Searches for ‘winter sun holiday deals’ have skyrocketed by a staggering 180 percent over the past few months, with a new study highlighting that winter sun holidays now officially outshine summer getaways.
The study found more people (33 percent) would rather opt for a sunny winter escape over a summer holiday (31 percent).
With 75 percent of Brits planning to chase the winter sun between November and February, the travel experts at Discount Cruises scoured ‘hidden gem’ spots for those looking to soak up the sun away from the crowds.
For Brits looking for an easy escape, La Gomera ranks among the top 15 ‘hidden gem’ islands not to be missed.
With 608,200 hashtags on Instagram to date, the lesser-known gem in the Canary Islands stands out for its tranquil volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and mild year-round climate, offering a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds.
Tucked away in the Caribbean, the Corn Islands top the list of ‘hidden gem’ winter sun destinations, boasting a modest 11,400 Instagram hashtags.
These idyllic islands, comprising Big Corn and Little Corn, are celebrated for their rustic charm, powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and lush palm trees. Visitors can snorkel vibrant coral reefs, dive to explore historic shipwrecks, or simply unwind with fresh seafood, enjoying a peaceful escape from the tourist hustle.
Known as Zanzibar’s quieter sibling, Pemba Island (16,500 hashtags) in Tanzania boasts emerald-green waters, mangroves, and pristine dive spots.
With an average temperature of 30°C in December, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking sun and fun. Explore untouched coral reefs, experience the rich Swahili culture, and discover traditional villages for a true African island escape.
Called the ‘Garden Island’, Taveuni is a lush tropical paradise, garnering 24,800 hashtags on Instagram.
Visitors can hike through Bouma National Heritage Park, marvel at the Tavoro Waterfalls, or dive at Rainbow Reef, one of the world’s most biodiverse underwater ecosystems, all while enjoying the island’s off-the-beaten-path charm.
Top 15 ‘hidden gem’ winter sun islands:
1. Corn Islands, Nicaragua
2. Pemba Island, Tanzania
3. Taveuni, Fiji
4. Rodrigues Island, Mauritius
5. Guam, USA
6. Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
7. Tioman Island, Malaysia
8. Isla Holbox, Mexico
9. Culebra, Puerto Rico
10. Koh Rong, Cambodia
11. Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia
12. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
13. La Gomera, Spain
14. Cape Verde, Cape Verde
15. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
