With summer flying by and the dark evenings and nights approaching, there has never been a better time to think about a winter holiday. While the Med gets a lot of love in the summer months, for the winter season its important to fly a little further to get to that divine sunshine we all crave, especially in the colder months. If you’re thinking of getting away later this year or early next year, keep on reading as we take you through our top 5 winter sun holiday ideas.

1. Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are always a favourite for winter sun and in terms of price point, they’re hard to be beaten. Glorious landscapes, delicious food, laid back resorts and excellent value await you in each of the Canary Islands, the hard part is choosing which one to jet off to! Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the more relaxed of the Canary Islands and are loved by couples, and families with small children during the winter months while Tenerife and Gran Canaria are livelier islands but equally as loved. In Lanzarote, the most popular resorts are Puerto Del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise while in Fuerteventura it is Corralejo, Caleta De Fuste and Costa Calma. In Gran Canaria most tourists flock to Puerto Rico, Mogan, Maspalomas and Playa Del Ingles while in Tenerife Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje are all very popular.

The Canaries also have a fabulous choice when it comes to choosing the best accommodation for you. With endless self-catering apartments, hotel resorts, half board basis dining options and all-inclusive options, there is something for everyone’s needs and budgets.

2. Cruise from Dubai

The UAE is a fantastic winter sun destination and the best way to take in all of its amazing cities and destinations is on a luxury cruise. Cruising from Dubai has become hugely popular with Irish holidaymakers and if you haven’t tried one yet, what are you waiting for!? This winter, the brand new MSC World Europa cruise ship will sail from Dubai offering itineraries that take in Abu Dhabi, Doha and even a luxurious private island called Sur Bani Yas. These cruises only run during the winter months and are truly a unique holiday experience.

Popular attractions you can enjoy on your port days include the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountains and a tour of the Old Town when in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi a visit to the spectacular Sheikh Zayad Grand Mosque is a must. Other must dos include exploring local Souks, the Arabian Fjords and much, much more depending on your itinerary.  

3. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a lush island paradise located in the Caribbean. It is home to almost 1,000 miles of coastline and 250 miles of the world’s best beaches, making it a wonderful destination to escape to during the colder winter months here in Ireland. It is known for its wonderful culture and people, its breath-taking rainforest covered mountains and its world-class all-inclusive, luxury resorts. We offer a selection of amazing Dreams and Secrets resorts in the Dominican Republic, giving you plenty of choice, depending on whether you want an adult only escape or a family fun resort. If the resorts aren’t enough to blow you away (and believe us, they will!), the beaches they are each located alongside of, will knock your flip flops off.  

4. Mexico

Mexico is hugely popular with Irish consumers due to its incredible selection of luxury all inclusive resorts and one of the best times to visit is during the winter. With warm turquoise waters, lots of attractions, epic natural beauty and unique Mayan historic ruins, there is a lot to enjoy here. Most who visit Mexico tend to stay in either the Hotel Zone in the ever-popular Cancun, or just down the coast in Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. We offer an incredible selection of luxury all inclusive resorts with something for adults only, honeymoons, groups of friends and families.

Popular things to do in Mexico include visiting Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world and also the incredible Tulum Ruins. Other must do’s include, a trip the famous Coco Bongos if you enjoy nightlife, snorkelling along the second largest barrier reef in the world, boat trips to nearby islands and of course, simply relaxing in the glorious sunshine after taking a dip in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

5. Caribbean Cruise

Caribbean cruises are a fantastic way to take in a number of beautiful Caribbean islands all in one holiday. With colourful towns, paradise beaches, inviting cultures and amazing cuisine, you will be spoilt every day of your holiday on a Caribbean cruise. When you’re sailing to the Caribbean, you must firstly fly to Florida to board the ship. This gives you a wonderful opportunity to explore the Sunshine State too! Whether you’d like to experience the thrills of the theme parks of Orlando, the Latin flare of Miami or the laid back Floridian lifestyle of Fort Lauderdale, we highly recommend spending some time in Florida before you sail away. Some Caribbean cruises also sail from additional US ports such as New York so there truly is something for everyone.

For an extra cool experience, be sure to keep an eye out for some of the privately owned islands you can visit on a Caribbean cruise such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, also in the Bahamas. All major cruise lines sail to the Caribbean such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.

So, there you have it! 5 wonderful destinations around the world to inspire your winter getaway. The Irish winters are long and cold so a little breakaway is the perfect way to enjoy some R&R during this time of the year. Go on, you deserve it! For more information, check out our best offers on our deal finder page or alternatively contact our travel experts seven days a week on 01-6995329.