It’s never too early to plan your winter holiday and if you are looking for somewhere that offers year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches, there are two destinations that should come at the top of your list.
Dubai
Known for its luxury hotels, high-end lifestyle and lavish shopping malls, Dubai is also a great place for a family friendly holiday, with plenty to do for adults and children alike. If theme parks are high on your list, there are some great ones to choose from including Motiongate, Legoland and Bollywood. If you are looking for kid friendly water and amusement parks, Dubai has a hard-earned reputation for having some of the most amazing water parks in the world.
Head to the Dubai Mall and pay a visit to the Burj Khalifa’s viewing platforms or for those without a head for heights, stop off at the ground-level spectacle of The Dubai Fountain’s son-et-lumière show in the evening. Spend an evening aboard a wooden dhow – once used for fishing and trading – and view the city from a different perspective.
Standing on the eastern Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf coast, the average temperature in October ranges between 25°C – 36°C, but you will find the heat is much milder and a little bit more pleasant in November. The city has a long coastline with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, and plenty of opportunity to take part in a selection of water sports.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Riviera Maya is a stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s north-eastern Yucatán Peninsula bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. When we think of Mexico we conjure up images of tequila, mariachi band, tacos, cave diving, and Mayan ruins, but the Riviera Maya has so much more to offer.
With a mix of the old and the new cultures, this is the perfect place to visit for history or archaeology enthusiasts who won’t want to miss seeing some of the Yucatan Peninsula’s Mayan ruins, and there is nowhere that has a more beautiful location than the majestic ruins at Tulum, not far from Cancun. Enter the city through a narrow opening in a stone wall 8 meters thick and up to 5 meters high that protects three sides; the fourth side is protected by ocean-facing cliffs.
The fine white sandy beaches and the warm turquoise waters are popular with those who enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming. If you are looking to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, Tulum is renowned for its yoga retreats.
Whether you are looking for an affordable all-inclusive resort or a luxury hotel, Riviera Maya is the perfect destination for a winter holiday.
