Where to go on holiday in winter?

The days grow shorter, the grey clouds bloom and the rain falls relentlessly. Do you recognise this description? The question is: where to go on holiday in winter? The nights are unpleasant and never seem to end. Fortunately, there are good destinations to visit in winter. And these are some of the best holiday destinations in January, but also in the other winter months.

From South America to Europe, via the Middle East, there's no shortage of options so that you don't spend the winter staring at the television or the window watching the rain fall. In my list of recommendations, I've decided to include places with variety, from beaches and mountains to snow and desert. It's a question of choice and budget. I've already visited some of these travel destinations, others are on my priority list.

List of destinations where to go on holiday in winter

Colombia - Coffee, beaches and architecture

Colombia is a country I've had my eye on for a long time and one of the destinations to visit in the Northern Hemisphere winter. The security situation is now much better, with peace finally officialised between the FARC and the Colombian government, which makes for a relaxed visit. Winter is one of the best times to visit Colombia, as the temperatures are mild and it rains the least.

The high season ends in mid-January, so hotel rates are (even) more affordable until the end of February or beginning of March. Colombia is a country with an exquisite diversity of culture and landscapes. In Colombia you'll find unforgettable beaches in the Santa Marta region, paradise islands, vast rainforests - including the Amazon - and even mountains and valleys where the planet's most prized coffee is produced.

And, of course, don't forget the important cultural and architectural areas, such as the city of Cartagena or the Ciudad Perdida - if you have the legs, lungs and courage to get there, of course. Finally, Colombia has another advantage: its prices. Colombia is one of the cheapest countries in South America.

Cuba - Rum, culture and passion

Cuba is perhaps one of the most obvious places to answer the dilemma of where to go on holiday in winter. It's one of the most culturally vibrant destinations in the world, with an exotic mix of rum, cigars and salsa (I'm not talking about the aromatic herb). You can choose a package trip, between Varadero and Havana, but I honestly don't think you'll get a sense of the real Cuba in this way.

I was in Cuba for several weeks, travelling independently, and I fell in love with the island. I made friends in Cuba, spent Christmas with a Cuban family I'd met an hour earlier on the streets of Old Havana. I celebrated New Year's Eve with another Cuban family in Trinidad. I started the year on the beach, to the sound of salsa and Cuban rhythms. From Santiago to Trinidad, Havana to Viñales, Cayco Coco to Santa Clara, there's so much to see in Cuba.

But Cuba is much more than beaches and monuments, Cuba is a way of life. It's the life of all those people who make me want to come back because of their passion for knowledge, sharing and socialising. Cuba is like that. Take my suggestion and go and see and experience it this winter.

Innsbruck - Adventure in the snow

Innsbruck is known as one of the main ski and snowboard destinations and has hosted the Winter Olympics in the 60s and 70s. There are several alpine resorts in this part of Austria and for those who enjoy snow sports, Innsbruck could be the perfect holiday destination this winter.

Innsbruck, in Austria's Tyrol region, is also a city of fine architecture and art, as well as being the birthplace of the famous Swarovski jewellery. In between slips in the snow, you can discover how these luxury jewels are made.

Prague - Castles, beer and Kutná Hora

Prague rhymes with castle, beer and Kutná Hora, but let's take this suggestion of "Czech popular literature" in parts. I'll start with the most important thing: beer. Yes, Czech beer is very good. There are too many local beers to recommend one in particular, so it's best to try several and get carried away. Beer is usually cheap, but if you get out of Prague you'll find that prices go down a lot more.

Speaking of getting out of Prague, I recommend a visit to Kutná Hora. It's a beautiful town about 70 kilometres from the Czech capital and should be on your itinerary through the Czech Republic. The main attraction is the Gothic cathedral of Kutná Hora, but the highlight for me was a lamb meal in a local restaurant with a cosy fireplace.

If you have more time, take a trip to Cesky Krumlov, a beautiful little medieval town. Both Cesky Krumlov and Kutná Hora are destinations you can easily reach from Prague by train.

Almost everything has already been said about Prague. The capital city is impressive, with cobbled streets, bridges, castles and a river. In winter, you have the city almost to yourself. I spent a Christmas there and really enjoyed the winter atmosphere, which is why I consider Prague to be an excellent place to go on holiday in winter.

Prague is one of the ten most visited European cities and attractions include castles and cathedrals and the Charles Bridge (Karluv Most). I'm thinking of going back to see if it's my problem or if it's a cultural problem, so to speak.

Reykjavik - Aurora Borealis

When it comes to where to go on holiday in winter, you always have to include a destination where you can watch the Aurora Borealis.

I've already witnessed this spectacle of nature and I highly recommend that you put it on your list. Pack all your coats and then some, drink lots of hot tea, but go and see the Northern Lights. I repeat, go and see the Northern Lights. It's an enchanting sight and in Reykjavik you can do it all winter long.

Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is an expensive city, but there are many affordable packages that include a flight, accommodation, a tour to see the Aurora Borealis and sometimes even entry to the Blue Lagoon. Can you resist the Northern Lights and a good thermal bath? I think I know your answer...

Qatar - World Cup and desert

I started this list of winter holiday destinations with beaches and I'll end with deserts and... beaches. Qatar is hosting the World Cup in 2022, so this is a great opportunity to get to know a country that will surprise you.

Doha, the capital, is fascinating, with good food, modern architecture, fabulous museums and a beach. If you want a comparison, Doha is the new Dubai. But Doha (unlike Dubai or Abu Dhabi) is an untapped vein. If you're just passing through Qatar, see what I recommend for 24 hours in Doha.

Even the airport itself is a tourist attraction worth visiting. Outside the city, take a walk in the Qatari desert, with its high dunes, and enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery and starry skies. And take water with you, as the discovery of an oasis is not guaranteed.

More travel destinations?

This is just a short list of suggestions and I could include another 20 or 30 travel destinations where you can go on holiday between December and the end of March. If, after consulting this list of suggestions, you still don't know where to go in winter, then take a look at the travel destinations that are available to you in this world of ours and set off on your adventure.

It doesn't matter if you're travelling to a destination where it's cold or hot, what's important is that you get out of the house. Just go. And when you get back, share your adventure with me.

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