Aerial view of Courchevel 1850 in winter
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Destinations•20 October 2026•4 min

Winter 2026/27: From slopes to shores.

A ski break in the Alps or sunshine by the sea? Six ideas for your winter escape, with practical advice for travelling by private jet.

Courchevel 1850 in winter. Archive photograph. Nikgrech, CC BY-SA 3.0

Fresh mountain air, a long lunch by the sea or a few days with no appointments: winter holidays can take very different forms. For the season from late 2026 into spring 2027, these six ideas offer a starting point. Begin with how you want to spend your time; then choose the destination and plan the journey around it.

Skiing: A few days in the Alps.

Snow-covered St. Moritz with illuminated hotels on a winter evening
St. Moritz on a winter evening. Archive photograph. Photo: Romano Salis / Travelleronthego49, CC BY-SA 4.0

Morning on the slopes, afternoon on a sunny terrace, evening at your chalet. St. Moritz combines the skiing of the Engadin with a lively resort, while Courchevel opens up the connected slopes of Les 3 Vallées. Both are worth considering for a trip with family or friends. [1] [2]

For a short break, the journey from the airport to your accommodation matters as much as the flight. Tell us about ski bags and boot bags when enquiring, so we can check the aircraft’s luggage space. We plan the airport and transfer together, including alternatives if mountain weather changes the arrival.

Dubai: Beach, city and desert.

Dubai skyline at night
Dubai’s skyline reflected in the water. Archive photograph. Photo: Robert Bock, CC0

Dubai suits travellers who like variety: a relaxed morning by the water, restaurants and shopping in the city, then an excursion into the desert. The cooler winter months make outdoor days especially appealing. It is an option for families as well as couples who want more than a beach holiday. [3]

Choose your hotel location around your plans. A stay focused on the beach calls for different transfers from one built around city appointments and evening reservations. We consider your accommodation when selecting the arrival airport and arranging your onward journey.

Maldives: Time to switch off.

White sand beach, turquoise lagoon and overwater villas at a Maldives resort
White sand and overwater villas in the Maldives. Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels

The Maldives are a good choice when the wish list is simple: a beach, time together and a reef to explore. For divers and snorkellers, choosing the island is part of choosing the holiday. January to March is generally the drier season; December is a transition month. [4] [5]

The journey usually continues from Malé by speedboat, seaplane or a domestic flight and boat. This is worth settling before the main flight: Trans Maldivian Airways operates seaplanes only in daylight. An evening arrival may therefore mean a night near the airport. We align the flight with the resort transfer. [6]

Seychelles: Beaches with room to explore.

If you enjoy getting beyond the resort, consider the Seychelles. Mahé offers mountain trails, Praslin the palms of the Vallée de Mai, and La Digue beaches framed by granite rocks. Combining islands brings different landscapes into one holiday. [7]

The islands remain warm during the European winter, but December and January are among the wetter months. Sunny intervals are still possible; this is a trip for those comfortable with tropical showers. We plan the arrival on Mahé and the connections to your chosen island together. [8]

South Africa: Summer at the Cape.

Camps Bay and Lion’s Head in Cape Town at sunset
Camps Bay and Lion’s Head in the evening light. Photo: Quade du Toit / Unsplash

While Europe puts on another layer, Cape Town is enjoying summer. Combine the city and coast with time in the Winelands: restaurants, vineyard visits and days outdoors make this an appealing option for travellers who like a varied itinerary. January and February are usually warm and mostly dry around the Cape. [9]

A safari can extend the trip, but the region matters. The Kruger area has its hot, rainy season during these months, unlike Cape Town. We plan onward flights around the lodge and the time you want to spend there, rather than treating the whole country as one destination. [10]

Bahamas & Caribbean: Find your island.

White sand beach with palm trees and yachts beside turquoise water in the Bahamas
The Bahamas: white beaches, palm trees and clear water. Photo: Oriana Polito / Pexels

For beaches and days on the water, the Exumas in the Bahamas offer a chain of islands and cays to explore. Barbados is another option for a Caribbean stay, with beaches, island excursions and places to dine. Choose the island first, then the resort or private villa that suits your party. [11] [13]

The Bahamas are generally drier from November to April, although cooler, windier spells can pass through. Do not expect identical conditions across every Caribbean destination. The exact island also determines the route: some stays need an onward flight or boat transfer, which we coordinate with your arrival. [12]

Your winter trip starts with your plans.

Send us your preferred dates, departure point, passenger numbers and destination in a flight enquiry. Include skis, larger luggage and any onward transfers. We check suitable aircraft and explain the route and costs. For Christmas, New Year and school holidays, enquire early to give us more options when coordinating flights and transfers.

Sources & further reading

Research checked: 20 October 2026.

  1. St. Moritz — Ski & Snowboard
  2. Courchevel — Ski area and lifts
  3. Visit Dubai — Winter highlights
  4. Visit Maldives — Diving & Snorkeling
  5. Maldives Meteorological Service — Climate
  6. Trans Maldivian Airways — Resort transfers and daylight operations
  7. Tourism Seychelles — Island guide
  8. Seychelles Meteorological Authority — Monthly climate guide
  9. Cape Town Tourism — When to visit
  10. SANParks — Kruger National Park climate
  11. Bahamas Ministry of Tourism — The Exumas
  12. Bahamas Department of Meteorology — Climate
  13. Barbados Tourism — Planning your visit

By essential.aero • Published 20 October 2026

Where will winter take you?

Tell us about your trip. We will check aircraft availability and plan the journey to your destination.

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