AMSTERDAM – With persistent gray skies across the Netherlands, more and more Dutch tourists are booking short sun holidays abroad. The Canary Islands and Curaçao have become particularly popular destinations, according to a spokesperson from TUI. Travel agency Sunweb also reports an increase in last-minute bookings as a result of the ongoing gloomy weather. 

In addition to the surge in winter sun bookings, there has been a 20% increase in summer vacation bookings compared to December 2023, travel organizations report. The number of winter sun bookings for December 2024 has risen by 8% compared to the previous year. 

This winter, the Netherlands has experienced a series of dreary weather conditions, with the sun failing to appear for ten consecutive days leading up to Christmas. As a result, many Dutch residents are seeking out sunny destinations to escape the cold, according to RTL.nl. 

This growing trend highlights the Dutch desire for a quick getaway in search of warmth and sunshine, making destinations like Curaçao and the Canary Islands more attractive for short, affordable holidays.