From Cape Town to the Caribbean: The secret to a year-round Summer

As the South African winter chills your bones, you have two choices: pull your blanket a little tighter and dream of warmer days, or book a trip that will take you there. 

A change of scenery can lift the spirits, and right now, there's no better way to escape the cold than by booking a cruise. It’s an easy and appealing way to trade grey skies for endless blue seas.

Cruising internationally during our winter is the ultimate travel hack for keeping your summer alive all year long, because somewhere in the world, it's always summer.

Flip the seasons: Where to find the sunshine

While we're bundled up from June to August, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East are in the midst of their summer seasons.

Imagine stepping off a plane in Barcelona or Miami, feeling the warm air on your skin, and then boarding your floating resort. This is how you keep summer going, no matter what the calendar says.

Mediterranean cruises

From April to November, you can explore historic cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Athens, or discover the stunning coastlines of Croatia. Temperatures average 24-30°C, perfect for dining al fresco in Santorini or strolling through Venice.

Caribbean escapes

From June to September, the Caribbean offers a tropical paradise with temperatures topping 27°C. Set sail from Miami or Port Canaveral and explore the pristine beaches of the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, or Jamaica.

Middle Eastern adventures

For a winter escape with a unique cultural flavour, the season from November to March is ideal. You can explore Dubai's bustling city life, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or go on an exciting desert safari, all in comfortable 25-28°C weather.

Plan your escape early

Cruise lines plan their itineraries well in advance, and smart travelers know that early bookings come with significant perks. 

By planning your trip now, you get the first pick of the best cabins, exclusive deals, and better pricing. 

This simple hack saves you both stress and rands down the line, ensuring your dream holiday is secured well before the cold weather sets in.

Maximise value with off-season breaks

South Africans should know that when booking a cruise during our winter often means you're travelling during the "shoulder season" abroad. 

This is the sweet spot of travel, offering fewer crowds at famous landmarks, shorter queues, and tempting discounts on airfare and cruise packages. 

Many cruise lines, such as MSC also offer special rates, onboard credits, and excursion deals for those who book early, allowing you to stretch your holiday budget even further.

Pack for summer

One of the joys of a cruise escape is how easy it is to pack. 

You can leave your bulky jackets and winter boots at home. Instead, your suitcase will be filled with breezy resort wear, swimsuits, sunglasses, and good sunscreen. 

This lightweight packing strategy makes navigating airports a breeze and leaves plenty of space for souvenirs, whether it's Greek olive oil, Caribbean spices, or treasures from a Middle Eastern souk. 

IOL Travel