Why Escaping to the Sunshine This Winter Could Be the Best Thing You Do for Your Health

Swap grey skies for blue horizons this winter. As the nights draw in and the cold sets across the UK, it’s easy to start dreaming of swapping frosty mornings for golden sands and warm sea breezes. While most of us accept grey skies and short days as part of the winter routine, there’s a growing number of people who are deciding to do something different. There is a rising trend of winter travel.

Destinations like Thailand, Cambodia, and (of course) Florida are proving particularly popular with travellers who want to enjoy a few weeks or months of warmth, light, and adventure, while boosting their wellbeing.

But escaping to the sun isn’t just about topping up your tan or sipping cocktails under a palm tree (though that certainly helps!). There’s real science behind the health benefits of winter sun, and plenty of reasons why spending the winter months somewhere bright and beautiful could leave you feeling healthier and happier long after you’ve returned home.

So, if you’ve ever thought about chasing the sun when the UK turns chilly, here’s why this winter might be the perfect time to finally do it.

The Science Behind Sunshine and Wellbeing

It’s no coincidence that we tend to feel more positive in summer. Sunshine quite literally feeds our health. Exposure to sunlight prompts the body to produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient that supports bone strength, muscle health, and immune function.

During the darker winter months in the UK, vitamin D levels often plummet. This leaves many people feeling tired, achy, and more susceptible to colds and flu. Studies have shown that over 80% of adults in northern Europe have insufficient vitamin D levels in winter. A few hours a day outdoors in Southeast Asia, however, can naturally restore your reserves.

The Vitamin D Boost We All Need

Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, sometimes called the “happiness hormone.”  Serotonin helps stabilise mood, improves focus, and promotes feelings of calm and wellbeing. 

Meanwhile, the reduction of sunlight in winter has the opposite effect, contributing to what’s known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD can leave many people feeling flat or low until spring arrives.

A few weeks spent basking in natural light (and avoiding endless rain showers) can help reset your body’s internal rhythms. You may find you sleep better, have more energy, and even notice aches and pains easing thanks to the warmth and gentle movement that comes with life outdoors.

The Mental Health Benefits of a Change in Scenery

Winter can feel long, especially after the festive season when social events taper off and grey days blur together. Escaping to sunnier shores can do wonders for mental health by offering a complete change of scenery, pace, and mindset.

The vibrant colours, tropical greenery, and soothing sounds of the seas of South East Asia all stimulate the senses and help the mind unwind. Psychologists often refer to this as “environmental contrast” — the way a new landscape can help the brain reset and refocus.

In countries like Thailand and Cambodia in Asia, daily life unfolds largely outdoors. Whether you’re strolling along a palm-lined beach, browsing local markets, or sipping coffee at a street café, you’re surrounded by warmth and light. This exposure to nature and connection to community reduce cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) and encourage mindfulness in a way that’s hard to replicate back home.

Many long-stay travellers say they return feeling rejuvenated and clear-headed. Not only because of the climate, but because they’ve had time to slow down, reflect, and live simply for a while!

Staying Active (Without Even Trying!)

When you spend the winter somewhere warm, staying active becomes second nature. You’re not forcing yourself to go to the gym in the dark. Instead, you’re exploring temples, walking along beaches, or swimming in turquoise water.

Destinations across South East Asia lend themselves perfectly to gentle daily activities. In Thailand, sunrise yoga sessions are common in coastal resorts like Krabi and Koh Samui. Cambodia’s Siem Reap offers scenic cycling routes through rice fields and villages, and if you prefer the ocean, snorkelling or kayaking are excellent ways to keep fit while enjoying the views.

Prefer to go West? In Florida, the focus shifts to long beach walks, paddleboarding, and golf, all under a bright blue sky. The combination of low-impact movement, sunshine, and relaxed pacing is ideal for maintaining mobility and heart health, particularly for older travellers.

You’ll probably find that you move more without realising it, simply because it’s part of enjoying your surroundings. That kind of natural activity is one of the best ways to boost circulation, support joint health, and stay strong well into later life.

Nourish Your Body With Fresh, Healthy Food

Another hidden benefit of spending winter abroad? The food.

In tropical countries like Thailand and Cambodia, daily diets revolve around fresh, seasonal ingredients. Markets overflow with colourful fruit, vegetables, and seafood. Meals are often light, full of herbs and spices, and naturally balanced, precisely what the body craves after months of heavier winter comfort food.

Thai cuisine in particular is celebrated for being both delicious and nutritious. Dishes like som tam (green papaya salad), tom yum (spicy soup), and fresh grilled fish are packed with antioxidants and flavour, while being low in processed ingredients.

Eating this way not only supports your physical health, but also your energy levels and digestion. Combined with a slower pace of life and more time spent outdoors, it’s easy to see why travellers often return from Southeast Asia feeling lighter, brighter, and more energised.

And let’s not forget hydration. Sipping coconut water or enjoying fresh tropical juice beats another cup of hot tea on a cold afternoon back home!

Sunshine Savings: The Financial and Lifestyle Benefits

While a long winter holiday might sound like an indulgence, many people are discovering that it can actually make financial sense.

Spending part of the winter in Southeast Asia or Florida can reduce living costs — especially when you consider the price of heating, food, and fuel in the UK during the colder months. In Thailand, for example, you can find comfortable long-stay accommodation at excellent value, and meals at local restaurants for just a few pounds.

For retirees, digital nomads, or anyone able to take an extended break, the savings can really add up. Many travellers choose to stay for a month or two, enjoying lower expenses abroad while escaping the UK’s most expensive time of year.

Of course, value isn’t only financial. The lifestyle benefits are enormous — from relaxed daily routines and warm evenings outdoors, to a greater sense of wellbeing and connection. For many, these experiences are priceless.

Practical Tips for Planning a Long Winter Escape

If you’re tempted to follow the sun this winter, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some practical pointers to make your trip smooth, healthy, and stress-free.

1. Choose your destination wisely

Think about what kind of environment suits you best.

• Thailand offers excellent infrastructure, warm hospitality, and easy-going beaches.

• Cambodia is ideal if you’re looking for culture, history, and a slower pace.

• Florida delivers comfort, convenience, and a touch of home with the bonus of guaranteed sunshine.

Each destination has its own visa requirements, so check entry rules in advance if you plan to stay beyond 30 days.

2. Book accommodation with comfort in mind

For longer stays, serviced apartments, guesthouses, or villas with kitchens can be great value. Platforms like Airbnb or local letting agents often offer discounted monthly rates.

3. Stay healthy and hydrated

Carry a reusable water bottle, wear sun protection, and take precautions against mosquito bites. Depending on your destination, it may be worth checking recommended vaccinations before you travel.

4. Pack light and smart

Natural fabrics, comfortable sandals, and lightweight layers are your best friends. Don’t forget travel adaptors, medication, and any essential documents you’ll need for insurance or healthcare abroad.

5. Stay connected

SIM cards and eSIMs are widely available in Southeast Asia, making it easy to stay in touch with family and friends. We recommend easySim. Simply search your destination at www.easysim.global and use code GW15 for 15% off your first eSIM.

6. Plan for peace of mind

That includes making sure your travel insurance covers the full duration of your stay and any activities you plan to enjoy.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Whether you’re heading away for two weeks or three months, travel insurance is one of the most important things you can pack. It’s easy to underestimate how much can change while you’re away — from delayed flights to unexpected illness — but the right policy can make all the difference.

Go Walkabout specialises in long stay travel insurance, ideal for those planning to spend the winter abroad. Policies can include cover for:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays

• Trip cancellations or interruptions

• Lost or delayed baggage

• Sports and activities like snorkelling or hiking (with an appropriate activity pack)

We also offer over 60 travel insurance and can work with many pre-existing medical conditions. Get in touch if you have any queries about finding cover to suit your needs so that you can enjoy your time abroad with total peace of mind.

When comparing travel insurance options, look for:

• Comprehensive medical cover (especially important in countries without free healthcare)

• 24-hour emergency assistance

• Flexibility to extend your trip or change plans if needed

It’s a small detail that brings huge peace of mind — so you can relax and soak up the sunshine knowing you’re fully protected.

Winter Sun = A Healthier, Happier Winter!

Escaping the British winter might feel like a dream, but for many travellers it’s becoming a yearly tradition — and with good reason.

The combination of sunlight, fresh air, gentle activity, and nutritious food can transform both body and mind. Beyond the obvious health benefits, there’s something deeply restorative about waking to blue skies and spending your days outdoors, connected to nature and new experiences.

Whether you choose the golden beaches of Thailand, the laid-back rhythm of Cambodia, or the familiar comforts of Florida, spending the winter in the sunshine could be one of the kindest things you do for yourself this year.

And with the right travel insurance in place, you’ll have the confidence to truly unwind and enjoy every moment.

So why not swap grey skies for blue horizons this winter? Your future self — tanned, smiling, and relaxed — will thank you for it.