Summer vacation in winter: the 10 most popular travel destinations

Winter vacations take place in the Northern Hemisphere between December and March. Many people choose to escape the cold winter weather.

The ski holiday is the winter holiday classic. But more and more vacationers are looking for relaxation in countries with warmer climates.

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The data analysts from Travel Data + Analytics (TDA) have determined the top 10 winter travel destinations booked at companies in the German Travel Association (DRV).

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Strikingly, many parts of this country in the top 10 do not bring warmth at all. Monuments such as the Statue of Liberty in New York attract visitors, but they should not forget to bring their mittens when going there in winter!

Whether you should pack a winter jacket or swimsuit for your vacation in the USA depends entirely on where you are traveling to. While it can get very cold in the north with up to minus 10°C (14ºF) it remains pleasantly mild in the south with around 10°C (50ºF). In southern Florida, people from all over the world escape to Miami, the Keys, and Disney World.

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The island of Mauritius is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, waterfalls, lagoons, and reefs.

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Temperatures of up to 28°C (82.4ºF) invite you to swim in Mauritius in winter. A pure summer holiday feeling!

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Much more than just beaches and tequila, Mexico brings colorful houses, good food, and diverse nature. The enormous Hispanic country has a lot to offer.

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Near the coast of Mexico, it can be up to 31°C (87.8) even in winter. In the higher areas, inland, you should count a few degrees less, though.

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This is where Arab culture, luxury, and modernity meet. From the skyscraper 'Burj Khalifa', at 828 meters (2,700ft) the tallest building in the world, you have a unique view.

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The 'Palm Islands' are artificially created island groups in the form of huge palm trees. Directly by the sea, they have summer temperatures between 22 and 30°C (71-86ºF).

Primeval jungle landscape in the north and island diversity in the south: Thailand is known for its contrasting landscapes.

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Thailand has three seasons: winter, summer, and rainy season. In winter, it stays dry and heats up to 30°C (86ºF). So here it is: pack your swimsuit and sunscreen.

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The Dominican Republic is famous for its rhythmic music and the hospitality of the locals. Culture enthusiasts can visit the World Heritage City of Santo Domingo.

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Especially on the south coast along the Caribbean Sea, summer temperatures of around 30°C (86ºF) prevail in winter, inviting you to swim in the clear water on the white beaches.

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Between Orient and Occident, only three percent of Turkey belongs to Europe and the largest part of the country to Asia. There is a lot to discover here.

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With average temperatures of 12 to 15°C (53-59ºF), there is no bathing weather in Turkey, but it does have the perfect climate for visiting the many cultural sights the country has to offer.

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The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean below India and Sri Lanka. As a vacationer, you are spoiled for choice between the 19 different island groups that are spread over more than 850 square kilometers (328 square miles).

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With air temperatures of up to 31°C (86ºF) and water temperatures of around 27°C (80.6ºF), a holiday in the Maldives becomes a real summer holiday in winter. The impressive coral reefs will invite you to go snorkeling.

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Egypt has always been a popular travel destination, mainly because of its historical sights such as the pyramids, the Sphinx of Giza, and the Valley of the Kings with the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun.

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Whether visiting the pyramids or relaxing by the pool, in Egypt, culture can be combined with relaxation in temperatures that hover around 25°C (77ºF) in winter. If you want to feel the sensation of being in a big city, visit the capital, Cairo. With more than 21 million inhabitants, it's the largest metropolis in Africa.

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For Europeans looking to escape the cold, this is a classic holiday destination! Though they belong to Spain, the Canary Islands are much closer to the equator, near the African coast, and that makes for a wonderful climate.

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The island group consists of eight inhabited islands, including Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, as well as a multitude of smaller uninhabited islands.

On average, the sun shines 300 days a year on the Canary Islands. With maximum values of 21°C (70ºF), nothing stands in the way of an active holiday in winter. For example, you can take a hike on the volcanic mountain Teide in Tenerife.

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