THIRTEEN HOURS PLUS

PHUKET, THAILAND 31C (88F)

Thailand’s most popular island might seem a long way to go just for a dose of sunlight. But you can limit the flight to 13 hours and avoid changing planes in Bangkok, if – as with Goa – you travel with Tui and one of its direct services from Gatwick or Manchester. Stretch the holiday beyond a week.

A 10-night break at the five-star Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa with breakfast, flying from Gatwick on Nov 20, costs from £1,247pp (0871 231 4691; tui.co.uk).

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

25C (77F)

November is the perfect time to spend a few days in the Argentinian capital, as the southern spring slips towards summer in the leafy streets of Recoleta, and pavements outside the bars of trendy Palermo fill with tables – all in exchange for 14 hours in the air. Last Frontiers (01296 653000; lastfrontiers.com) offers a 12-day Classic Argentina tour combining three days in the city with half a week in the Argentinian Lake District and four days in Patagonia. From £3,935pp including flights.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA 25C (77F)

The advent, in March 2018, of a direct Qantas flight from Heathrow to

Perth – the first non-stop service between the UK and Australia – ushered in the idea of a journey Down Under without stops in Dubai or Singapore. Of course, you would need to be able to stomach the thought of 17 hours in the same seat – but if this seems palatable, then the capital of Western Australia will dispense winter warmth as its own summer starts. It has splendid arcs of sand in the likes of South and Cottesloe beaches – and the wider state is worthy of investigation. Wexas Travel (020 7454 2913; wexas.com) offers a Perth, Margaret River and the West Coast fly-drive that does all this in 14 days. From £1,720pp including flights.