If the prospect of chilly weather is getting you down already,
NISHA MAL has some suggestions for sunny getaways
AS THE weather turns cooler, many of us will be thinking about a winter getaway. In fact, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that UK residents made 3.9 million visits abroad last December.
If you’re currently looking for places to visit towards the end of 2018, or even next January, we’ve rounded up some of the best destinations.
THAILAND
Average temperatures: Autumn: 25-32°C/ winter: 31-33°C
AS well as the mainland, there are a wide range of islands to choose from including Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and Pattaya.
The Phi Phi islands are great for snorkeling and scuba diving and the official tourist website recommends Hin Klang as its top snorkeling spot.
The underwater reef is located 2km offshore and its waters are very clear so you can see colourful fish and corals.
If you’re after the hustle and bustle of a city, look no further than Bangkok. Here you can visit the floating markets or the Grand Palace which has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. You’re not allowed inside, but can still take enjoy the grounds.
The monsoon season ends in October, so if you’re looking for drier days it’s advisable to visit Thailand from November onwards.
DUBAI
Average temperatures: Autumn: 31-36°C/ winter: 26°C
DUBAI lies within the Arabian Desert, where some of the planet’s hottest temperatures are found – if you want to feel you’re still in the midst of summer, then this is an ideal destination for you.
Enjoy its luxurious hotels, visit the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) or soak up the sun on Jumeirah Beach. The Dubai Mall is also worth a visit for shopaholics, it’s the world’s largest shopping centre and has a wide selection of high street, designer and boutique stores.
MOROCCO
Average temperatures: Autumn: 33-23°C/ winter: 20-21°C MOROCCO borders the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Here you can enjoy a rich mix of
Arabian and European cultural influences.
Marrakesh is a former imperial city which sits in the western part of the country. It’s home to the The Majorelle Garden, which has stellar reviews on Trip Advisor as a must-see tourist spot.
The botanical gardens, boasting banana trees, groves of bamboo, coconut palms and marble pools, took almost 40 years to complete.
Elsewhere, you can visit Djemaa el-Fna – the largest square in the city’s medina. It’s full of market stalls selling everything from street food to argan oil and exotic spices.
THE CARIBBEAN
Average temperatures: Autumn: 26°C/ winter: 26-27°C
TAKE your pick from a host of Caribbean destinations including Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique, Aruba and The Bahamas.
Travel Supermarket recommends Costa Rica as an up-and-coming tourist destination. It is well-known for its sandy beaches and volcanoes.
It’s estimated that around 6% of the world’s plant and animal species can be found there. There are plenty of jungle and rainforest tours you can do.
Tropical storms can occur in the autumn months but rarely after mid-October, according to the Met Office.
THE CANARY ISLANDS
Average temperatures:
Autumn: 23-26°C/ winter: around 20°C SPAIN’S Canary Islands comprise Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma. They are always a popular choice for British holiday-goers, with the average flight taking around four hours.
During the autumn and winter months the islands are still warm enough for you to enjoy the sunshine and top up your tan.
Travel Supermarket recommends heading to La Palma if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, while it describes Tenerife as being a place for ‘full on fun’.
La Palma’s La Caldera de Taburiente National Park is actually a volcanic crater. It has plenty of hiking trails to follow and some amazing views to soak up along the way.
WHERE CAN I BOOK TICKETS FOR MY WINTER GETAWAY?
IF you are looking for flight tickets SkyScanner.net is a handy website to use, especially if you’re able to be flexible with your holiday dates.
The website compares prices from different airlines, and you can search the cost of travelling from different airports in the UK.