Need to beat your winter blues? Here are the best deals for a warm getaway

According to Lana Kanchik, a personal travel specialist at TravelManagers, the demand for travel over the next few months is astonishing. And as far as destinations go for those looking for warmth, Europe and the United States lead the way.

“If people are visiting friends they tend to be going to the United Kingdom. For holidays, it’s been mostly Italy, Spain, Portugal and Croatia, with lots of popularity for sailing in Croatia,” she said.

If you are looking for something to break up the colder months, Ms Kanchik suggests looking at destinations outside of Europe and America.

Here are some of the best options for you to escape the winter blues.

If you want to avoid the chaos of European summer holidays, flights to South America are relatively affordable at the moment. 

Nick Macciocca, Chimu Adventures’ operations manager for Brazil, said: “In South America, airlines and airports are operating smoother and more efficiently than ever. 

“None of our countries are suffering from shortages of staff, and they have refined their processes and systems in order to cope with the additional work created by COVID requirements to make everything as efficient as possible.”

The Australian winter is an ideal time to visit countries such as Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Argentina as it is their dry season. 

We found fares this July for a one-way flight with Latam Airlines cost about $1360 to Peru, $1220 to Argentina and $1213 to Chile.

This Intrepid Travel tour will visit several destinations in Peru, as well as some sensational stops in Bolivia. With prices starting from $3753 per person, the tour takes in natural and cultural spectacles such as Machu Picchu, the Amazon, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and the world’s highest capital city, La Paz. 

Explore more: intrepidtravel.com

For one of the world’s most authentic and prolific wildlife experiences, try Chimu Adventures’ exploration of the Galapagos Islands. You’ll start in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, and tour Cotopaxi National Park, home to the highest volcano in the world, before a full week viewing incredible Galapagos wildlife. Prices start from $8775 with departures throughout the coming months.

Explore more: chimuadventures.com

Travel agents have been reporting great deals on cruises. Many lines such as Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, Princess and Carnival have special offers of half-price deposits and onboard credits to lure people back to the water. And some cruise lines sailing Europe at the moment are offering half-price deals. Viking River Cruises is advertising an eight-day Amsterdam to Basel sailing starting from $3145. 

For a dreamy European beach cruise, this Norwegian Cruise Line seven-day cruise out of Athens and sailing to Turkey, starts from just $1212. A beverage package and specialty dining are included.

Explore more: ncl.com 

Another way to make your way around Europe that hasn’t been entirely booked out for the season is on a river cruise. Scenic’s 15-day Rhine and Moselle rivers cruise between Amsterdam and Zurich has availability over the coming months, and prices start from $7495 per person.

Explore more: scenic.com.au

It’s the wet season in parts of Southeast Asia, which makes for a great time to snap up a more affordable package. Bali sees little rain in July or August and Singapore is mostly sunny all year round. Flights are still relatively affordable with Jetstar offering return flights to Bali starting from just $895, while Scoot is advertising flights to Singapore from $560. 

Luxury Escapes has a three-night stay at a Bali luxury rainforest hideaway. The resort has a heated infinity pool, wellness spa, three eateries and endless rainforest tranquillity. The deal starts from just $999 for three nights.

Explore more: luxuryescapes.com

Flight Centre has a five-night deal staying at the five-star Royal Plaza on Scotts. The package includes a tour of Gardens by the Bay and admission to Sea Aquarium. The price per family starts from $2981.

Explore more: flightcentre.com.au

Despite the huge number of holidaymakers flooding the region, there are still good deals if you want to live out your dreams of a European summer. For the month of July, one-way flights to Greece are listed on Skyscanner for as low as $748 with Scoot, to Italy from about $800 with Scoot and Ryan Air, and to the United Kingdom from $889 with Scoot and Qatar Airways. Some travel experts suggest it may be more economical to purchase a tour so as to take advantage of the great deals many tour operators are able to access ahead of the public. It may help combat the rising costs of your flights and hotel accommodation. 

This Cosmos Tours adventure still has last-minute availability for 2022, with prices kicking off from $3459 per person. You’ll travel to Madrid, Lisbon, Seville, Marrakesh, Fez and more on your journey, with a local guide explaining each city’s culture and history.

Explore more: cosmostours.com.au