19 December 2025

Winter lures many Dutch to sunny places, from the nearby Canary Islands to exotic destinations like Thailand and Cape Verde. While it is grey and cold in the Netherlands, travellers flock to the sun for a well-deserved holiday. However, a safe trip starts with good preparation, as health risks can occur even in familiar destinations. Vaccinatiepunt helps you with personal advice on which vaccinations and preventive measures are needed for your winter sun destination, so you can enjoy the sun and warmth without worries.

1. Cape Verde: Sun and rest

Cape Verde is a popular winter sun destination for travellers looking for peace and nature. For this African archipelago, it is essential that you have standard vaccinations such as DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio) are up to date. Vaccination Point also recommends hepatitis A for protection from contaminated food and water. For longer stays or intensive contact with local residents, you may hepatitis B are relevant. Also rabies is recommended for nature activities or contact with animals. A personalised consultation at Vaccination Point will ensure that your vaccinations fit perfectly with your travel plan to this winter sun destination.

2. Canary Islands: European sun

The Canary Islands constitute an accessible winter sun destination within Europe. Although health risks are limited, checking your basic vaccinations is wise. Vaccinatiepunt especially recommends DTP and hepatitis A for this popular winter sun destination. Depending on personal circumstances, hepatitis B or BMR (mumps, measles, rubella) are useful. Even for shorter holidays, a vaccination check remains important, especially for families with children.

3. Dubai: Luxury in the desert

Dubai is a glamorous winter sun destination without mandatory vaccinations. Nevertheless, Vaccinatiepunt stresses the importance of up-to-date standard vaccinations. DTP and hepatitis A are recommended due to hygienic conditions in the region. Additional advice may be needed for work trips or longer stays in this winter sun destination. Schedule a timely consultation with Vaccination Point to get tailored advice for Dubai.

4. Thailand: Adventure and culture

Thailand is more popular than ever as a winter sun destination. This Asian destination requires extra health preparation. Vaccination Point recommends checking DTP and BMR, plus hepatitis A for all travellers. Depending on your itinerary and activities, rabies may be relevant. Also note dengue, a mosquito-borne disease. Although malaria tablets usually not necessary, Vaccination Point can provide specific advice when visiting remote areas. For backpackers to this winter sun destination, a comprehensive consultation is recommended.

5. Curaçao: Caribbean paradise

Curaçao is an accessible Caribbean winter sun destination with excellent facilities. There are no mandatory vaccinations, but Vaccination Point recommends checking DTP and hepatitis A. Yellow fever is only mandatory when arriving from a high-risk area. Long-term stays in this winter sun destination may require hepatitis B. Dengue is also prevalent, so mosquito protection remains important. Malaria is fortunately not prevalent in Curaçao.

Practical preparation tips

Well before leaving for your winter sun destination, check that all standard vaccinations are up to date. Start preparing at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure, as some vaccinations require multiple doses or take time to become fully effective.

When in doubt, make a appointment at Vaccination Point for personal advice. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical expenses in your destination country and take copies of important medical documents with you. Always keep vaccination certificates, such as the Yellow Fever certificate, with your travel documents.

Also consider preventive measures such as mosquito repellents, especially for tropical winter sun destinations. Safe food and drink remains essential, regardless of your destination. Put together a small travel pharmacy with basic medicines and take any chronic medication in sufficient supply in your hand luggage.

Personal advice at Vaccination Point

Every travel plan is unique and so is vaccination advice. Vaccination Point stresses that duration of travel, type of trip and personal health determine the right advice. You can easily make an appointment online via www.vaccinatiepunt.nl for your winter sun destination. With the right preparation, your winter sun destination will be a worry-free experience. Vaccination Point is ready to help you with expert advice according to the guidelines of the National Coordination Centre for Travel Advice.