Long-haul travel in winter
Time for a big adventure
Reading time: 5 min
Some journeys stay on your bucket list for years. A safari among wild animals, a road trip through spectacular landscapes or a journey through a country you have always wanted to discover. While temperatures drop at home, plenty of extraordinary adventures are waiting on the other side of the world. From Latin America to Africa and Oceania, these destinations are worth taking a little extra time for.
Latin America: from tropical jungle to spectacular mountain landscapes
Anyone who loves nature, adventure and colourful cultures will find a wealth of possibilities in Latin America.
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers. On a round trip, you can discover tropical rainforests, impressive volcanoes, waterfalls and vast beaches. Spot sloths and monkeys in the trees, walk across hanging bridges surrounded by greenery or discover the remarkable wildlife on a boat trip through the jungle. Distances are relatively short, yet the variety is enormous. In addition, the dry season on the Pacific side largely coincides with our winter months.
For those dreaming of wide-open landscapes and spectacular nature, Patagonia offers an experience on an entirely different scale. This vast region in southern Chile and Argentina is known for its rugged mountain peaks, glaciers and endless plains. Hike through Torres del Paine, admire the Perito Moreno Glacier or explore the trails around El Chaltén. Our winter coincides with summer in Patagonia, making it an attractive time to explore the region.
Peru also captures the imagination. From the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu to the colonial streets of Cusco and the impressive landscapes of the Andes, the country combines history, culture and nature in a remarkable way. Keep in mind, however, that our winter coincides with the rainy season in large parts of the Andes. Choosing the right itinerary and timing is therefore especially important.
Colourful cities, fascinating cultures and tropical beaches
Not every long-haul journey has to revolve entirely around nature. Some destinations stand out because of their combination of culture, gastronomy, history and lively cities.
In Colombia, you discover a country with many different faces. Wander through the colourful streets of Cartagena, visit coffee plantations in the green hills or head out into nature. From the Caribbean coast to the lively cities of Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia offers endless opportunities for a varied round trip.
Mexico is another destination where you can easily spend several weeks travelling around. Discover ancient Maya temples, taste the local cuisine, stroll through colourful colonial towns and enjoy the beaches along the Caribbean or Pacific coast. The Yucatán Peninsula in particular offers a beautiful combination of culture, nature and relaxation.
These are destinations where the journey itself is at least as interesting as the famous highlights. And where it often pays to include some of the less obvious places in your itinerary as well.
Africa: spectacular nature and unforgettable safaris
For those who dream of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat, Africa offers some of the most extraordinary travel experiences in the world.
South Africa is an ideal destination for a varied round trip. Combine a safari in Kruger National Park with the spectacular Panorama Route, discover the wine region around Stellenbosch or travel along the coast towards Cape Town and the Garden Route. Thanks to the country’s diversity, you can combine nature, gastronomy, culture and adventure in a single journey.
Kenya and Tanzania are also iconic safari destinations. Vast savannahs, impressive national parks and encounters with elephants, giraffes, lions and other wild animals make a safari here a unique experience. The best travel period differs by region and nature reserve, but there are also plenty of interesting possibilities during our winter months.
If you are looking for spectacular landscapes and the ultimate feeling of freedom, Namibia should definitely be considered. Think towering sand dunes in Sossusvlei, endless desert roads and the unique wildlife of Etosha National Park. A road trip through Namibia is an adventure in itself. Our winter, however, largely coincides with the warmer rainy season there, which can influence travel conditions and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Australia and New Zealand: the freedom of the open road
On the other side of the world, an entirely different kind of adventure awaits.
In Australia, travelling is often all about freedom. With a rental car or campervan, you can explore spectacular coastal roads, national parks, lively cities and unique natural areas. Discover the Great Ocean Road, visit Sydney and Melbourne or explore the beaches and rainforests of the east coast.
Because Australia is so vast, the seasons vary greatly by region. During our winter, it is summer in the south, while the tropical north is warmer and wetter. Good travel planning therefore makes a big difference.
New Zealand is also a dream destination for anyone who loves being on the road. The country is known for its spectacular mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, fjords and vast natural areas.
On the South Island, the snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps, the lakes around Wanaka and Queenstown and the dramatic scenery of Fiordland alternate with one another. The North Island, meanwhile, surprises with volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity and beautiful coastlines.
Our winter months coincide with the New Zealand summer. It is an attractive time to explore the country by rental car or campervan, although it is also a popular travel season.
The best journeys deserve time
A long-haul trip is not only about how many places you can visit. Sometimes it is the unexpected stopovers, the encounters along the way or that one place where you decide to stay a little longer that make a journey truly special.
Whether you dream of a safari in Africa, a road trip through New Zealand or a journey through the natural wonders of Latin America, the possibilities are endless.
And precisely because every destination is different, it is worth thinking carefully about your itinerary, the period in which you travel and the experiences you definitely do not want to miss.
Our Travel Designers know the destinations and are happy to help you create a long-haul journey that perfectly matches your wishes and travel rhythm. Because some adventures deserve to be experienced entirely your own way.
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