When the temperature in the UK starts to drop, and the clouds overhead begin to thicken, many Brits elect to escape to sunnier climes for a week or two. A winter sun holiday often has the advantage of being practical and affordable, since you’ll be travelling at a time of year when the demand on the system is lower. But exactly which destinations might appeal, and how do we get the best from them?

Short-Haul Escapes: Sunshine Within Reach

The good news is that you don’t need to travel far or cope with jet lag to enjoy a dose of sunshine this winter. You might look into places like the Canary Islands, for example, where the temperature rarely leaves the twenties, even when it’s snowing back at home. The same advantage also applies in mainland Europe, especially around the southern coasts of Spain and Portugal.

Long-Haul Destinations for Serious Warmth

If you want serious warm weather, then you’ll probably want to travel further afield – or, even to a part of the world where it’s summer. Tropical destinations like Thailand, the Maldives, Mexico, and Central America, more broadly, all tend to experience what we might consider a very hot day in the UK. Of course, getting the most from a stay in these places tends to mean staying for longer, so that you have a chance to adjust to the jet lag.

Middle-East and Gulf Options

Brits aren’t just drawn to the Middle East because of the heat. There are a number of great attractions and amazing resorts in this part of the world. You’re virtually guaranteed sunshine and luxury. Dubai holidays have become increasingly popular and represent a great starting point for your adventures in the Middle East. You’ll find, amongst other things, a welcoming community of English-speaking expats, which means that it’s easy to get help when you run into difficulty, and that there’s a lot of free advice and guidance available from those who know the area intimately.

Planning Smart: Timing, Budgeting, and Practicalities

So, how do we get the best from an overseas trip at this time of year? There are a number of practical steps worth taking. To drive down the cost of your trip, you’ll want to shop around with different destinations and packages. The further in advance you plan your trip, the more affordable it will tend to be – and the easier you’ll find it to save for the costs you’ll be incurring.