Beyond the Caribbean: 10 Destinations for Fall & Winter

The Caribbean has a special allure each fall and winter for residents of the United States and Canada. It’s close and it’s warm. But we dare you to dream about places beyond the Caribbean for getaways this fall and winter.

Don’t get us wrong: we love a good beach resort along the Caribbean Sea as much as anyone. But relaxing on a tanning chair under the Caribbean sun for a week is not the be-all-and-end-all of fall and winter vacationing. There are other destinations that offer plenty of sun, warmth, and watery adventure without the crowds, while other spots offer ways to take advantage of the seasonal weather in spectacular ways.

The following are such destinations. Most are warm and beautiful, offering a respite from cooler fall and winter weather in North America. But some also offer the chance for cultural encounters and unforgettable natural experiences that are about more than simply escaping snow back home. All of these destinations have the makings for a beautiful vacation, so consider them when planning for this fall, winter, and beyond.

And when you’re ready to book, get in touch with a Goway Destination Specialist.

What are some destinations beyond the Caribbean for fall and winter vacations?

Australia

The land downunder is such a natural spot to visit in the fall and winter. When it’s cold in North America, it’s warm in Australia, since the country is experiencing its spring and summer. The beaches around the country, including the famous Sunshine Coast of Queensland, are warm and sunny and the waters off the coast are so comfortable, making it the perfect time to snorkel or scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef. There’s fresh seafood to enjoy along the coastlines, celebrated vintages to sample in the many wine regions, and, of course, iconic animals to spot in the wild. Authentic Australia is a great introduction to the country during its spring and summer. It includes popular sites such as Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as Darwin and Kakadu National Park.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to Australia.

Bali

Bali is one of Southeast Asia’s famous resort havens. It’s warm year-round, with popular surf breaks, beaches, restaurants, and clubs attracting travellers from all over the world. But Bali’s appeal goes far beyond the beach. It’s an ideal spot for cultural encounters and soft adventure. For instance, did you know it’s home to some of the best food in the world? Local chefs, entrepreneurial expats, and everyone in between heads to Bali to craft amazing dishes with international influences using the freshest ingredients. It’s a foodie paradise! Furthermore, in the inland areas, such as Ubud, you’ll find jungle resorts offering relaxing and quiet escapes in the midst of astounding nature. Terraced rice paddies ripple through the forests and you can explore nearby temples and volcanoes, including stunning Mount Batur. Bali offers the perfect balance of beach, culture, and activity.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to Bali.

Egypt

The pyramids are on most people’s bucket lists, but the ancient wonders of Cairo and the Nile River are not the only pleasures awaiting travellers on a trip to Egypt. Travellers who want some rest and relaxation at a beautiful resort should head to Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula. The area is one of the premiere resort spots in the Middle East and offers pristine accommodations, warm waters, and lots of soft adventure opportunities, including diving to sunken wrecks and coral reefs on the Red Sea. Highlights of Egypt pairs together a journey through ancient Egypt with an escape to Sharm El Sheikh, making for the perfect sun and culture combo getaway for fall or winter.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to Egypt.

Fiji

Fiji is one of the most popular spots in the South Pacific, with good availability through the fall and winter months. You can stay in a Fijian bure right on the beach and enjoy long days of swimming, lounging, and bonding with the famously-friendly locals. It’s also easier to get to Fiji from North America this fall, with new direct flights from Vancouver to Nadi, the Fijian capital, with Fiji Airways. If you want fun in the sun this fall and winter, the South Pacific has everything you could want and more.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to Fiji.

The Maldives

If you want a luxury beach escape, you can do no better than going to the Maldives, where each resort is located on a private island with lots of pristine white sand and gorgeous overwater bungalow accommodations for you to enjoy. And if you want to add some city exploration to a winter beach escape, there are stopover opportunities in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Istanbul, and even Paris en route. In the Maldives, resorts are exclusive, romantic, and pampering, so whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day escape or simply want to relax over the winter holidays, the Maldives is the place to be. Take advantage of our new winter dates for Classic Maldives with Air, which includes airfare and all-inclusive meal plans for a convenient travel planning experience.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to the Maldives.

Peru

Peru is home to arguably the most impressive landmark on the planet: the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. It’s also a great place to visit in the North American fall and winter, when the country is enjoying the warmth of its spring and summer. You can taste the world-famous flavours of Lima, South America’s gastronomic capital, before heading into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to see Cusco, Machu Picchu, and other Incan ruins. Perhaps best of all, the valley is in full bloom during this season. Peru doesn’t get more beautiful than during summer, making it a warm spot for a historical adventure during North American fall and winter.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to Peru.

Portugal

If you want to head somewhere warm for several weeks at a time this fall or winter, Portugal is an exceptional option. You can find affordable and convenient long-stay options in the country’s south, the famous Algarve region, where sandy beaches are surrounded by stunning rock formations and only a short drive from historic towns and villages. Spend the day swimming off the beaches and then head into town around dinner to enjoy fresh cuisine in small restaurants, before retiring to your long-stay apartment accommodations. Algarve: Alfagar Alto Da Colina Long Stay offers everything you need for a three-week-long stay in the south of Portugal.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to Portugal.

The Seychelles

North American fall and winter is a great time of year for the Seychelles, which is technically in the Southern Hemisphere, but so close to the equator as to enjoy warm weather and temperate weather conditions at this time of year. Escape to a beach resort on Mahe or Praslin and enjoy pristine accommodations as well as the chance to spend your days exploring dive sites or on-land national parks that are home to magnificent animals such as giant tortoises.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to the Seychelles.

Thailand

Thailand is such a popular spot for winter getaways. In fact, it’s popular at all times of year, due to its abundance of beaches, cultural attractions, and spectacular natural environments. If you want to escape cooler conditions back home, there are thousands of islands in the country’s south that should appeal to you. Phuket is the most famous and has dozens of gorgeous beach resorts offering wellness treatments, but don’t limit yourself to Phuket when travelling to Thailand. Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, and the coastal areas of Khao Lak and Krabi deserve your attention as well. They have beautiful waters and verdant jungles to explore.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to Thailand.

United States

You can also stick closer to home this fall and explore the warm coastal locations along the Gulf of Mexico in the southern United States. There’s a lot of wonder to be found between the famous winter spots of New Orleans and Miami, so if you rent a car and hit the road, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the sugar-white beaches of Biloxi, gaze upon the unforgettable skies of Pensacola, and spot the rare wildlife, including manatees, of the Crystal River. And, of course, you’ll still have time to hit up the popular spots of Naples and Miami. Don’t worry: you can still strut your stuff along famous Miami Beach.

Click here to see Goway’s vacation packages to the United States.