Overseas winter escapes that are nearby

Winter. Some love it, many hate it and can’t wait for the days to get longer and warmer.

Whatever camp you fall into you may want to plan a winter escape overseas, particularly with the July school holidays coming up. 

We’ve combined a few tried and true destinations short-ish flight away. 

Top of the list has got to be Bali. After the pandemic travel is roaring back and Australians are once again the top travellers to this island paradise. 

There are lots of reasons Aussies love Bali and have done so since the 70s when intrepid surfers travelled there for the excellent surf breaks.

First up Bali is close to Australia. One only needs to track a flight travelling from Denpasar to Sydney to see that the majority of the journey is actually over the Australian mainland. 

It’s also affordable with a huge range of accommodation options and shopping opportunities. Then there’s the amazing natural scenery that ranges from majestic volcanoes to picture-perfect beaches. We also travel to Bali for the cultural experiences and for the friendliness of the local people. 

Winter in Australia is a great time to visit Bali, the weather is warm and mostly stable as the dry season is usually April to September.

Of course, for those seeking adventure there’s plenty of it in Bali. From seeing the Monkey Forest to white-water rafting to quad biking, diving with manta rays off Nuda Penida to the culture of the hinterland areas like Ubud – it’s all there for visitors to enjoy. When it’s time to relax there are lots of options for eating out and nightlife.  

Whatever your travel style you’re sure to find something to suit in Bali to escape the winter blues in Australia.

Aussies’ love affair with holidays in Fiji has been rekindled with borders reopening.

There are lots of reasons for this, where to start? How about the fact that Fiji is pretty much the picture perfect “tropical paradise” destination with pristine beaches, aquamarine waters and lush landscapes.

Then of course there’s the proximity. That means you can make a complete change from your winter reality in a relatively short period of time without all the jet lag and time lost in the air.

Made up of 332 islands, Fiji is a fantastic holiday destination. You can stay on the main island of Viti Levu or head off by boat to the amazing resorts on other islands like the Yasawa Islands or Denarau.

To help you really unwind there’s a huge choice of activities like diving, fishing, surfing, hiking to the top of Mount Tomanivi. Plus, there’s a wide range of cultural activities to choose from and local food to try like Kokoda, a raw fish salad marinated in lime juice and coconut milk and Lovo, a special meal cooked in an earth oven made of beef, chicken, fish, and vegetables.

Add in good infrastructure for tourism including exclusive and romantic getaways, resorts (many with kids’ clubs) and budget family options and you’re soon running out of reason not to say “Bula!” to Fiji. 

Samoa. Even the name sounds like a light sea breeze coming off the ocean.

Consisting of two main islands, Upolu and Savai'I, Samoa is stunningly beautiful with its white sand beaches, rainforests and dramatic waterfalls. If you’re after a bit of authentic Pacific culture with your water sports and relaxation, this is the island nation for you.

The county has retained its cultural heritage which is deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions and can be experienced through traditional ceremonies that include the traditional dance, Siva Samoa plus visits to traditional villages. You can also try the delicious local food like palusami which is taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and meals cooked in an earth oven.

The Samoans are known for their warm and friendly hospitality. Combined with a distinctly slower pace of life this is the place for a complete break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For those seeking an active holiday there’s diving, surfing and excellent fishing. You can also swim with turtles and explore reefs. Ah…

On land you can explore Samoa's rugged landscapes like lava fields, lush rainforests and hidden waterfalls like Afu Aau, Sopoaga and Togitogiga and water holes like the To Sua Trench.

Samoa is a fantastic holiday for the whole family. It’s a people are friendly and welcoming and there’s lots of different accommodation options to choose from.  

Not as heavily visited as other tropical destinations, Samoa could be the mid-winter change from the ordinary you need right now.

Decision made, pack your bags.

Vanuatu has been known to Aussies as a holiday destination for some time.  After all, a country that is said to have invented bungee jumping has got to be worth exploring right?

Vanuatu is home to a unique cultural mix of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian influences with over 100 distinct languages spoken. Bislama, English, and French are the official languages.

Made up of 80 islands Vanuatu features diverse landscapes like stunning beaches, coral reefs, volcanic mountains, and lush rainforests. It’s world renown for scuba diving. Many come to dive the wreck of the President Coolidge, a shipwrecked luxury liner (and WW2 troop carrier) that lies off Espiritu Santo.

For culture vultures there’s plenty of opportunities to find out more about the fascinating history and culture of Vanuatu with visits to villages like Ekasup.

This tropical paradise is close to home yet is not over-touristed. Some of the must-sees include Mount Yasur, a volcano that’s often active and Mele Cascades Waterfalls.

Vanuatu is great family-friendly destination with lots to do for the kids.

The island nation has embraced sustainable tourism practices and seeks to ensure that its cultural and environmental assets are protected while supporting tourism as an important part of its economy. No wonder it’s such a beautiful place to visit.

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