December

In Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Da Nang and other resorts in the south of Vietnam, you can relax at any time of the year, but the best time here is from January to July, when there are no typhoons and prolonged rains, but the weather is warm and sunny.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, or simply the Dominican Republic, occupies about two-thirds of the island of Haiti, where the weather is beautiful all year round. Excellent beaches and warm sea in the Dominican Republic are complemented by modern hotels with impeccable service. At the same time, a special place is given to ecology, and all hotels harmoniously fit into the environment.

The rich nature of Haiti provides many opportunities for a good rest, and in coastal waters there are excellent conditions for diving, sailing, surfing and windsurfing. Most popular resorts are located in the southeast of the country, east of Santo Domingo.

You can relax in the Dominican Republic at any time, but in autumn, during the typhoon period, it is not recommended to go to the island. It is best to visit the resorts of the Dominican Republic from December to April, when the weather is dry and not as hot as in summer. If you like hot weather, you can go on vacation in the summer.

Tunisia

Tunisia offers vacationers magnificent beaches, a wonderful climate and many interesting sights left over from many civilizations. Despite the proximity of the Sahara, the weather on the coast is perfect for a beach holiday. Recently, the popularity of Tunisia has been growing thanks to thalassotherapy, which uses the properties of the coastal climate, sea water, algae, sea mud and other sea products to treat and improve the body.

Many thalassotherapy centers operate in Tunisia all year round. There are many resorts on the coast, the most popular of which are Sousse, Mahdia, Hammamet and some others.

Tunisian beaches can be visited from late April to early November, but the best time to visit this country is in March, May, June, September or October. In April and November, the sea may not be warm enough, and in July and August, even the coast is too hot.

Indonesia, Bali island

Bali is the most popular island in Indonesia, attracting many tourists from all over the world. Located on the border of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Bali is ideal for a beach holiday in an exotic location. Beautiful scenery, wonderful climate, clean white sand beaches and high quality service make your holiday in Bali an unforgettable trip. At the same time, the original culture and original architecture are complemented by a riot of colors of exotic nature. There are numerous high-quality hotels on the coast, with many opportunities for interesting pastime.

Bali’s beaches are available all year round, but it is recommended to visit the island during the dry season, which lasts from May to October. The best time for a holiday is July and August, but at this time many Europeans go to Bali, and hotel prices rise sharply. You can go on vacation in May or June, when the weather is fine and the prices are not so high.

Mauritius

Mauritius is strongly associated with luxury luxury holidays in a paradise. The island will never become a place of mass tourism, but there will always be a high-quality service for the elite. Beach holidays on the purest white sand, diving and windsurfing, fishing in the ocean, golf and spa treatments – all this is offered by upscale hotels in Mauritius. The diverse and particularly picturesque nature of the island adds color to the portrait of an ideal holiday.

Holidays in Mauritius can be at any time of the year, but the best weather is from September to November and from April to June. Rain is possible from December to March, while July and August are relatively cool.

Cuba

Cuba has long been considered the pearl of the Caribbean archipelago, attracting many tourists. White sand and clear water, modern hotels and beautiful landscapes make your vacation in Cuba an unforgettable experience. And Hemingway wrote about the possibilities of fishing in the ocean in the immortal work “The Old Man and the Sea”. All lovers of ocean fishing should definitely visit Cuba. Diving enthusiasts will also be satisfied, because the coastal waters of Cuba are full of interesting coral reefs.

The best time to visit Cuba is from November to April, when the island has hot, dry weather. In January, the nights can be chilly, but the daytime temperatures remain comfortably high. The rainy season is from May to October in Cuba. The best weather in Cuba is in March and April.

Montenegro

Montenegro offers a wonderful beach holiday on the ecologically clean beaches of the Adriatic Sea, which can always be combined with interesting excursions introducing ancient and medieval sights. Additionally, vacationers can enjoy the amazing beauty of nature and quality service.

It is best to relax on the beaches of Montenegro from June to September, although in May and October you can also go on vacation if you like a cooler sea. The best weather for combining excursions and a beach holiday is at the end of August and in September.

Israel

Israel is known for its beautiful beaches, quality service, and extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. Medical and wellness tours to Israel are also common. There are many pilgrims among those who go to this country – after all, the shrines of Christianity, Islam and Judaism are located here.

The most famous resort in Israel is Eilat, located on the Red Sea. It is customary to relax here from April to October, although April, May, September and October are considered the best months. You can visit the Dead Sea at any time of the year. Also, at any time you can go on excursions, on a pilgrimage or for treatment and recovery.

Brazil

Brazil is located on the other side of the Earth, so summer is there when we have winter. And it is at the end of the Brazilian summer that the famous carnival takes place, which attracts many tourists. But in Brazil there are many other attractions – a giant statue of Christ, huge waterfalls, full-flowing Amazon with virgin forests, interesting monuments of colonial architecture. At the same time, beautiful white-sand beaches and modern high-quality hotels are located on the coast.

The best time to visit Brazil is the warm season, which lasts from November to April. If you decide to visit the carnival in Rio, then you should plan a trip for February. It is best to combine a beach holiday with excursions, and for lovers of entertainment, you can go to major cities – Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. If you prefer relaxing on the beach, you should choose small resort towns – Belem, Natal, Bahia, Fortaleza or another well-known resort.

Finland

Finland is often called the country of lakes, of which there are about 188,000. Rest in the forest on the shore of a lake with crystal clear water will appeal to many, and the local fishing will not leave anyone indifferent. Developed tourist infrastructure is perfectly combined with pristine nature, and healing springs allow you to combine relaxation with the improvement of the body. In winter in Finland, you can relax in the ski resorts, as well as other winter sports or visit the birthplace of Santa Claus in Lapland.

For a holiday by the lake, you should go to Finland in the summer. The fishing season runs from May to September. It is rainy here in autumn, but with the onset of winter, the number of tourists increases sharply. Snow falls in the north of the country in October or November, and the season sometimes continues until May. The best time to visit the ski centers is February and March, although March and April are considered the best times in Lapland.

Mexico

Mexico attracts tourists from all over the world with the monuments of the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations, colonial architecture, diverse nature and excellent beaches. Cancun and Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast, as well as Acapulco on the Pacific coast are not inferior to the world’s best resorts – sandy beaches, warm sea and excellent service will appeal to even the most demanding tourists. And numerous pyramids and other historical monuments will allow you to combine a beach holiday with educational excursions.

You can relax in Mexico at any time of the year, the temperature in most of the country, even in winter, exceeds 20-25 degrees Celsius, while the water of the Pacific Ocean warms up to 24-27 degrees, and the Caribbean Sea – up to 29 degrees. However, from May to October in Mexico, the rainy season, and at this time powerful tropical hurricanes often occur, so the best time to visit Mexico is from November to April.

Germany

Germany is known not only for its powerful economy, but also for its numerous historical, cultural, architectural and natural attractions. Medieval castles, Gothic cathedrals, ancient towns, majestic palaces, numerous museums, picturesque landscapes, beautiful lakes, thermal springs – all this attracts tourists from all over the world. Germany is also famous for its balneological resorts, among which Baden-Baden is the most famous.

You can have a rest in Germany at any time of the year, the climate here in winter is milder than in Moscow. At the same time, it is best to go to Germany from April to October, when the weather is warm, although not too hot.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is visited by many tourists who are interested in medieval castles, cathedrals, palaces and parks, museums and reserves. The unique combination of diverse landscapes and numerous historical and cultural monuments distinguishes the Czech Republic, and the local beer is known far beyond the borders of the country. In addition, the Czech Republic is known for the healing waters of the resorts of Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and some others.

You can relax in the Czech Republic at any time of the year, the climate here is milder than in Moscow, it is not so cold in winter and not too hot in summer. At the same time, it is best to go to the Czech Republic from March to October, when the weather is warm and pleasant in summer.

Hungary

Hungary is located in the center of Europe and is known for its numerous attractions, quality service, healing thermal springs and beautiful lake resorts. Unique local wines and excellent local cuisine are also known. The most popular are excursions around Budapest, as well as health-improving holidays at thermal springs. Lake Balaton and Heviz are also popular.

Since summers are not too hot here and winters are mild, you can have a rest in Hungary at any time of the year. Thermal springs are available all year round, in summer you can go to lake resorts, and in winter – to ski resorts. The best time for excursions is spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasantly warm.

France

France attracts tourists from all over the world, offering a unique atmosphere of romance, freedom and amazing adventure. Everyone should visit Paris in order to see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral with their own eyes, visit the Champs Elysees and Montmartre, as well as visit the Moulin Rouge or just admire the bridges and sit on the Seine embankment. Children will remember visiting Disneyland for a long time.

The mild climate allows you to go on an excursion to France almost at any time of the year, but in summer it is recommended to relax in the resorts of the Côte d’Azur, popular with celebrities. In winter, ski resorts await guests, the most popular of which is Courchevel. Also, France is known worldwide for wines and spirits, and, of course, exquisite French cuisine.

Egypt

Egypt is the cradle of ancient civilizations, and vacationers have the opportunity to visit many interesting sights, but first of all, Egypt attracts tourists with its beautiful warm sea and low prices. Resorts of the Red Sea offer a fairly high-quality service, and cheaper than anywhere else. Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada have long become habitual places of rest for our compatriots, and excursions to the pyramids or a cruise on the Nile add to pleasant impressions.

In Egypt, you can relax all year round, and this is the closest place from Russia with such a climate. Although it can be quite hot in summer, the weather is ideal for a beach holiday in Vienna and autumn, and even in winter you can sunbathe and swim here. Tours to Sharm el-Sheikh for the New Year and Christmas are especially popular, when from snow-covered Moscow you get to the sunny beaches of the beautiful sea.

Which country is better to go on vacation in winter?

Where and when to go on vacation

Also, for your convenience, we have placed below for some countries in alphabetical order, information about the most favorable time for a holiday during the year.

Australia

Australia is good at any time of the year.

Austria

Excursions in summer and skiing in winter make Austria popular all year round. Summer high season is July and August. In winter, from mid-December to the end of March, it’s time for skiing and other winter sports. Spring in the Alps is June, when the endless mountains are covered with a carpet of colorful flowers.

Andorra

The ski season lasts from December to the end of March, although in some resorts all conditions for skiing are preserved even later – there is artificial snow. The hiking season is from late spring to October: at this time, the surroundings are especially picturesque.

Argentina

For residents of the northern hemisphere, Argentina offers a tempting opportunity to enjoy summer twice a year. In Buenos Aires, the summer months are very hot, and most residents leave right after Christmas for a vacation. In January and February the city is empty. In winter, for Europeans, the weather is very pleasant, the temperature drops, but only slightly.

Andean regions are characterized by rainy weather and frequent floods in the summer season, intense heat in summer, mountainous snow cover in winter and frequent dry hot winds, locally called “sonda”. Temperature fluctuations are quite significant both between seasons, as well as within one day.

Bahamas

You can go to the Bahamas at any time, because the cool Atlantic trade winds keep the air temperature even throughout the year. The exception is the southern islands, on the beaches of which the weather can be quite hot in summer. The rainy season lasts from May to November, the peak tourist season falls on the first three months of the year.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria has hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. In spring, the best time to visit Bulgaria is from April to mid-June, when the weather is warm, pleasant and most holidays and festivals take place. Mid-June to September is a good time for hiking and relaxing by the sea in summer, although the coast can be very crowded. The ski season starts in mid-December and lasts until April.

Belgium

The best time to travel is from April to September.

Brazil

Brazil has six climate types: equatorial, tropical, tropical highland, tropical Atlantic, semi-arid and subtropical. Spring from September 22 to December 21, Summer from December 22 to March 21, Autumn from March 22 to June 21, Winter from June 22 to September 21. The average annual temperature is approximately 28C in the northern part of Brazil and 20C in the south. Most of the rain falls in the Amazon region. There are areas, mainly in the south of the country, where it sometimes snows, frost falls, and the temperature drops below zero. In Rio de Janeiro, in the height of summer, the temperature rises to the mark of 40.

Great Britain

England has a mild climate due to the relative warmth of the seas surrounding it. The rainiest month is October. It is followed by September, June, July and … January. An umbrella is needed here both in winter and in summer: it rains here 180 days a year.

Venezuela

Dry period from October to March, wet period from April to September.

Vietnam

Any time is good for a trip to Vietnam: when it is too cold or rainy in one region, the weather is warm and dry in another. In the southern regions, your trip may be overshadowed by the rainy season, which occurs from May to November. In the north, the cold months from November to April should be avoided. Typhoons can rage in the central and northern regions of the country from July to November. Most major religious festivals follow the lunar calendar. At the end of January, there is the celebration of the Tet festival, which marks the beginning of the new year. In August, the Festival of Wandering Spirits is celebrated, during which believers will put food for forgotten ghosts outside their homes. In June, the Doan Ngu festival is held, accompanied by the ritual burning of portraits of the dead.

Germany

The best time to travel is from May to October.

Greece

The climate is generally dry and temperate, although it often snows in the mountains and in the north. North Macedonia and northern Epirus have a similar climate to the Balkans with cold winters and hot, humid summers, while Attica, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese islands, Crete and the central and eastern Peloponnese have a more typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers. and milder winters.

Denmark

The best time to visit Denmark is in July or August. Mild climate without sudden temperature changes throughout the year.

Dominican Republic

From the end of spring to the beginning of autumn, the weather in the Dominican Republic will delight lovers of running in the rain: at this time, frequent but short showers are possible. In August, despite the peak of the rainy season, the temperature can reach +33 C! And, although the heat is moderated by northeast sea breezes, we still recommend enjoying the weather of the Dominican Republic during the winter season, from December to April. The water temperature at this time is often higher than the air temperature: + 26-27 C, the mild winter sun shines, so the weather of the Dominican Republic will not be able to prevent you from getting to know this exotic country.

Egypt

Egypt has only two seasons: hot from April to October and cool from November to the end of March.

Israel

Summer in Israel is long (from April to October), warm and almost rainless. During these months, in mountainous cities like Jerusalem and Safed, the air is drier and cooler than in other parts of the country. Winter, which lasts from November to March, is mostly mild, but quite cool in the mountainous regions. Rainy periods are interspersed with clear sunny days. At this time of the year, the Dead Sea and Eilat on the Red Sea enjoy perfectly warm, sunny weather. The weather in Israel allows you to swim in the sea all year round: from April to October – in the Mediterranean Sea and in Lake Kinneret; throughout the year – in the Dead and Red Seas.

India

India has a very varied climate. The most important feature of the Indian climate is the rainy season (monsoon period). It lasts from June for about 2 months. During the rest of the year, the climate is characterized by aridity (with the exception of the western coast).

Indonesia

The climate in Indonesia is equatorial-tropical. There are two seasons: dry – from April to October, and wet – from November to March. During the wet season, there is an average of 10 rains per month, half of which occurs at night. Bali has a tropical climate and good sunny weather lasts all year round.

Jordan

Jordan has long, warm and dry summers (April-October) and relatively mild winters (November-March). Rains mainly fall in the northern and central regions, in the south the amount of precipitation is extremely low. Climatic conditions differ in different regions. The coast has humid summers and mild winters (you can sunbathe and swim all year round). In the mountainous and desert regions, there are hot summers and relatively cold winters. In the central regions of the country, the climate is sharply continental – hot or warm days are replaced by rather cool nights.

Spain

The best time to travel is May, June and September. In the south – April and October. At this time, the weather is very good and not hot.

Italy

It is best to go in spring (April-May) or autumn (October-November). The ski season in the Italian Alps lasts from December to the end of March. For mountain walks in the Alps, it is better to choose the time from July to September.

Canada

Summer, autumn and spring are the best times to travel around the country. For lovers of skiing and other winter sports, it is best to come in winter or early spring. For those who want to visit the far north and for lovers of hiking, the best time is July and August. The peak tourist season is mid-June and mid-September.

Kenya

Subequatorial climate. There are two rainy seasons throughout the year in Kenya: short (from October to December) and long (from March to early June). Most rain falls on the ocean coast and in the west of the country, in mountainous regions (1500-2000 mm.). In general, the climate in Kenya is the best on the continent. In Nairobi, the daytime temperature constantly fluctuates from +14 C to +28 C in July and from +14 C to 27 C in January. The best time to visit the country is August and September.

China

Summer is hot with little rainfall. Winter in the north and north-east is cold, in the central part the climate is milder. In the very south (Hainan Island) you can sunbathe and swim all year round.

Cyprus

Cyprus has more than three hundred sunny days a year. Spring and autumn, the so-called velvet season, are considered the most favorable climatically. Summer is hot, lasts from mid-May to mid-October, the average air temperature in summer is +26 – +35, and on some days it can rise to +40 ° C, but due to low humidity it is easily bearable. The water temperature in summer is around +27°C. Winters are warm and mild with daily temperatures of +17 – +21°C. With its onset, the resort life freezes. It is in winter that most of the annual precipitation falls in Cyprus – it has been raining for five to six months since the end of October. The mountains are colder and snow falls in winter, so you can ski until early April. There are winter recreation centers near Mount Olympos.

Costa Rica

Rainy season – mid-May to December, dry season – December to May Cuba Summer – May to October is hot and rainy. The peak tourist season is from December to April.

Mauritius

The best time to visit Mauritius is September, October, November and April, May, June. Summers in southern latitudes are hot and humid, while winters are less warm and dry.

Malaysia

Traveling in Malaysia is pleasant throughout the year, since there are practically no seasonal changes in climate, and temperature fluctuations are negligible. The rainy season is not pronounced and falls on May – September; on the east coast (Tioman, Redang islands) a pronounced rainy season lasts from October to March.

Malta

Malta does not experience cold winds, fog, snow or frost. The fresh breeze and the influence of the sea, even at the highest summer temperatures, do not allow the feeling of unbearable heat. The hottest time is from mid-July to mid-September.

Maldives

From December to April in the Maldives it is sunny and hot, this is the high season. Tourists from all over the world come here during these months, and the beaches are quite crowded. Peak season is around Christmas and New Years. November to May is warm, but cloudy and often rainy. During these months, prices drop rapidly, as there are not so many tourists. In November and April – the so-called off-season – expanse for scuba divers, because during these months the sea is especially transparent and the underwater world is perfectly visible.

Morocco

The coast has good weather almost all year round. In the north, winters are humid and cold. In the lowlands, the most popular time for trips is from October to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm up to +30 during the day and cool up to +15 degrees in the evening. Ski season from December to March. The best time for trekking is from June to September.

Mexico

The climate is very diverse, changing with latitude and altitude. The central plateau is characterized by a temperate climate, the tops of high mountains are often covered with snow. Coastal areas, especially the southern ones, are hot and humid. The hottest and rainiest months are from May to October.

Norway

Norway is one of those countries where all 4 seasons are present. However, this does not mean at all that there are any restrictions on activity. The fantastic diversity of Norway’s natural landscape blurs the boundaries between seasons. But, if you want to enjoy Norway to the fullest, plan your trip for the months from May to September, when nature pleases the eye with a riot of colors, trees are in bloom, and the weather does not force you to seek refuge by a warm fireplace, you can devote yourself to sea fishing, go to crab safari, climb mountains, watch white-tailed eagles and do other outdoor activities. Many travelers set off on the road for the famous “white nights”, which last from mid-May to July (and in the north of the country the sun does not go below the horizon at all). Winter brings with it frosts, icy winds and long polar nights.

UAE

The best time is from November to April when it is not so hot.

Oman

The climate in Oman is tropical and hot. Muscat city has the reputation of being the hottest city in the world. The average June temperature in it is more than 32` C. The heat is especially exhausting in Oman in the spring and early summer, when the winds blow from the Rub al-Khali desert.

Peru

The peak tourist season is in the summer months from June to August, when the weather in the mountains is dry and not too hot. In principle, the Andes can be traveled at any time of the year, but in winter the hiking trails often become impassable due to mud and numerous landslides. The winter months are a good time to travel to the coast; in the Amazon jungle, it is, on the contrary, the wettest season.

Poland

The tourist season is from May to September with a peak in July-August. At this time, the beaches of the Baltic Sea are crowded. The best time to visit is from mid-May to June in summer and from September to mid-October in autumn.

Portugal

Portugal is the country with the highest number of sunny days in Europe. Summer starts early and ends late. The climate in Portugal is mild, without sharp fluctuations in temperature. In the north, the maritime climate is dominated by the Gulf Stream, in the south – warm and dry.

Romania

May and June, as well as September and October, are the best months for a good holiday. In Romania, harsh winters, all tourism is concentrated in ski resorts. In the mountains, snow lies until mid-May, and the next season doesn’t start in earnest until June. Resorts along the Black Sea coast begin to fill up in late June and remain crowded until mid-August.

Seychelles

The Seychelles are located very close to the equator, the climate here is more tropical than equatorial. The ocean has a regulating influence, and the Seychelles are unfamiliar with the debilitating heat of continental regions located at the same latitude. The monsoon climate is characterized by 4 periods: a cool and dry season, a warm and wet season, and 2 intermediate periods. From June to October, a southeasterly wind blows, generated by the Indian summer monsoon. Rains at this time are less frequent, the level of relative humidity is lower, the sea is restless, but the wind force rarely exceeds 6 points. The air is somewhat fresher than in other months. From December to April, during the wet season, the archipelago is dominated by the east and northeast winds. Worth the heat. The vegetation during this period is as lush as ever. Showers are frequent, sometimes very heavy, but usually short-lived. The best periods to stay in the archipelago are the months between the dry and wet seasons, i.e. April – June, September – November. Light wind, short showers, calm ocean, pleasant warmth.

Slovakia

In the High Tatras – mountains in the north of the country – only two seasons – winter and summer May, June and September – these are the best months to travel to Slovakia. Centers such as Bratislava and ski resorts welcome guests all year round.

Slovenia

The best months in the mountains are September – May. Summer usually lasts from the beginning of June to the end of October. This is the period of the swimming season on the sea and lakes of the country.

Thailand

Spring and summer in Thailand is the rainy season. You have probably already imagined a downpour like a wall, which does not stop day or night – what kind of bathing is there. But the rains in Thailand – as in Indonesia and, for example, in Malaysia – are not the same as in India or Costa Rica. During the day – sunny, in the evening – a fifteen-minute, or even shorter, rain. In the evening the sky is blue again. In a word, typical monsoon rains. The average annual temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, depending on the season, fluctuating between 25 degrees in winter and 30 in late spring. Of course, when it rains, the humidity is higher than in winter – but the prices are lower. The best months in Thailand are October-April.

Turkey

The best time to travel is from April to June and from September to November. Good weather at this time is on the coasts of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, as well as in Istanbul. The eastern part of Turkey is best visited from late June to September.

Tunisia

The climate in Tunisia is predominantly subtropical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and relatively cool, wet winters. In the northern part of the country, a dry subtropical climate of the Mediterranean type prevails, in the south – a hot climate of tropical deserts and semi-deserts. The direct influence of the sea on the climate is most significant in the northern part of the country. The tourist season in Tunisia starts at the end of April and ends at the beginning of November. At the end of April, the air warms up in the resort area to 23-25 ​​degrees. At the height of summer (July-August) in the resort area of ​​Tunisia it is quite hot (35 and above). The comfortable season starts in September and lasts until mid-October.

Finland

No matter what time you visit Finland, there is always something interesting happening here. The best time to travel is from May to September when the weather is nice and warm. The best time for skiing is the end of February, the coldest winter month. In Lapland you can ski until June.

France

Spring is the best time for beach tourism. From mid-July to the end of August, most of the population of cities take a vacation for 5 weeks and go to the mountains or to the coast. Not bad in France and in autumn, although the days are getting shorter, which indicates the approach of winter. Winter is the time for snow games in the French Alps and the Pyrenees.

Croatia

The best time is from May to September. In September, the velvet season begins, the sea is warm as fresh milk, and grapes and dates ripen in the gardens. You can swim from mid-June to the end of September.

Czech Republic

In winter, the average temperature is approximately -5°C, and in summer C +20°C. Summer is very mild and warm.

Montenegro

The swimming season starts in April and lasts until November. Summers are usually long and dry, winters are short and moderate.

Chile

Chile can be visited at any time of the year. The central regions of the country appear before travelers in all their glory in spring (September-November) and autumn (second half of February to April). The best time to visit the lakes of the Peine National Park is during the summer months from December to March. Those who want to look at the stone idols of Easter Island or enjoy the ski resorts should plan a trip for the winter (December-February).

Switzerland

Switzerland is good at any time of the year. During the summer period from June to September the weather is good. Alpine ski resorts start operating in November, the peak season falls on Christmas, and ends in April, when the snow begins to melt in the mountains.

Sweden

Thanks to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream, the climate of Sweden, despite its northern geographical position, is moderate with warm winters and cool summers. The tourist season in Sweden has two peaks: December (the time of the Christmas holidays and the Nobel Prizes) and summer.

Sri Lanka

Seasons in Sri Lanka are not defined by changing temperature conditions, but by differences in rainfall patterns. Their greatest number falls on the summer – about 95% of all precipitation falls in the summer rainy season, when southwest monsoon winds saturated with moisture dominate. In winter, in December-February, the northeast monsoon dominates the island, bringing much less precipitation and irrigating mainly the northern and eastern parts of the island. Autumn and spring in Sri Lanka are inter-monsoon periods. There are no monsoon rains, but they are replaced by the so-called zenithal rains, characteristic of the equatorial regions.

Estonia

Estonia has a temperate maritime climate. The favorable season for tourism is from early May to mid-October. The swimming season lasts from the beginning of June to the end of August. Estonian beaches are a great place for families with children.

South Africa

November, December, January, February, March: this South African summer is the best time to visit the beaches of Cape Town, on the coast of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The Karoo and the Kalahari are extremely hot, and the province of Natal is also very hot. In the Transvaal, tropical heat in the afternoon, warm thunderstorms, nights are not very hot. April, May, June: autumn in South Africa. June, July, August: winter approaches, blue skies over Johannesburg. A great time to visit the Transvaal nature reserves. September, October: spring. Cape Town has sunny, mild weather, and the Indian Ocean coast is full of flowers. In June – July, when the mountain slopes of Maluti are covered with snow, the South African Ski Championship is held here.

Jamaica

Jamaica has a tropical trade wind climate. Temperatures are almost the same in summer and winter. The rainiest months are May and October.

Japan

The climate of Japan is clearly divided into four seasons, each full of its own charm. The best season for tourism is spring and autumn. The climate is mainly subtropical, monsoonal. In winter, the winds blow from the northwest, from the mainland, and in summer, from the southeast, from the Pacific Ocean. Winter monsoons bring snow, which falls abundantly in the center, in the north, north-west of the country. The mountains do not allow winds to penetrate to the east and south of the country, so dry and sunny weather reigns there in winter.

Tours in winter 2022 – the best vacation in winter, where to go? — «IdealTour»

Do your hands and nose get cold? Does every exit to the street seem like a feat? The Belarusian winter has come into its own, and feels like a real mistress. It is not surprising why many Belarusians dream of going on vacation to warmer climes. In winter, many destinations open to Europe, Asia and Latin America. If you are tired of the constant cold, snow and frost, in December, January and February you can visit a lot of interesting resorts.

Beach tours in winter

It is better to plan winter holidays at the sea in advance. In December, a third of countries celebrate the Christmas holidays, in January school holidays and long weekends begin. Tickets and tour prices skyrocket if you don’t book in advance. However, you can outwit everyone – go on vacation in the first half of December, in mid-January or February. You will still find low prices and the atmosphere of the New Year.

So, where can you swim and sunbathe from December to February? For the warm sea will have to fly far. Within a 4-5 hour flight, only the beaches of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt remain suitable for swimming. The situation is saved by heated pools, but, you know, they will not replace the real sea. If you want to bask in the sun, as you should – choose tours to Asian countries (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Goa) or Latin America. For example, the Dominican Republic or Cuba. In Vietnam, in winter, it will be most comfortable on the island of Phu Quoc and Phan Thiet.

Top countries for excursions in winter

Perhaps the best resorts for excursions to the underwater world will be Thailand (Phuket, Krabi) and Egypt (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh). Thailand is much warmer, but the flight takes longer. Good conditions for diving are created on the island of Phu Quoc in Vietnam – especially if you are just starting to get acquainted with coral reefs.

Excursions to the Egyptian pyramids in the summer – a test for hardy. But in winter it is not so hot anymore, so you can supplement the trip with an acquaintance with Cairo, Alexandria, a visit to the temple in Luxor. Romantic tourists are attracted to European cities in winter. In Greece and Turkey there is not such an abundance of tourists as in summer. So you can safely explore the local attractions without the noise and queues.

Winter tours with children.

Where to rest?

In what countries is winter recreation as good as, and to some extent even better than, summer? Where will you and your child feel comfortable? Let’s figure it out.

The first thing that comes to mind is sunny Egypt. This is one of the few countries in the world where vacation is possible 12 months a year. Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are the undisputed leaders in winter destinations. The flight takes about 4 hours, the prices for all-inclusive packages are much more affordable than in summer.

Another country in which it is almost impossible to have a rest in summer, but it is comfortable to be in winter is the UAE. The quality of service is higher than in Egyptian resorts, there are many family hotels, children’s food and entertainment.

Winter Thailand pleases with cloudless weather, warm sea, abundance of fruits. Locals simply adore children and immediately endow them with their attention. Of course, many are stopped by a long flight. But if your child tolerates long-distance trips well, we advise you to choose a combined tour to Thailand. You definitely won’t regret it.

We also recommend considering countries such as India (Goa), Sri Lanka, Cuba, Mexico. But Montenegro, Turkey and Bulgaria with children in winter is a dubious pleasure. You can neither sunbathe nor swim. You will have to stay in a hotel or go on excursions, which may seem tiring for the smallest travelers.

A selection of the best visa-free countries

Where can Belarusians go in winter if there is absolutely no time to get a visa? Have you been busy preparing for the New Year, and now you have decided to have a good rest? Especially for you, we have selected the best countries with a visa-free regime, in which it is comfortable to relax from December to February.

Cuba tops the list of visa-free countries. Firstly, you can not worry about documents for a whole month, calmly sunbathing on snow-white beaches. Secondly, in winter the weather here is simply amazing. No rain and wind – only tropical nature, luxurious national parks and groovy relaxation in the rhythm of salsa.

Egypt is no less popular. Those flying to the Sinai Peninsula do not need a visa. For the rest, it is set upon arrival, so there is no need to deal with paperwork. Of course, in December-February in Egypt, the weather is not the hottest. But if you want to escape from the Belarusian winter at sea, this is a great option.

From distant destinations, we advise you to consider Vietnam. Recently, the tourist visa has been canceled, so you just need to book a tour to travel. In some regions of the country, the weather whispers!

Useful life hacks

1. Do you want to minimize communication with street barkers and market vendors? Learn a simple phrase in the local language “I’m here for work.” Local dealers will quickly lose interest in you.
2. When renting a car or motorbike, take pictures of any scratches or minor blemishes. If necessary, you can provide them as proof that you did not damage anything.
3. Get up with the dawn. Of course, this is not so easy – sometimes you really want to soak up the hotel room and not think about anything. But if you plan to visit various attractions, getting up early will help you avoid queues. And instead of the noise of the crowd, countless conversations of guides, you will enjoy the grandeur of architectural monuments in absolute silence.

14 warm countries or where to relax this winter

Winter in Russia can be cold and very cold, at this time of the year we are even more attracted to the bright sun, warm sea beaches, fresh air and tropical landscapes.
Where do Russians fly away to rest this winter?

1. Southeast Asian countries

This is the most massive destination among Russians with a large number of direct charter and regular flights. The flight will take 8-10 hours, and the time difference is +4 hours.

Already from the window it seems – we land on banana palms and emerald-colored rice fields, and plunge into this warm, humid air – unforgettable.

Traditionally, in the evenings, Thais like to dine outdoors in restaurants located in the garden or on the banks of the river – and you try it!

The evening meal, among other things, is an important part of Thais’ social life. With special respect they treat those guests who correctly use cutlery (spoon and fork). Traditionally, with the help of a fork, Thais put small pieces of food into a spoon. Only her is brought to the mouth!
An enchanted country – mountains in greenery, white beaches, dunes of amazing color, and man-made tourist sites – are no less unique.

Few people in Vietnam speak English. In the north, most likely, you will meet a Russian-speaking Vietnamese – here Russian is taught in schools.

When you ask how to get somewhere, often locals, especially young people, start laughing – tourists complain about this, perhaps our language causes so many emotions?
The most popular place for a beach holiday is about. Hainan (capital of Sanya).

The largest number of centenarians lives on Hainan Island – more than 1000 people whose age is more than 100 years. Here are the longest and widest beaches, where the length reaches several kilometers, and the width occurs – up to one kilometer.

The oldest tortoise, over 300 years old, was discovered on Hainan Island. There are more than 340 species of birds and the largest number of wild animals in China – more than 70 species.
Here in one day you can learn how to catch waves and enjoy surfing, immerse yourself in an infantile
sleep during a Balinese massage with relaxing wonderful music and aromas.

On excursions around the island, you can learn about the unusual traditions and rituals of the Balinese, as well as participate in them.

2. Caribbean

This is another hemisphere of the Earth! When heading there, we advise you to book a vacation for at least 10 days, because. long direct flight (from 12 to 14 hours from Moscow),
and the time difference (8 to 9 hours) needs to be adjusted.

Socialism has existed here for more than half a century, and the Cubans themselves are a very united nation, true patriots of their country, and it doesn’t matter that all these people are descendants of different peoples of the world: Spaniards, French, Chinese and others. You will appreciate the invariable cordiality of every Cuban, their peculiarity to perceive everything with a smile.

Here you will find everything – and rest under a palm tree on the white sand, and all kinds of water activities and sports, excursions – please, an unforgettable local flavor – of course! As well as various festivals of dance, cinema, music, rum and Cuban cigars.
The population of this republic is very friendly. Men love all women, especially overweight ones. It happens that a Dominican woman in curlers walks ahead of you, but this is normal. They are not shy – very open and nice.

Dominican Republic is long kilometers of beaches, hotels like small towns with shops and shopping centers, endless dances of Merengue and Salsa to the tunes of local residents, ripe fruits and fresh seafood.
Many dream to see the ancient Mayan temples, the lush tropics of the forests, the turquoise ocean with at least one eye. Here the sand of coral origin is very fine, white and almost does not heat up. In 40-degree heat, you can safely walk on it barefoot. This country has an underwater museum with four hundred sculptures located at a depth of 2 to 10 meters, located near Cancun. It will surely appeal to divers who are bored with fish and corals.

3. Indian Ocean countries

India (Goa), Sri Lanka, Maldives. In terms of cost, Goa is the most democratic destination, the most expensive is the Maldives. A direct flight will take from 6.5 to 9 hours. There is no time difference (or not much).

This is a resort where you fly for a week and stay for 2 months – this is how you get involved in the rhythm and understanding of the philosophy of life, there is harmony and peace, just what a hasty, active, modern person lacks. And nature and different ways of relaxation, which are sure to be taught here, will help you to fully relax.

A crying man is a common sight here. Indian men are not shy about their emotions and burst into tears at every opportunity. They cry from fear, from resentment, from fatigue, from sadness at parting.

Indians eat with their hands. They use a fork and a knife only if they go to a restaurant or visit Europeans, that is, almost never.
In Sri Lanka you can buy an elephant! It costs $100,000. When buying an elephant, you will be given special documents, which, in which case, will be checked by the police.

In ordinary cafes, food is served in plates wrapped in plastic or plastic bags. They save on washing, plus it is a kind of hygiene.
The Maldives is a scattering of islands and the most flat state on Earth. You will not find any mountains on the islands, which is why the Maldives is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the country with the flattest terrain in the world. And the highest point above sea level is only 2.4 meters. All buildings in the Maldives are low, as by law the largest building on any island must not exceed the height of the tallest palm tree.

In the Maldives, everyone prefers to walk barefoot, shoes are not at all a necessary wardrobe item. There are no local newspapers on the islands, as there is no news either.

Don’t forget to take your soul mate with you!
The Maldives is a paradise for lovers who do not need anyone but each other.
There are no direct convenient flights to these countries and good prices this winter season.
We hope that there will be a reason to talk about them next year.

4. Middle East

A short flight of 4-5 hours is especially convenient for families with small children, and a small time difference of up to one hour will not affect your schedule.

The most prosperous and peaceful Arab state, which impresses with its rapid development.
This is the place of the tallest building in the world, the most luxurious hotels and, in general, all the very best!

Social security is very developed here: for the birth of a boy, the state gives a gift to the family – 50 thousand dollars;
the young family also receives a villa and 19 thousand dollars in their possession from the state in order to arrange and hold a wedding; for civil servants, the average monthly salary is 10 thousand dollars (this is only for local residents, 70% of the population is a labor force from abroad).
Not every country can boast of three seas where you can relax all year round. The Dead Sea is healing, therefore, due to the high salt content, it is not recommended to swim there for more than 20 minutes, the Red Sea is replete with marine fauna, and the Mediterranean Sea is simply beautiful.
Guides – former compatriots, will tell you the most vivid details of how the “Promised Land” lives now.

The Israeli airline El Al is considered the safest in the world. An interesting fact: absolutely all of its pilots are former Israeli Air Force officers.
It is considered one of the most peaceful Arab countries.
Interesting fact: In Jordan, it is considered polite to decline an offer of food three times, and only then accept the invitation and taste the food.

The main and most famous landmark of Jordan is the city of Petra, located in a narrow canyon. It is included in the list of new seven wonders of the world, according to the results of Internet voting.

In Jordan, you can relax on the Red Sea on a more modest budget than in Israel.

5. Canary Islands

Spanish islands with a European level of service – Tenerife, Gran Canaria and others. A direct flight will take more than 7-8 hours, and the time difference in winter will be -3 hours.

Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain, rises in the center of Tenerife. On the slopes of the volcano, you can find yourself in 7 different climatic zones, see rare plants and admire
martian landscapes.

Tenerife will surprise you with extraordinary beaches with black volcanic sand, eucalyptus and laurel-heather forests, sheer cliffs, one of the best zoos in the world, Lora Park and Siam Park water park.

The island is located south of Morocco, 300 km from the Sahara Desert, but thanks to the currents of the Atlantic Ocean, there is never a strong heat. Temperature throughout the year
keeps around 22-28 degrees. In the southern part of the island, it is 2-3 degrees warmer, although the island itself is small: from the southern part to the northern and capital Santa Cruz can be reached in 1-2 hours.

3 European countries where it is warm in winter (photo)

Naples © depositphotos.com

When the cold comes, we begin to dream of warm countries where cold autumn or snowy winter is not so “painful” for us and our body. You can escape from the cold and for this it is not necessary to buy tickets to the UAE or think about how much it will cost you to travel in winter to islands where it is always summer. There are countries in Europe where it is warm in winter and you can relax on a budget. Yes, you may not be buying, but you can enjoy the absence of three layers of clothing. What can you say about Spain? Or maybe Italy or France? tochka . net will help you decide which of the warm countries in Europe is worth visiting this winter.

1. Spain

Spain in January

Spain is one of the three most popular countries in the world. The unique feature of this country is the ability to satisfy the most diverse tastes of tourists. Beach lovers in all its diversity, gourmets, intellectuals, connoisseurs of folk traditions and even adherents of sex tourism – there is enough space for everyone under the sunny sky of Spain. Choose Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean or Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean for a tropical summer. Andalusia is the south of the peninsula. In January it is about +20°С here. At the service of tourists yearning for summer – the magnificent sandy beaches of the resorts of Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz. True, the swimming season on these beaches officially closes in September, but this does not frighten guests from northern countries. In addition, bullfighting, flamenco, fiestas and tapas in January are no worse than in high season. Those who would like to see not only “beach” Spain can go on sightseeing tours in Spain. “Who was not at Seville , he did not see a miracle, ”the Spaniards say about Seville. In Seville, you can visit the largest Cathedral in Spain, see the tomb of Columbus, and also stroll through the Maria Luisa Park and the ancient Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz.

2. France

We are going to the south of France

Hérault department. Do not fall for the first association of this word: “ero” and “sros” are not the same thing. And we offer not an excursion to the red light district, but something better. The center of the Hérault department is a beautiful and world famous city Montpellier . The Mediterranean Sea, the Black Mountains, the swamps and lagoons of the Little Camargue, the remains of Roman buildings and medieval fortresses – all this makes a holiday in Hérault unforgettable. At the service of tourists are quite modern beaches of the resorts of Cap d’Agde or La Grand Mote with all the benefits of civilization. For those who love the exotic – wild lagoons with flocks of pink flamingos. Or the village of Roquebrune, where tourists go to see how mimosas bloom, sit in the quiet of a 12th-century church, or wander through the Mediterranean garden, whose picturesque alleys are impossible to forget. A trip to the village will not be superfluous Minerve , which is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. However, the beauty of the French villages is not inferior to the small cities of France. For example, the town of Béziers with its South Canal, the Fontzeran locks, the castles of Ressac and Saint Basil, the Romanesque cathedral of Saint-Nazard in the old town and the Roman amphitheater.

3. Italy

Do you want to escape from the Ukrainian winter to warm Italy? Buy a tour to Sicily – you won’t regret it! Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. The brightest pages in the history of this island are inscribed by Arabs, Normans and Spaniards. The fusion of many dissimilar cultures has created a unique face of Sicily. Here you can see perfectly preserved ancient Greek temples, Roman amphitheatres, Arab mosques. While relaxing in Sicily, visit the most famous sights of this island: Palermo and Monreale, the temple complex in Agrigento, the birthplace of Archimedes – Syracuse, the ancient Roman villa in Piazza Armerina and, of course, the largest active volcano in Europe – Etna. If the Mediterranean beaches of Sicily attract less than the opportunity to touch the treasures of world culture, go, for example, to Naples, Verona or Tuscany. In Naples, you can see the Royal Palace with the National Library on Plebiscite Square, built in the 17th century. There is also a chapel of St. Januarius (the patron saint of the city) in the Neapolitan Baroque style with relics. Of interest are the Campodimonte Museum and Gallery, the National Museum of San Martino, the Girolamini Gallery, the museum and the Gothic church of Santa Chiara, which was founded in 1310, as well as the San Carlo Theater. One of the main attractions of Verona is the Roman amphitheater (Arena di Verona), which is the third largest in the world after the Colosseum in Rome and the arena in Capua. There are many magnificent churches in the city. The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is considered one of the finest achievements of Romanesque architecture. The city has another main attraction of the city, which attracts a lot of tourists – the legendary house of Juliet. Tuscany is a “country within a country”: with its temples and museums, wine cellars and the taste of the local pecorino cheese.

Previously, we wrote about 10 destinations for tourists in 2020 . You can already plan where to relax during your vacation or where to spend the holidays in 2020.

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Where to go for the New Year 2021 inexpensively by the sea

Traveling for winter holidays to warm countries will allow you to celebrate your favorite holiday in an unusual setting, against the backdrop of palm trees and snow-white beaches.

Where should you go to relax in search of sunny weather and where can you swim in the sea on New Year’s Eve?

Contents of the article

Egypt

Regions of the country where it is warm for the New Year and you can swim – Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba . The thermometer at night in the third decade of the month drops to 17°C, during the day it rises to 24°C. The water in the Red Sea at these resorts warms up to quite comfortable for a beach holiday 23-25°C. Rains towards the end of December are unlikely.

Naama Bay is considered the calmest place on the coast.

From the middle of the month the streets, shopping centers are decorated with illuminations, installations, figures of Santa Claus, whom the Egyptians call Papa Noel . For hotel guests, banquets are arranged in tents or restaurants with an entertainment program. Air communication with Russia is temporarily suspended, but you can relax in Egypt. Traditionally, the cost of vouchers at the end of December increases to 30%.

Israel

Eilat is located in the south of the country, on the Red Sea. Locals consider the New Year period to be cool for a beach holiday: during the day the temperature rises to a maximum of 22°C, in the evening it gets colder, up to 10-12°C. The sea warms up to 23-25°C, the water is comfortable for swimming. The time is ideal for a trip to the desert, Timna Park or Khaybar Nature Reserve .

In Aqaba there is no rain in December, the temperature during the day reaches 22°C, at night it drops to 10°C. The water in the Red Sea warms up to 23°C. Jordan is a country where it is worth combining a beach holiday for the New Year and where to go for treatment. Hot thermal springs are located half an hour from the Dead Sea0894 Main Spa with hotel complexes where you can stay inexpensively. A week-long tour to Jordan for two will cost from $1,700 if booked early.

Vietnam

The best resort for a New Year’s holiday – Phu Quoc . It has dry, warm weather: the average daytime temperature reaches 30°C, and the nighttime temperature is 26.5°C. The water in the South China Sea warms up to 28-29°C.

Compatriots for a beach holiday are in demand for inexpensive tours in Mui Ne , Phan Thiet , despite the restless sea. A noisy celebration takes place in Ho Chi Minh City , hotels in the resorts arrange New Year’s dinners. The cost of tours to Vietnam starts from $ 1,700 for two without meals and a banquet.

Goa

Going to the main resort of India is a great idea where to go to the sea for the New Year. During the day the air warms up to 32°C, at night the temperature drops to 10 degrees. The water in the Arabian Sea is the most comfortable for a beach holiday – 28°C. The inhabitants of the state are predominantly Catholics, the celebration of Christmas and New Year is held on a grand scale. In coastal bars, discos and fire shows are arranged. The hotels organize banquets with performances by local dance groups.

The southern part of the coast is chosen by wealthy tourists. The northern region is a place where you can really relax on New Year’s Eve 2021 abroad, inexpensively getting a quality beach holiday. The most expensive expense item for a trip is a flight, from $ 1.9 thousand in both directions. Renting a bungalow or a room in a guest house for 8 nights will cost from $200.

Sri Lanka

In the first month of winter, the humidity on the coast is relatively low, the temperature difference between night and day is 3-7 degrees. The chance of showers is much lower on the beaches of the southwestern part of the island. Afternoon at resorts Wadduwe, Tangalle, Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Maravile air temperature reaches 29-32°C, water – 26-28°C.

Sri Lankans celebrate the New Year according to the Vedic calendar and together with tourists on December 31st. Discos and fireworks are arranged on the beach. The main entertainment events take place in Colombo. The trip will cost from $ 2,400 for two people with accommodation in a three-star hotel. If you stay in a modest apartment, you can really relax for $ 1,800.

When planning where to go to the New Year 2021 inexpensively by sea, it should be borne in mind that budget tickets and hotel rooms are booked in advance for the winter holidays. Therefore, you should not count on buying a hot ticket. A beach holiday in Vietnam or Goa will cost much less if you look for apartments on your own, not on the first line of the sea.

03/30/2021

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All about ice swimming and the best places to do it

Swimming in the middle of winter in water suitable for a polar bear was once only eccentric grandparents from Eastern Europe and Northern Europe. But in the last decade, the activity has caught on with a new generation of participants who are taking the sport of ice swimming to the next level. And they promote it from all corners of the globe. Here’s a rundown of why people do it, how it happens, and where you can get involved.

What happened to ice swimming?

Sports enthusiasts say that swimming in ice water gives them a huge boost of energy and is good for their health, improving blood circulation and strengthening the immune system. Other suggested reasons include the surge of confidence that comes from ignoring one’s natural instincts and jumping into cold water.

Ice swimmers use lakes, rivers, seas, oceans and freshwater pools as their medium, usually during the winter months, although there are some places where the water never gets hot. Swimming on ice can also range from a few chest strokes in ridiculously cold water to a long voyage at temperatures just above freezing.

The International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) has formalized the sport by establishing rules to ensure maximum safety and regulate the distance, time and conditions of swimming. He introduced the 1K Ice Event, as well as the Ice Mile, a one-mile swim unassisted in water that is 41 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. For adherents, there is also the challenge to swim the Ice Mile at seven different locations around the world. Of course, no wetsuits are allowed.

Ice swimming is one of the most challenging extreme sports in existence, so proper training is critical. For anything more than a quick dive, you need to prepare your body for the dangerous cold. A medical examination can also confirm that your heart is in good enough condition to play sports and you should make your first swim with a group of people to prevent accidents. When you’re ready to step on the water, head to these ice-swimming hotspots to cool off.

1. Murmansk, Russia

Photo: Georgy Khrushchev / Shutterstock

Ice swimmers call themselves morzhi , or walrus in Russian, and they have clubs dedicated to the sport all over the country. These enthusiasts claim that ice swimming gets rid of toxins, helps with arthritis and rheumatic pains, and can also cure hangovers. In Murmansk, the largest city in the world above the Arctic Circle, you’ll join local walruses for a swim in the lake. The water is guaranteed to be much warmer than outside temperatures, which can drop to minus 4 Fahrenheit. Warm up in the sauna , traditional Russian bath .

2. Rovaniemi, Finland

Photo: Ville Heikkinen / Shutterstock

Head to Koskipuisto Park in the capital of Finnish Lapland, where you can swim in the great Kemijoki River. You’ll be in good company, as a cold water dip is something that many Rovaniemi residents find invigorating and healthy. Locals usually pair it with a sauna followed by a salmiakki. Then stop by to see the city’s most famous resident, Chris Kringle, as Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus.

3. Loch Lomond, Scotland

Photo: CodeGit / Shutterstock

Swim with great views in this picturesque lake in central Scotland, north of Glasgow. This is the venue for the first national championship in ice swimming, which took place in February 2017. Traveling across the glacial water, you will be so mesmerized by the picturesque mountains against this idyllic setting that you will never realize that icicles are forming on your body. Treat yourself to traditional pub food and local entertainment with violins and pipes afterwards.

4. Harbin, China

Photo: Trial / Shutterstock

Celebrate your visit to China’s Ice City at the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, held from January to mid-March. It is one of the four largest festivals of its kind in the world. In winter, the Harbin River freezes over and becomes a giant ice sports ground, including swimming, skating, and sailing. Professional swimming pools have been dug into the surface of the frozen river for locals to enjoy this popular activity. Numerous ice swimming shows, games and competitions take place during the festival, attracting fans of the sport from all over China as well as nearly 30 countries.

5. Nautolsvik Beach, Iceland

Another bonus: many ice swimmers sweat in the sauna after swimming, which not only helps to relax the mind and body, but also removes toxins. Improved circulation and improved cardiovascular health are two other benefits of sauna, and the Finns really like it. sauna.

Swimming in Finland’s cold and dark winters

Hannu Markkanen started swimming in cold water growing up in Finland, but it wasn’t until he was an adult that he joined the cold water swimming club in Helsinki. became part of his daily routine. Markkanen currently bathes in the sea twice a day, on his way to work and then in the evening when he follows his bath with a sauna.

“For me, swimming in icy water makes winters so much more pleasant. Especially here in southern Finland, where winters have become dark and wet due to climate change,” says Markkanen, who shared that he no longer suffers from seasonal depression. since its full embrace of icy swimming.

He compares the energy he gets from the summer sun to immersing himself in cold water, which he says has helped him deal with work stress more effectively.

When the water is covered in ice, a hole is created for ice swimmers to dive into water at 3°C, give or take.

Visit Finland

Markkanen believes that depending on your personality or mood, ice swimming can be a calm meditation exercise or a social experience that brings together people from different walks of life, professions and cultures.

Building a community is made even easier by the simple fact that you can’t talk on the phone in the water and in the sauna. Markkanen believes that as young people seek authentic, digital-free experiences, they are in turn embracing centuries-old Finnish traditions.

For winter swimming instructor Päivi Pälvimäki, swimming in Finland’s naturally icy waters is more enjoyable and therapeutic than indoor swimming. Like Markkanen, Pälvimäki says it helps make the winter more tolerable. After swimming in the icy water, Pälvimäki feels cheerful and happy. She has more energy and sleeps better.

This explains why a former university art teacher took up swimming full-time.

Pälvimäki, co-founder of Finland’s first open water swimming association in 2015, calls it a simple mindfulness practice. she, adding, “And it helps balance a stressful life by bringing you closer to nature.”

Pantzar’s passion for ice swimming led her to discover a study that showed why the practice makes people feel energized and alive.

Katya Pantzar

Sisu and the art of not taking the easy way

As Pantzar became more and more immersed in the practice of ice navigation, the concept of “sisu” constantly appeared. which roughly means tenacity, tenacity, or perseverance, or, if you prefer, being a tough ass,” Pantzar explains.

Pantzar began to see more and more examples of this fortitude, embodied by the Finns. The pleasure derived from doing seemingly inconvenient things, such as jumping into frozen lakes and seas, may be related to this shisu idea.

The most historical example of the Finnish “sisu” is the scaring off of this country by the troops of the Soviet Union during the Winter War of 1939. Despite the fact that the Soviets had three times as many soldiers and 30 times as many aircraft and 100 times as many tanks, when they invaded Finland, the Finnish army managed to outwit and contain the Soviet army in the harsh winter temperatures and darkness.

Another iconic example of sisu that Pantzar shared with me is the incredible comeback of Finnish Olympic runner Lasse Viren after a fall during the 10,000 meters at the 1972 Olympics in Munch. He not only continued to run, but also won a gold medal and set a new world record.

Daily performance of sisu

Finnish soldiers and Olympians are not the only personification of this national resilience. This can be seen in everyday life in Finland in the daily acts of the sisu. Growing up in “North America’s convenience culture,” Pantzar says that, as an outsider, she noticed in the Finns a mindset of turning problems into opportunities.

According to Pantzar, “hard exits” are common in Finland. Like many Finns, she cycles all year round in the winter, loves picking berries instead of just buying them at the grocery store, and encourages her child to play outside despite the low temperatures.

Pantzar, who embraced the idea of ​​sisu, or toughness and resilience, cycles all year round in Finland, a country where the easy way is not common.

Katya Pantzar

On a snowy morning, it takes a bit of sisu to go for a run – or even take a dip in the cold sea – instead of just getting into a taxi, says Pantzar. But you will feel better because you accept and overcome the challenge.

In winter, visitors to Finland can swim in the icy water.

Pantzar recommends Allas Sea Pool in Helsinki, a floating outdoor pool complex in the city’s central harbour. Open to the public, it has lifeguards on hand, as well as heated pools and saunas to warm up after taking a dip in the cold.

Finland: a land of contentment

“If you were to come here in the middle of winter and hop on a tram, you might wonder where this “Happiest Country in the World” came from, since northern people don’t. the most smiling or worldly of people,” shares Pantzar.

The secret of Finnish happiness lies in a Finnish proverb, which in translation means: “Happiness comes not in search, but in life.”

Because they are so busy – whether it’s ice swimming, cycling or reading (Finland is one of the most literate countries in the world) – Finns simply don’t have time to look for happiness.

Instead, Finns are content with these daily exercises of thought, movement, and resilience, some of which are more daring, extreme, and blissfully chilly than others.

Kathleen Rellihan is a travel writer and editor based in Brooklyn, New York. Follow her on Twitter @k_rellihan.

SwimTrek’s Top 5 Swimming Spots in Winter in the Sun

Cold. We’ll get it. While we love swimming in cold water here at SwimTrek HQ, it doesn’t quite compare to warm swimming overseas. If you’re craving a swim that’s next level compared to your local pool, we’ve selected some of our favorite places to enjoy the warmth during the winter months, from South America to the Red Sea, forget the gray in the sky and swim instead!

The Maldives

The Maldives is one of the world’s most popular swimming destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Colorful waters that change with sea depth and sandbars that appear as the tides subside, you can run and explore for yourself. Sitting on white sandy beaches with new friends, looking at them and thinking about an afternoon swim is a great way to escape the cold in the Northern Hemisphere. SwimTrek trips to the Maldives only run at the beginning and end of the year, so there’s no better reason to go now so you don’t miss out!

Fjords of Oman

Tell all your friends and spend a more unusual swimming vacation in Oman with us. Based on the remote Musandam Peninsula, which is separated from the rest of mainland Oman, this trip offers incredible swimming opportunities that you might never thought before. While most of inland Oman is a rocky desert, the nearby city of Khasab enjoys a surprising amount of greenery. Along the coast, the arid cliffs contrast beautifully with the colors of the water, so get rid of any notion of Oman as a completely dry and dreary desert! And with an average daily temperature of 23°C in January and February, the beauty of Oman can be comfortably appreciated before the sweltering heat of the Omani summer sets in.

Galapagos Islands

For lovers of breathtaking wildlife and unique ecosystems, why not swim with us in the Galapagos Islands from January to March? In addition to the warmth of 27°C in the air and 23°C in the water, you will have the opportunity to swim side by side with seals and turtles. Spend your days on the perfect sandy beaches, catching the eye of the blue-footed boobies and maneuvering around the seals that roam the islands! Who would refuse it?

Red Sea Safari – Egypt

If you want to try a new type of sailing, how about living on a yacht for a week, sailing and cruising the Egyptian Red Sea? Here you will have the opportunity to combine diving with swimming, spend evenings in the sea air and you will never be far from the next morning’s adventure. coral reefs and the opportunity to swim next to pods of dolphins!

St. Kitts and Nevis

If you’re looking for a long winter vacation, head to the Caribbean with us for a swim in the sister island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, where you’ll be greeted with warm weather and equally warm people! On this trip, we will spend most of our time navigating Nevis, as well as being able to cross Nevis and St. Kitts. Everywhere you swim, you will be able to see the characteristic volcanic peak of Nevis, which is nothing like the snow-capped peaks of European mountains in winter! A great getaway for a SwimTrekker who loves to combine a laid-back swim break with stunning views, St. Kitts and Nevis’ white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are a great alternative for those who don’t want to don hats and scarves!

How you can swim outdoors in winter, according to Icelanders

Most likely, your cozy cottage is located near a lake, stream or other body of water. » Athletes can handle this challenge. Winter swimming requires considerable mental strength and physical fitness – this does not mean that it is impossible. Take, for example, the Icelanders. These people are truly living proof that you can take advantage of a nearby lake, stream or river even in winter (and you don’t have to be a professional athlete to do that!).

Swimming in Iceland dates back to the country’s settlement and can be attributed to Snorri Sturlson: the historian and writer who started this trend by building his own swimming pool. Of course, it was a pool, not a lake, and it was also geothermal, allowing its users to bathe in warm water. Nevertheless, Sturlson’s idea caught on and took many forms in Iceland.

One of these forms is the same cold water swimming that you can do without straying too far from your cottage. With its many glacial and clear rivers, inland lakes and lagoon lakes, Iceland seems to be the perfect place for winter diving. Today, one of the most popular destinations for this is Nautolsvik Beach, a popular attraction in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Visitors are encouraged to first wade into the waters of the natural sea (which are known to drop to -1.9degrees Celsius) and then return to the hot hot tubs of Nautolsvik for a long soak.

So what are the benefits of this impressive, albeit jittery behavior? As it turned out, there are many of them. After immersion in very cold water, the body’s systems begin to work with overload: blood rushes to the organs, tissue swelling decreases, and calories are burned. Stress is also relieved by the release of beta-endorphin hormones into the brain, which, according to ScienceFocus, “relieve pain and induce feelings of euphoria. ”

It’s also important to realize how deeply ingrained the ritual of swimming is in Icelandic social life: it’s another way to curb stress and boost overall happiness. For Icelanders, meeting friends, neighbors, or colleagues at a local pool or beach is akin to going out for coffee or a long walk. They show up around the same time every day and keep chatting about life, getting the news with their regulars, or even making new friends. It’s no secret that a secure, strong social life is the key to satisfaction and longevity, and Iceland confirms this fact with its impressive Happiness Index score of 7.5 (out of 10) in 2020, making it the 4th happiest country in the world. world.

Perhaps the clearest indication of how vital swimming is to Icelanders and their social lives can be found in a recent BBC article from August 2020, which details the excitement Reykjavík residents experienced at the opening of the city’s largest swimming pool, earlier closed due to COVID-19. There was a huge queue at the entrance, and the atmosphere was truly festive. Finally, the peoples of the country were able to gather again in a space that seemed safe and comfortable: this space, of course, was a simple pool.

When I visited the country in 2019, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the locals got used to daily swimming. At the height of winter, when the sun rose at 10 am and set at about 5 pm. “Icelanders, young and old, energetically pursued the procedure of showering, running in the fresh air, swimming in the outdoor pool, swimming, healing in the jacuzzi and drying in the sauna. As the steam rolled off the surface of the pool, I enjoyed the fun atmosphere for as long as I could. At home, the outdoor pools were closed until the summer, and outdoor swimming in sub-zero temperatures was not very common.

This is not to say that people in North America cannot draw inspiration from Iceland and introduce swimming into their winter routine. In fact, it can provide similar mind and body benefits that Icelanders are already well aware of.

Here’s how you can best position your cottage next to a body of water and enjoy this winter safely and with pleasure:

• Know the rules. Even Nauthólsvík Beach provides safety tips on its website, including “don’t go too far from shore”, “don’t [swim] until you can breathe normally [sic]” and “listen to your body. ” Other expert tips include slow warm-ups before swimming and short stays in the water. Most sources advise this time to be no more than twenty minutes (less if you still feel cold after ten minutes in the water).
• Increase speed . Although many brave Icelanders choose to swim only in swimsuits or swimming trunks, special clothing and accessories such as neoprene swimming caps, wetsuits, swimming socks, and even thermal gloves can do a lot to retain body heat and keep you warm longer. Although a full set of swimwear in cold water is often a costly purchase, the investment is sure to pay off when you stay toasty and warm on your next winter swim.
• Unite . Part of the allure of winter swimming (and swimming in general) for the people of Iceland is that it’s a very social activity: a time to rekindle old ties and make new ones. Consider making your next winter swim more fun by bringing a family member or friend (with bubbles) with you. Outdoors is the perfect place for socially-distanced, COVID-compliant activities. In terms of safety, swimming with a partner is also a good idea. Nautolsvik advises to always keep an eye on your partner’s condition by talking regularly.

After swimming, observe how you feel. If you are anything like the Icelanders, then the feeling of joy, peace and energy that winter sailing leaves you with will keep you coming back to swim again and again.

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This extreme outdoor activity is a common sight in Finland – would you dare to try it? — FINLAND, NATURALLY

You might get cold in Finland in the winter, especially if you’re not used to freezing temperatures. In that case, find a winter swim nearby and take a dip in the cold water. Paradoxically, the cold warms. However, be careful – you may end up completely addicted to the rise in hormones and the consequences of winter swimming.

Better get used to it. Ice, our friend. Photo: Lauri Rothko.

Lakes in Finland freeze for quite a long time a year: in Lapland usually seven, in Central Finland five, and in the southern part of the country at least four months. The Baltic Sea near the coast is covered with ice in November-December, depending on the annual weather conditions, and the sea ice can only melt at the end of May.

Cold water, ice, snow, sun and friends – what else do you need? Winter swimming club at Lake Tuusula in Järvenpää. Photo: Päivi Pälvimäki.

Winter swimming (or ice-hole or pool swimming) is a traditional Finnish outdoor activity. We know for sure that in the 17th century people took baths with cold water. Perhaps much earlier, but we have no documentation of this practice. The first winter swimming clubs were founded in the 1920s, and since then, winter swimming as an active outdoor physical activity and health promotion has become increasingly popular.

Kiilopuro ice puddle, Kiilopää stream waterfall, Lapland. A real arctic resort. Photo: Suomen Latu Kiilopää / Sampsa Sulonen.

If you want to experience the most traditional customs, combine sauna and ice bathing. The sudden change in temperature makes the blood circulate and releases a lot of pain and pleasure hormones. Getting into cold water directly from the sauna is not the most useful activity, so you should cool down a little in between. This usually happens naturally when you walk in the freezing air from the sauna to the ice pool.

Wait, I’ll do it again! Winter swimmers on Lake Lohja. Photo: Vivienne Rickman-Poole.

Slowly sink into the water, exhale slowly and plunge into the water for as long as you like. You may feel tickling in your fingers and toes, red patches may appear on your skin, and it may be difficult for you to maintain a normal breathing rhythm. This is a normal reaction to diving into cold water, don’t panic or run away, especially as it can be very slippery. As you get out of the water, you will slowly start to feel better and better and better and better… and you will want to get back into the icy embrace of the water. After bathing/bathing, slowly warm up and drink something warm. Immersion in cold water is a positive shock to your body. If you do this regularly, you will be able to handle stress better and your immune system will become stronger.

A frosty morning at Allas Sea Pool in Helsinki.

The winter swimming season in Finland starts when the water temperature drops below 10 °C, which happens in Southern Finland in October. There are over 260 registered winter swimming sites where you can swim and not just dive. There are 14 winter swimming sites in Helsinki.

Great places for winter swimming:

• Center fell in Kiilopää in Lapland, Northern Finland: the coldest water, minus degrees. Swim in the Kiilopuro Waterfall and then relax in a smoke sauna. The next day you will be so charged that you will instantly overcome the hills. A real arctic resort!
• Allas Sea Pool in Helsinki (reopening May 2017): an urban gem. A 25 meter saltwater pool with a unique view of the city. There is also a 25 meter heated fresh water pool, a children’s pool, saunas and a restaurant.
• Leili in Helsinki: sculptural architecture and windy winter swimming in the Baltic Sea. Nice smoke sauna and good food.
• Lake Kuusijärvi in ​​Vantaa near Helsinki: easy access. Winter swimming lessons. Ice pool 25 m long and saunas.
• Joensuu Winter Swimming Center Polar Bears in Joensuu, Eastern Finland.
• Rauhaniemi ice voyage in Tampere, Central Finland.
• Herrankukkaro in Turku region, Western Finland.

Read more:

Swimming holidays in Finland – for private swimming lessons and swimming guide services
Wild swimming in Finland
VisitFinland / winterswimming

the warmest places in Europe in December to soak up the winter sun!

The warmest places in Europe in December tend to be the southernmost countries such as Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Malta and Italy. Here is a guide on which country in Europe in December might be best for you.

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The warmest places in Europe in December

The Canary Islands are the warmest place in Europe in winter, followed by other countries in southern Europe. Here are the warmest places in Europe in December, January and February.

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Are you planning to visit Europe in winter and want to avoid the cold? While you won’t get tropical weather, warm temperatures can still be found in Europe even in winter.

Read on if you are planning a holiday in the warmest place in Europe for December.

Weather in Europe in December

Europe may be a relatively small continent, but the weather here is quite varied. From Russia to Malta, the weather can be very different – and with global warming, weather conditions are different than they were 50 or even 10 years ago.

December, January and February are usually the coldest months in Europe, but some countries enjoy mild weather and plenty of sunshine. As expected, these countries are mainly in the south of , and the weather can also vary greatly in different regions in each country.

While winter is not the best choice for most people when visiting Europe, traveling to Europe in December offers many benefits.

For example, December is a calm and perfect time to visit places where the summer is too hot and crowded… if you don’t mind skipping the time to swim in the sea!

Canary Islands in December

Most people tend to define the Canary Islands as European, despite the fact that they are geographically closer to Africa. This group of volcanic islands belongs to Spain, but is located not far from Morocco.

The archipelago includes several famous islands such as Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Palma. For many years they have been popular winter destinations in Europe.

In general, the temperature in December rises above 20 degrees, and sometimes above 25, which makes the Canary Islands one of the warmest places in December in Europe.

If you want to take a holiday during the winter months and come back with a tan, they are a must visit.

Lanzarote

The smaller island of Lanzarote is the closest to the coast of Africa. There are many beautiful beaches here, and some of the scenery is otherworldly.

At the same time, there are many nightclubs, theme parks, water parks and resorts, making Lanzarote an ideal place for parties and families. Whether you’re looking for local delicacies or souvenirs, most places have weekly markets.

Some of Lanzarote’s attractions include Timanfaya National Park and Cueva de los Verdes, the Green Cave where you can get inside a tube made of solidified lava. You can go on a day tour and explore the best places in Lanzarote.

It has been announced that the 26 km promenade, the longest in the world, stretching from Puerto del Carmen to Costa Teguise, will eventually be built on the island, but this has yet to be confirmed.

The average high temperature in Lanzarote in December is 22ºC. Certainly warm enough to relax on the beach and enjoy the winter sun. At night, the temperature drops to 14ºC, so you can take a light jacket or jumper with you for the evening.

Gran Canaria

Perhaps the warmest place in Europe in December. Gran Canaria is another island with stunning beaches.

Like Fuerteventura, there is plenty of natural beauty, including bizarre rock formations, black pebble or white sand beaches, and some excellent hiking trails.

Roque Nublo Park and the dunes of Maspalomas are two of the most popular attractions. If you come here around Christmas, be sure to visit Las Canteras Beach, where a sand sculpture competition is held annually.

Gran Canaria has some beautiful and colorful towns worth visiting, such as Teror and Vegeta. Many cities hold weekly street markets selling local delicacies, fruits and vegetables, as well as clothing, jewelry and souvenirs.

Finally, the island has a fair amount of nightlife, if that’s what you’re here for. If you are comfortable riding a vespa, you can rent one and get around the island at your own pace, or take a leisurely boat trip around the island.

Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has over 100 beautiful beaches worth visiting. There are fully equipped beaches with sun loungers and parasols, urban sandy beaches, wild beaches, pebbly beaches, rocky outcrops and many secluded stretches of sand where you can enjoy the sun and sea even in winter.

At the same time, Tenerife is home to San Cristobal de la Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful Teide National Park, several hiking trails and many other destinations worth visiting.

We recommend a sustainable boat trip around the island to explore the amazing cliffs of Los Gigante and hopefully see dolphins and whales.

If you need hot and sunny Tenerife is a good choice for winter holidays in December in Europe.

Fuerteventura

If you are an absolute beach bum and love nature and sand dunes, Fuerteventura is probably the best choice for you.

With temperatures over 20 degrees and no more than 3 or 4 rainy days in December, Fuerteventura is a great option if you want to escape the cold climate without heading to the tropics.

Please note that unlike most other places in Southern Europe, December is actually high season in Fuerteventura so book early.

In addition to the beaches, the second largest island of the Canary Islands is characterized by magnificent nature. Be sure to visit the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, a truly picturesque place.

You may dismiss the idea of ​​a buggy tour to begin with, but it’s a truly unique and memorable experience, so we highly recommend it.

The Calderon Hondo volcano is also not very far away. Fuerteventura also has many caves worth exploring.

The average temperature in Fuerteventura in December is around 22°C during the day and around 16°C is expected at night.

Read more here: Weather in the Canary Islands in December, January and February we live in Greece, here we need to start! Greece is one of the southernmost countries in Europe and it was here that the highest temperature in Europe was recorded – a whopping 48 C (118 F) back in 1977 year.

However, winters in Greece can be surprisingly cold and wet, especially in northern Greece and in many of the country’s mountainous regions. Some mountainous areas even have ski resorts!

I’ve spent Christmas in Athens several times already and although it’s warmer here than in the UK, it’s definitely not the weather for shorts and t-shirts!

However, there are certain areas in Greece with moderate temperatures and some people swim all year round. Crete as well as the southern Peloponnese are among the warmest places in Europe in December.

Crete in December

Although temperatures in Crete usually drop below 20 C (68 F) in December, they are still quite high compared to most other places in Europe.

Coastal towns tend to have warmer weather than mountain villages. While swimming is possible and some locals swim all year round, the sea temperature and general weather conditions probably won’t be appealing to most people.

Be aware that December is the rainiest month in Crete and consider bringing waterproof shoes and clothing.

Even without a beach holiday, this big island has plenty to do. You can explore numerous archaeological sites such as Knossos.

You can also go hiking, walk around the beautiful cities of Chania, Heraklion, Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos and taste delicious Cretan cuisine.

First of all, you can enjoy Cretan hospitality away from the crowds and get a better understanding of life in Crete.

Things to do in Crete in December

If you are going to visit Crete in December, you can go on a wine and olive oil tour. Crete has many wineries and fantastic olive oil, and this tour will give you a lot of information about these popular traditional Greek products.

Read more here: Full Day Wine Tour.

If renting a car and driving is not for you, you can book an off-road tour to explore the island. In the summer we visited some sections of this beautiful route and highly recommend it. There are many picturesque villages and beautiful scenery.

Read more here: Land Rover Full Day Tour to Crete

South Peloponnese – Kalamata in December

Kalamata is a quaint coastal town of 55,000 in the South Peloponnese. You can get there in less than 3 hours if you drive from Athens or take a short flight to the local airport located a few kilometers from the city.

There is a lot to do in Kalamata and its surroundings. You can use Kalamata as a base to explore the Peloponnese, especially the nearby areas such as Mani, Diros caves, Methoni and Koroni castles, ancient Messene and Sparta.

In the city you can see Kalamata Castle, many museums and enjoy the huge number of cafes, restaurants and bars scattered along the long beach of the city.

If you want to experience the region’s culinary traditions, consider a food tour. Kalamata olive oil is considered one of the best in Greece – just don’t say that to the people of Crete!

Find out more here: Kalamata Food Tour

Want to know more about Greece? Check out these travel tips and 25 amazing places to visit in Greece.

Spain in December

Spain is a large country that is very popular with vacationers in the summer. It has the warmest weather in Europe. Although summers can be hot, winters are not exactly warm, but they are much milder than in Central and Northern Europe.

Again, it’s best to go south, to the Andalusian region or to the distant Canary Islands.

Andalusia in December

Popular destinations such as Seville, Malaga, Cordoba, Granada and Marbella are located in this large area in Spain.

If you want to travel to Spain in December, Andalusia (Spanish for “Andalusia”) is one of the best options in terms of weather. The average maximum temperature in the area is around 18 C (64.4 F), but higher temperatures have been recorded.

If you come to Andalusia in December, you can enjoy great scenery and beautiful cities without the summer crowds. There is plenty to do in the area and it will take you a long time to scratch the surface.

If you are a fan of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you will find plenty of them in the area.

Granada

Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia. This old Moorish city of just under 250,000 people looks like it originated in a medieval movie.

With its magnificent Alhambra castle, Generalife gardens and quaint architecture around the city blocks, this picturesque town is perfect for visiting during the winter when it’s less crowded.

If you want to know more about the Alhambra Castle, you should take a tour. Whether you’re taking a tour or not, be sure to book your tickets in advance.

Granada is also at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, where you can ski in Europe’s southernmost ski center.

Seville

Another Andalusian city worth visiting is Seville. Seville, with beautiful UNESCO buildings such as the Alcazar Royal Palace and the General Archives of India, will take at least a couple of days.

Stroll through the vast Plaza de España and check out the locally-made painted tiles, and be sure to walk along the banks of the local river Guadalquivir.

This city tour is highly recommended: Alcazar tour with river boat ride.

Córdoba

A fully UNESCO World Heritage City, Córdoba is another place you can visit in winter.

There are ruins from several eras – Roman ruins, several towers, fortresses and palaces, the Jewish Quarter, the famous mosque / cathedral of Cordoba and many other places worth visiting.

Combined sightseeing tour of Cordoba will give you a better understanding of the city’s long and complex history.

Malta in December

The tiny island nation of Malta is the only country in Europe where the temperature has never dropped below 0! While December can be quite wet, it won’t be as cold as most of the rest of Europe.

The average temperature during the day is around 16 C (60 F), but there is usually a lot of sunshine and it can get much warmer.

Malta may be a small country, but it has a lot to see and do. We have written a detailed guide on what to do in Malta in October and you can also apply for December. Just bring a couple of warmer clothes with you.

While in Malta, the Tourist Board took us on several tours of the island, which were well worth it. Although the bus network seemed good, you can always rent a car if you like driving on the left side of the road.

You can also book a private tour and see all the highlights of Malta.

Cyprus in December

Cyprus is a large island south of Turkey. It has some of the mildest temperatures in Europe in winter. With its many ancient monuments, beautiful coastline and beautiful mountains, Cyprus is a great place to relax during the off-season.

Before you come here, it’s worth reading to get an idea of ​​the recent turbulent past.

We were in Cyprus in September and found that the weather was too warm, but we were told that winters are usually very mild and that swimming is possible all year round.

At the same time, it rains quite often in Cyprus in December, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get perfect beach weather.

However, temperatures usually reach a comfortable 19-20 C (62-28 F) during the day and drop at night.

The country’s main airports are in Larnaca, Paphos and Nicosia, so you can find direct flights from many places in Europe.

Paphos

Paphos, located southwest of the island, is a really popular destination.

Paphos’ impressive archeological park, which took us several hours to explore, its medieval castle, and many churches and temples throughout, makes it a great place for those interested in ancient culture and history.

Near the city there are many beaches where you can enjoy the mild Mediterranean winter. See here for things to do in Paphos.

Limassol

Limassol is a very picturesque city in Cyprus. There are many small streets in the historical center where you can see beautiful old architecture, and there is also a pleasant promenade along which you can go for an evening walk.

Be sure to visit Ancient Kourion, an impressive ancient city near Limassol, parts of which are incredibly well preserved and restored.

The beach near Kourion is great for relaxing for a few hours after visiting the archaeological site. You can also take a tour of the wider area, including the wine villages of Cyprus.

Nicosia

If you travel to Cyprus in December, you should also visit Nicosia, the last divided capital of the world.

With its many museums, mosques, churches and attractions in its center, we think Nicosia is one of the most interesting cities in Cyprus, especially if you try to understand recent history.

Another place that we found charming, a few hours drive from Nicosia, is the ghost town of Famagusta. If you don’t feel like driving, you should definitely take the Famagusta Tour which will give you the best view of Northern Cyprus.

Portugal in December

Another country with some of the warmest places in Europe in December is Portugal. With rich architecture, beautiful sandy beaches, and unique culinary traditions, it’s worth considering if you want to visit Europe in December.

Algarve

The southernmost part of mainland Portugal, the Algarve, has one of the mildest climates in continental Europe. By choosing Faro, Albufeira or Lagos as your base, you can explore the area and discover magnificent nature, beautiful cathedrals, interesting museums and sights.

Don’t forget to take a boat trip to the nearby Ria Formosa Islands or the magnificent Benagil Caves. The weather in the Algarve in December is not very warm. Lying in the sun should be nice enough, but it can be too cold for swimming, so don’t be discouraged.

Madeira

Off the coast of Africa, north of Spain’s Canary Islands, lies the small archipelago of Madeira.

The main island of Madeira is generally rocky with cliffs, volcanoes and mostly pebbly beaches. It is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Center Laurisilva Forest, a natural relic estimated to be around 20 million years old.

While you might get lucky in Madeira with beach weather, don’t count on swimming, given that the ocean is open and the water temperature might not be to your liking.

However, there are some great hikes and an impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks show in the capital Funchal.

Italy in December

Italy, one of the most popular destinations in Europe, is a large country with a varied climate. As with other Mediterranean countries, if you are looking for the best weather, you will need to head south.

Your best weather option if you want to visit Italy in December is the island of Sicily. You might be lucky enough to spend a few days of sirocco and maybe enjoy some swimming.

This is also a great place if you want to experience a less commercial Christmas and avoid the crowds on summer cruises.

December is a great time to travel to Sicily if you want to visit the many archaeological sites, as you can be practically alone. At the same time, do not miss the day trip to Mount Etna, which is easier to organize with a guided tour.

Finally, if you’re into opera, be sure to check out the theaters of Catania and Palermo.

Verdict – What are the warmest places in Europe in December?

In general, if one of your priorities when visiting Europe is to spend time on the beach, December is definitely not the best month. Even in the warmest places in Europe, swimming in December can be unpleasant.

So, if swimming is important to you, the best thing to do is to the Canary Islands .

If you are most interested in ancient history, then some of the ideal places to visit in Europe during the winter are Greece, Cyprus and Sicily. Just be aware that some days can be rainy, so plan for indoor activities such as museums and galleries .

If you are fascinated by medieval history and UNESCO heritage, Andalusia in Spain is the place to be. Bring comfortable shoes and an umbrella and get ready to explore the historic city centers on foot.

If you want to see an interesting mix of everything from ancient monuments to baroque architecture, tiny Malta is a good choice.

Frequently asked questions about the warmest places to travel in Europe in December

Here are some frequently asked questions about which places in Europe are still warm in December.

Where is the warmest place in Europe in December?

If you count the Canary Islands as Europe, they are by far the warmest place in Europe in winter. After the Canary Islands, Cyprus will become the next warmest country in Europe in December.

Which part of Europe is the warmest in winter?

The south of Europe is always the warmest part of the continent in winter. Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Malta and Spain have December temperatures much warmer than their Nordic countries. Although the Canary Islands are by far the warmest.

What is the best European country to visit in December?

Every country in Europe has something unique to offer visitors in December. However, for warm weather and refreshing low-key Christmas holidays, Cyprus and Greece are two great December destinations in Europe.

We hope you enjoyed this guide to European places to enjoy the winter sun. Have you visited any of these places in winter? Leave a comment below and let us know if you enjoyed Europe at that time of the year!

Europe’s 7 Best Winter Sunny Vacations – Carry-On Only

So, here’s the scene – it’s the middle of winter, and despite your travels throughout the year (and the constant insistence that you do away with the sweltering hot summer days) , you find yourself in the middle of a cold winter (with solid gray clouds to match). However, you can still find yourself in a ton of sunny winter holidays in Europe that are simply gorgeous.

Sometimes the sun doesn’t even seem to come out. it just gets cloudy due to a short rain that stops being snow! Because apparently it’s not cold enough (although it definitely feels like it is).

Your thoughts begin to turn to escape from the cold, even if just for a few days to bask in the sun. In fact, you can’t take a whole week off… besides, you kind of don’t want to, you just need a little reprieve from the cold and maybe even more reasons to really enjoy it.

In short, you need the sun without having to travel 10 hours around the world for it (which sometimes has the added benefit of not having to spend a significant portion of your salary on said trip).

That’s why I wanted to share some sunny winter holidays in Europe that you can visit without delay. And we’re talking about sunlight that can be felt, not just seen!

So, here are some of the best winter sunny holidays in Europe that are worth a visit!

1. ) Canary Islands

If there is one European destination where you are guaranteed sunshine almost all year round, then the Canary Islands are the place to be.

The British and Germans have been accustomed to it for years and so it has quickly become a mainstay for holidaymakers from the Continent… leading to the stereotype of the islands as a popular destination for beach lovers but there is much more to the Canary Islands than only that.

Fuerteventura, for example, has a dry mountainous area reminiscent of Morocco, pretty little Spanish villages, sand dunes that make you feel like you’re on another planet, and some of the bluest waters you’ll ever see on your travels.

While it’s technically possible to travel around the islands here, you’ll most likely have to choose just one to get around.

Choose wisely as they vary quite a lot, some like La Gomera are a lot greener and more tropical than say Fuerteventura which is like a rider and dessert.

This is one of the best sunny winter holidays in Europe with amazing variety.

Read more: The best places to visit in the Canary Islands

2.) Madeira

Madeira has become something of an unexpected destination this year.

For years, this Portuguese island has been considered a relaxing getaway (hence popular with retirees), but there’s so much to see and do that you’ll find it hard to just sit in one place when you visit – no matter how old you are.

The scenery here is just incredible – seriously, sometimes it feels like you’ve just entered Jurassic Park and you don’t have to go too far on the island before you find another “ Wow!” ” – they are everywhere you look.

As in the case of the Canary Islands, we have compiled a guide that will not only show you what Madeira looks like, but also tell you in detail where to go, what to do and what to do during your visit. Read the full text here.

Read more: Things to do in Madeira

much better than what you would have on the continent. All this makes it one of the best winter sunny holidays in Europe.

We’re talking about 15 degrees warmer (perhaps more) and replacing the gloom of winter with some rejuvenating sun.

When you actually visit Malta and/or Gozo, find out all the things you need to see and do in Malta and Gozo here.

Read more: Things to do in Malta

4.) Azores

The Azores are worth visiting not only for the sun. It is very diverse, and this makes it one of the best winter sunny holidays in Europe. especially if you love nature.

I can best describe these Portuguese islands as “warm Iceland”. This lower latitude means there are no northern lights or midnight sun, but you see all the geothermal activity that is so associated with Iceland.

The scenery here is incredible (seriously, part of it is otherworldly), the weather is much warmer, though probably cloudier and a bit rainier than some of the other places here, but definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a break from sub-zero temperatures.

Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit

5.) Crete, Greece

Lower than the Greek mainland (going lower in Europe is almost always a good bet for getting warmer weather), Crete keeps the sun slightly longer and better than any other destinations on the mainland.

Ideally, there would be many more Greek islands along with Crete, but several Greek islands would be closed to travelers during the winter months (you would be very disappointed if you tried to visit Santorini in the middle of winter), unlike Crete, which slows down but never stops as the islands are too big and there are people here who call them home no matter what time of year it is.

Read more: What to do in Crete

6. ) Cyprus

Cyprus generally has much more sunshine than most other European destinations. This makes it one of the best winter sunny holidays in Europe, which is about 4.5 hours from the UK.

As in the previous case, the general recommendation would of course be as far south as possible, but honestly, wherever you go in Cyprus, you are bound to find the weather much warmer than wherever you are. Mainland Europe (or even islands like UK, Ireland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, etc.).

Read more: What to do in Cyprus

7.) Ibiza

On the Spanish island of Ibiza, it gets colder in winter, but not as much as on the mainland (far from it actually).

Ibiza is one of those places that are really worth visiting out of season. Prices are nowhere as extortionate as they are during the summer months, the island is still as gorgeous as ever.

(a fact that seems to be overshadowed by Ibiza’s party reputation)

Plus, there’s hardly any traffic here, and you just get a better idea of ​​what made the hippies move to this fantastic Balearic island. This easily makes it one of the best winter sun holidays in Europe if you’re looking to explore the quieter side of the island.

Read more: What to do in Ibiza

10 ways to spend the best vacation in Ibiza

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Where to go for the winter? 13 open countries

The lower the temperature outside, the more many of us want to return to summer. That is why we have prepared a list of countries where you can warm up this winter. Here are 13 options for budget and luxury resorts for those with and without a vaccine. Choose what suits you best. But do not forget that the rules for entering countries are changing very often now, so be sure to check the information if you are planning to fly.

Thailand

Photo: Jakob Owens

Thailand is always one of the best winter destinations. And this season is also one of the most convenient (especially with the latest update of the rules). Yes, only vaccinated foreigners can enter the country now, but if they have been in “green” countries for 21 days, there is no need to isolate upon arrival.

The Thai authorities accept all tourists who have been vaccinated with WHO-approved drugs, as well as those who have been vaccinated with Sputnik V and Vero Cell. To enter, you need a completed application form, insurance, a negative PCR test result made no earlier than 72 hours before departure, and a one-night hotel reservation. Upon arrival, you will have to pass another test.

Tourists who leave from “unsafe” countries must undergo a 10-day quarantine in a special hotel (see options here).

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

More details

Pandemic travel. In the north of Thailand on a bike

Canary Islands

Photo: Marcin Jozwiak

In addition, it is not easy to get to the islands from Belarus and Russia now. But possibly from Ukraine.

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated Ukrainians can come to the Canary Islands. For entry, you need a certificate of vaccination, a certificate that you have already had COVID-19, a negative PCR result (made not earlier than 72 hours) or an antigen test (not earlier than 48 hours).

Belarusians and Russians can only come with a vaccination certificate. A minimum of 14 days must have passed since the vaccination (Pfizer-Biontech, Moderna, Astra-Zeneca, Jansen/Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac or Sinopharm) has been received. In addition, air communication with Europe for Belarus is now closed, but you can get through Russia, Ukraine, Poland or Lithuania (if possible).

Additionally, everyone needs to fill out a questionnaire – standard procedure.

For whom: Belarusians, Russians – with a certificate of vaccination; Ukrainians – with a vaccination certificate or a test result for COVID-19.

Read more

Travel to the Canary Islands to the Pandemia

UAE (Dubai)

Photo:@Jannerboy62

Although generally accurately Dubai is an excellent place for business, and noble , many choose it for wintering (there are not very many options). Therefore, we also included his list.

Tourists who come from “green” countries (now Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia are on this list, but everything is changing rapidly) only need a PCR test. Additionally – a completed form and an installed application. Upon arrival, you will have to pass two more PCR tests – on the 6th and 9th day (vaccinated – only on the 6th). But you don’t have to be in quarantine.

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

More

We are going to Dubai

Seychelles

Photo: @necone

If you are ready to endure all the logistics challenges, here is another winter destination for you. The Seychelles opened their borders to all foreigners in March. It is now possible to come to the country without a vaccination certificate, but with a mandatory PCR test.

Quarantine upon arrival is not provided, but it can be said that it is a bit imposed – only certified hotels are allowed to stay in the Seychelles. On the 5th day of travel – PCR test. If the result is negative, you can continue to chill on the sun loungers and drink cocktails. Those who get a positive one will have to go into quarantine. Payment for it – for the money of the tourist (more precisely, insurance, which must be issued in advance).

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

Read more

Seychelles: MaE, Praslen and La Dig

Sri Lanka

Photo: @isajake

Sri-Lanka this season, all foreigners inlets all foreigners-lets all foreigners-lets all foreigners-lets all foreigners. both vaccinated and not. True, the rules for entry are different for everyone. So, for those who have already received both doses of the approved vaccine (including Sputnik V), it is enough to pass a PCR test before the trip. The required set of documents also includes a visa and local insurance. The first one can be done here, the second one here.

Others must be prepared for a 7-day quarantine upon arrival. In the “package” with him is a PCR test, which must be paid before the trip. In general, you will have to collect a lot of documents. But instead – summer, palm trees, beaches and pink sunsets.

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

more

We go to Sri Lanka

Cuba

Photo: @p_kuzovkova

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002 In a couple of days, Cuba will change the entry rules for foreigners: from November 7th, travelers will be able not to undergo quarantine, from November 10th – not to take tests upon arrival. A little earlier, the authorities began to lift covid restrictions, so now Cuba is one of the most enviable countries for wintering (and the situation with the pandemic is more or less here).

It will be possible (and was) to enter the country with a vaccination certificate or a negative test for COVID-19. The first must be “on hand” for more than 14 days after receiving the last dose of vaccination, the second must be done no earlier than 72 hours. Additionally (where without it) – a questionnaire. It must be printed and filled out before the trip.

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

More

We are going to Cuba. Traveling on the island of Salsa and Roma

Dominican Republic

Photo: Robin Canfield

Neither tests, nor vaccination, nor quarantine will be needed for entry into the Dominican Republic of Belarusians, Ukrainians and Russians (at least a result until the countries are on the “unsafe” list). Of course, they can be asked while boarding the plane, but it depends only on the airline. A mandatory document is a health form. You need to fill it out before the trip.

Upon arrival at the airports, passengers are waiting for checks – someone will have their temperature taken, someone will be asked to take a test. But this will definitely not affect vaccinated travelers.

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

More details

Pandemic travel. Dominican Republic

Mexico

Photo: Moon

Almost the same rules (more precisely, no) apply for foreigners in Mexico – you can come without certificates of vaccination and tests, and quarantine on the arrival of the arrival of the arrival no.

The authorities ask tourists to fill out only a questionnaire before the trip – the requirements end there. Now there are practically no quarantine restrictions in the country. Most regions are in the “green” zone. They are allowed to hold events, use public transport, visit establishments and shops.

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

More

Pandemic travel in Mexico

Maldives

Photo: @xtraincglobal

It turns out that now you can go to the Maldives. Even for those who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19. Traveling around the islands, however, will not be easy. But for someone, a villa with an ocean view is enough.

Before the trip, everyone (both vaccinated and those who have recovered from COVID-19) must pass a PCR test. Upon arrival, only unvaccinated travelers. There is no quarantine. But there are some limitations.

Thus, unvaccinated foreigners can move from island to island only if at least 60% of the inhabitants are vaccinated there. Another option is to get permission from the authorities, but this will require a very good reason.

Vaccinated travelers will not be affected by these restrictions.

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

More

Jordan

Photo: @k_kaskanis

Probably not the most obvious winter destination. But in vain. In December – February in Jordan there is no severe heat and crowds of tourists, but it is still warm, although only in some regions.

It is now possible to come to the country with or without a vaccine. The difference is in PCR tests. Vaccinated travelers will not have to hand them in upon arrival and before visiting public places and attractions (yes, there are also COVID-passes at the entrance). But still have to get before the trip.

You will also need insurance and a completed application form to enter. Visa – depending on the place of residence (Belarusians, Ukrainians and Russians can get it upon arrival).

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

Read more

We go to Jordan

Tanzania (Zanzibar)

Photo:@TraveladdDict1000

If you want to freeze in a villa with a chic view of the sea, and according to the sea. weekend get out on a safari, go to Tanzania. True, you will have to tinker a bit with tickets – getting to Zanzibar from Belarus, Ukraine or Russia is not so easy (and not so cheap either). But there will be no problems with entry requirements.

You can come to Tanzania with a PCR test. It must be done no earlier than 96 hours before departure. You must fill out a health form within one day. And that’s all you need before the trip.

All passengers must undergo a rapid test upon arrival. Those who test positive will be quarantined. The rest will be free to travel.

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

More

Tanzania. Travel Guide

Egypt

Photo: Yulia Mironova

Egypt is an accessible place where you can hide from severe European frosts. Recently, by the way, he has been very fond of digital nomads, they hang out especially often in Dahab.

To come to Egypt now, it is enough to pass a PCR test before the trip. The vaccinated don’t even need it. You can enter the country with any approved vaccination (now Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik V and Janssen are among them).

According to the classics, before the trip you need to fill out a questionnaire. Selective tests will be carried out at airports. Those who show “negative” are not in danger, and those who are “positive” will have to go to two weeks of isolation.

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

More

Freediving lessons. How to spend the winter in the Egyptian Dahab? Turkey

Turkey

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If none of the countries suits you, there is another option. Budget, affordable and interesting. This is a “hotel-resort” Turkey, which in winter can finally be looked at differently. In December-February, there are few tourists here: the weather is not quite for swimming, but still comfortable for walking in T-shirts and shorts. The ideal plan is to rent an apartment somewhere in Antalya and wake up every day with a view of the sea or mountains from the window. What else is needed?

You will need a vaccination certificate or a test result (PCR/antigen) to enter Turkey. Additionally – a questionnaire that will be asked at the border, and after – a few more times when visiting shopping centers.

There are almost no restrictions in the country: only mask regime and social distance. Next – a free life (at least until a new wave of the pandemic).

For whom: Belarusians, Ukrainians, Russians.

Read more

Travel in Turkey to the Pandemia

Useful links:

In which countries are the vaccinated “satellite V” and Vero Cell without a PCR test?

Where can Belarusians go without a visa? Full list of 9 countries0003

Where Ukrainians can go without a visa: a complete list of countries

• August 25, 2018
• Travel Tips

• Oleg Tyugaev

We bring to your attention 13 countries where you can fly to rest in December. Rest in each of them has its own characteristics, so let’s take a closer look at what to expect from a holiday in each of these countries. So, here is a list of countries where the sea is warm in winter.

Thailand

Thailand opens the list of countries where the sea is warm in December. This is almost the most common country for winter holidays among our fellow citizens. And this is not surprising: in December, the temperature here remains around 30 ° C with little rainfall.

At this time of the year, the sun will not exhaust you with heat, while allowing you to get an even, beautiful tan. The sea, of course, has a comfortable temperature, so Thailand is a great opportunity to return to a warm summer in the middle of winter. A characteristic feature of the tropical climate is nightly rains, which will not spoil your holiday, but rather, will act refreshingly, reducing the air temperature to even more comfortable.

When it comes to entertainment, cultural lovers don’t have to worry about having nothing to do. There will be costume shows and classic Thai theatrical performances to choose from. Don’t forget to also visit the fights of Thailand’s national sport – Thai boxing. Needless to say, the people who invented this sport know how to make fights really exciting.

In December, you can catch the moment of the royal regatta, the king’s birthday celebration and the full moon celebration. Also, do not miss the celebrations dedicated to the European and then the Chinese New Year. Rest assured you will find something to look at.

India

The next country where the sea is warm in December is India. More precisely, not the whole country, but the most popular resort in the Indian state of Goa. In December, there are simply excellent conditions for a relaxing holiday on the shores of a wonderful, warm sea. By the way, at this time of the year the average water temperature is 28 °C.

Even the stars of show business of the first echelon fly to Goa to relax. And this is not surprising, given how rich these lands are with picturesque places, paradise beaches with white sand and many attractions.

During your vacation, you should visit several attractions that will undoubtedly remain in your memory for a long time:

1. Palolem Beach. If you dream of visiting a place that represents the ideal of what is called a paradise beach, with its many palm trees and white sand, as well as excellent entry into the sea, then you are here. This beach occupies a coastline two kilometers long. Here you will find many cafes and bars. By the way, inexpensive houses – bungalows are also rented here, so if you have not yet decided the issue of housing for yourself, you can pay attention to this option.
2. Fort Aguada. This building, built in 1612, has been well preserved to this day. The building is not just an architectural monument, its premises are used for various purposes. For example, in its southern part there is a prison, which still operates today. In the northern part is the five-star hotel Fort Aguada Beach Resort, which is very popular.
3. Chapora Fort. This fort offers a simply magnificent view of the sea coast. Great place to take a photo.
4. Goa old town. Once upon a time, the old city of Goa was called the pearl of India. Here you will find many churches and cathedrals. Most now exist in the status of museums. Some religious buildings are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
5. Dudhsagar waterfall. Dudhsagar Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in India. The width of the water flow is 30 meters at a height of 310 meters. It is recommended to visit this place, as one look at the waterfall live is amazing. In addition, here you can take simply magical photos.

Brazil

Another country where the sea is warm in December is sunny Brazil. A magnificent country on the other side of the planet, known primarily for its famous, vibrant, impressive festivals.

However, beach tourism is also well developed in Brazil. Here you can find many beautiful beaches with white sand and blue, clear water. We invite you to pay attention to the following beaches:

1. Praia dos Carneiros. It is located 10 km from the town of Tamandare and is one of the wildest beaches in the state of Pernambuco. Therefore, if you want to relax on the coast in silence, away from a large number of people, you should definitely pay attention to this wonderful place. Even in the high season there are very few people here.
2. “Porto de Galinhas”. This is a 12 km coastline close to the town of the same name. The beach has long been known to tourists, however, it has not lost its charm and the title of paradise.
3. Barra Grande. Quiet beach with a comfortable, mild climate. Here you will also find fine golden sand and blue, clear water. This beach is known as a great place for kite surfing and water skiing.
4. Praia do Espelho. This is one of the most famous beaches in Brazil, with rather high prices and a very rich nightlife. There are many 24-hour bars, oceanfront restaurants and nightclubs. If you are not ready to save money on vacation and prefer nightlife, you are definitely here.

Brazil is an excellent answer to the question of where to go to the sea in December.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic mainly offers luxury holidays to tourists. Here you will find very well-maintained beaches, beautiful hotels near the ocean, huts built right above the water surface.

Three of the best beaches in this amazing country:

1. “Palenque” has one interesting feature compared to any other beaches – here you will see gray-black sand. “Palenque” is often visited by locals, so here you will not find noisy tourists and large hotels. On the coast there is an excellent restaurant with seafood cuisine. Here, on the seabed, lie the remains of the Diomedes Imperial, which sank in 1806. The ship and magnificent coral reefs attract thousands of diving enthusiasts here every year. Where to go to the sea in December? The answer is obvious.
2. Gorda Arena. Truly one of the most magnificent beaches in the Dominican Republic. The turquoise water of the ocean slowly splashes on the coast, strewn with white sand. There are quite strong waves here, and there have already been cases of injuries from them. Therefore, when choosing this beach, consider this disadvantage.
3. “Bavaro” is the best beach in this amazing country. Here are the most luxurious hotels in the Dominican Republic. Not far from the beach there is a huge coral reef, to which boat trips are organized from almost every local hotel. Anyone who comes to this picturesque place is simply obliged to dive into the depths of the waters in diver’s equipment at least once and look at the incredible beauty that opens up to the eyes.

Vietnam

Are you wondering where is the warmest sea or ocean in winter? The answer is right in front of you! In recent years, Vietnam has become a very popular winter holiday destination for our compatriots. So popular that the staff of most hotels has already begun to speak Russian.

Nha Trang is the most famous resort in Vietnam. The temperature here is comfortable all year round – from +27 to +33 °C. The water temperature in December is approximately +24…+26 °C, which is suitable even for families with children. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places where the sea is warm in winter. And in terms of entertainment, Nha Trang has no equal, even among the nearest countries. There is a stunning amusement park here, which tourists from all over the world tend to get into even before they get to the beach. After all, here you will find a myriad of different slides, carousels, swings and other attractions.

Fathiet – if you prefer extreme heat, then by all means fly to this resort, where the sea is warm in December and January. Here, even in the shade, the average temperature is +33 °C. In the sun, the thermometers often reach +47 ° С. If you are ready to experience the active Vietnamese sun, then welcome. However, the water temperature is only 23 ° C, and this is due to the cold currents that are directed directly to the coast of this resort. But in such water you can quickly cool down after the hot sun, so every cloud has a silver lining.

Well, the picturesque island Fukuoka, , which is located near Cambodia, can boast of ideal conditions. Every year there are up to three million tourists. The air temperature averages +30 °C, but during lunch hours it warms up to +35 °C in the shade, so it is not recommended to appear in the sun at this time. Here is the answer to the question, where is the warm sea or ocean in winter. The water temperature is +27 °С, and you will be simply delighted with how warm the sea is here.

The climate in Vietnam is such that heavy rainfall can occur periodically. They always start suddenly, just as suddenly and end. During the violence of the elements, a strong wind rises, which raises high waves on the sea, leaving behind a large amount of mud and sand in the water.

Maldives

Probably not enough previous options for you, and you keep wondering where is the warm sea in December abroad? The Maldives is a true paradise on earth. And tours there, of course, cost a lot of money.

Here you will find mild, warm weather. The temperature in December, on average, ranges from +27 to +32 ° С, which creates simply ideal conditions for a beach holiday. Rest assured that there are plenty of fun activities on offer such as diving, seaplane rides, local bird watching and much more.

Indonesia

Indonesia with its most popular and famous resort Bali attracts millions of tourists every year. And all because this is one of the best places where it is warm in December and you can swim. But in December, there is a significant decline in tourist activity, and all because this month falls on the rainy season, which can steal a few days of rest from you. However, as the tourists themselves say, it rains mostly at night, so the weather has practically no effect on the rest. The only exception is that due to increased precipitation, the humidity of the air increases significantly, and because of this, immediately after the rain it becomes harder to breathe.

If you are ready to endure a few rainy days for a fantastic vacation on the wonderful beaches of this paradise country, then feel free to buy a ticket in this direction.

UAE

If you take a vacation in December, in the United Arab Emirates you will meet sunny weather with air temperatures ranging from +25 to +26 °C. This month, the UV index is significantly lower than in the summer months, so you can actively sunbathe without fear for your own health.

As with Indonesia, you need to be prepared for higher rainfall. Statistics say that for the whole of December, the number of rainy days is 2-3 of the entire duration of the month, but in reality the weather can dictate its conditions.

Otherwise, here you will find a great opportunity to relax on the coast with golden sand and clear water.

Mexico

But in Mexico in December there is simply amazing weather that will definitely not spoil your vacation. During the day, the air temperature is +28 … +32 °С, at night the temperature does not fall below +22 °С.

In December, beach tourism is most popular in this country, but the most active travelers will also find something to do. You can choose from a large number of excursions and entertainment events. The main thing is to stock up on a sufficient amount of money.

Seychelles

Rest in the Seychelles in December is characterized by hot weather and abundant short-term precipitation. Moist air masses arriving from Africa collide with hills on granite islands and fall as torrential rains. Do not worry, they are unlikely to spoil your vacation, because, as a rule, the violence of the elements ends very quickly.

But here you will find excellent air temperature – +28…+31 °C, and the water temperature will not fall below +28 °C.

Cuba

In Cuba this time of the year, the weather is wonderfully warm, the temperature rarely exceeds +30 °C. And the water temperature is about +27 … +28 ° С. This creates the best conditions for a beach holiday.

In addition to wonderful beaches, this country can offer you a large number of excursions. For example, you can go to the Havana National Park, visit the village of Santa Cruz del Norte, which is the producer of the world-famous Havana Club brand of rum.

Egypt

Egypt in December boasts quite comfortable water temperature. For example, in the Red Sea it is +24 °C, which is also equal to the daily air temperature. A feature of the weather at this time of the year are strong winds that can rise at any time. There are even cases when the country’s airports are forced to close and not accept planes due to bad weather.

Otherwise, this is one of the best options for a budget beach holiday in December.

Conclusion

One way or another, this material helped to find more than one answer to the question, where is the warm sea in winter in January and December. As you can see, there are a lot of options for a beach holiday in December, choose what is closest to your soul and pocket, and let your vacation go exactly the way you imagine it!

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Gas in Europe fell from $2100 to $1850.

What’s going on

Gas in Europe fell from $2,100 to $1,850. What’s going on – Gazeta.Ru

December 22, 2021, 13:21
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Gas prices at European exchange trading fell below $2,000 per 1,000 cubic meters after a sharp rise the day before. The jumps take place against the backdrop of Gazprom’s decision not to reserve the capacity of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline for the second day in a row. The expert suggests that Europe does not need additional supplies due to a drop in demand before Christmas.

Wednesday at the opening of trading at on the ICE exchange in London, the price of gas began to fall, winning back yesterday’s growth. Now it has fallen below $1,850 per thousand cubic meters.

Yesterday, the cost of gas in Europe was growing rapidly – the levels of $1,800, $1,900 per thousand cubic meters were overcome. The historical record was broken – $2,000 per thousand cubic meters, at some point the price of 1,000 cubic meters of gas was $2,190.4.

Gazprom shares soared due to gas prices

High gas prices on December 21 led to the fact that Gazprom securities were traded…

December 22 13:35

Experts attribute the historically high level to a decrease in gas flow through the Yamal-Europe pipeline and a possible cooling in Europe. Now in Berlin and other cities of Western Europe there are about zero degrees.

At the beginning of October, the previous record price for gas was set – the November futures cost more than $1,900.

Sessions without booking

On December 22, Gazprom again refused to book Yamal-Europe’s capacities – this did not happen either during the regular or during the additional session.

Gas does not go to Germany, but grows in price

Russian gas stopped flowing to Germany through the Yamal-Europe pipeline. This happened after…

December 21 15:47

This gas pipeline, which runs through Poland and leads to Germany, is one of the key routes for Russian gas supplies to Europe. In 2020, the long-term contract between Gazprom and the Polish PGNiG expired, so this year the Russian company reserved the capacity of the gas pipeline through an auction.

At the same time, the Polish authorities accused Gazprom of putting pressure on Germany and the European Commission.

“The Russians have restricted gas supplies to recipients in Western Europe. Limited at the minimum level of long-term contracts. At the same time, they do not send gas that is needed by recipients in Europe in excess of the minimum contractual supplies, which provoked an extreme, sharp increase in the price, ”

,” Piotr Naimsky, the authorized representative of the Polish government for strategic energy infrastructure, told Polskie Radio.

In his opinion, Russia thus requires the consent of the European Commission to launch another pipeline – Nord Stream 2. Moscow denies any connection of SP-2 with politics, calling the gas pipeline a purely economic phenomenon.

Ships carrying LNG to Asia urgently change course due to rising gas prices

Ships carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asia rapidly change course to Europe, where…

There may be several reasons why Gazprom does not let gas through Yamal. In Germany and its neighboring countries, the temperature is quite warm for winter – about zero. The situation is also affected by the reduced demand for gas on the eve of the holidays, Bloomberg reports with reference to Katya Efimova, a senior researcher at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

The expert also suggested that Yamal-Europe’s minimum bookings will last until the end of the year, and only a slight increase can be expected in January.

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Gas goes to the east. How the United States brought down gas prices in Europe

Record gas prices in Europe fell by half when tankers with liquefied gas from the United States appeared off its coast. US exports are skyrocketing as European consumers try to reduce their dependence on Russian gas.

The Yamal-Europe pipeline does not live up to its name for a month. Since the end of December, Russia has not sent gas to Europe through it. Moreover, in the western part of the pipeline, the gas flow is reversed, eastward – from Germany to Poland.

Russia, as many believe, tried to force Europe to agree to the launch of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline by restricting exports, promising to put additional gas through it under long-term contracts.

In Europe, however, this tactic may yet be counterproductive – seeking to reduce dependence on Russian gas.

Gazprom stresses that it is fulfilling its contractual obligations, but its reluctance to send additional supplies to Europe was one of the reasons for the unprecedented increase in gas prices in 2021 – along with a sharp increase in demand in Asian markets recovering from the pandemic. (In 2021, Gazprom supplied Europe with 185 billion cubic meters, in 2020 – 175, in 2019 and 2018 – about 200).

Field in Yamal

Prices, hitherto unimaginable levels by December, fell by half as LNG tankers from the United States arrived in Europe. The current crisis has allowed the United States, which only six years ago, after the shale revolution, began exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), to become its largest exporter.

Now, many fear that in the event of a possible Russian attack on Ukraine, either Russia could cut gas supplies to Europe, or its energy sector could fall under Western sanctions. The US administration has had a series of discussions with energy companies around the world about the possibility of ramping up production to replace Europe with Russian gas (which accounts for over a third of European consumption) from other sources, and US officials are confident that Europe will not suddenly find itself in the middle of winter without heating. This will be one of the topics of talks between the Emir of Qatar (the world’s third largest country in terms of gas reserves) and US President Joe Biden on Monday at the White House, Axios claims.

The events of recent months have shown that, at least in peacetime, US exports can significantly change the situation on the market and reduce gas prices. Victoria Zaretskaya , a leading expert on international natural gas and LNG markets at the US Energy Information Administration, an independent statistics collection and analysis agency under the United States Department of Energy, spoke about the prospects for the market and the structure of the American gas industry in an interview with Radio Liberty . Zaretskaya was born in Russia (more precisely, in the USSR), moved to the United States as a young woman, received her education there (as well as in Italy and France), worked in consulting and energy companies, specializing in energy pricing and short-term and long-term price forecasts, and then was invited to work in the Energy Information Administration as an expert on international natural gas trading.

The arrival of US gas tankers in Europe, some of which were deployed halfway to Asia, generated headlines like “US President Joe Biden came to the rescue of Europe by sending a fleet of liquid gas tankers, outmaneuvering Russia and easing the gas crisis.”

Biden cannot send tankers to Europe because they are owned by private companies, market mechanisms do it, explains Zaretskaya. According to her, the only link between the authorities and gas producing companies is that the Department of Energy issues permits for export and import through pipelines to Mexico and Canada and in the form of liquefied gas by tankers around the world:

“There are now over 30 companies exporting natural gas from the US. They are completely independent of the authorities within the limits of their export permits. For example, if a company is allowed to export a billion cubic feet of liquefied gas per day, it cannot exceed this figure, the authorities check this , and the public reports of the Ministry of Energy indicate which company exported how much and where. But the choice of where and how much gas to supply, companies make solely on the basis of prices in the markets.”

Discovery of America

The export of liquefied natural gas is only a very recent story for the US, says Zaretskaya:

There was a shale revolution, gas began to be extracted from shale

“In the late 2000s, the United States believed that its own gas production would decrease (old fields were running out), and they believed that the country would import liquefied gas. Many import terminals were built on the coasts – one of the largest in the world in terms of But the shale revolution took place, gas began to be produced from shale, the need for imports disappeared, and since investments in the terminals had already been made: pipelines were laid to them from the depths of the country, the accompanying infrastructure was created, it was decided to convert them for export, for this it remained only build gas liquefaction plants (d To transport gas in tankers, it is converted into a liquid by cooling, having previously been cleaned. – Approx. ) These factories are very large and very expensive. If an import terminal can cost $250 million, then each gas purification and liquefaction production line at an export terminal can cost $3–4 billion. And the plant may have several such lines. The largest US terminal, Sabine Pass (in Louisiana), now has six lines with a total value of $16.6 billion. The construction and operation of these export terminals is overseen by the Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.”

This is how US companies switched to natural gas exports, and the first deliveries were made in February 2016.

In 2020, after the start of the pandemic, especially in the summer, LPG exports from the United States fell to almost 50 percent of the capacity of plants, and this caused great losses to companies – LPG prices were the lowest on record.

Asia beyond

Zaretskaya describes the dramatic events for the gas industry in 2021 as follows:

“Gas prices are always higher in winter, during the heating season, from November to March, and they usually decrease in spring and summer. 97 percent of LPG is consumed in the northern hemisphere. The main gas consumption is in the northern hemisphere in winter, for electricity and heating houses.Then the demand for gas falls.

In order for the production and transportation of gas from the USA to pay off, prices on world markets must be at least $ 8 per MMBtu

Europe experienced a cold winter in 2021 and gas storage levels were low towards the end of the winter season. At the same time, economies in Asia were recovering from the pandemic, and demand for gas in the markets was growing. To the spot market ( , that is, a market where both the supply of raw materials and payment occur almost immediately. – Approx. ) Chinese buyers came – importers of gas. European buyers had to compete with them for gas, raise purchase prices higher so that tankers would go to Europe and not Asia. crude oil, and tankers from the US have to sail further there, which means more transportation costs. If prices in Asia and Europe were the same, gas from the US would go to Europe.0003

The historical standard price for LPG has been $6 to $9 per MMBtu (million British thermal units), Zaretskaya says. If the price is $8 in Europe and Asia, the gas will go to Europe, if it is $10 in Asia, it will go to Asia. Prices balance all the time:

“In order for the production and transportation of gas from the United States to pay off, prices on world markets must be at least $8 per MMBtu. In 2020, when prices dropped to $2-3 per MMBtu, companies preferred to pay penalties for long-term contracts instead of supplying gas. LPG plants were only running at half capacity.”

Units

MMBtu , million British thermal units, is one of the industrial gas units. There are several, some based on volume, some based on the amount of heat that can be extracted from the gas. A brief digression to avoid confusion:

Btu , British thermal unit, is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a pound of water per degree Fahrenheit at normal pressure. ( This is the analogue of what is called “calorie” in the metric system.)

M in this context means a thousand, MM means a million: MBtu is a thousand British thermal units, MMBtu is a million British thermal units.

There is also a “Therm” unit – 100.000 Btu.

Thousand Btu:
is a little over 1 Megajoule,
or about 0.3 kilowatt-hours,
is about equal to one cubic foot of gas, or
is about 0.028 cubic meters of gas.

In the US, exported LNG is measured in billions of cubic feet per day – in 2021, exports were about 10 billion cubic feet per day, or if converted to cubic meters per year, just over 100 billion.

For comparison, Gazprom’s deliveries to Europe in 2019 were almost twice as much, about 200 billion cubic meters, in 2020 – about 175.

The floating LNG terminal Nezavisimost moored in Klaipeda in 2014 to reduce Lithuania’s dependence on Russian gas

Crisis

Gazprom did not fill its storage facilities in Europe

“In 2021, we saw prices above $60 for MMBtu in Europe, which has never happened before, now they are in the region of $30 for MMBtu, but we have never seen such prices either. Historically, the standard price for natural gas is from 6 up to 9dollars,” notes Zaretskaya. According to her, for the first seven to eight months of 2021, liquefied gas from the United States was mainly sent to Asia. Therefore, in the summer, when reserves usually accumulate in gas storages, they were not filled in Europe. Deliveries from Russia were strictly limited to supplies under long-term contracts between Gazprom and European importing companies:

“Let’s look at the history of Gazprom’s deliveries to European countries in recent years. [During the 2021 price crisis] Gazprom said: we increased supplies to Europe compared to last year. This is true, but we must not forget that in 2020, consumer demand for gas was low compared to previous years. 2021 shipments were higher than 2020 but lower than pre-pandemic 2019-m. Interestingly, Gazprom did not fill its storage facilities in Europe, which account for 12 percent of the total European volume of gas storage facilities. In previous years, they were filled at least 80 percent, and in 2021 – 15-30 percent at best. This is how Europe began the winter season, when heating is turned on in houses. Gas prices were significant throughout the year, but reached their highest level in history in December.”

On December 21, prices exceeded $60 per MMBtu – due to fears that with half-empty gas storage facilities, if there is cold weather, the gas will quickly be depleted, and then Europe will have nowhere to take it.0003

Gazprom

“Gazprom” does not produce enough gas? How else can you explain this situation, based on commercial considerations?

“But the current high prices are not the same as what Gazprom receives under long-term contracts – under them it is 7-8, maximum 10 dollars. Imagine how much Gazprom could earn extra if it sold gas on a spot market for the past few months at $30-60 per MMBtu. But he did not sell. Maybe Gazprom has problems with gas production. We know that there was an explosion at a plant in Novy Urengoy in August 2021, some capacities were withdrawn out of operation. But there are enough fields, many pipelines, through which additional gas could be sent. But for some reason this is not being done. What is the reason? Gazprom does not produce enough gas? How else can you explain this situation based on commercial There is no other way you can commercially explain why Gazprom is not currently supplying additional gas to the spot market in Europe when prices are as high as they have ever been. what’s the point.

See also

Gas game. Vladimir Putin may overestimate his strength

The press speculated that Gazprom wanted to use this situation to speed up the approval of Nord Stream 2 by the German and European Union authorities, using this leverage to not fill up its European gas storages and not supply additional gas to the spot market. Gazprom has a spot trading platform that in past years sold gas to European buyers through it, but in 2021, month after month, no deliveries were offered there,” says Zaretskaya.

The only gas that Europe could get in addition to supplies from Norway, the Netherlands and Russia was the purchase of liquefied gas.

Turnaround of tankers

Formally, 97 percent of the capacity of US gas exports, according to Zaretskaya, is used under long-term contracts. But these contracts often connect producers not only with end users, but also with large intermediary firms like Shell, and Shell then sends gas to wherever it deems necessary in its tankers. Therefore, more than half of such exports from the United States do not have a specific destination market; intermediary companies can send gas to any market in the world, depending on prices. There are three dozen companies that buy and sell gas from the US, this market is very diverse, it is not dominated by one or two companies. As a result, the market is sensitive to the situation, which happened in December:

The price is so high that the tanker will pay for itself anyway. Therefore tankers came to Europe

“We saw at least 15-16 tankers take LPG to the US and, as usual at this time of year, went to Asia – even if the gas does not have a specific buyer when it is loaded, the tankers come to Asia, and then floating off the coast and waiting for someone to buy gas. But then the companies got an order from Europe where the prices were so high.Transportation costs were high – go to Asia, pay a fee to pass through the Panama Canal, then again through it come back, get to Europe and unload there – but when the prices are $20-30-60 per MMBtu (compared to the usual $8), the cost of transportation does not matter.The price is so high that the tanker will pay for itself anyway. Therefore, tankers came to Europe, and Biden had nothing to do with this redirection of tankers.”

Zaretskaya estimates that 48 percent of the tankers that left the US in November went to Europe. And in the first 10 days of 2022, according to European imports, more than half of the LNG tankers that came to Europe were from the United States. The rest are from Africa, a traditional European supplier, and other parts of the world.

Thus, the natural market mechanism halved gas prices in Europe – from $60 per MMBtu to $30 and below, and the US became the world’s largest supplier of liquefied gas at spot prices.

“In addition, warm weather in Europe helped lower prices. London had the warmest New Year’s Eve on record. There was no usual gas consumption for heating for this time,” Zaretskaya notes.

Between the USA and China

Even if, hypothetically, America directs all of its LPG exports to Europe, it will not be able to replace Russia’s supplies. However, in order to bring down prices, it is obvious that a complete replacement of Russian gas is not required:

Europe lacked 2.2 billion a day. That’s where they went – to China and Brazil

“I specifically calculated how much gas Europeans lacked so that prices would not rise to these record levels – comparing with similar data from previous years, 2019 and 2020, when Europe imported a lot of liquefied gas from the USA. During 2021, Europe 2.2 billion cubic feet per day was missing In 2019, there was almost no supply of liquefied gas from the US to China, and in recent months China has been its number one global consumer – exports have risen from 0 to 1. 2 billion cubic feet per day. “Brazil, which usually doesn’t buy American gas because it’s expensive, imported about a billion cubic feet a day last year. And as I said, Europe was short of 2.2 billion a day. That’s where they went – to China and Brazil.” .

Zaretskaya says that plants in Europe that receive imported liquefied gas are large, and now they are used, at best, by half. That is, Europe can take much more gas if necessary, but this gas can only be found on short-term contracts, on the spot market. And the largest supplier in this market is the United States.

“Our FDA reports show a peak capacity of US plants of 14+ billion cubic feet per day and a baseline of 11+ billion. We don’t expect plants to run at peak capacity all year round. demand and, consequently, prices. On average, plants operate at base capacity per year. And we forecast exports in 2022 – 11.5 billion cubic feet per day, in 2023 – 12.1. And this is an optimistic estimate. There are For example, in February 2021, there was fog for several days in the ports of the Gulf of Mexico, where the terminals are located, and tankers could not go to sea, there was a traffic jam, and exports in February fell by 2. 5 billion cubic feet per day. hurricanes that tankers wait out.The US will have the largest gas export capacity in 2022, ahead of Australia, on the assumption that another plant comes online. But the size of exports depends on transportation, weather, market prices, and here estimates must be cautious.”

The US is able to increase LPG peak production in case of high prices, and this can serve as a natural price limiter, a market mechanism for compensating for gas shortages. Zaretskaya says that this is true, but to a certain extent:

American gas will be the solution for Europe depending on the needs of Asia

“The problem is the growth of gas consumption in China. We have never seen such a high consumption. China has become the largest consumer of liquefied gas, despite the fact that it receives gas through pipelines from Central Asia and Russia, and also produces gas itself. All these volumes are significantly increased in 2021 compared to 2020. And when China enters the spot market and starts buying in large volumes, the rest of the gas will not be enough, prices will start to rise. markets, in addition to long-term contracts. Then there will be competition between Europe, China and several other countries. China can afford to buy liquefied gas at current prices. Bangladesh and India, for example, cannot afford this and are leaving this market, no matter how they had no demand for gas, and that could lead to blackouts when gas supplies run out.American gas will be the solution for Europe, depending from the needs of Asia, because Asia is more preferable for American producers in terms of prices in comparison with Europe. And in Asia, gas prices are guided by oil prices, while in Europe there is a separate gas market where independent prices are formed, usually lower. But maybe gas prices will return to normal levels. 2021 has been an exceptional year. If there are no such events in the future, or not in such a volume, then American exports will be able to compensate for the shortage of gas in Europe and equalize prices, returning them to historical norms. 0003

Gas compressor station “Slavyanskaya” – the starting point of the gas pipeline “Nord Stream – 2”

Drop

The current gas prices are unstable, this cannot continue for long, but we need to live until then

“Prices will fall, it is completely unrealistic to expect Europeans to have gas prices of $30 per MMBtu. In energy terms, this is $174 per barrel of oil, while oil prices in 2021 averaged a little over $70 dollars per barrel ( energy equivalent: the price of oil per barrel is 5.8 times the price per MMBtu of gas. – Note ). Gas prices in Europe will fall by May-June, depending on the weather. If the winter turns out to be warm, all the hype around prices will go down in history as an unpleasant memory. If the winter turns out to be cold, and Europe draws a lot of gas from storage and ends the season with small reserves, then prices, although they will fall, will remain high, above $10. But with a warm winter, prices will return to historical norms, 12-16 dollars for Asia, these were peak values ​​in previous years, at which people scratched their heads and asked how this could be. And now we are talking about 60 dollars. The price ceiling that used to exist has disappeared somewhere. This ceiling used to be in oil prices: at $100 per barrel, for gas it is equivalent to $17 per MMBtu. In 2021, for the first time, gas prices exceeded oil prices in terms of energy. Therefore, the current gas prices are unstable, this cannot continue for long, they will return to historical averages between 8 and 12 dollars. But you have to live until then.”

8 countries for sea holidays in October

Reading time: 11 minutes

Got a long-awaited vacation in October, but you really want to bask on a warm beach, contemplating the serene sea horizons surrounded by palm trees and colorful sun loungers? Do not feel like you are on the outskirts of life, a beach holiday in October is not only real, but also has its own significant advantages!

In autumn you can find a warm sea where you can swim with pleasure, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the prices for tickets, hotels or tours in general. And if you don’t like to wade through the crowds of tourists and face the annual summer surcharge – definitely consider October as the most optimal month for a beach holiday.

1. Maldives.

Let’s start the story about the most popular places or sunny beaches where you can easily relax in October. Each of us has heard about the “heaven on earth” – the Maldives. The Maldives is a chain of islands of 26 atolls with 88 tourist resorts located in the Indian Ocean.

The best atolls of the Maldives with the most comfortable beaches are rightfully considered:

• Lhaviyani atoll is one of the most popular islands for family holidays, with a wide beach strip and a popular kids club.
• North male atoll is a favorite place for lovers of active beach holidays with its diving school, an atoll holder with one of the best beaches in the world.
• Ari atoll is an atoll that, in addition to an active beach holiday, boasts colorful water villas where you can spend unforgettable time with your soulmate.
• North ari atoll is an ideal island for those who are interested in giving their loved ones a quality vacation, honeymoon or romantic moments that will be remembered for a lifetime.
• Hadahaa is a modest and quiet island with the richest coral reefs, ideal for those who love diving and are not delighted with noisy beaches and a large crowd of tourists.

The Maldives will amaze you with a huge number of bright and unusual birds that happily pose for tourists, allowing you to take colorful selfies or pictures. In addition, the flora of the Maldives also deserves special attention – 300 species of herbs, shrubs and trees, including coconut palms and wild roses.

Holidays in these places are recognized as one of the safest in the world. The biggest trouble you can face is a leg scratched on corals. But to protect yourself is as easy as finding draft kvass in the summer – special slippers for swimming are sold on every beach!

The most popular hotels in the Maldives look like they show us in the advertisements for tropical juices or coconut bars: rustic houses with reed roofs, villas made of natural materials, located on the coast. If you decide to settle in the city, you will find urban-type settlements or white-stone buildings, which are an echo of Arab culture.

In addition to long and insatiable swims in the clear turquoise water, there is, of course, something to do on the beach. You can easily replace traditional tennis, volleyball, discos and sunset watching with windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, water skiing or kiting. The sand on the beach is white, filled with pieces of coral and shell fragments.

2. Sri Lanka.

The island of Sri Lanka is located off the coast of India. In addition to the rich history, a large number of Buddhist temples and historical monuments, virgin forests, valleys, lush vegetation on the island, you will undoubtedly find public and private beaches.

The tourist season in Sri Lanka lasts from autumn to spring – at this time the water will have time to warm up to 27 degrees, and visibility under it will be as much as 20 meters. Most coastal cafes and restaurants are open from early morning until approximately 19.00 in the evening.

The best beach resorts in Sri Lanka are:

• Negombo – coastal restaurants and cafes of this resort will definitely amaze you with their sea food, which is considered one of the best in the world.
• Mount Lavinia is the most popular and visited resort in Sri Lanka, with excellent views and infrastructure.
• Beruwala – this resort will definitely amaze you with its 130-kilometer strip of beaches. Rest assured, there will be enough seats for everyone.
• Hikkaduwa is a diver’s paradise with amazing reefs and wrecks that you will definitely want to explore.
• Bentota – this village was created for connoisseurs of art, because here you will find the most famous open-air theater in Sri Lanka.

The beaches of Sri Lanka are also adapted for active beach recreation: diving, snorkeling and surfing. On the beach, they often sell the juice of unblown coconut palm flowers – toddy. It is often referred to as coconut beer because of its taste. Don’t miss Sri Lanka’s most popular dish, rice cooked in coconut milk and various spices.

3. Thailand.

Holidays in Thailand are designed for any budget, and tourists visit its beaches all year round. The main feature of a Thai holiday is a high-quality relaxing massage, which can be done even in the coastal zone, while you admire the picturesque local sunsets.

The east coast of Thailand is ideal for a beach holiday in autumn and winter. The sand here is grayish in color, and the prices are much more reasonable than in the south coast. The best islands for a beach holiday here are:

• Koh Si Chang is an island with a picturesque atmosphere where you can easily relax without too much noise and fuss.
• Koh Samet is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, from which you can easily get out for shopping in Bangkok.
• Koh Chang is a popular and large island with long beaches and numerous coastal hotels.
• Koh Whai is a small island with a less developed infrastructure, but beautiful views that amaze the viewer.
• Koh Kood is one of the best islands on the east coast for secluded relaxation and entertainment.

For a beach holiday, it is better not to choose such a visited and full of extraordinary entertainment as Pattaya. The local beaches look unattractive, which, however, does not bother tourists who come to this city for an active pastime.

If you cannot imagine your life without diving, then you should definitely choose a vacation in Thailand. Here you will find many sheer cliffs and underwater caves, reefs, whale sharks, manta rays and leopard sharks, which you can even hand-feed.

4. Turkey.

The resort side of Turkey is familiar to everyone, at least by hearsay, and the phrase “all inclusive” is inextricably associated with the local holiday for every Russian. In this country, everything is interesting for tourists: beaches, hotels, waterfalls and ancient monuments.

From the north Turkey is washed by the Black Sea, from the south by the Mediterranean, from the west by the Aegean and Marmara seas. In Bodrum, for example, in the morning you can swim in one sea, and in the afternoon – in another. Here are examples of the best beaches in Turkey:

• Iztuzu – or “Turtle Beach” is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dalyan River. Here you will find not only the finest white sand, but you can also watch turtles listed in the Red Book.
• Kleopatra – according to legend, the sand for this beach was brought from Egypt itself. This beach is suitable for both active recreation and families with children – the entrance to the sea is gentle and safe.
• Kaputaş is one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. Turquoise water, white-yellow sand and the absence of a large number of tourists will surely delight those who like to retire and enjoy the sunsets.
• Blue Lagoon is the most famous Turkish beach. Located on the shore of the harbor, surrounded by mountains. It means “Dead Sea”. There is no storm here, and the coast is shallow. Paragliding is also popular here.
• İçmeler – a beach for those who are in the mood for recovery. Healing air and multiple springs are perfect for families with children and the elderly who love comfort and high service.

Water parks, water activities, beach bars, burning sun, and, of course, the gentle sea will always be a great entertainment for any tourist. In Turkey, you will find a vacation for any wallet, and you can bask on the beach until December.

In search of a real Turkish flavor, you can visit Istanbul or Anatolia. The main directions of local tourism: beach holidays, shopping and ancient, Christian history.

5. UAE.

The coast of the UAE is washed by the Persian and Arabian Gulfs, all beaches are sandy, clean and with good infrastructure. Here you will find both private beaches tied to hotels and free ones. The beaches of the UAE are called one of the safest – there are practically no thieves here, as in the country as a whole.

Here you will find many beach complexes with restaurants, park areas, swimming pools. For lovers of outdoor activities, rental of jet skis and water skis is provided, and diving is available on some beaches.

The best beaches in the UAE:

• Jumeirah Open Beach is a beach in Dubai, nicknamed “Russian” because of its high attendance by Russian tourists. This beach does not have such a developed infrastructure as other beaches, however, it has a convenient location and suitable conditions for families with children.
• Kite Beach is a favorite place for fans of kite surfing and other extreme pastimes. Most vacationers here are young and active people, this beach is clearly not suitable for families with small children, but older children will definitely be delighted with what is happening.
• Corniche Beach is a sandy beach located near the center of Sharjah. It is eagerly visited by both tourists and locals. From the city, the beach is fenced off by a strip of palm trees that protects from the scorching sun and the noise of the city, and its waves are calm and safe.
• Sharjah Beach is the perfect beach for families. There are a number of restrictions related to Muslim traditions, for example, you cannot appear in open swimsuits. Entrance to the beach is free, and the water here is calm and azure.
• Yas Beach is one of the main entertainment centers in the city of Abu Dhabi. Here you will find both active recreation and a relaxing pastime. This beach is so multifunctional that it suits young people, couples with children, and older people who value peace and comfort.

To visit the UAE, a visa is required, which citizens of the Russian Federation can easily obtain upon arrival in this country. In addition to standard transport, water buses and traditional water taxis – “carbs” run on the waters of the UAE.

Please note that unmarried people of different sexes are not allowed to stay in hotels in the UAE. When visiting establishments, events and beaches, it is imperative to take into account the current restrictions and laws of this country in order to avoid unpleasant situations on vacation.

6. Israel.

Israel is washed by the Red, Dead and Mediterranean seas. The Dead Sea is not very suitable for a classic beach holiday, but it will appeal to those who are determined to improve their health and prolong youth and beauty with the help of healing mud.

Almost all beaches in Israel are free, only a few expensive hotels can afford their own beach. The infrastructure of the beaches is developed, there are many bars and restaurants on the coast, where many young people gather in the evenings to relax under the tracks of modern DJs with a glass of strong drink.

The best beaches in Israel:

• Dekel Beach Eilat is an attractive beach for diving lovers and beautiful views. The water here is warm all winter, the vegetation is unique, and the deserts around the beach are amazing. In addition, visiting this beach will have a beneficial effect on your health due to the low humidity and high oxygen content in the air.
• Tel Baruch Beach – Tel Aviv beach with the finest golden sand and big waves. The beach is very popular with locals, so the infrastructure here is quite developed: catamarans, playground, lifeguards, lawns for recreation.
• Alma Beach is the most secluded beach in Tel Aviv. The beach is clean and untouched, there is no special entertainment, and the infrastructure is not developed. A favorite place for sunset lovers, fans of yoga and big waves that live here due to the lack of breakwaters, as on other beaches.
• Banana Beach is a popular beach for adults and families with children, named after a cafe located nearby. Suitable for meditative gatherings at a table by the sea, and for film lovers who visit this place on a regular basis.
• Hilton Beach is a beach where everyone can relax. It is very popular with representatives of sexual minorities, surfers and dog breeders, as it is, perhaps, the only place where you can be allowed to take your pet. In the daytime, it is advisable to swim in costumes, because next to this interesting place there is a religious beach.

The swimming season in Israel is all year round. In the first half of October, you can choose any of the beaches, but from the second half you should choose the south direction – the rainy season begins, which is unlikely to contribute to a comfortable stay.

Russian citizens can visit Israel without a visa if the duration of the trip does not exceed 90 days. The situation in the country is turbulent, so the passage of passport control and inspection in this country is more thorough and longer than in other countries.

7. Greece

October guests of Greece are waiting for comfortable weather, lack of crowds of tourists and developed infrastructure. Here everyone can find entertainment for every taste – local food, beaches, culture, hospitality and historical monuments will not leave anyone indifferent.

All beaches in Greece are municipal. They consist of sand and less often of pebbles. Almost all the old beaches of Greece in the 70s were a favorite place for hippies to relax, even now on some of them you can meet some of the followers of this cult.

• Navagio bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with bright azure waters and an unusual attraction for tourists – a smugglers ship that has run aground. The beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs, and stopping at this beach is a favorite part of tourist tours.
• Anissaras Beach is a small and cozy beach in the resort village of Crete. The resort is considered to be a family resort and the entire infrastructure of the beach is just tailored for the rest of families with children. Also, this place is suitable for those who like to relax on nudist beaches.
• Vai Beach – popular for hippies in the 70s, now it boasts a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The infrastructure near the beach is good – here you can actively spend time, and lie on a clean beach, and swim in the turquoise water. A separate charm of the beach gives a huge number of palm trees around.
• Red Beach is an amazing find for lovers of extreme sports and solitude. The path is difficult – the descent to the beach is about 40 minutes in the sun, but a surprisingly picturesque beach with red sand will appear before your eyes. If you are a nudist, you can join the nude bathing at the rock.
• Matala Beach is a great beach with a lot of history, real hippie regulars and caves to explore. The beach is not very suitable for families – the waves here are quite large, but for young people and adults nostalgic for the good old days, it will be just right.

The crime rate in Greece is quite low, but precautions must of course be observed. In addition, ask your holiday home representatives if you can drink tap water. The water here is quite clean in many regions and does not require additional treatment.

Greece attracts Tourists from all over the world not only with its warm climate, traditions, food and rich history, but also with a pleasant atmosphere conducive to a harmonious and fruitful holiday.

8. Egypt.

Another favorite place for tourists from Russia. Here you can meet crowds of compatriots all year round – where else can you find hot sandy beaches and turquoise water even in winter? In addition to the beaches, of course, a rich excursion program awaits tourists here.

Almost every hotel in Egypt has its own beach with excellent infrastructure. In addition, as it happens, you will encounter a number of prohibitions and customs that must be reckoned with when leaving the hotel. Listen carefully to the guides in order to avoid unpleasant incidents.

The best beaches in Egypt:

• Dream Beach is the most popular and fun beach in Egypt, located in the city of Hurghada. This beach lives up to its name, as it is one of the cleanest, well-maintained and well-groomed beaches in this country. The beach itself is amazingly beautiful – clear water, a lot of greenery, comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas, and what are the expensive and elegant yachts slowly cruising against the backdrop of sunset.
• Mahmya Beach – part of the national park with a beach, called “Heaven on Earth”. The beach consists of pure golden sand and is located in the most picturesque place of the Big Giftun Island. The main focus of this beach is diving. Believe me, underwater views here are no less mesmerizing.
• Mohito is one of the new beaches in Egypt, named after a nearby club. The beach is famous for its nightlife and round-the-clock work, which is very attractive for tourists and young people from all over Egypt. Such a beach is not very suitable for children and families – at the moment it is poorly cleared of stones and you can only walk in it in special slippers.