3 Hot Holiday Destinations to Escape Aussie Winter

30th July, 2018

 

If you find yourself with a case of the winter blues, then warm yourself up to the idea of booking a hot holiday to boost your spirits. While most of Australia may currently be suffering through the chill, the rest of the world is hitting the beaches and enjoying the dog days of summer.

Although you may be tempted by just about anywhere offering 30+ degree temps again, it pays to select a destination that is sure to maximise your fun in the sun.

So we’ve rounded up the top 3 hot holiday destinations that are sure to stop your shivering and give you some colour.

And remember: you may be able to escape winter but you can’t always avoid travel misfortune. Make sure to protect yourself with travel insurance in case your holiday in the sun has a few unforeseen rain clouds.

Portugal

Why not trade Australian winter for European summer by taking a holiday to Portugal?

July and August bring the hottest and driest weather Portugal sees all year, where you are almost certain to experience abundant sunshine nearly every day. With over 1700 kilometres of coastline, Portugal has no shortage of stunning beaches to choose from. You’ll find some of its most famous centred along the Algarve coast. Many polls rate Algarve as the top place to retire in the world and it’s not hard to understand why. Here you will find golden sands set to a backdrop of towering cliffs. It is a place where you can build sandcastles in the shadows of real life castles.

When you are done getting your fill of sunshine, head to one of several Michelin Star restaurants located not only in Algarve but across Portugal. You then have the Azores, an archipelago of nine subtropical volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic. Here you can sample delicious cuisine, work up a sweat hiking Mount Pico, search for migrating whales, or try your hand at paddleboarding. Dine on grilled limpets or try cozido, a traditional Portuguese stew that is cooked in volcanic soil.

Relax the day away in a soothing 40 degree Celsius geothermal pool infused with essential minerals. Geothermal pools such as the one found at Terra Nostra Garden have been used by locals since 1780. Of course you must visit Lisbon, the country’s capital, which consistently ranks as one of the top ten cities in the world.

It also lays claim to being one of the world’s oldest cities. It is a city made for lovers of architecture as well as foodies. Explore the city on its famous tuk-tuks or challenge your legs to climb the numerous hills of the city for breathtaking panoramic views at famous lookout points. Recharge your energy by sampling mouth watering chorizo or check out the city’s unbelievable bakeries. Lisbon’s architecture is a smorgasbord of historical landmarks mixed with modern contemporary design. See historic fairytale looking castles such as the Tower of Belém, numerous glorious churches, and the contemporary designed MAAT museum.

Lastly, for a splash of colour and true delight you must check out Sintra. The city has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers remarkable 19th century Romanticist architecture, royal palaces, castles, and lush gardens. It is easy to see why Hans Christian Anderson called Sintra the most beautiful place in Portugal.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a real gem of a holiday destination, so much so that it is even shaped like a jewel.

July to September marks what is known as the inter-monsoon season. It is a wonderful time to travel to the country as the beaches are hot and dry with only the occasional shower. It may be a rather small island country, but it packs quite a delightful punch. British colonial heritage combines with beautiful landscapes and friendly locals.

The country has often been long overlooked by tourists that choose to go to India or Southeast Asia instead. What this means for many travellers who choose to go to Sri Lanka is the ability to experience its many attractions and thousands of years of culture without mass tourism.

The coast enjoys a warm tropical climate while the inland hills offer an escape to cooler weather. Being an island, you are never very far from a beach that offers peaceful sunbathing, world class dive sites, and surfing.

Sri Lanka is perfect for wildlife lovers, offering numerous reserves where you can partake in a safari to witness rare and endangered species. The seas contain the world’s largest animal, the blue whale, while thundering herds of wild Indian elephants roam the land. National parks such as Yala and Wilpattu offer the chance to spot elusive leopards and sloths.

July offers the chance to witness the annual Esala Perahera Festival, allowing you to really dive into the local culture. See Buddhist temples such as Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Be sure to take in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle where you will explore cities like Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa.

Escape to the Northern Province for the ultimate seclusion and off the beaten path treasures.

Vietnam

You are sure to encounter high temps in Vietnam during the summer months of June-August. The key is to avoid the heavy rains that accompany it. While much of the country experiences its heaviest rainfall during this time, Central Vietnam experiences hot, dry weather until around September when the rains come.

Central Vietnam is quickly becoming recognised as a top travel destination with emerging cities such as Danang offering modern hotels and conveniences to travellers. It is here where you will find some of the country’s best beaches as well, including Non Nuoc Beach and My Khe Beach.

Explore the world’s largest cave in Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park, or marvel at the many ruins and temples of the region.

If you’re travelling with your partner, check out the romantic riverside atmosphere of Hoi An. You’ll find a relaxing town with wonderful shopping, nearby golf courses, and the countryside landscape of Kim Bong Island. Hoi An’s pedestrian friendly streets makes it perfect to explore on foot. Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine and be sure to check out the charm of Old Town.

Keen on history? Then take a day trip to explore Mỹ Sơn, a collection of over 70 Hindu temples and ruins.