As winter settles in, the world turns icy, and the days grow short, it’s tempting to hunker down with a book and a steaming cup of tea. It doesn’t take long until your mind wanders to treading summer trails through lush greenery. Why not swap snowdrifts for sunshine? Picture yourself wandering a dramatic desert strewn with curiously shaped cacti. Maybe you’d rather trek among ancient temples draped in tropical vines or paddle warm waters teeming with wildlife above and below the surface. Here are some ideas for warm winter trips that will ignite your wanderlust.
Best Sunny Spots for Winter Adventure
Ditch the heavy layers and icy sidewalks to recharge, explore, and soak in nature under bright skies and golden sunshine. Instead of longing for summer to arrive, why not jump ahead? Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or spotting wildlife, these destinations promise warm weather and outdoor adventure.
Summery Winter Trips in the US
You don’t have to travel far to escape winter’s chill. We are lucky to have some incredible destinations for a warm trip right in our own backyard. Our world-renowned national parks hold UNESCO World Heritage and Dark Sky Sites with a plethora of unusual plants and wildlife to be discovered along extensive trail and river systems.
California: Joshua Tree & Death Valley
Walk through the stunning landscapes and geological wonders of California’s Mojave Desert. Explore the fascinating flora and dramatic scenery of Joshua Tree National Park and follow trails through shifting sand dunes and along a volcanic crater in Death Valley National Park, enjoying the desert heat by day and the starry skies at night.
How to visit California’s Mojave Desert? Join the 6-day California Joshua Tree & Death Valley Hiking Tour.
Florida: Everglades & Biscayne
Glide through enchanting waterways where gentle manatees drift below the surface and multi-hued herons wade along the shore. Listen to the sounds of birds in the trees as you hike through pine forest and spend an afternoon snorkeling amidst colorful marine life and historic shipwrecks at Biscayne National Park.
How to visit Florida? Join the 4-day Florida Everglades & Biscayne National Parks Multisport Tour.
Warm Weather Wildlife Adventures
From tiny, jewel-toned tree frogs camouflaged in tropical rainforests to massive elephants roaming arid plains, wildlife thrives in warm climates. Primates swing in steamy treetops and lizards slither along the warm sand. Whether rambling through jungles or scanning savannas, expert guides will help you get up close to the action.
Tanzania: The Serengeti
Experience the magic of the Serengeti on foot, feeling the earth’s heat beneath your boots as you track wildlife, touch the grass and inhale the scents of the plains. Take game drives in search of elephant, giraffe, leopard, lion, hyena, wildebeest, zebra and other iconic wildlife, exploring Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater—each a phenomenal wildlife experience.
How to visit Tanzania? Join the 11-day Tanzania Ultimate Serengeti Active Safari.
Costa Rica: Tortuguero & Pacuare
Just a short flight away is a warm-weather wonderland where sloths hang from tropical trees, toucans flash their bright beaks, and basilisk lizards sun themselves on low-hanging branches. Paddle Tortuguero’s winding canals and Pacuare’s rushing rivers as the mist rises into the canopy. Hike across blackened lava fields at the base of a volcano and discover sparkling waterfalls in the emerald depths of the forest while listening to the call of howler monkeys in the distance.
How to visit Costa Rica? Join the 8-day Costa Rica Tortuguero, Pacuare & Arenal Multi-Adventure Tour.
Cultural Journeys in Warm Places
Ancient temples and elaborate tombs tell stories of centuries past while local villages speak to current traditions. Walking among them is an immersive experience where the scent of sizzling street foot, awe-inspiring sight of fabled monuments, swirling colors of outdoor markets, and warmhearted people create a lasting connection.
Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam
The sultry climes of these enchanting nations dip to a comfortable level in the winter months, inviting a multi-cultural adventure. Follow jungle trails to discover the lost city of Angkor and cross cobbled courtyards between temples at Luang Prabang. Traverse lush, rice-terraced valleys and enjoy genuine encounters in remote villages, savoring fiery curries and the flavors of French colonialism along the way.
How to visit Southeast Asia? Join the 15-day Southeast Asia Cultural Discovery Tour.
Egypt: Pyramids & Temples
The Great Pyramids rise from desert sands and royal tombs are tucked into the arid Valley of the Kings. Stand in the shade of a towering obelisk as an Egyptologist decodes hieroglyphics for you. Feel the warm breeze pass across the mighty Nile River, filling the triangular sails of feluccas and dahabiyas. Along the banks, locals gather for a glass of mint tea and in the cities, they invite you into their irresistible market stalls packed with interesting finds.
How to visit Egypt? Join the 12-day Egypt Pyramids, Temples & Nile Cultural Discovery Tour.
Winter Fun in Island Sun
Islands are nature’s playgrounds, offering thrilling adventures on land and water. Whether you’re cavorting with sea lions in temperate seas, hiking across ancient lava fields, or watching birdlife flitting and marine life spouting, islands offer the best of both worlds. Seek the heat where you’re often the only humans around.
Mexico: Baja & the Sea of Cortez
Paddle through sapphire waters where sea turtles glide below, whales breech in the distance, and magnificent frigate birds soar overhead. Snorkel with sea lions and tropical fish, or—if luck is on your side—swim alongside gentle whale sharks, the ocean’s largest fish. Back on land, hike through Baja’s rugged desert, where towering cacti contrast against the sparkling sea.
How to visit Mexico? Join the 6-day Mexico Baja Sea of Cortez Multi-Adventure.
Ecuador: Galapagos Islands
Cruise through the legendary archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin. Each island is a world of its own with different species to discover, from giant lumbering tortoises on Santa Cruz to dancing blue-footed boobies on Isabela. At Fernandina you might snorkel with penguins, marine iguanas, and sea lions, and along the coast of Rabida, paddle a kayak over the crystal waters of sheltered coves.
How to visit the Galapagos Islands? Join the 11-day Ecuador Galapagos Adventure Cruising on Galaxy II Tour.
Plan Your Warm Winter Escape
Put away your snow boots and pack your hiking shoes! Why endure months of freezing temperatures when adventure is calling? Trade frostbitten mornings for golden sunsets and indulge in the thrill of getting outdoors under the warm glow of sunshine—right when winter is at its worst. Whether it’s hiking, paddling, culture, or wildlife that appeals, our experts are ready to help you plan your ultimate warm weather winter adventure.