With temperatures below zero and sunlight at a premium, seasonal affective disorder is at full force. There is an easy solution to this, however, and thats to eat and drink your fill under a warm winter sun. Here are a couple of winter holiday suggestions to cure those cold weather blues.
Phuket, Thailand
With an average temperature hovering around the mid 20?s, Phuket has long been a popular destination for package holidaysfrom December to March. It’s no wonder, due to the picturesque beaches and the ability to relax in warmth while watching a salmon-coloured sunset. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Andaman sea, while the dreary months drag by back in the northern hemisphere. And if that’s not enough for you, Phuket is also world renowned for it’s scuba diving spots.
Phuket is also well-known for its culinary stylings. Situated on Kamala beach, Diavolo offers world class dining satisfying even the most discretionary of palates. Guests can choose between three menus; Thai, Italian, and the chef specialty. If your looking for authentic Thai food with a view, Tung Ka Cafe, on Khao Rang Hill is the optimal choice. From here you can sit in one of three terraces, each offering a panoramic view of Cape Panwa, Chalong, and Phuket Town.
You can’t mention Thai cuisine without talking about the street food. A stroll downtown and you’ll have your choice of KwayTio (noodle soup), Pad KapowNeua (stir-fried basil with beef), and Pad Thai Goong (Thai fried rice noodles with prawns). These are just a few of the choices that you’ll run across.
Antalya, Turkey
Nestled in the south the Turkey, this city in the Pamphylia region may not be the first destination that comes in mind when thinking of winter getaways. While you won’t be sweating (average temperature in December is in the mid teens) the weather will be comfortable enough to enjoy the numerous sites. Stroll through downtown Antalya and you’ll discover a wealth of Roman ruins throughout, all with the backdrop of beaches that make up the Turkish Riveria.
The sheer quality of food in Antalya is what makes this such an attractive destination for foodies. A must try is the local Pide, a type of flatbread typically served with Kebab. Can CanPideYemekSalonu is a good option for this local delicacy, however get there early as this place is filled with locals during peak lunch hours. For more of a taste into local cuisine, Sibel’s Four Season’s restaurant and cafe has long been popular with locals and tourists alike. This family run restaurant specializes in authentic Turkish cuisine. Everything is local, from the tender goat stew to the olive oil produced by the namesake’s family. Not only do you get delicious food, but you get a small peek into the life of a Turkish family.
With off-peak bargains galore at this time of year, there really is every reason not to be S.A.D thiswinter. So grab a quick sunshine fix and fill up on local treats at every turn: instead of ending the year on a dull note, you’ll start the new one on a post-holiday high.
