When winter arrives and the grey skies leave you longing for sunshine, it's time to escape to warmer climates. We’ll share five fantastic destinations beyond Europe offering sunshine, culture and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun or exploring new cultures, staying connected on your travels is essential. We’ll also show you how to easily manage connectivity without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in!

Turkey — An affordable escape with a mix of culture and sun

Turkey stays with you: sunny weather, stunning architecture and delicious food. With luxury hotels and historic sites, it’s perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration. The best time to visit is from October to April.

In Antalya, you can unwind at all-inclusive resorts or wander through vibrant markets full of local goods. Explore the charming old town and Hadrian’s Gate or hike the Turkish mountains for amazing views and sunsets.

Dalaman offers beautiful beaches where you can wake up to Mediterranean views, while Cappadocia is famous for its hot air balloon rides over unique landscapes.

Travel Tip: Turkey is a predominantly Islamic country, so it is worth remembering to dress appropriately: head and shoulders covered with a cloth. Local people are quite open and sociable, so you can often be invited to try Turkish tea by cafe and restaurant owners. But be careful: sometimes scammers can hide behind such invitations.

While local SIM cards cost around £6.3 for 25 GB and 750 minutes, you can avoid the hassle of buying one and the high roaming charges with Yesim. For £0.75 per GB, you can stay connected easily, even without searching for a local SIM card.

Morocco — Sunny days, desert adventures and exotic markets

Morocco’s roads take you through sandy mountains and vibrant oases, bringing you to the edge of the Sahara. The best time to visit is from November to March, ideal for desert tours and beach days.

In Marrakech, encounter snake charmers, acrobats and bustling markets full of spices, exotic fruits and handmade goods. The city’s large markets are easy to get lost in. So don't hesitate to ask the vendors and locals for directions. Due to the complexity of the roads in the market, there is even a fraudulent scheme where guides are charged a lot of money.

Along Morocco’s coast, luxury resorts in Casablanca, Agadir and Rabat combine comfort and authentic Moroccan atmosphere with panoramic ocean views. Agadir’s 12 km beach offers a relaxing escape, while the nearby Atlas mountains provide stunning views. For a true adventure, try camel trekking in the Sahara, where you’ll meet nomadic tribes, experience local cuisine and enjoy sandboarding.

Travel Tip: Food plays a special place in learning about Moroccan culture. Due to the large number of spices, the cuisine is rich and varied, so be sure to try the meat slowly stewed in a tagine and pastries. In addition, Moroccans can offer you mint tea, which they drink every time before or after a meal.

Roaming charges in Morocco can reach £16 for seven days and local SIM cards cost around £28. Alternatively, eSIM services like Yesim offer affordable data plans starting at £4.89 per day for seven days with unlimited GB, keeping you connected without the high costs.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) — Modern luxury and endless sunshine

The UAE is a land of extremes, from giant flower gardens and entertainment centres to the 213-meter Dubai Eye. Visitors describe it as a futuristic country with skyscrapers rising as fast as parking spots disappear. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Start in Abu Dhabi, where you can visit villas on islands shaped like palms or the world map in the Persian Gulf. The emirate also boasts the world’s longest zip line, helicopter rides and even a ski resort. Dubai, home to the world’s largest shopping centre, offers luxury shopping and a chance to buy gold bars from vending machines.

Travel Tip: Be careful when taking pictures in the UAE. In some places, even in the most famous shopping centre of the Emirates, cameras are treated with suspicion. In Dubai, be sure to try the abra, a traditional wooden boat that runs across the Dubai Creek. During the cruise, you’ll see the Burj Khalifa, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Dubai Design District, Business Bay and more.

And when it comes to staying connected, Yesim offers a more affordable alternative to local SIM cards, saving you up to £10. Local SIM cards can cost between £10-£100 and roaming data fees can reach £27.90 for seven days with unlimited GB.

Egypt — Ancient wonders and sunny shores

The Pyramids of Giza, built over 4,500 years ago, are one of the Seven Wonders of the World — a deep dive into Egyptian culture and history. Nearby, the Temple of Luxor and other landmarks continue the journey.

The Red Sea, with its warm waters, coral reefs and abundant marine life, is perfect for year-round diving. Visit Siwa Oasis for its salt lagoons and warm pools. The best time to visit is November to March.

Travel Tip: In Egypt, baksheesh (tips) is a common practice. 10–20 Egyptian pounds is usually enough, but always keep small change handy for guides, waiters or porters. Importantly, you cannot drink tap water in Egypt, even in hotels. Always buy bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, to avoid stomach problems.

Staying connected can be expensive in Egypt, with roaming charges as high as £8–12 per MB. eSIM apps like Yesim offer a cost-effective alternative, with data plans starting at £6.30 with unlimited GB.

United States — From Florida to California, enjoy winter sun stateside

Florida is ideal for theme park lovers, with Walt Disney World and Universal Studios offering thrilling attractions. In sunny Miami, enjoy motorboat rides, paragliding and surfing. Visit Everglades National Park for alligator and mangrove boat tours, then try a traditional pork sandwich in Little Havana.

California is ideal for beach lovers and adventure seekers, with golden beaches like Santa Monica and Malibu, plus national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree.

Winter is the best time to visit these states, offering sunny weather perfect for both family vacations and outdoor adventures.

Travel Tip: If you're planning to visit popular theme parks, it's crucial to plan ahead to save both time and money. Lines can be long, especially during peak travel seasons. A smart move is to buy tickets in advance online, as many parks offer discounts for early bookings. Additionally, look into multi-day passes and consider purchasing a National Parks Pass, which grants access to over 2,000 parks across the country.

Staying connected can be costly, with roaming charges from £8–12 per day. There’s a more affordable eSIM option, with data starting at £0.75 per GB or unlimited data for £6.30 per day.

Explore more, worry less

Travelling outside Europe offers exciting opportunities to discover new cultures, landscapes and experiences. From the UAE’s modern luxuries to Egypt’s ancient wonders and Florida’s sunny beaches, there’s something for everyone.

One essential part of your journey is staying connected, especially when you’re exploring far-off places. Thanks to eSIM services, staying online while travelling has never been easier or more affordable. Yesim offers flexible data plans for over 800 networks worldwide, with free VPN and 24/7 support. Activation is simple through the app, allowing you to choose plans tailored to your destination.