on a private tropical island • Snorkel or scuba dive to witness the marvels of the local marine life around the vibrant reef system • Indulge in the opulent accommodations and activities of a luxury cruise around the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve • Savor a soothing and refreshing spa • Delight in a surf lesson • Visit the Marine Discovery Centre to learn about turtle conservation

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Maldives Tours & Vacations • Maldives Travel Guide

Tropical and lush, inviting and unique, Costa Rica combines the wonders of the wilderness with the comforts of contemporary luxuries.

By winter, the rains have tapered off and the landscape remains verdant, as wildlife calls out from the forest canopy. Whether looking for surf in the southwest or sea turtles in the northeast, you can snorkel in search of dolphins and pilot whales, or lounge on a beach basking in the tropical sun.

Discover adventure on a volcano hike, wander through misty cloud forest in search of quetzal, or learn the art of crafting coffee, from planting to production, when enjoying Costa Rica in winter.

Costa Rica Vacation Idea

Experience the combination of luxury and sustainability during the 11-day Handcrafted Costa Rica Tour: Finest Tropical Escape that highlights the romantic ambiance and sense of adventure for which Costa Rica has become famous.

Highlights: Embrace a private tour of a sloth territory • Indulge in the soothing warmth and rejuvenating properties of the natural thermal hot springs • Discover the tremendous natural treasures of Manuel Antonio National Park • Enjoy the thrill of catching a wave with a private surf lesson • Revel in a tour around the Costa Ballena • Embark on a journey through the rainforest canopy with a guided walk along hanging bridges

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Costa Rica Tours & Vacations • Costa Rica Travel Guide

Colombia is the perfect destination to forget about the winter chill. With its position so close to the equator, the weather depends more on altitude than time of year for the perfect blend of comfort and exploration.

From the Andean peaks to the Caribbean coastline, and with a delightful blend of Spanish colonial charm and contemporary art, you can uncover charm from Cartagena to Medellin, enjoy the colorful panoramas of Santa Marta, or plunge into the wilds of the Amazon at Leticia.

Colombia Vacation Idea

Colombia Cultural Immersion: 9-Day Tour of Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena celebrates the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of the country’s three major cities providing deeper connections to local traditions and natural splendor from the Caribbean to the Andes.

Highlights: Explore historic landmarks in and around the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria in Bogota • Peruse the Cundinamarca salt mine to discover the remarkable Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral • Tour the City of Eternal Spring, Medellin • Uncover the notorious life story of Pablo Escobar • Capture cinematic Andean landscape photography of the remarkable views at the Rock of Guatapé • Immerse yourself in the history of Cartagena • Delve into the ancestral African traditions of the Palenke village

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Colombia Tours & Vacations • Colombia Travel Guide

Tanzania in winter becomes the perfect Southern Hemisphere summer getaway. With the promise of wildlife and soft-sand beaches, you can break away from the normal tropical escape to find where comfort, luxury, wilderness, and coastline converge.

Spot Africa’s Big Five when on safari in the renowned Serengeti or indulge on the pristine white sands of Zanzibar’s beaches. Visit a spice farm or trek to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Adventure and discovery in Tanzania are limitless as you escape the Northern Hemisphere’s winter.

Tanzania Vacation Idea

From bush to beach, the Safari and Seascape: 9-Day Tanzania and Zanzibar tour embodies the country’s beauty as it introduces you to the wonders of the Big Five, the luxuries of a safari experience, and the glistening Indian Ocean around the pristine shores of Zanzibar.

Highlights: Wander Ruaha National Park in the early hours of the morning when big cats actively hunt • Cruise across Ruaha National Park’s rich environments to discover the fabulous creatures that inhabit its nourishing ecosystems • Discover Ruaha National Park at night on a spotlighted safari • Swim in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, over the colorful coral reefs and white-sand shoreline of Zanzibar • Sail across the ocean, beyond the breaking waves, to prime fishing spots • Slowly cruise across the shimmering ocean on a traditional wooden dhow boat at sunset

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Tanzania Safaris & Vacations • Tanzania Safari Guide

South Africa is lush and inviting during the Northern Hemisphere's winter as the country warms, the rains fall over the plains, and the weather plunges into the Southern Hemisphere summer months.

The coastline along Cape Town becomes an enticing beach holiday destination, while the waters along the KwaZulu-Natal coast are beautifully warm. Wildlife becomes more prevalent, with babies born among the greenery, and smaller crowds provide you with a more intimate safari experience.

From the Winelands to the Garden Route, South Africa in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter embodies the best of a summer getaway.

South Africa Vacation Idea

Exquisite South Africa Exploration: Culture to Safari embraces the diversity between the open bushland and the beautiful winelands highlighting the charm of coastal towns and the grandeur of luxury lodges.

Highlights: Search for Africa’s breathtaking wildlife in the pristine Sabi Sands Game Reserve • Uncover a number of Sabi Sands’ secret seven during your game drives • Embrace the wilds of protected waters at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve • Discover the remarkable histories and endless charm of the coastal towns and villages around Cape Town • Delight in Cape Town’s famous beauty along the white sandy beaches and captivating views of Table Mountain • Bask in the thrill of kayaking on the Indian Ocean • Indulge in the flavors, textures, and aromas of the Cape Winelands

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: South Africa Safaris & Vacations • South Africa Travel Guide

Mayan ruins, Caribbean coastline, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef create a dazzling combination of exploration and relaxation when visiting Belize in winter. With a compelling mixture of jungle interior and tropical cayes, you can search for wildlife or embrace a day on the water.

Snorkel with manta rays or listen for howler monkeys, uncover the Mayan temples that pierce the jungle canopy or enjoy an evening under the stars as the Carribean laps at the shoreline. Winter is the ideal time to explore and experience the wonders of Belize.

Belize Vacation Idea

Featuring lush inland rainforest and colorful Caribbean waters, the eight-day Tropical Beaches to Lush Jungle: Beautiful Belize Escape captures the spirit of the country by showing you adventure, relaxation, and endless charms.

Highlights: Enjoy a dip below the waves on a snorkeling adventure through the world's second-largest Barrier reef • Encounter the ancient traditions of the Mayan civilization during a private cooking course • Stand in the shadows of Belize's famous ruins of Xunantunich • Paddle your way through the Five Blues Lake • Sample the savory chocolate heritage of Belize • Pay a visit to the region's many swimming holes • Recline in the relaxing ambiance of your seaside resort

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Belize Tours & Vacations • Belize Travel Guide

Australia’s summer season parallels the Northern Hemisphere’s winter to provide a wonderful and warm escape across the southeast, south, and west. Uncover the pristine sands of legendary coastline like Bondi Beach or embrace the blossoming cosmopolitan ambiance of Perth.

Indulge in the established European arcades of Melbourne or wander through the distinctive districts of Sydney. From sailing the Whitsunday Islands to finding seductive flavors in the Barossa Valley, Australia sings a different tune in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer that can connect you with the treasures of the worn path or the splendor of remote corners.

Australia Vacation Idea

Stunning Luxuries of Australia: Land Down Under Highlights is a 20-day experience that brings the dreamscape of the country’s celebrated beaches, mysterious Outback, and indulgent winelands to life accompanied by visions of the legendary wildlife.

Highlights: Explore the capital of New South Wales on a thrilling walking tour of the city center • Set out in search of Koalas on a visit to Australia's famous Blue Mountains • Explore aboriginal culture at the sacred site of Uluru with a painting workshop • Be on the lookout for furry friends on a visit to Kangaroo Island • Sip your way through the bountiful landscape of Barossa Valley on a tour of the region's many wineries • Unearth the impressive history of Tasmania on a tour of Hobart

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Australia Tours & Vacations • Australia Travel Guide

From lounging on a world-famous beach to exploring wildlife in seclusion, sipping celebrated wines to indulging in millennia of heritage, you can bask in the beauty of nature and the welcoming ambiance of distinctive culture during your endless summer.

Snorkel with reef sharks, discover sea turtles, embark on a search for enticing new flavors. Whether exploring the Southern Hemisphere’s summer or the endless warmth of a tropical paradise, you can find inspiration for your perfect sunny trip.

Discover the right destination for the experiences you want by visiting Zicasso.com to find your travel inspiration. If you want to travel from December to February and don’t know where to go, you can find the right blend of snowy wonderlands and tropical escapes to guide your ideas with our Winter Vacation Ideas: Best Places, Itineraries, and More.