By Sohaib Shams
With winter approaching and days growing shorter, travelers seeking sunshine can consider several under-the-radar destinations that offer warm weather without the crowds.
Nicaragua – Central America’s Overlooked Gem
Travel expert Tom Barber describes Nicaragua as a stable, compact country that combines Pacific beaches, colonial cities like Granada and León, volcanic landscapes on Ometepe Island, and the active Masaya Volcano. It offers experiences similar to Costa Rica but with fewer tourists and lower costs. Indigenous communities on Ometepe preserve ancient petroglyphs and traditions. The best time to visit is December to April, with temperatures of 28–33°C on the Pacific coast, though drought and water shortages linked to El Niño should be monitored.
Dominica – The Caribbean’s Wild Side
Barber calls Dominica a quirky, green island distinct from the Dominican Republic, with 14% of its land as national parks and 70% forested. The 115-mile Waitukubuli National Trail crosses the island, and the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park features the Boiling Lake. The Kalinago indigenous territory covers 3,700 acres, offering cultural visits. Dominica also hosts a resident sperm whale community, and a marine reserve dedicated to their protection was established in 2025. The ideal window is January to April, with temperatures of 27–30°C.
Tunisia – North Africa’s Cultural Gem
Barber highlights Tunisia as an overlooked destination with a rich layered history — Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and French. The capital Tunis has an atmospheric medina and a growing contemporary arts scene. Nearby Sidi Bou Said offers whitewashed houses, blue doors, and views of the Mediterranean, while Carthage’s ruins attract history enthusiasts. Star Wars fans can visit filming locations from the original movie. With beautiful beaches and a shorter flight than transatlantic options, Tunisia provides more than a typical beach holiday. Winter travel is best from February to March, with comfortable sightseeing temperatures of 15–20°C in the north and 18–23°C in the south.
Uruguay – Small and Sophisticated South America
Hamish Van Gruisen of The Ultimate Travel Company recommends Uruguay as a safe, compact country with golden beaches, world-class food and wine, and warm, dry summers. Travelers can explore boutique vineyards such as Cordano and El Legado, enjoy the vibrant culture of Montevideo, and relax in chic coastal towns — all without needing internal flights. The prime period for winter sun is November to March, with temperatures typically ranging from 25–32°C.
The Algarve, Portugal – Close-to-Home Escape
Portugal’s southern Algarve region remains warmer than many expect in winter, offering alfresco lunches, deserted beaches, coastal walks, and spectacular sunsets with far fewer tourists than in summer. Luxury options include the five-star W Algarve in Albufeira and the renovated boutique Octant Praia Verde in the east, featuring private heated plunge pools amid pine forests and sand dunes. Activities range from visiting salt pans and oyster farms to dolphin-watching, horseback riding, and golf or tennis lessons. February is ideal, with average temperatures around 17°C, less rainfall, and plenty of sunny days.
