SOTC Blog

Summer travel gets all the attention, but isn’t wintertime when most of us genuinely need a break?  As temperatures drop, all of us seek a getaway to somewhere warmer, even if our vacations this year, may feel a little different.

To help you plan your winter vacation—for 2020, 2021 and beyond, we’ve rounded up our favourite destinations that are currently open to tourists. So, go take that much-deserved escape somewhere cosy, seaside, serene and tropical.

November to March is an exciting time, with plenty of festivities everywhere and indulgent resorts in some of the most stunning places on earth. Whether it’s sundowner cocktails on the beaches of Bali, a day full of shopping in Dubai or unwinding on your pool deck in the Maldives– there’s no dearth of incredible experiences with SOTC.

So, if you’re travelling solo, with your significant other, or planning a family vacation, here are our top 3 destinations you should consider. With something to suit every interest — food, shopping, culture, history, and nature – it’s bound to spark your wanderlust.

Dubai

Numero uno on our list is a sun-soaked metropolis like no other – Dubai. Home to not just the tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa, but also the largest man-made island in the world – Palm Jumeirah. November to April is undoubtedly the best time to visit, with perfect day temperatures of around 26°C – 30°C and nippy evenings of around 16°C.

Dubai is more of an experience than a destination. And the Dubai experience is best had with SOTC’s Dubai Tour Packages. Our travel experts have meticulously planned the Dubai Tours to give you the most incredible sampler platter of the best Dubai has to offer.

Must-Visit Hotspots:

Keep up with the new, with our list of top experiences you need to tick off on your Dubai Holiday.

• Visit the world’s largest choreographed fountain display, at the Burj Khalifa, where powerful jets shoot up 150m, swaying to musical numbers.

• Visit Dubai Frame- the newest addition to the city’s skyline. Experience the transition between Old and New Dubai, thanks to panoramic views of the city. Take a walk on the state-of-the-art clear glass bridge walkway, connecting the two pillars.

• Test your water sport skills at Kite Beach; enjoy a game of volleyball, or just lounge with your favourite drink.

• Go offbeat and visit Al Fahidi, one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods, bursting with history and culture.

• A world of floral wonders awaits you at Dubai Miracle Garden – the world’s largest natural flower garden. From animals to famous monuments, 50 million blooming flowers turn them into colourful masterpieces.

Shopping:

For people whose idea of travel includes a lot of shopping, great bargains and world-cuisines, Dubai has everything from modern malls to traditional souks and shopping festivals too.

The Dubai Shopping Festival, from December to January, is where you’ll find the best shopping deals. We have Dubai Holidays from 4 days to a whole week, including the festival and incredible stays.

Dubai’s Desert:

Go on a desert safari, quad biking, sand boarding or just enjoy being spoilt with a luxury dinner safari. Many of our Dubai Tour Packages include these experiences.

Extreme Sports:

Your Dubai Holiday is incomplete without taking the most breath-taking skydiving experience from 13,000 feet, over Palm Jumeirah.

From mountain biking to kayaking, hiking and plenty of water sports, Dubai has everything for thrill-seekers.

Family Fun:

Families should definitely visit IMG Worlds of Adventure. It has everything from thrilling rides, to 5-D entertainment, Superhero themed experiences, for all ages.

Kids will also love Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, and Legoland Dubai, while adults can relax at the Riverland Boulevard.

Our ideal 5-day Dubai Tour package let you enjoy a City tour, Desert Safari, Yacht Cruise / Dhow Cruise, visit Parks and Resorts, stay at a desert camp, visit the Burj Khalifa & Dubai Frame.

Maldives

The Maldives conjures up images of sapphire waters, luxurious sea villas and kaleidoscopic coral reefs. With plenty of experiences to help you live on ‘the sunny side of life’, as their tagline goes! No wonder this beach paradise is number two on our list. The best part? Indians get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, for free. Plus, it’s just a 3-hour flight away!

November to April is hands down the best time to visit this tropical paradise. Combine it with pleasant temperatures throughout the day, to best enjoy the numerous beaches and you know, you have a party coming up.

Here’s our list of must-do things in the Maldives:

• Grab an underwater bite at one of the stunning glass-walled restaurants, surrounded by exotic marine life.

• Free dive with the sharks, or just swim with colourful fish and turtles, at one of the best diving and snorkelling destinations in the world.
• Go back in time at Male, a city steeped in culture. Visit the 17th-century mosque, the National Museum or just grab a meal of local flavours.

Bali

Popularly known as ‘The Island of the Gods’, there’s a lot to discover here that justifies its moniker. From pristine beaches, gastronomical delights, exotic sunsets, terraced rice fields and amazing local culture – puts Bali at number 3 on our must-visit winter destination list.

Winter is a great time to experience the best of Bali! Here are our top 3 offbeat recommendations:

• Explore the underwater gardens at Pemuteran Bay, with statues and shrines bedecked with corals.
• Visit two places in one, at the mystical Suluban Beach Cave, which lies directly under the legendary Uluwatu Temple.
• Bali is a haven for adventure lovers, with a plethora of options for water sports, mountain and dirt biking, Ziplining, skydiving… the list is endless.

SOTC has a plethora of handpicked experiences for every type of traveller and budget. So, just check our ready packages or call us on 1800 209 3344 to customize your holiday. No matter what you choose, we promise to make it spectacular!