Here at Columbus HQ we love to travel, so if you need some inspiration for a winter sun destination for 2014, why not take a look at our staff picks for winter warmers from the tropical shores of Thailand to the Vegas strip…it'll have you thinking of warm white sand between your toes in no time.
Lindsay:
"A Marrakesh souk on a warm February day is part of one of my most memorable winter sun breaks in Morocco. Warm, vibrant and exhilarating…"
"The vibrant colours of spices, pottery and textiles, the monkeys, snakes and horses in the market square and every kind of trinket and gift you can imagine. Haggling to buy treats in the endless maze of markets is a must, if only for the experience of haggling itself. Take time out for a traditional tagine lunch in a local restaurant giving you time to relax and rest your feet whilst watching authentic Moroccan music and belly dancers perform."
Stuart:
"For me, early December is a great time to go to Thailand. The rainy season is over and, whilst it is very warm, the temperature hasn’t quite risen to the stifling heat you get around March/April time. I haven’t yet visited any of the islands but Koh Sumai and Phuket are definitely on the wish list. Instead, my trips have all been to Bangkok, as I had a friend working in the city. I found it was a great place to go with something for most people. There are stunning temples and some beautiful parks, where you are likely to see Komodo Dragons sunning themselves and watching the world go by. I always take my golf clubs with me, and with over 50 courses within an hour of the city, there is plenty of choice. There is great shopping to be had with Siam Paragon the place to buy authentic luxury brands, or if you fancy something different head to the aquarium downstairs for the opportunity to dive with sharks."
Ayo:
"My favourite winter holiday was a 4 day spell in Las Vegas in the middle of a New York/LA/Vegas/San Francisco holiday in September last year."
"Vegas was so good we stayed there for 4 days instead of 2, and I even won $400 playing poker."
Emma:
"My boyfriend and I went to Goa in November. On one trip we went to the spectacular Dudhsagar Falls and after travelling through the hot wild life sanctuary to get there, we all plunged into the cool pool below the falls. Unbeknown to us all there were giant carp swimming beneath and only realised they were there after we all got out and the guide started feeding them. I'm glad they didn't nibble our toes!"
Nick – Another vote for Goa!
"It's got top be Goa for me. It’s nice and warm between November and Feb (average about 27 degrees) and the rainy monsoon season has finished too. Perfect."
Tim
"My girlfriend and I did this:
…in February one year. It’s slightly on the adventurous side – boats between islands don’t necessarily operate to set schedules and flights between islands can be a bit hairy. It’s also not the cheapest form of back packing, but it’s a lot of time travelling around some spectacular islands in Caribbean sunshine. Lots of opportunity for diving as well.
Greg:
"My best winter holiday was to Cape Town in December, when the sun shines for 11 hours a day and it averages 25 degrees. As well as the fantastic winelands, whale-watching, shark-diving and the fantastic sunset views from Table Mountain, I would recommend a trip to see the charismatic Boulder’s Beach penguins and an evening at Quay Four at the V&A Waterfront, serving quality food, such as Cape Lobster and fantastic sweet-chilli calamari, washed down by a cold beer. Stunning scenery, so much to do and see in a great climate – an ideal December destination."