10 Winter holiday destinations you can reach with your Avios

There comes a point every winter when the great British weather seems determined to test our resilience. When the novelty of cosy evenings and hot chocolate has well and truly worn off, the Christmas decorations are more of an annoyance than a celebratory feel good, and sunset arrives no sooner than you finish your afternoon coffee. Your umbrella has become a permanent accessory, and the phrase “it’s a bit miserable out there” is repeated so often it almost qualifies as a greeting. Sigh.

For many UK travellers, a week or two of sunshine between November and March isn’t simply a holiday. It’s a much needed reset button. A great escape. Swapping drizzle for turquoise seas, icy pavements for warm sand and floor length puffer coats for flip-flops has a unique ability to improve both mood and motivation.

For Avios collectors, a winter holiday happens to be one of the smartest times to spend points on British Airways and Iberia reward seats. Flights during the colder months are often among the most expensive cash fares of the year, reflective of demand, meaning your Avios can unlock exceptional value when spent this way.

Why winter is one of the best times to redeem Avios

Most Avios collectors instinctively save their points for the summer holidays, especially family travellers, but a winter holiday often represents better value when it comes to points to pence. 

As the UK weather deteriorates, demand shifts towards warmer destinations as we seek out warmer climes. Airlines know this, so cash fares to tropical locations climb into the thousands, particularly in premium cabins such as British Airways Club Suite, making reward seat bookings far more attractive. By using Avios, which have a fixed peak and off peak cost, you’re protecting yourself against daily fluctuating fare increases and freeing up more of your travel budget to spend on memorable experiences, and luxury accommodation once you arrive – if that’s your vibe. You’ll also find some stand out availability to the best Avios destinations.

For me, Winter is a time when Business Class (particularly Club Suite) really comes into its own. Overnight flights become a relaxing part of the holiday rather than something to endure, allowing you to arrive refreshed after sleeping in a lie-flat bed with privacy doors. Rather than frazzled from trying to sleep in a cramped upright Economy seat.

Lets take a look at some of my favourite short-haul winter holiday destinations.

Larnaca, Cyprus

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Economy from 30,000 Avios + £2 on British Airways from London. 

Cyprus remains one of Europe’s warmest winter destinations, with daytime temperatures often reaching around 20°C well into December. It’s the perfect compromise for staying relatively close to home while escaping Britain’s winter gloom. To that end, it’s one of the best Avios destinations for shorter travel.

The cooler season transforms the island into something quieter and more authentically Cypriot. Ancient ruins such as Kourion and Choirokoitia are blissfully uncrowded, coastal walks become pleasant meandering rather than an exhausting agility course, avoiding other tourists, and traditional tavernas are filled with locals bellowing in Cypriot Greek rather than peak-season travellers cramping the space and dulling the atmosphere.

Take a stroll along Finikoudes Beach, explore the Troodos Mountains, visit Byzantine monasteries, or simply enjoy long leisurely lunches overlooking the Mediterranean. Winter is also citrus season, with orange and lemon groves bursting into life across the island, permeating the whole place with an enchanting scent.

Madrid, Spain

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Economy from 13,000 Avios on Iberia (plus taxes and fees) from London.

Madrid may not immediately spring to mind for a winter holiday, but with many bright, crisp days and average temperatures around 15°C, it offers a refreshing escape from Britain’s damp conditions. And it’s not too hot that discovering the marvels of the city becomes uncomfortable and sweaty. 

More importantly, it represents one of the best-value Avios redemptions available for any collector. Iberia’s Avios fares are often lower than British Airways’ for several reasons, including lower taxes and surcharges, greater flexibility through its Madrid hub, and competitive pricing charts. In my view, that alone makes Madrid one of the best Avios destinations.

The winter months are the perfect time to wander through the city’s elegant boulevards, spend hours inside the Prado Museum, enjoy mouth watering, authentic tapas in Plaza Mayor or watch the sunset from the Temple of Debod without battling summer crowds.

For food lovers, Madrid truly shines at this time of year, with hearty stews, bustling food markets and endless cafés providing plenty of excuses to linger over lunch. I love to sit in the Plaza de la Villa with a glass of Spanish red and watch the world go by, surrounded by the historic 15th century architecture.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Economy from 30,000 Avios + £2 on British Airways from London.

If constant, reliable winter sunshine is your priority, Sharm El Sheikh rarely disappoints. With temperatures comfortably sitting in the mid-twenties through much of winter, Egypt remains one of the closest guaranteed sunshine winter holiday destinations available from the UK.

The Red Sea offers some of the world’s finest diving and snorkelling, with colourful coral reefs visible just metres from the shore. Even a quick dip in the warm waters feels soul reviving. If you’re not a diver, don’t worry, you can enjoy desert safaris, quad biking, camel rides and boat trips to Ras Mohammed National Park. You’ll never be short of adventures to enjoy.

Winter also provides ideal temperatures for exploring the Sinai Peninsula without the intense summer heat. Climb to the summit of Mount Sinai for awesome views and a spiritual awakening. Alternatively, you can experience the legendary hospitality of local Bedouin tribes and learn about their traditional way of life.

For fans of the fly and flop getaway, Egypt is the perfect short haul spot for ultimate relaxation and short luxury resorts.

Skiathos, Greece

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Economy from 30,000 Avios + £2 on British Airways from London.

Most people associate Skiathos with typical family summer holidays, but visiting towards the beginning or end of the season offers a completely different experience. And not in a bad way. 

The island slows down considerably, allowing visitors to appreciate its pine forests, peaceful beaches and charming old town without the crowds you’ll find earlier in the year. Glacial pace preferred. Walking the trails that dot the island becomes far more enjoyable, and there’s still an abundance of natural beauty to explore, such as ancient olive groves teeming with ferrets and squirrels, and wetlands – home to packs of weasels. Local restaurants regain their relaxed atmosphere and the Aegean coastline feels wonderfully untouched, other than the occasional swimmer. 

For travellers seeking peaceful Mediterranean sunshine rather than bustling resorts, Skiathos delivers exactly that. Perfect if you’re in desperate need of a wind down after a busy year. It’s one of the best Avios destinations for family travel with younger kids.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Economy from 30,000 Avios + £2 on British Airways from London.

Tenerife has long been Britain’s favourite winter holiday, and for good reason. With temperatures often reaching 22°C throughout the latter months of the year, it’s one of Europe’s most dependable sunshine destinations. And you don’t have to opt for a long haul flight to enjoy the warmth. 

Beyond the beaches lies a remarkably diverse island. Don’t write it off as a basic beach destination. You can hike across volcanic landscapes in Teide National Park, explore colonial towns like La Orotava, whale watch off the south coast, or simply spend your days moving between beaches and seaside restaurants. Simply put, you set your itinerary for whatever you want to get from the island once you arrive. It’s a great retreat for travellers of all ages – young and old.

Now for the long haul travel spots.

Grand Cayman

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Business Class from 198,000 Avios + £499 on British Airways from London.

Winter is arguably the very best time to visit Grand Cayman. It’s when the Caribbean enjoys warm, dry weather while Britain shivers through another cold spell.

Seven Mile Beach consistently ranks among the world’s finest beaches (rightly so) with its bejewelled white sand and mellow cerulean waters, while Stingray City allows visitors to interact with southern stingrays in a wide sandbar surrounded by barrier reefs. It’s a truly once in a lifetime experience.

Excellent scuba diving, water sports, luxurious resorts and outstanding, finger licking seafood complete one of the Caribbean’s most relaxing winter destinations. One for the couples out there.

Mauritius

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Business Class from 220,000 Avios + £599 on British Airways from London.

Mauritius has quietly become one of the world’s most complete tropical destinations. Yes, the beaches are spectacular, but there’s far more beyond them once you step foot on this holiday haven. Explore Black River Gorges National Park, home to over 300 plant species and nine endemic bird species, such as the pink pigeon and Mauritius kestrel. Swim beneath waterfalls, visit colourful Hindu temples, wander botanical gardens or sample Creole cuisine influenced by African, Indian, French and Chinese traditions.

Winter in the UK coincides beautifully with Mauritius’ warm tropical climate, making it an outstanding escape for honeymooners, couples and luxury travellers alike. It’s also one of the best Avios destinations in my opinion, in case that wasn’t obvious.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Business Class from 198,000 Avios + £499 on British Airways from London.

If your perfect winter holiday involves palm trees, white sand and all-inclusive luxury, Punta Cana will not disappoint.

The Dominican Republic enjoys glorious weather throughout Britain’s coldest months, making it ideal for beach holidays. Beyond the resorts, visitors can explore hidden cenotes, including Hoyo Azul and Cenote Las Ondas, take catamaran cruises to spot local sea life or simply soak up some rays, zip-line through rainforest or visit nearby islands – Saona Island, Catalina Island, and Cayo Levantado. You can make your break action packed or more laid back – the choice is yours.

St Kitts

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Business Class from 198,000 Avios + £499 on British Airways from London.

Smaller and quieter than many of its Caribbean neighbours, St Kitts offers a slower pace that’s perfectly suited to winter escapes. Ride the scenic railway around the island, climb Mount Liamuiga volcano, relax on uncrowded beaches or visit historic Brimstone Hill Fortress.

Wild green vervet monkeys roam freely across the island, adding another memorable dimension to exploring this charming destination. The island is home to an estimated 50,000 of these mischievous creatures, meaning the island has roughly as many monkeys as people. They roam freely, and have no natural predators, so your chances of spotting them are excellent if you know where to look. Shipwreck Beach Bar on South Friars Beach is a particularly reliable spot, given that the bar staff feed them every day!

For travellers wanting authentic Caribbean character without the large crowds of, say Jamaica, St Kitts is hard to beat.

Tobago

Reward seat price: Off-peak return Business Class from 198,000 Avios + £499 on British Airways from London.

Tobago feels wonderfully untouched compared to many of the other Caribbean destinations on British Airways’ flight network. Its rainforests, waterfalls and protected reefs create endless opportunities for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the location, while Pigeon Point remains one of the Caribbean’s most photographed beaches. Head there for scuba diving, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, or time your trip around the Tobago Jazz Festival or Tobago Dragon Boat Festival, which provide a wonderful taste of local culture and entertainment.

Birdwatching, snorkelling, and hiking all flourish during the dry winter months. And evenings are spent watching spectacular sunsets before enjoying fresh seafood in laid-back beachfront restaurants. Nature lovers will adore this place for a winter holiday. It’s an island that rewards travellers looking to slow down.

Make this winter your best Avios redemption yet

Winter doesn’t have to be a time you simply spend hibernating. For Avios collectors, it’s one of the most rewarding times of year to travel. Whether you’re enjoying tapas beneath blue skies in Madrid, diving in the Red Sea, hiking across volcanic landscapes in Tenerife or sipping cocktails on a Caribbean beach, your Avios can turn Britain’s darkest months into something worth looking forward to.

With British Airways and Iberia cash fares often at their highest during winter, redeeming points for some of the best Avios destinations becomes even more compelling, allowing you to experience destinations that might otherwise feel out of reach while preserving more of your holiday budget for other things.

So rather than counting down the days until spring, why not count down to your next Avios reward flight instead?

Kayleigh Hepworth

Kayleigh Hepworth is Head of Marketing at Reward Flight Finder. Reward Flight Finder is the perfect tool to search for British Airways reward flights. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.