During North American winters, many vacationers travel to warmer climes to escape from the cold weather. Read about the best winter getaways in the Asia-Pacific.
For North Americans planning winter vacations, here are some warm-weather destinations in Asia that are good alternatives to popular destinations of Hawaii, Florida, and Mexico.
Tropical Destinations in Asia
- Thailand – One of the most popular destinations in the world, Thailand’s beaches are the perfect getaway. Imagine going from frigid winter weather to relaxing on a white-sand beach in one of the resort destinations in Thailand. Popular places for a beach vacation are Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, and Ko Samui. Flying into Bangkok can be a good base from which to take low-cost flights to other parts of Thailand. Many beach resorts in Thailand offer vacation packages, and activities such as snorkeling and swimming are fun for the whole family.
- Malaysia – Although certain parts of the east coast of Malaysia are inaccessible due to typhoon season in the winter months, many beaches on the West Coast and in the south are still very hot and sunny. Explore the jungle and beaches of Penang and in Melaka, experience the history and culture of the Baba Nonya – Chinese settlers who intermarried with Malaysians and produced a unique culture forged out of the mix. Later in the winter and in early spring, many of the more beautiful white sand beaches on the east coast open up to tourists.
- Hainan, China – This small island in the South of China is a little-known tourist paradise. Sanya, the southernmost city on the coast, is a popular tourist resort town among Chinese and Russian tourists. Those who visit its soft white sands compare it to Thailand beach resorts, but less crowded and cheaper. Sanya’s beaches are the best preserved in China, and the relaxed atmosphere is unlike any other Chinese city.
Winter Getaways in Australia and New Zealand
- Australia – The Gold Coast of Australia (on the east coast) has miles and miles of golden beaches and excellent conditions for surfing. Australia is in the Southern hemisphere, and therefore the Australian summer is during the American and European winter, making it the perfect place to catch some sun in the winter months. You’re bound to see some kangaroos while down under, a sure crowd-pleaser for the kids.
- New Zealand – Similarly to Australia, New Zealand’s summer is during the Northern hemisphere winter. This small country has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, all easily accessible by car and doable within a short vacation. Visit “Mount Doom” (the mountain used in the movie, “The Lord of the Rings”) at Tongariro National Park, bathe in hot springs in Rotorua, and try to glimpse the famous kiwi bird.
Even with today's tight economy, some of these winter vacation destinations offer surprisingly good deals and great value. Destinations in Asia offer cheap food and accommodation, while New Zealand, though expensive to fly to, has excellent cheap rental car packages. During the summer there are many destinations where families can camp, making the trip more affordable. For travelers interested in budget travel, many destinations in Asia are also among the world's best backpacking destinations.
The copyright of the article Best Asian Winter Vacation Getaways in Thailand Travel is owned by Camilla Cheung. Permission to republish Best Asian Winter Vacation Getaways in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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