Why a Winter Escape is the Smartest Trip You'll Take This Year

Short days. Heavy coats. Grey skies that seem to last forever. If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about swapping drizzle for daylight, you’re not alone. A ‘winter sun’ break isn’t just a holiday—it’s a reset button. For solo travellers, couples and groups of friends, a well-timed dose of sunshine can lift your mood, recharge your energy, and carry you happily through to spring. At PlanPackGo, we live for these getaways: smart, good-value trips to destinations with light, warmth and things to actually do—not just sit by a pool (though we’re big fans of that too!).

Why Winter Sun Matters (More Than You Think)

Sunshine does more than give you tan lines. Exposure to natural daylight helps regulate your body clock, supports healthy sleep patterns and, for many people, gives a real lift in mood. If the darker months sometimes make you feel sluggish or a bit flat, you’re not imagining it. A brighter environment—with longer days, blue skies and outdoor time—can make a noticeable difference to how you feel. Even a long weekend can help reset your rhythm and give you a burst of ‘I-can-do-this’ energy for the weeks ahead.

And there’s the practical side: travelling in winter often means fewer crowds, easier restaurant bookings, and some very decent prices. You’ll still have culture, food, nature and great coffee—just with a softer sun, quieter streets, and room to breathe. Whether you’re going solo for a creativity top-up, sneaking a couples’ recharge, or rounding up a few friends, a winter-sun break is one of the highest‑return trips you can take.

Top European Winter-Sun Spots (Easy from the UK)

1) Canary Islands, Spain (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura)

Four to five hours from the UK and you’re in the European Union with properly mild winter weather. The south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria is reliably warmest, with daytime highs around the low 20s °C in mid‑winter. You’ll find volcanic beaches, otherworldly landscapes, incredible stargazing, excellent hiking (Teide National Park), and a food scene that mixes Spanish flavours with Atlantic freshness. Families love the easy infrastructure; couples and friends love the choice—quiet coves, smart hotels, trim trails and surfy beaches. If you like self‑catering villas, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer great options.

2) Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is the green, dramatic, year‑round‑mild island that feels like spring in winter. Expect coastal daytime highs in the high teens to around 20 °C, superb walking along levadas (historic water channels), whale and dolphin watching, sky‑high viewpoints, garden‑packed villages and sensational food. Funchal at Christmas is pure magic—lights, markets and Atlantic sunsets. If the beach matters less than hiking, scenery and good restaurants, Madeira is a seriously classy winter choice.

3) The Algarve, Portugal

If you want short flight times, coastal towns and golden cliffs, the Algarve is a winner. Winter is mild (think low‑ to mid‑teens °C, often warmer in the sun), with blue‑sky days perfect for cliff‑top walks at Ponta da Piedade, long lunches in Lagos or Tavira, and golf galore. It’s not peak beach season, but you’ll get epic coastal scenery, seafood, and great value on apartments and hotels.

4) Malta

Small island; big history. Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities are a dream for easy winter wandering—think limestone streets, baroque churches and harbourside cafés. Daytime highs usually sit in the low‑ to mid‑teens °C in deepest winter, with plenty to do even if you’re not sunbathing. Add Gozo for quiet countryside, superb diving and coastal walks. English widely spoken, plugs like the UK, and left‑side driving make everything extra simple.

5) Cyprus (Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca)

Cyprus is as far east as many Brits go for dependable winter warmth without a long‑haul flight. Expect cooler sea temps but comfortable daytime highs in the mid‑teens °C and above, Roman ruins at Kourion and Paphos, wine villages in the Troodos foothills, plus urban buzz in Limassol’s marina district. It’s a great pick for gentle sunshine, good food and easy exploring.

6) Costa del Sol, Spain (Málaga, Marbella, Nerja)

Don’t sleep on southern Spain in winter. Málaga’s museums, tapas bars and revamped waterfront make a brilliant base for city‑plus‑coast. You’ll get bright days, Mediterranean light and daytime highs typically in the mid‑teens °C—even warmer on still, sunny days. Wander Málaga’s old town, day‑trip to white‑washed villages, and chase sunsets on near‑empty beaches. For a bigger‑is‑better hotel scene, Marbella has you covered.

US Picks Worth the Flight

Miami & The Florida Keys, USA

If you can stretch to a longer flight (around nine to ten hours from London), south Florida delivers proper winter warmth. Think Art Deco promenades, Latin flavour and pastel sunsets in Miami, then crystal‑clear shallows and laid‑back tiki bars in the Keys. Key West in January still feels like summer to most Brits. It’s an easy, sun‑certain option for couples and friend groups chasing heat without the Caribbean price tag.

San Diego & Southern California Deserts, USA

Mild, bright days make San Diego a fantastic winter base—think coastal walks at La Jolla, the zoo and Balboa Park, plus fish tacos and Pacific sunsets. If you like pool‑by‑day, firepits‑by‑night vibes, add Palm Springs and Joshua Tree for desert skies and mid‑century cool. It’s not hot, but it is sunny and soul‑soothing.

Puerto Rico (U.S. Territory)

No passport needed for US citizens and plenty of English spoken make Puerto Rico wonderfully straightforward. Old San Juan’s colourful streets, bioluminescent bays and rainforest hikes tick the winter‑sun boxes with ease. It’s a great blend of beach time and culture—and ideal if you’re meeting friends flying in from the States.

How to Get the Best from a Winter‑Sun Break

A little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to squeeze maximum sunshine (and value) out of your trip—whatever your travel style.

· Time it right: Outside the Christmas and February half‑term peaks, prices can drop nicely. Early December, mid‑January and early March often deliver the best value and fewer crowds.

· Be flexible on airports and days: Flying mid‑week and checking two or three UK departure airports (or even regional/nearby) can unlock cheaper fares.

· Pick the right micro‑climate: In the Canaries, the south coasts are typically warmer and drier. Madeira’s south is milder and calmer than the north. Local micro‑climates matter in winter.

· Choose your base with purpose: City‑plus‑coast (Málaga, Funchal) works brilliantly for short breaks. If you want sandy beaches, look at southern Tenerife, Gran Canaria or the Algarve’s central/western stretches.

· Think experiences, not just weather: Plan one headline activity per day—levada walk, vineyard lunch, boat trip, old‑town wander—so the trip has a satisfying rhythm even if a day turns cloudy.

· Self‑catering vs. hotel: Apartments and villas can be exceptional value in winter (especially for groups). For couples, look for boutique hotels with heated pools or spa access.

· Hire a car (selectively): You’ll see far more of Madeira, Lanzarote or Cyprus with wheels. In cities (Málaga, Valletta) you can go car‑free and use public transport or taxis.

· Pack smart: Layers, a light waterproof, comfy trainers, sunglasses, a hat and SPF. Winter sun isn’t summer sun—but UV can still be strong.

· Workation‑friendly: If you’re sneaking in some laptop time, confirm reliable Wi‑Fi and a proper desk or terrace table. Off‑peak monthly stays can be superb value.

· Insurance still matters: Always travel with comprehensive travel insurance, and check car‑hire excess terms if you’re driving. A quick read saves hassle later.

Solo, Couples, or Friends—Plan It Your Way

Solo travellers: pick a walkable base with cafés, markets and easy day tours. Funchal, Málaga and Valletta are ideal—safe, friendly, and full of things to do at your own pace. Look for small group hikes, food tours or sailing trips to meet people without giving up your freedom.

Couples: book somewhere with a view and make sunrise coffee and sunset strolls the daily ritual. Think cliff‑top apartments in the Algarve, a boutique in Funchal, or a sea‑view hotel in southern Tenerife. Add one special dinner (we’ll help you find it) and one unplanned day to wander.

Friends: winter is villa season. Share a larger space in Lanzarote or Cyprus with your own pool or hot tub, split the cost, and build in a few easy adventures—coastal walks, boat days, vineyard tastings. You’ll get sunshine, space and a seriously good price per person.