Great winter sports holiday insurance and destinations

This year, as the snow starts to fall in the UK, many of us will be dreaming of sandy, sun-drenched beaches in exotic locations and longing for a little bit of winter sun!

Winter sports holiday destinations generally fall into two categories – beach holidays and ski or winter sports breaks. Some of the most popular destinations in the world include countries that experience their summer during our winter, such as Australia, or destinations which benefit from a hot or temperate climate all year round, such as Spain, Dubai and the UAE, parts of the USA, India and Egypt. However, you always need winter sports holiday insurance.

In recent years, Dubai has seen a surge in popularity, particularly amongst those seeking a luxury escape. With winter temperatures averaging between 24 and 26 degrees centigrade, the climate in Dubai is ideal for visitors looking to escape the cold British climate and spend a week on the beach! A melting pot of old and new, Dubai seamlessly blends its traditional Arabic culture with some of the most stunning modern architecture in the world. There is something for every visitor to enjoy, from jeep rides through the Arabian Desert to luxury 5 star meals in the most glamorous restaurants. The golden sandy beaches of the area are some of the best in the world and although traditional Arabic culture and customs are still prevalent, the city is used to tourists.

Another top tourist destination for a winter months is Goa. Nestled on India's Western coastline, with its stunning white sandy beaches, palm trees and delightful blend of East meets West culture, Goa's tourist season begins in November, which is India's dry season. Temperatures over the winter months average between 25 – 33 degrees centigrade. Although mainly a beach holiday destination, there is plenty of culture to soak up in Goa, such as a visit to Panjim, the area's capital city, a quaint town which has retained its traditional buildings and heritage. If you're planning to swim in the area, beware that jellyfish are a common hazard, with painful stings that may require treatment for some, especially children, so do make sure that your winter sports holiday insurance covers you for any necessary medical expenses.

When travelling to such exotic, far flung destinations, always make sure that you have the correct level of travel insurance to cover you against illness, accident and injury abroad. Changes in climate, spicy foreign food and even drinking local water (bottled water is recommended!) can upset even the hardiest of travellers stomachs, in some cases requiring medical attention. So that's why it's important to have winter sports holiday insurance. It's always best to be prepared, so that you can make the most of your exotic winter break!