Escape the winter: top holiday ideas to beat the chill

With headlines declaring the coldest start to winter in years, it’s no wonder Aussies are packing their bags and leaving the country in their droves.

If you’re seeking warm-weather adventures but can’t decide where to go, we’ve curated our ultimate list of sun-soaked destinations to help you escape the winter chill. From idyllic beaches to vibrant cities and stunning landscapes, here are the top travel trends for 2024.

Japan - the ultimate winter escape

Our TikTok feeds are right. Everyone really is going to Japan and data from leading industry reports backs it up.

• Skyscanner's Travel Trends Report reveals that three of the top 10 destinations for Australian travellers are Japanese cities: Osaka is number one, Sapporo is number three and Tokyo is number five.
• Mastercard’s Travel Trends 2024 Report shows Japan as the world’s most popular destination. The surge in tourist activity is largely due to favourable currency movements for international visitors.

Japan is famous for its snow sports but its summer adventures are equally impressive. Here are our top picks for things to do:

• Trekking, Mount Fuji: Conquer Japan's highest peak and enjoy breathtaking views.
• Canyoning, Minakami: Navigate waterfalls and gorges for an adrenaline rush.
• Scuba diving, Okinawa: Explore vibrant coral reefs in crystal-clear waters.
• White water rafting, Yoshino River: Tackle thrilling rapids in beautiful surroundings.
• Cycling, Shimanami Kaido: Ride across islands with stunning coastal vistas.

European adventures

Europe continues to be a favourite for its rich cultural and culinary experiences. Countries like Italy, France, Greece, and Portugal are seeing a tourism surge, while Munich in Germany ranks as the top trending destination thanks in part to the European Football Championship. 

If football isn’t your thing, here are five ideas to get your itinerary started:

• Caving, Slovenia: Explore the wonders of Slovenia's extensive cave systems, including Postojna Cave.
• Paragliding, Interlaken, Switzerland: Soar above the Swiss Alps with breathtaking mountain and lake views.
• Sea Kayaking, Croatia: Paddle through the Adriatic Sea, uncovering hidden coves and islands.
• Trail Running, Chamonix, France: Challenge yourself on Mont Blanc’s rugged trails.
• Via Ferrata, Dolomites, Italy: Climb secured routes with stunning alpine views.

Tropical getaways - Fiji and Bali

If you’re looking for something closer to home, Fiji and Bali are perfect escapes. The Mastercard Economics Institute’s annual Travel Trends report has Fiji and Bali as the top trending destinations for Australians. Their popularity continues to grow thanks to their proximity, climate and as Ken would say, beach. They also offer great value, with data showing Bali’s price has recently dropped 10%.

Mark Trim, founder and managing director of RoundAbout Travel, recommends carefully selecting your winter getaway destination. ‘While Bali and Fiji are popular destinations,’ he says, ‘be aware that Fiji is not particularly warm in July and August. It’s the dry season in the Pacific, meaning sunny days but it's relatively mild, in the mid-20s, and many of the pools in Fiji are not heated. If you are after warmth, Bali is a better choice.’ 

If you are considering travelling to these beautiful spots, check out these five must-try activities:

• Cave swimming, Sawa-i-Lau Caves, Fiji: Swim in clear waters within stunning limestone caves.
• Surfing, Uluwatu, Bali: Catch world-class waves and enjoy vibrant surf culture.
• Rainforest zip-lining, Fiji: Zip-line through lush rainforests for a unique adventure.
• Sunrise trekking, Mount Batur, Bali: Hike up this volcano for a breathtaking sunrise.
• Jet boating, Sigatoka River, Fiji: Experience high-speed thrills while exploring the Sigatoka River.

Get ready to escape the chill

The world is your oyster, brimming with exciting destinations to escape winter. Whether you crave thrilling adventures or more serene pursuits,  Flip Roaming accidental injury insurance can help you travel with confidence and peace of mind.  

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