Last-Minute Escapes. Best Summer Destinations for Winter Sun with Kids
If you have looked out your window in Zurich lately and felt that familiar heaviness of the "Hochnebel" (high fog) weighing you down, you are not alone. The Swiss winter is beautiful when the sun shines on the snow-capped Alps, but the weeks of grey skies and freezing temperatures in the city can drain the energy out of a household.
Sometimes, the best way to recharge your family’s batteries is to simply press pause on winter and fast-forward to summer. Even though the thought of traveling long-haul with little ones can make one want to give-up on the idea altogether, we also know the restorative power of the sun on your face, warm wind on your skin, and watching your children play in the sand without three layers of thermal underwear.
To help you mamas and dads dream (and plan), we have curated a list of destinations where summer is in full swing right now. These spots offer a mix of safety, direct flights from Zurich where possible, and enriching experiences that go beyond just a hotel pool.
1. The Canary Islands, Spain (4.5 hours): The "Eternal Spring" Solution
If you want warmth without crossing an ocean or dealing with massive time zone shifts, the Canary Islands are your safest bet. Technically part of Spain but located off the coast of Africa, they offer reliable temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius year-round.
Why it works for families: The flight from Zurich is manageable, around 4.5 hours, and there is usually zero to one hour time difference. This means no jet-lagged toddlers waking up at 3:00 AM. Being within Europe means you have access to familiar healthcare standards and food safety, and essential peace of mind in that respect.
Where to go:
Tenerife
- Perfect for active families. You can mix beach days with educational trips. Visit Loro Parque, a world-class zoo or take the cable car up Mount Teide to show older kids a real volcano.
- The southern part of the island (Costa Adeje) is generally sunnier and shielded from the wind. Why not offer a day of water slides at Siam Park.
- For sea-sport lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to learn to surf for a truly fun family bonding activity. Book your surfing lesson as a family before you go, all levels are welcome.
Gran Canaria
Known as a "miniature continent," it offers sand dunes in Maspalomas that look like the Sahara—a guaranteed hit for kids who want to run and roll down giant sand hills.
The sand dunes are by the sea and the long beach is ideal for hours of playing in the waves, and even rent a board and wetsuit to catch some rides safely. Check out Playa del Inglés Maspalomas: High Quality Surf Classes.
For bigger kids and adrenaline lovers check out Off-Road Buggy Adventure in the Canyons.
Tip: Rent a car. The roads are excellent, and it gives you the flexibility to leave the beach if the wind picks up and explore the lush, green interiors of the islands.
2. Cape Town, South Africa (11 hours): Nature’s Classroom
For families willing to brave an overnight flight, South Africa rewards you with a summer experience that is culturally rich and visually stunning. Since South Africa is on a similar longitude to Switzerland, you get a complete season change with almost zero jet lag.
Why it works for families: It is currently summer there. The food scene is incredible, the people are famously welcoming to children, and the exchange rate often makes dining and activities good value for Swiss residents.
Where to go:
Boulders Beach
Tip: Safety is a priority here. Stick to recommended tourist areas and use private transfers or Uber rather than walking at night. Book accommodations in family-friendly suburbs like Camps Bay or the V&A Waterfront.
3. Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE (6 hours): Guaranteed Sun and Service
If your main goal is relaxation and high-quality service, the UAE is hard to beat. With direct flights from Zurich (approx. 6 hours), you land in a place where family convenience is built into the infrastructure.
Why it works for families: The hospitality culture here is incredibly child-centric. Hotels often provide exceptional kids' clubs, shaded pools, and varied dining options that cater to picky eaters. It is clean, safe, and efficient.
Where to go:
Dubai
Visit The Green Planet, an indoor tropical rainforest that is educational and fascinating for kids. For a thrill, the Aquaventure Waterpark offers splashing fun for all ages.
Abu Dhabi
For culture that will impress curious minds of all ages, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The architecture alone is inspiring, and they have a dedicated Children’s Museum.
A desert safari in the late afternoon or early morning allows kids to see camels and try sandboarding without the midday heat.
Tip: It can get surprisingly cool in the evenings in the desert and inside the heavily air-conditioned malls, so pack a light cardigan or hoodie for everyone.
4. Phuket, Thailand (11–12 hours): Tropical Adventure and Culture
For a longer break (perhaps over the Sportferien), Thailand offers that quintessential tropical escape. Thai culture is renowned for its love of children, expect your little ones to be treated like royalty wherever you go.
Why it works for families: It introduces your children to a completely different part of the world in a gentle way. The ocean is warm, the fruit is fresh, and the pace of life forces you to slow down.
Where to go:
Family-Friendly Beaches
Kata Beach or Kamala Beach offer calmer waters and plenty of family amenities.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries
This is a powerful educational experience. Visit a sanctuary that prohibits riding, where kids can learn about conservation while feeding and bathing elephants. It teaches empathy and respect for nature in a hands-on way.
Tip: Book a direct flight to Phuket if possible to avoid a transfer in Bangkok with tired kids. Be vigilant about sun protection; the UV index is much higher than in Europe, even on cloudy days.
5. Florida, USA: The Ultimate Playground (10 hours)
If you want to combine warm weather with high-octane entertainment, the "Sunshine State" delivers.
Why it works for families: It is built for kids. From theme parks to nature reserves, boredom is simply not an option. English is spoken everywhere, making logistics simple for international families.
Where to go:
Orlando
The theme park capital. Beyond Disney, the Kennedy Space Center is a must for aspiring astronauts and offers incredible educational value about science and history.
The Gulf Coast
If theme parks feel too chaotic, head to beaches like Clearwater or Sanibel Island, famous for dolphin watching and shell collecting. The Gulf water is warmer and calmer than the Atlantic side, making it safer for young swimmers.
Tip: The flight is long (approx. 10 hours). Break up the screen time with small wrapped "presents" (activities, snacks) to open every two hours. It keeps the novelty alive and helps manage behavior on the plane.
Making the Journey Easier
We know that the logistics of leaving Zurich in winter to arrive in summer can be tricky. Here are a few ways to reduce the friction and keep the journey as smooth as possible for your family:
- Pack with Travel Organizers: Use packing cubes or travel pouches to keep each family member's essentials, swimwear, and spare clothes easy to find. This keeps airport and hotel transitions less stressful and can help you avoid lost time digging through suitcases.
- Bring a Lightweight Stroller: A compact, easily foldable stroller can be a lifesaver in airports and while sightseeing. Many models fit in overhead compartments and are great for tired little legs after a long flight.
- Don’t Skimp on In-Flight Comfort: Kids and parents rest better with a few comforts from home. Travel pillows, cozy blankets, and small toys or coloring sets can make the hours go by faster. Consider noise-canceling headphones designed for children—they help create a peaceful bubble during a noisy flight and are perfect for age-appropriate movies or lullabies.
- Keep Devices Ready: Long flights and layovers are easier when tablets and phones are charged and ready with your children’s favorite shows or apps. A portable charger is a must-have travel accessory, so you’re not scrambling for outlets at airports.
- Snack Planning: Bring a variety of familiar snacks in resealable bags. Reusable snack containers or bento boxes keep things tidy and comforting when routines are off. These containers make excellent affiliate recommendations for families on the go.
- Health Kits on Hand: In addition to any travel-specific medication, carry a basic health kit with plasters, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen suitable for young skin.
- Stay Connected: Consider international SIM cards or portable WiFi devices so you can access maps, booking confirmations, and local emergency numbers at all times. Reliable tech can be another helpful affiliate mention for traveling families.
These extra steps not only help the journey go more smoothly but can add peace of mind as you usher your family from the Swiss winter into a much-needed stretch of summer sun.
- The Coat Strategy: Nothing is worse than carrying heavy winter coats around a tropical island for two weeks. If you drive to Zurich Airport, leave your heavy coats in the car. Wear layers (t-shirts under hoodies under light rain jackets) to get from the parking to the terminal. If you go by train, the same rule applies, leave heavy jackets at home.
- Health Prep: Before you go, check with your pediatrician about any necessary vaccinations or travel-specific medical kits, especially for tropical destinations. Having your own thermometer and familiar fever medication can save a lot of stress at 2:00 AM in a hotel room.
- Manage Expectations: The first day after arrival is usually a wash due to travel fatigue. Don’t plan big excursions for day one. Just find the pool, eat some easy food, and let everyone acclimate.
Escaping the winter is about breaking the routine and showing your children the diversity of our world. Whether you choose the short hop to the Canaries or the adventure of Asia, the first breath of warm air when you step off the plane makes all the packing worthwhile.
Safe travels!
