Chasing the Winter Sun
As snowdrops bloom and evenings stretch, Maggie Maguire of One Himalaya shares her favourite winter escapes, from Egypt and Morocco to Kerala and the Himalayas, and why now is the perfect time to plan what comes next.
Hi everyone, I can’t believe we’re in February already. It’s wonderful to see the first spring flowers emerging. My garden is full of snowdrops, and the evenings are beginning to stretch again. The winter months can feel like a bit of a slog, so if you’re craving a break, we have plenty of ideas to share. Whether you’re looking for sunshine, relaxation, adventure or simply a change of scenery, this is a lovely time to start dreaming.
Winter Sun Destinations
In December I was in Egypt for my own winter sun break, and it’s somewhere I would wholeheartedly recommend. It is affordable, has excellent hotels, and offers so much to explore, from beautiful beaches and islands to water sports, Nile cruises and world-class museums. Add in UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, and it becomes a destination that offers both relaxation and wonder. Being a short flight from the UK and Ireland, with direct flights from Belfast, makes it even more appealing. And the sun is, usually, always shining.
Another fantastic option just a few hours away is Morocco, ideal for a weekend or longer escape. I have been many times, and it remains one of my favourite destinations. It is affordable, rich in culture and perfect for couples, groups, families and solo travellers. There are beautiful historic sites, art galleries and museums, wonderful food, and accommodation that ranges from traditional riads to luxury all-inclusive hotels.
I will be heading back soon for a spring break, splitting my time between Marrakesh and the laid-back seaside town of Essaouira. Both are places I return to again and again.
A little further afield, but not an overly long flight, is Kerala in the south of India. Think stunning beaches, lush jungles, tranquil backwaters, aromatic tea, coffee and spice plantations, and deeply restorative Ayurvedic wellness retreats, alongside some of the most memorable food you will ever taste. Two of my favourite places to stay here are Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom, where you arrive by boat, and Marari Beach Resort, a beautiful beachside village resort set across 30 acres of coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and an organic farm.
If you have time for a longer-haul adventure, destinations such as Vietnam, one of this year’s trending hotspots, Costa Rica, Belize, the Maldives and Bali also make wonderful winter getaways.
Planning Ahead
Now is also a great time to plan ahead, whether that is for a spring escape, a long summer family holiday, an end-of-year trip or simply a weekend away. And I cannot help but mention the Himalayas. The next key season for trekking and tours begins in March, and it is always magical. Expect blue skies, comfortable temperatures, landscapes carpeted in wildflowers and rhododendrons, and some of the most breathtaking mountain views on earth, alongside rich cultural experiences. If the Himalayas are not yet on your bucket list, they are certainly worth considering.
If you are planning any kind of trip, there are some excellent deals available at the moment. Visit our website to see our latest promotions, or get in touch and we will be happy to help bring your plans to life.
Key Destinations for 2026
If you like to keep an eye on travel trends, some of the destinations gaining attention for 2026 include Madeira in Portugal, Quy Nhon in Vietnam, Puerto Escondido in Mexico, Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Patagonia in Argentina, Recife in Brazil, Central and South East Asia, and Tbilisi in Georgia, alongside favourites such as Bali, New York, Italy and Dubai.
My advice is always this: by all means explore the trends, but focus on what suits you. Think not just about the where, but the why. Are you travelling for adventure, relaxation, culture or nature? Do you want wellness, a solo escape, or time with friends and family? There is so much choice that it can feel overwhelming, and that is where we can help. Whether it is finding the best flight routes and fares, sharing a special destination or boutique hotel, or helping you understand what you can enjoy during your stay, we are here to guide you.
Latest News
Since my last column, we have been busy exhibiting at the Destinations Travel Show in London. It was a fantastic weekend full of inspiration, with talks from travel experts and the chance to speak with hundreds of travel companies, as well as enjoy exclusive show deals and competitions. Thank you to everyone who came along to chat with us and book your next Himalayan adventure. If you did not make it this year, follow us on Facebook or Instagram at @onehimalaya for details of next year’s show, and let us know if you would like complimentary tickets. We would be delighted to arrange that for you.
At the end of last year, we shared that One Himalaya had been nominated in the British Travel Awards 2025 in the categories of Best Adventure Travel Company and Best Tailor Made Travel Company. We did not bring home an award this time, but we were up against some wonderful, well-established companies. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who voted for us. We will be back. Who knows, maybe 2026 is our year.
We have also been busy behind the scenes on a few new projects over the past few months, which I will share more about in the coming issues.
There is still time for a last-minute romantic break this month if you are looking for a getaway with your partner, or perhaps a solo escape is more your style. In February we have some fabulous promotions, including luxury Mauritius and Maldives trips, winter sun cruises, detox and wellness breaks in Spain, island hopping in Cape Verde, relaxing stays in India, ski breaks in France, treks and tours in Nepal, India and Bhutan, European river cruises, Lapland adventures and much more.
For fantastic UK and worldwide trips, visit www.latitude55escapes.com. For Himalayan adventures, head to www.one-himalaya.com. We are always happy to share ideas, tips and advice, and to make sure your next holiday is one to remember.
Until next time,
Maggie
