How to escape an Aussie winter

DITCH the doonas and flannel PJs this winter and let the sun lead you overseas to Mexico, Egypt and beyond.

AUSTRALIA is a place where you can soak in the sun or play in the surf (we are girt by sea, you know), but each winter we abandon our beaches and drag out the doonas and flannel PJs.

People in countries with colder climates might laugh and call us soft – but Australians simply can't hack the colder months in the middle of the year. So why not avoid as much of the chill as possible?

Want to keep that tan you worked hard on over summer? Well, you can . . . just not in this hemisphere.

Apart from a few exceptions, the hottest holiday retreats are on the other side of the globe. Today, Escape highlights sunny scenes where you can bypass winter's bitter bite.

Santorini, Greece
Explore the island's stunning volcanic features and the picturesque chalkwhite homes dotting the hills. Take the time to tour the rest of the Cyclades and sample some of the best food in the world. Take in a majestic sunset on the island's caldera and take photos until your camera battery goes flat. Then go and find new batteries. If you have time, make your way to the neighbouring island of Mykonos for a night of partying or travel to Delos, the most ancient part of Greece.

In summer, Greece has an average maximum temperature of 33C and a minimum of about 23C. You can also expect 12-14 hours of sunlight a day.

Solo: Accommodation in Greece is usually based on the season you visit in, so book early for the best deals.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
If you set your sights on going to Sin City for a holiday, you already know you will never run out of things to do. Just make sure you put a cap on casino spending and don't end up in a gutter with no memory of how you got there.

Visit the Mirage's tropical forest atrium and erupting volcano and Bellagio's water fountain show. Nevada has at least 12-14 hours of sunlight during summer and average highs of 32C to 39C.

Solo: Staying at a Vegas hotel costs from about $185 to $4600 a night.

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
The Northern Territory rarely gets too cold throughout the day in winter. Trek through the park to see Gunlom, an unbelievable waterfall.

Despite the time of the year, the Northern Territory will still have average highs of about 30C, and nine to 10 hours of sunlight.

Solo: To stay in a twin room during the June-October season in the 4-star Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is $423 a night, with the 3-star Aurora Kakadu hotel $200 a night. The park has no entry fees but does charge for camping.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Mexico's Pacific coast is home to myriad exciting surf destinations and quiet coastal towns. Puerto Escondido, a place that's fun to say, is the peaceful retreat. Explore the reefs and spot sea turtles. Spend the afternoon drinking cocktails in the cafes and restaurants that abound. Take a trip to coastal lagoons to see exotic birdlife.

Mexico has 11-12 hours of sunlight during the June-August period and an average maximum temperature of 23C.

Solo: Staying in Puerto Escondido is relatively cheap, with a room for four at the highly regarded Quinta Lili Hotel priced at $30 to $73.

Kerala, southern India
One look at the green hills of Munnar in southern India and you will fall in love. Munnar is just one of the places you should visit in Kerala. The hauntingly still water systems that thread through southern India are another. Make your way to Varkala for a chilled-out atmosphere by the sea. Stop at a homestay for giant portions of Indian food, eaten with your hands. Keep an open mind and enjoy the delicacies India has to offer.

Kerala has an average maximum temperature of between 26C and 38C, and 12 hours of sunlight.

Solo: For a more traditional trip, stay at a homestay like Casa Del Fauno in Munnar for about $145 a night. Hotels such as the Anchor House on the waterfront cost about $130 to $200.

Egypt, Africa
There's no chance of feeling chilly in Egypt, with temperatures at a consistent 27C to 32C in summer, and no rain to speak of. In this archaeologist's fantasy see the Great Pyramids and the ancient city of Thebes. Visit museums in Cairo and cafes in Alexandria.

Egypt has average highs of 35C in summer and usually 12-14 hours of sunlight.

Solo: Cairo's Radisson Blu costs about $150 a night; the Hotel Longchamps about $90 a night.

Honolulu, Hawaii
After an hour in Honolulu you'll wonder how you could possibly live anywhere else. Lounge on beaches among some very beautiful people, before exploring rainforest-covered ranges, and then a tasty burger joint for dinner, serenaded by gentle Hawaiian music.

Honolulu has a 28C maximum temperature in summer, and 11-14 hours of sunlight.

Solo: Hotels in Honolulu such as the Aqua Bamboo and Spa cost about $175 a night.

Mediterranean Coast, Turkey
Yes, you will catch Mediterranean fever. Check out the Temple of Apollo at sunset, the 128m deep Chasm of Heaven and Turkey's largest mosque, Sabanci Merkez Cami. And then lounge about on the beach.

Turkey will have about 30C high temperatures and 20C lows and 12-15 hours of sunlight.

Solo: Seaside rooms for only $90 a night at places such as the Bodrum Su Hotel.

Halong Bay, Vietnam
South Vietnam's Halong Bay is a place of great natural beauty. Among the islands are tiny beaches and caves to explore. Leave the crowds in Halong City behind and take a tour of the islands before relaxing at one of the beaches on Lan Ha Bay.

Expect 26C-33C days in Vietnam, with about 13 hours of sunlight.

Solo: Ocean Beach Resort on Cat Ong Island is 5km offshore and costs about $40 a person twin share or $60 single.

Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut is a city of character, having gone through civil wars to a stunning rebirth as one of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Liveliest Cities in 2009. The Lebanese capital is fast growing into a city where luxury is not just sought after, it's expected. Party neighbourhoods Gemmayzeh and Achrafiye offer an absolutely wild night out, with all the Middle Eastern cuisine a person could possibly consume, while hotels boast some of the nicest ocean views in all of the Middle East.

For tourists looking to explore, head to the Grand Serail or Beirut's Roman ruins (some of the best-preserved in the world) to learn of the region's fascinating history.

Beirut will have 21C to 30C averages and 11 to 14 hours of sunlight.

Solo: The Casa D'or Hotel is located in the heart of Beirut and costs about $130 a night (but skip paying for internet, which is apparently grossly overpriced).

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