Where to go to the sea in winter. Where to go in winter in Russia. Video on the topic: Where is the best place to vacation abroad in winter?
- When to fly: any winter month.
- Ticket price from Moscow for one in both directions: from 35,000, on New Year - from 80,000 rubles.
- from 1199 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: up to 30 days.
Ao Nang Beach, Krabi Province
Thailand is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about where to holiday abroad in the winter. Winter is the height of the season: no rain, the sun is shining, +30 in the air, and +28–29 in the water. Mango and papaya are singing. Nightclubs on Bangla Road are in full swing. Along with good weather, tourists fly to Thailand - prices for flights and accommodation become more expensive.
New Year in Thailand is a holiday exclusively for tourists. With fireworks, a Christmas tree and festivities. Locals celebrate Chinese and Thai New Year on a larger scale.
Phuket is an excellent choice if you want to scuba dive, lie in comfort on the beach, and have a blast at crazy parties in the evening. There are excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling, full of beach cafes, massage parlors and hangouts for every taste. Family tourists with children will also have something to do: the island has aquarium (about 3-5 $), amusement park FantaSea with theatrical elephant show (about $55), water park Splash Jungle ($18-30). Stay in Nai Harn or Karon - these are the most calm and cozy areas.
What to do in winter in Phuket
- Swim, sunbathe or snorkel on the tranquil coastlineNai Harn or (entrance to the beaches is free) and feel like a hero from the movie “The Beach”.
- Look at the temple and take the obligatory photo from the observation deck Big Buddha View Point (all locations are free).
- Take a walk in the evening along the party street Bangla Road and go to a ladyboy show Simon Cabaret (~ 18-30 $ / 1220-2035 rub.).
- Rent a motorbike (~ $6-10 / 405-675 rubles) and drive around the entire island, counting Buddha statues along the way.
- Order a real Thai massage session in a street salon (from $9 / 610 rubles per hour).
- Watch the sunset in the south of the island at the most beautiful observation deck Promthep Cape (Prom Thep Cape).
- Become a fruitarian for a week and try all possible exotics - jackfruit, mango, rambutan and durian - for the price of a kilogram of potatoes in Russia.
Vietnam, Nha Trang
- When to fly: February.
- Ticket price from Moscow in both directions for one: from 56,000 rubles.
- from 1299 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: 15 days.
Ha Long Bay
A hospitable country with tropical nature, delicious food, cheap diving and surfing. Compared to Thailand, the climate here is cooler, the beaches are less crowded, and the resorts are quieter. Vietnam is good for independent travel as a couple, family or group. Therefore, choose a hotel that is cheaper, but with a convenient location - you won’t want to sit by the pool.
On New Year's Day, all festive events are held for tourists in hotels. Maximum - banquet and countdown to midnight. Fireworks are rare in the country.
Nha Trang is the most developed, interesting and fairly budget resort in Vietnam. Winter is the low season and good beach weather starts towards February. In December-January it is still cool and windy, but tickets are the cheapest. Don’t be afraid of bad weather: even in the off-season you can sunbathe (+25-28 in the air), in February you can swim (in the water it’s already +24-26), and on cloudy days you can go on excursions. It rains at least three to four times a month, but more often at night.
What to do in winter in Nha Trang
- Spend the whole day lying on the white sand of Paradise Beach.
- Go on an excursion to Da Lat, see Cao Dai Temple and Linh Phuoc (entrance to the temples is free), Ba Ho Waterfall and Yang Bay Park.
- Visit rice and coffee plantations, see how Luwak and Kuli coffee are made.
- Try Vietnamese cuisine: Pho soup (~ 1-3 $ / 70-204 rub.), marinated pork Bun Cha (~ 1.5-2 $ / 100-140 rub.), street spring rolls and egg coffee with condensed milk ( ~ 0.5-2 $ / 34-140 rub.);
- Travel with children to Winpearl Island (~ 28-38 $ / 1900-2580 rubles) and have a blast yourself, riding on slides, electric sleds and carousels in the water park. You can get to the park by cable car (~ $0.3 / 20 rubles) or by ferry.
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
- When to fly: December-early January.
- Ticket price from Moscow in both directions for one: for the New Year - from 120,000 rubles. In January, February - from 70,000 rubles.
- from 1099 RUR/night for two.
View of Rio de Janeiro
The famous Copacabana beach, carnival, legendary football - all this is Brazil. Winter is the ideal time to travel to Rio. You can sunbathe, swim, look at the famous statue of Christ and Sugarloaf Mountain. The air temperature throughout almost the entire country is +28–29, the same in the water.
New Year's Eve in Rio is big: all residents dress in white, come to the Copacabana coast, throw flowers into the ocean and watch fireworks. You will celebrate the holiday without chimes and Olivier, but right on the beach and to the sound of the waves.
Holidays in Rio de Janeiro in winter are a dream come true: ocean, tropical nature, authentic culture and countless attractions. The only negative is the peak season, hence the high cost of the flight. You can fly here alone, as a couple, or in a group. But it’s not worth it with small children: the flight lasts from 17 hours, plus acclimatization and jet lag - it will be difficult for the little ones.
Ipanema Beach
What to do in winter in Rio
- Dance on New Year's Eve to the rhythms of salsa on Copacabana beach.
- Take a mini-train ride to see with your own eyes the famous statue of Christ on Mount Corcovado (from $48 / RUR 3,255 round trip from the station on Rua Cosme Velho).
- Walk through the largest "inner city" rainforest in the world - Tijuca forest (the entrance is free).
- Jump in the ocean waves at Ipanema Beach (free entry).
- Take a tour (from $10) or at least look at the famousMaracanã Stadium , where the World Championships were held twice (1950 and 2014) and the 2016 Olympics opened.
- See the world's largest floating Christmas tree, 85 meters high, in Laguna Rodrigo de Freitas.
- Choose what tastes better: Brazilian coffee from the oldest confectionery Confeitaria Colombo or a glass of Brahma from the brewery"Lapa"
Azerbaijan, Baku
- When to fly: New Year's Eve.
- Ticket price in both directions for one: from 17,000 rub.
- from 949 rub./night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: up to 90 days.
Flame towers in Baku
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a flight, but want to get away from the desk and TV, go to Baku. There is a lot to see in the city: ancient fortresses and palaces, the Flame Towers skyscraper, the Caspian Sea and the snow-capped Caucasus. There are rarely frosts in the capital of Azerbaijan; the temperature on the coast is around +10, but it can be rainy.
In Azerbaijan, as in Russia, the New Year is celebrated on a grand scale. Restaurants offer a special New Year's program with a Caucasian flavor, and reservations must be made early.
The capital of Azerbaijan is an excellent choice for a family holiday. On holidays it is interesting to walk around the center of Baku. The city is decorated with colorful garlands and installations, the main Christmas tree is being erected in the National Seaside Park, and there will also be fireworks at night.
When walking around the city, dress warmly and often go to a cafe to warm up. There are many authentic tea houses serving nut jam, restaurants with national dishes - kutabs, dolma with lamb and cognac (only if you are very cold).
Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku
What to do in Baku in winter
- Walk through the fabulous town of “Little Venice” in the seaside park and ride a gondola there (free admission, gondola ~ 3.5-5 AZN / 140-200 rubles per person).
- Take a photo atFountain Square with the Azerbaijani Father Frost Shakhta Baba and his Snow Maiden Karkyz.
- Take a walk through Old Baku and remember scenes from the film “The Diamond Arm”;
- Try traditional Azerbaijani pilaf with lamb, pumpkin, nuts, which is always prepared on New Year’s Eve (for example, in a restaurant"Nargiz" , ~ 8.5 AZN / 340 rub. a portion).
- Leave the city for more than a couple of days to experience a special spa procedure - treatment with special oil at the resort Naftalan (from 157 AZN / 6250 rubles per night for two).
In order not to miss the best places in the capital, read ours.
Indonesia, Bali
- Ticket price per person from Moscow in both directions: on New Year from 80,000 rubles, in January-February - from 55,000 rubles.
- from 899 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: up to 30 days.
Balangan Beach, Kuta
In terms of natural beauty and level of comfort, nothing compares to a holiday on the islands of Indonesia. The easiest (and cheaper!) way to get to Bali is by direct flight: you can fly directly to Denpasar (the capital of the island). There is a developed infrastructure, excellent hotels and magnificent beaches. If you are flying with children, choose the Sanur resort, if you want a noisy nightlife - the city of Kuta or Seminyak, if you like peace and quiet - the Canggu area.
If you are going to celebrate the New Year in Indonesia, don’t be surprised that the locals won’t even remember about the holiday. The night from December 31 to January 1 is celebrated exclusively for tourists in hotels and noisy areas, while the Balinese themselves celebrate their New Year Nyeppi in the spring.
Winter is considered the low season in Bali, but Russian tourists really like to come here at this time. Rains occur, but, as a rule, in the mornings or at night they do not interfere with beach holidays. But if you plan to scuba dive, keep in mind: visibility in the water may be worse than in clear weather. Choose the calm beaches of Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Sanur for relaxation - there is usually less rainfall and calm water.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
What to do in winter in Bali
- Visit a popular beach Jimbaran , in the mecca for surfers Canggu , deserted and quiet Nikko Beach and Balangan with constant waves to create your own top of the best.
- See real tropical forests, ancient temples and powerful volcanoes of Kintamani and Gunung Batur.
- Spend the whole day at the water park Waterboom (from 22 $ / 1490 rubles per person) and get a powerful adrenaline rush from an almost vertical fall on the CLIMAX slide.
- Go on an excursion to Ubud (on average ~ $30 / 2035 rubles per person): visit the monkey forest, see the Hanging Gardens and find that same old Balinese healer from the film “Eat, Pray, Love”.
- Take a surfing course (from $30/2035 rubles per lesson) and catch a wave in Kuta or Uluwatu;
- Buy branded items at a price three times lower than in Moscow in Kuta shopping centers (for example, in Beachwalk Shopping Center).
- Try Balinese seafood skewers and gorge yourself on fruit.
Russia: Crimea (Yalta) or Krasnodar region (Gelendzhik)
- When to fly: New Year.
- Ticket price per one from Moscow in both directions: to Simferopol - from 14,000 rubles. To Krasnodar (there are no flights to Gelendzhik in winter) - from 10,000 rubles.
- Hotels in from 1099 RUR/night for two and from 1199 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa as long as you want.
In Yalta or Gelendzhik, even in winter there is a resort atmosphere. Of course, you won’t be able to swim and sunbathe on the beach. But you will breathe in the fresh sea air, buy honey and churchkhela, walk along mountain paths and pine forests, feed the seagulls and local cats. From December to February, these regions have humid, cloudy weather, but there are sunny days and +15. You won’t see snow: only on the tops of the mountains, and even then not always.
Celebrating the New Year is the same as everywhere else in Russia: people walk the streets, buy cheap trinkets at Christmas markets, and visit cafes and shopping centers. Only the main tree stands on the square near the sea, where mass celebrations and the countdown to the New Year usually take place.
Fly alone, as a couple, with children. For entertainment, you can take a boat ride, go on an excursion to the mountains, go to the zoo, or have a beach picnic.
What to do at sea in winter
- Sitting on the beach with a thermos of hot tea, watching the sunset and listening to the seagulls.
- Rent equipment and try your hand at windsurfing or kite surfing - windy weather makes for cool fun.
- Go to Safari Park (from 1500 rub.) in Gelendzhik or Yalta Zoo (from 250 rubles) and feed all the animals with crackers (we didn’t advise you to do this).
- Get out for the whole day from Gelendzhik to Abrau-Durso to taste champagne (900 rubles per person), and then admire the magnificent views of the lake.
- Take a walk along the resort alleys, parks, sanatoriums and be amazed at the silence around.
- Take a ride on a pleasure boat (~ 400 rubles per person), taking with you bread for the seagulls - they will catch food right on the fly.
- Celebrate New Year's Eve on the main square near the Christmas tree, drink champagne and dance on the beach until the morning.
South Korea, Seoul
- When to fly: any winter month.
- Ticket price per person from Moscow in both directions: on New Year - from 50,000 rubles, in January-February - from 35,000 rubles.
- from 1199 RUR/night for two.
- You can vacation without a visa: up to 60 days.
A country of tall skyscrapers, modern technology and the cult of anime. In winter, the South Korean Alps are covered with snow caps, national parks become even more beautiful, there is an excellent ski complex built for the 2018 Olympics. Korea has a real winter, with snow and an average temperature from +5 to -5.
On the night of December 31 to January 1, no special festivities are expected in Seoul: Koreans celebrate their Seollal New Year at the end of winter or beginning of spring. The best option for celebrating is to book a table in a restaurant, then walk around the city or look for a continuation in one of the nightclubs, always with karaoke.
In one trip you can visit several cities. Stay in Seoul and travel from there. From the capital to the farthest city of Busan, it is only a four-hour bus ride. Come here alone, with a group or with your family - the country has entertainment for everyone. Seoul is an interesting city to walk around. Ancient palaces of the rulers of Korea, antique shops, art galleries, thousands of cosmetic shops and nightclubs. Busan has excellent beaches, Jeju has romantic views, and Yeonpyeong and Hyundai Seonggu have ski activities. choigozip Hongdae ,~ 6-20 $ / 410-1360 rub. for dinner), where the food is prepared right in front of you, try traditional Korean alcohol - soju.
Belarus, Minsk and Belovezhskaya Pushcha
- When to fly: New Year's Eve.
- Ticket price per person from Moscow in both directions: from 10,000 rubles.
- Hotels in from 2199 RUR/night for two
- You can vacation without a visa: 90 days with an internal passport.
You will be surprised how interesting it can be in a neighboring country in winter: snow-covered fairytale castles, Belovezhskaya Pushcha with another residence of Father Frost, ski resorts. The climate of Belarus is similar to Russia, but winters are milder, without strong winds and frosts. This is an ideal option for a holiday trip with children.
If you celebrate the New Year in Belovezhskaya Pushcha, you will feel like the hero of the fairy tale “The Twelve Months”: there is silence and a dense snow-covered forest all around. To keep you from getting bored, the hotel staff will hold a night disco, a banquet, and a meeting with the real Santa Claus and fairy-tale characters.
Stay in Minsk and go on excursions from there. A whole entertainment complex has been opened in Belovezhskaya Pushcha: fabulous forests with snow-covered edges and thousand-year-old oaks, the hut of Father Frost and the Snow Maiden, the Museum of Nature with bison and other wild animals. You can stay directly in a hotel on site reserve - There are hotels of different levels of comfort here. Prices for two people for accommodation with breakfast in December - from 108 BYN / 3385 rubles. per night. Book your hotel in advance, there is a rush here in winter. If you vacation from December 28 to January 14, you can buy a tour package that includes food and accommodation along with New Year's entertainment..
Celebrating the New Year is a repetitive activity, and why not celebrate it in a new way every time. Last year you stayed at the festive table at home, but this year you will celebrate the first of January on the beach hugging a Balinese palm tree, or devouring Azerbaijani kutabs, or raising a glass of Korean alcohol. Just plan as soon as possible. If you want to celebrate at home, that's fine too. From mid-January there is a lull and you can go on vacation quite inexpensively. Dream. Book. Rest. (And don't freeze!).
December in Russia is associated with pre-New Year's chores, preparing gifts, purchasing products for the festive table. But even in this pre-holiday bustle, you shouldn’t forget about rest. And if it so happens that your vacation falls in December, there is no need to be discouraged. You can organize an exciting, eventful vacation without leaving the country. We’ll tell you in more detail about where to go in Russia in December.
Where can you relax in December in Russia?
The choice of destination for a winter holiday in Russia depends on your goal:
But first things first.
Save on intercity travel with BlaBlaCar.
Winter excursion holidays in Russia
© By Ludvig14 - Own work / commons.wikimedia.org / CC BY 2.0
In any season Saint Petersburg And Kazan ready to welcome tourists, lift the veil of secrets of their history, and satiate them with the splendor of architecture.
In winter St. Petersburg it is worth taking a walk around Palace Square, admire the beauty St. Isaac's Cathedral and Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, be surprised by the beauty Winter Palace, walk along Spit of Vasilyevsky Island and look into Letny garden, which does not lose its charm even in winter. Must visit Hermitage, Russian Museum, Kunstkamera.
The advantages of traveling to St. Petersburg in winter are: lack of queues at museums and decline in housing prices. Of the minuses - unpredictable St. Petersburg weather.
The weather in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, is more favorable to “winter” tourists. A winter typical for the middle zone will please you with the absence of winds and freezing rain, snowdrifts and frosty but not chilly temperatures, comfortable for short walks around the city. And there is something to see in Kazan:
- Kazan Kremlin- the undisputed leader among city attractions.
- Kul Sharif Mosque- the main Muslim shrine of the Republic.
- Tower Syuyumbike- a “falling” building on the territory of the Kremlin, its spire is 2 meters away from the center.
- Blagoveshchensky cathedral- a unique Orthodox church of the 16th century.
- Hermitage-Kazan- a huge exhibition complex with exhibitions on various topics.
- The Circus building looks like a UFO plate and the registry office building is shaped like a cauldron bowl.
- Pedestrian street Bauman with many art objects, souvenir shops and shops.
When you get tired of walking, visit one of the restaurants in the city center, where you will understand that gastronomic tourism is possible in Russia. Tatar national cuisine is a real culinary art, one chak-chak is worth it.
Ski resorts in Russia in December
© Sergei Kazantsev - Own work / commons.wikimedia.org / CC BY 2.0
If you think that excursions are for grandmothers and schoolchildren, but you need a real explosion of emotions and extreme sports, pay attention to Russian ski resorts: Krasnaya Polyana , Dombay.
An obvious choice for skiing, even with children, is Krasnaya Polyana - a mountainous region near Sochi, which after the 2014 Winter Olympics became a place of pilgrimage for thousands of extreme tourists from all over the world.
The Krasnaya Polyana ski complex is equipped according to European standards, there are slopes of varying complexity and lifts. On the territory of the complex there are baths, restaurants and cafes.
Combine a relaxing holiday with a trip to the Gorka ski resort. The resort area is small, with only two simple trails, a ski lift and an outdoor skating rink, suitable for holidays with children. Both adults and children will enjoy such an exciting holiday in Karelia.
Universal holiday in winter Crimea
©Prosto_DEN / pixabay.com / CC BY 2.0
For a snack, I left the most versatile option for winter holidays in Russia - travel around the Crimean peninsula.
Prices for holidays in Crimea in winter significantly apply to everything, starting with hotel accommodation and ending with the cost of excursions, souvenirs and food.
December on the west coast of the peninsula the temperature during the day may reach the mark +8°С, at night up to +3°С, on the east coast it’s a little cooler - up to +7°С during the day and +1°С at night. The sun rarely appears, it is often cloudy, and rain is possible. However, it is in winter in Crimea that you can fully get enough of all types of recreation, except for the beach.
In winter it will be open to you full access to Mount Ai-Petri, which has a queue of tourists in the summer. An ideal option for winter extreme tourism is hiking to Angarsk pass and Chatyrdaga plateau.
During the low season, life comes to a standstill in small coastal villages, cafes and restaurants are closed, and most shops are closed. But the big cities are Yalta , Alushta , Sevastopol is ready to offer a rich excursion program:
- work museums(Vorontsovsky, Yusupovsky, Livadiysky) and palaces(Massandrovsky, Dulber, Khansky, Swallow's Nest).
- open karst caves: Marble, Skelskaya, Red.
- are functioning local wineries, in each of which you can taste the products.
In addition to excursions, winter Crimea is good for health tourism purposes. The sanatoriums of Yalta and Miskhor treat the respiratory system, joints, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Health resorts in Evpatoria and Sudak specialize in the problems of urology and gynecology, the endocrine system, and the respiratory system.
Of course, I haven’t talked about all the places where you can go in winter in Russia. However, all of the above proves that an intense, exciting and inexpensive winter holiday is possible without traveling to hot countries. The main thing is to take with you plenty of warm clothes and a good mood.
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 on 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 a hotel at the best price you can use the Rumguru service.
Vietnam
Vietnam is our love at first sight. This is the best place where you can relax in winter abroad by the warm sea. We've already met there three times.
Advantages: very cheap, delicious 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 locals in 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. You can find an inexpensive tour to Vietnam in advance or buy a last minute tour. 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 of all 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 holiday, 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. There is a picturesque national park, a picturesque 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 beach holidays and wildlife, people go to Langkawi and its neighboring islands, as well as 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 big cities (Cebu City, Manila) and go straight 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 relax! On Bali
We are often asked questions related to beach holidays in winter: Where can you go on vacation in December to be warm and comfortable? Which country and resort should you choose for a winter holiday? In this article we will tell you about the most popular countries whose beaches await tourists at the end of 2018.
Tourist trips in December have one important feature: some of the lowest prices of the year. Even for seasonal destinations there will be a very reasonable price. This is because the New Year is just around the corner, everyone is buying gifts, closing things, finishing things up before the big weekend. And if you manage to fly away in December and return before the 30th-31st, delicious prices await you.
UAE, Qatar, Oman, Israel, Jordan
photo: Winter in the Emirates is the best time for a seaside holidayOn a short flight, these are Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Israel, Jordan. The UAE is the warmest, up to 27C, Israel and Jordan are cooler - about 23C.
In the first half of December, these countries will still have comfortable swimming and pleasant air temperatures. Towards the end of December, swimming is already in question.
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Thailand or Vietnam
photo: Thailand is a good place to relax at any time of the year During the rainy season, it is better to choose the islands - Phuket, Krabi, Phu Quoc. Dry, warm weather sets in here. Phuket beaches with minimal waves. You can consider, which is famous for its variety of excursion programs.
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Sri Lanka or India
photo: Holidays in Sri Lanka in winter From the beginning of December, it is best to relax on the southwest coast of the island. One of the best resorts for families with children is Unavantuna - an ocean calm from waves thanks to a double strip of reef.
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Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico
photo: Jamaica is always fun and December is no exception It’s nice everywhere, it’s warmest. But the flight is very far. About 12 o'clock. Direct flights only on charter flights, except Cuba. Aeroflot flies there.
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Seychelles or Philippines
photo: Not everyone can afford a winter holiday in the Seychelles Very good, beauty for the eyes and peace of mind. Boracay “opens” on October 26th. We fly if a connecting flight doesn’t bother you.
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Maldives
photo: Maldives in winter - a place where you don’t need extra clothes December 2018 in the Maldives is the beginning of the high season. And there is a direct flight with Aeroflot to Male.
Prices for tours in December from Moscow
Last minute trips to the sea in winter 2018
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Where do you want to go on vacation in December?
When deciding where it is better to go to the sea in winter, you can consider options for countries, hotels and levels of service.
Before going on vacation, you need to analyze the country's weather
It is advisable to carefully analyze the weather in the selected country. It is important how safe it is for the child if you are planning a family vacation.
For example, in European Mediterranean resorts it is still cold at this time of year. In Egypt or Israel the sea is not completely warmed up. For a beach holiday in winter, only Asian resorts remain, which are much more expensive.
- Winter holidays are as beneficial as possible for the human body.
- You can enjoy exotic fruits and vegetables.
- Prevention of various diseases, so-called climatotherapy.
- Many tours are cheaper in winter than in summer.
Disadvantages of a winter holiday at sea
- In many resorts, winter is the rainy season.
- After immersing yourself in warm summers, returning home to a cold climate can cause depression.
- When the climate changes dramatically, one must take into account the possibility of exacerbation of chronic diseases.
When choosing a place where you can go abroad by sea in the winter of 2019, you need to take into account the average water and air temperature at various resorts, the price of the tour and the need for a visa.
Where do you want to go (survey)
Which country do you think is better for vacation?
20 countries with warm climates where you can fly in winter without a visa
You can go to almost all resorts without a visa. The exception is Hainan, where people are allowed to enter without a visa only as part of a tourist group. There are several other countries where you need to obtain a permit via the Internet to enter (table). You can obtain such a visa in 1-2 days online.
| A country | Air temperature | Water temperature | Visa requirement | Average cost of a tour for two for a week |
| India, Goa | 30 | 27 | online visa | from 40 thousand rubles |
| Thailand, central part | 18–32 | 24–27 | need not | from 52 thousand rubles |
| Cambodia | 25–32 | 28 | need not | from 60 thousand rubles |
| Malaysia | 30 | 27 | need not | from 107 thousand rubles |
| Seychelles | 24–29 | 28 | need not | from 140 thousand rubles |
| Singapore | 20–26 | 28 | needed | from 180 thousand rubles |
| Sri Lanka | 28–30 | 26 | e-visa | from 66 thousand rubles. |
| Bali, Indonesia | 23–30 | 28 | need not | from 160 thousand rubles |
| Cuba | 27–28 | 25–27 | need not | from 102 thousand rubles |
| Vietnam | 30–33 | 24–27 | need not | from 130 thousand rubles |
| Dominican Republic | 27–30 | 26 | need not | from 111 thousand rubles |
| Mexico | 23–31 | 28 | online visa | from 130 thousand rubles |
| Brazil | 25–34 | 28 | need not | from 130 thousand rubles |
| Philippines | 29–30 | 27 | need not | from 80 thousand rubles |
| Eilat, Israel | 21–24 | 22–26 | need not | from 67 thousand rubles |
| Maldives | 30 | 28 | need not | from 140 thousand rubles |
| China, Hainan Island | ||||
| UAE | 14–25 | 20 | needed if traveling on your own | from 120 thousand rubles |
| Jordan | 24–26 | 23–25 | need not | from 46 thousand rubles |
| Egypt | 7–17 | 22 | need not | from 45 thousand rubles |
Countries with warm seas in winter
Egypt
When thinking about where to go for a seaside vacation, many often choose. This country has the most comfortable conditions for spending time on the beach in winter. The water temperature is almost equal to the air temperature.
True, at night it can drop to 13 degrees, so you always need to have something warm with you.
You can watch a video about holidays in Egypt:
This is a fairly low-budget option with an average level of service. There are all conditions for an active holiday, from diving in Hurghada to excursions to Luxor or Cairo. You can also take a safari or go on a Nile cruise.
Goa, India
In winter, the air humidity at this resort is lower than in summer, so the heat is easier to bear. To save money on your budget, it is better to go to Goa in the second half of winter, because it is quite expensive here for the New Year.
The largest number of entertainment facilities are concentrated. The south is quieter and calmer, which is especially suitable for families with children. For vacationers, the minus here is that shops and restaurants are far from the hotels.
Goa has a large selection of accommodation: you can rent a private house, stay in a bungalow or a two-star hotel. Taking into account the prices of food and entertainment, some last-minute tours will be cheaper in price than if the vacationer goes on his own.
The cost of renting housing in North Goa is about this in the next video.
Sri Lanka
Spending a winter holiday in Ceylon means getting a little closer to wild nature. Bentota, Wadduwa, Negombo and Hikkaduwa are considered the most suitable for recreation. There is beautiful nature here, cheap transport, but expensive accommodation and excursions.
The entertainment infrastructure is not very developed. But, besides the standard swimming and lying on the beach, here you can have a good dive, walk to the cliff called “The End of the World” or cook a barbecue on the beach.
It is better to choose a hotel in the south or west of the island, since the monsoon period begins in the east in winter.
Main attractions of the capital Colombo:
- Presidential Palace.
- Temples and mosques.
- Old lighthouse.
- Clock tower.
- National Museum.
- Art gallery, etc.
Sights of Sri Lanka
Thailand
In winter, it is better to relax on the beach in the central part of the country, because it is relatively cold in the north at this time. Swimming can be combined with excursions to Pattaya, visiting various temples and museums, as well as a tropical garden. While vacationing in, you can visit Monkey Mountain or the sweets fair.
Beach in Thailand
At this time of year the country is in high season, so prices for tours are quite high.
Dominican Republic
This is a resort for those who do not like civilization. There is a very clean sea, white sand beaches, and places to dive to see the rich aquatic world. in January, February, because at the beginning of winter it still rains.
The most comfortable vacation spot in the Dominican Republic is Boca Chica Bay, which is fenced off from the rest of the world by reefs and is very suitable for families with children.
Combining a stay on the beach with travel, you can visit:
- The historical center of the capital.
- Alcazar Castle.
- Palace of Casa del Almirante.
- Chapel of Rosario, etc.
Dominican Republic Map
One of the disadvantages of the trip is that the local Spaniards speak English poorly. And the country has a high crime rate.
Mexico
Winter is great for a beach holiday in Mexico, and the Acapulco area is ideal for this. If you plan to surf, then it is better to choose Cancun. In addition to swimming and beach relaxation, you can go to such interesting places:
- The ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza.
- Location of the pyramids.
- Museum of underwater sculptures.
- Into the jungle, where you can excellently dive in the wells located there.
- A cave with giant stalactites and stalagmites.
- Entertainment park for children.
Brazil
December in Brazil is the hottest month. People often come here to celebrate the New Year. In the Amazon there is almost no rain from December to April. Beach holidays are possible here all year round.
In winter, it is better to travel to the center and south of the country, when the temperature here is above 32 degrees. Prices are especially high at this time. In order to swim and sunbathe, it is better to go to small towns on the ocean, where there are clean sandy beaches and silence.
There will be no relaxing holiday in Rio, and the beaches are not always clean. In addition to beach holidays, there are quite a lot of excursion sites, which, unfortunately, are located at a distance from one another:
- Iguaza Falls on the border with Argentina.
- "Brazilian Venice" in Recife.
- Museum objects of Sao Paulo, etc.
Iguazu Falls in Brazil on the border with Argentina
In order to go surfing, it is better to go to Florianópolis, Fortaleza or Rio. Yachting, ecotourism, horse riding and mountaineering are also very developed here. The local cuisine is very specific: you can try both lobster and stewed alligator meat. And also real Brazilian coffee!
Few people travel to Brazil with children, primarily because of the high cost of tours. But if you are still planning a family vacation, then it is better to go to Fortaleza, Paraty or Angra dos Reis. The crime rate in the country is quite high, so independent tourists should be careful.
Vietnam
In winter, it is better to spend your holidays in the south of the country, primarily Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. It is better not to visit the most popular resort at this time of year, Nha Trang. The price of tours gradually increases from the beginning to the end of winter.
Diving in Vietnam is relatively inexpensive.
Malaysia
In winter, Malaysia is a tropical paradise for beach lovers. The best beaches are Penang, Pangkor, Langkawi, etc. Services here are more expensive than in Vietnam, as is alcohol.
Malaysian ringgit is the national currency of Malaysia
When choosing a tour to Malaysia, you need to take into account that this is a Muslim country, but the locals speak good English and are very friendly towards tourists.
Detailed map of the Philippines
Prices for food and housing here are low, but in some areas the infrastructure is poorly developed. You need to be prepared for the fact that the Internet in the Philippines is quite slow, however, for a normal holiday this is more of a plus than a minus.
Maldives
In the Maldives you can relax on the beach in peace and quiet, which is why they are often chosen to spend a honeymoon. In winter it has the best weather of the year. The best atolls of the Maldives are South Male, Ari, Addu and Raa.
The Maldives offers excellent diving. Prices on islands where locals live are lower than where they are almost entirely occupied by hotel grounds. During the New Year holidays, prices skyrocket.
Maldives on the world map
The islands are very clean and the locals speak English. Despite the fact that the flight to the Maldives is long, the beauty and environmentally friendly recreation area completely compensate for this.
Cuba
Payments to tourists occur in local currency called cookies, which makes services and goods cheaper. There is very little rain here at this time of year. The best place for those who buy a tour is Varadero.
There are a large number of holidays and festivals held in Cuba. The locals, although annoying (especially taxi drivers), are very friendly. Service for tourists is at an average level.
Cambodia
You can take an inexpensive independent trip to Cambodia and enjoy nature, unaffected by anthropogenic influence. True, the tourism infrastructure is poorly developed, but the country is excellent for a beach holiday.
The most popular place among tourists is Sihanoukville. Most of the hotels are located here, and you can try various types of water activities. In addition to swimming in the sea, visitors visit interesting places:
- The Angkor Wat temple complex.
- Ta Phrum Temple, completely covered with trees and vines.
- Silver Pagoda.
- Palace of the Royal Family.
- National park and museum.
Tha Phrum Temple - a landmark of Cambodia
The weather in the Canaries is formed by the tropical trade wind climate, so in winter it is hot here, which allows you to both relax on the beach and go on excursions. The Canary Islands have a very big advantage over other resort areas; there is no rainy season.
The most popular holiday islands are Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma. Their territories are protected from cold winds and heat by mountains. The north of these islands has very lush vegetation and waves suitable for surfing enthusiasts.
The eastern part of the islands is the driest.
Hotels of various star ratings offer a fairly high level of service. There are air connections between the islands and sea vessels. This makes traveling very convenient.
You can rent a car. If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, then you should visit the island of La Gomera or the island of Lanzarote, where there are volcanoes and “lunar landscapes”.
Names of the Canary Islands
In the Canaries you can also visit a casino, a water park, observation decks, a national park, a museum in the crater of a volcano and other attractions.