Now that Winter is well and truly here you are probably dreaming of escaping to a warmer climate and its certainly not too late to book for travel before the end of March when warm weather is almost guaranteed in the majority of destinations we offer.

One of the most magical moments in travel is when you take off from the UK on a chilly, grey sky day on a plane destined to a world where the sun is shining, the temperature is in the high 20s and that sweater you packed for the journey to the airport can go straight back into the suitcase until it’s time to fly home.

Bridge & Wickers features a number of destinations where the weather will be at its seasonal best. Here’s is just a few ideas to tempt you away this winter.

Australia

Being on the ‘other’ side of the world, Australia enjoys wonder summers just when it’s bone chilling at home. Even if you’ve only got two weeks to spare, Oz is definitely worth it, although rather than leap frog from place to place, pick one small region and explore it at a gentle pace. In general you need to focus on the southern states, perhaps combining Sydney with the beaches along the Pacific Highway up to Byron Bay and Noosa on our ‘Long Hot Aussie Summer’ itinerary.

Other recommendations to consider include the magnificent drive along ‘The Great Ocean Road’ between Adelaide and Melbourne, combining Perth with the beaches, vineyards and karri forests of the Margaret River or, using Adelaide as a base, you could access both Kangaroo Island, home to remarkable wildlife and the Flinders Ranges for a taste of the outback – see our Southern Comforts itinerary for details. 

New Zealand

Summer in the southern hemisphere also beckons in the shape of New Zealand. Although it may look tiny on the map next to its neighbour, it would be a mistake to try and tackle the whole country in just a few days. We would recommend devoting at least two or three weeks and exploring the country from head to toe, leaving you time to digest the richness and diversity of the ‘Enzed’ experience.

We have a wide choice of self-drive itineraries which encompass mountains and Maoris, glaciers and bubbling geothermic cauldrons, wines and whales, national park landscapes and outdoor adventures, plus interesting towns and cities. We can also tailor a trip around your specific interests.
It’s also easy to incorporate a leisurely stopover on one of the South Pacific islands. 

Thailand

If all you are looking for is gorgeous weather, a beach that will make your eyes pop, all white sand, swaying palms and clear, warm waters, and a hotel that will, neatly dovetail with your finances, whatever the budget, you will love Thailand. But what makes Thailand such a wonderful destination for a holiday, particularly in our winter, is that it also offers a mix of pleasures including city sights, lush green and well contoured  rural scenery, culture from exotic temples to hill tribes, terrific food, fascinating markets and friendly locals.

We can create a ‘Taste of Thailand’ combining Bangkok with the Chiang Mai in the north and the beaches on one of Thailand’s islands. You could also consider Malaysia.

Indochina

With the new direct service from Gatwick to Vietnam Indochina is now more accessible than ever. At its weather best at this time of the year you can enjoy the warm weather along with amazing experiences.

The three countries that make up Indochina, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, offer an amazing fusion of cultures. Whether you decide to focus on a single country or combine two or three on the same Asian holiday, you’ll discover a diverse range of memorable experiences. Travel to Indochina and you’ll be rewarded by traditional hill tribes, a legacy of colonialism, irresistible shopping and delightful people. And when you feel the need to take time out from the touring you can indulge in the carefree pleasures of gorgeous beaches and accommodation in top hotels with pampering spas. Click here for our suggested itineraries or we can tailor a journey to suit your individual requirements.

Dubai & Oman

Lying less than seven hours from the UK, with just four hours time difference, scheduled flights from five UK airports and swift transfers on arrival, Dubai offers virtually guaranteed sunshine, a white and wide sandy beach and a string of top hotels, most with kids’ clubs. There’s also golf, soft adventures in the desert, camel racing and shopping. But we would also highly recommend the less known but culturally far more fascinating Oman which offers, in addition to perfect winter sun, 1000 miles of sandy beaches, luxurious seafront hotels, wild mountain scenery, immense dune deserts and authentic souks, historic forts, a sultan’s palace, nesting turtles, a grand mosque and amazingly friendly people. Click here for details of our holiday suggestions. 

South Africa & Mauritius

With overnight flights in both directions and no jet lag, South Africa is even worth it for a weekend. But with two weeks to play with, visitors to the aptly-named Rainbow Nation can effectively combine a spectrum of different holidays on the one trip, from the cultural rewards of cities (topped in our view by Cape Town) and indigenous heritage to scenic attractions including the famous Garden Route, the Cape vineyards, wildlife safaris in the Kruger National Park and several other game reserves, click here for one of our tailor made suggestions.

Why not consider combining South Africa with Mauritius, famous for its world class beaches. Click here for some spectacular special offers.