by Sarah Forster
-10 December 2025
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Top Winter Destinations for 2025: From Winter Sun to City Breaks
If you’re dreaming of escaping the cold or planning an adventure for the months ahead, winter is one of the best times to explore the world.
Whether you’re seeking warm beaches, festive cities, cultural experiences or long-haul sunshine, there’s a destination for every type of traveller. From short-haul favourites like Spain, France and the Netherlands to long-haul hotspots such as Thailand, Australia and South Africa, these winter getaways offer the perfect mix of sunshine, scenery and seasonal charm.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the top destinations to inspire your next trip.
SPAIN
*Avg. Medical Claim £1,861
Spain offers mild winter weather, colourful cities and relaxed coastal escapes perfect for a quick getaway.
CANARY ISLANDS
*Avg. Medical Claim £2,562
The Canary Islands deliver reliable year-round sunshine, golden beaches and volcanic landscapes ideal for winter sun.
FRANCE
*Avg. Medical Claim £1,217
France combines charming cities, festive markets and world-class food for an atmospheric winter break.
THAILAND
*Avg. Medical Claim £4,318.50
Thailand’s dry season offers hot sunshine, palm-fringed beaches and vibrant cultural experiences.
AUSTRALIA
*Avg. Medical Claim £2,379
Australia provides warm summer weather during the UK winter, with stunning coastlines and outdoor adventures.
NORWAY
Norway’s snowy landscapes and fjords make it a magical spot for winter scenery and Northern Lights sightings.
GERMANY
Germany is famous for its cosy Christmas markets, festive traditions and charming winter towns.
EGYPT
Egypt offers warm temperatures, beautiful beaches and ancient wonders ideal for a winter sun escape.
ITALY
*Avg. Medical Claim £1,599.50
Italy delivers romantic cities, incredible food and cultural highlights with fewer crowds in winter.
PORTUGAL
*Avg. Medical Claim £620
Portugal enjoys mild winter days, coastal scenery and relaxed city breaks perfect for sunshine seekers.
INDIA
India’s winter season brings warm weather, colourful culture and diverse experiences from beaches to palaces.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The UAE promises guaranteed sunshine, luxury resorts and world-class attractions throughout winter.
MOROCCO
Morocco offers warm days, bustling souks and desert scenery ideal for an exotic winter break.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s summer season delivers hot weather, wildlife adventures and stunning coastline escapes.
TURKEY
*Avg. Medical Claim £4,317.50
Turkey blends fascinating history with great value winter breaks and plenty of cultural sights to explore.
Travel Insurance this winter
Whether you’re escaping to European favourites like Italy, France or the Canary Islands, heading for sunshine in long-haul destinations such as Thailand, Australia or South Africa, or exploring North Africa and the Middle East including Egypt, Morocco or the UAE, having the right Travel Insurance is essential.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) highlights just how vital Travel Insurance truly is. UK travel insurers paid out a staggering £472 million in 2024, helping more than 500,000 travellers whose holidays didn’t go as planned. While claims ranged from lost luggage to cancellation, the largest share of pay-outs covered emergency medical bills and repatriation – areas where costs can escalate rapidly, even in Europe.
In total, medical claims accounted for over a third of all pay-outs, reaching £262 million, with the average medical claim costing £1,528. Some claims went far beyond that, running into six figures. In one extreme case, the cost of emergency treatment and repatriation from the USA exceeded £1 million – a stark reminder of how devastating unexpected incidents abroad can be without the right protection.
These figures also come at a time when international medical costs are rising, particularly in long-haul destinations. Even a straightforward hospital visit overseas can run into thousands, and specialist medical transport back to the UK can swiftly reach five or six figures. While it may be tempting to cut back on extras, the ABI warns that skipping Travel Insurance is a false economy and one that could have long-term financial consequences.
Why Choose Just Travel Cover?
Here at Just Travel Cover we work with a panel of insurers providing you multiple quotes from different insurers. Each insurer also has three levels of cover to choose from – bronze, silver and gold, and there are also policies available with no age limit. We also specialise in pre-existing medical conditions and can help find cover for undiagnosed conditions and those on waiting lists too.
Once you have cover in place you can also access your Travel Insurance documents online through your My Account portal – so no matter where you are in the world as long as you have access to the internet you have all your policy information at the click of a button.
*This analysis draws on data from over 7,000 global claims relating to UK travel insurance, recorded between January 2024 and August 2025
Travel Insurance for your next trip
No matter where your next holiday takes you, Just Travel Cover have you covered. With no age limit on our policies which cover hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions including heart conditions, diabetes and cancer we can have you protected in just a few simple steps.
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