Top Trips Around the World to Take in Winter
Senior Travel Writer
Whether you want winter sun or a chilled getaway, these adventurous trips know how to gauge the temperature.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love the cold and those who hate it. Good news: we have exclusive trips with winter departures no matter which group you’re in. Embrace the sharp edge of the season with wild expeditions around Iceland’s ice-packed hinterland, or run away for some winter sun in Mexico or Sri Lanka, where the only ice you’ll see is in your cocktail. Whichever you choose, these small-group adventures won’t keep you frozen in place for the winter.
Volcanic Iceland
Considering so much of Iceland is frozen wilderness, winter is as good a time as any to explore the Land of Fire and Ice. From black volcanic beaches to stunning glacial fields, you’ll spend five days getting to know this amazing landscape. In the evenings, share shots of “Black Death” with your small group of fellow travellers – toasting the brennivín is more likely to lift your spirits than its nickname suggests.
From US$2369
Next available from 21st Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
ENDS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Express Mexico City
Feel the whisper of winter’s arrival, respond with a firm “no thank you”, and instead flock south for this Mexico holiday. Five days in the sun will supply you with the Vitamin D you need – plus a few other essentials your body craves, such as tequila and tacos. Worship the sun and moon atop Teotihuacan’s pyramids, then cheer on the lucha libre wrestlers in a mezcal-induced haze. By the time the week – and sobriety – catch up with you, you’ll be ready to return to hibernation.
From US$802
Next available from 9th Nov 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Mexico City, Mexico
ENDS AT
Mexico City, Mexico
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Easy
STYLE
Discovery
Secrets of Sri Lanka
Work up a sweat in Sri Lanka on this 12-day adventure. Starting in Colombo, you’ll make your way around the country, trading the tourist traps in favour of a more authentic experience. Inhaling the aroma of a private spice garden and touring a tea estate pair well with a delicious cooking class in the cultural capital, Kandy. Abseiling the Sandun Ella waterfall and navigating the whitewater rapids in Kitulgala may prompt more perspiration – perhaps making you long for the cold embrace of winter’s chill.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Colombo, Sri Lanka
ENDS AT
Kosgoda, Sri Lanka
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Sublime Southern Thailand
Island-hop around Southern Thailand on our 11-day exclusive trip. No need for heavy jackets or winter boots here – it’s perfect weather for hitting the beaches around Phuket and Koh Yao Yai. Highlights of the itinerary include staying in a raft house on Khao Sok Lake, kayaking through mangrove forests, and a five-hour boat cruise that involves snorkel stops and a sunset barbecue.
From US$1657
Next available from 19th Dec 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Bangkok, Thailand
ENDS AT
Phuket, Thailand
DURATION
11
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Ancient Peru
The ancient ruins and natural splendour of Peru is best enjoyed around December time, when the country is bathed in sunlight and stays generally dry. Our nine-day exploration includes a day spent on Machu Picchu, of course, but also features more Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley, as well as condor-spotting in the Colca Valley and paddleboarding on Piuray Lagoon. All of that outdoorsy adventure is sandwiched by visits to two underrated South American cities – Cusco and Arequipa – both of which offer an insight into local culture and Peru’s passion for culinary delights.
From US$1824
Next available from 1st Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cusco, Peru
ENDS AT
Arequipa, Peru
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Additional reporting was contributed by Richard Collett, Gethin Morgan and Maja Proescholdt.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
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