BEAT the WINTER blues

As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, an off-season escape can be the perfect antidote. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing break on tropical shores or a safari experience under clear African skies, these are our favourite ways to swerve the annual cold snap SOAK UP SOME FLORIDA SUNSHINE

For guaranteed good weather, where better to head than across the pond to Florida? The ‘Sunshine State’ offers everything from beautiful beaches to nature trails – and even the chance to bump into Mickey Mouse.

Hit the open road on a self-drive tour and head south to the stunning Florida Keys. Made up of 42 bridges, the drive along the Overseas Highway is one to remember. You’ll cross 32 islands bound for Key West – the southernmost point of Florida, just 90 miles from Cuba.

Spend time admiring the quaint streets with pastelcoloured conch-style architecture, and don’t miss a visit to writer Ernest Hemingway’s home (and now museum). Combine lazy days eating freshly caught fish followed by key lime pie with more energetic exploits, such as searching for alligators from the safety of an airboat in Everglades National Park. Lap up some local hospitality in the beachy resort of Sarasota before finishing your trip with the thrills and spills of the theme parks in Orlando.

While travel is returning to pre-pandemic times, the holiday specialists at Travelbag are offering customers total peace of mind by allowing you to amend your trip up to 30 days before you leave. And should government advice alter for your destination, you can change your booking right up to departure with no fees.*

EXPLORE THE EXOTIC EAST

If a holiday offering culture, history and some of the world’s most flavoursome food is on your agenda, Vietnam and Cambodia will hit the spot. The best way to see both countries? A river cruise along the mystical Mekong. Taking in vibrant cities, such as Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh (where mopeds appear to outnumber people), you’ll also visit floating markets and observe the day-to-day life of local fishermen as you meander along. And no trip to Cambodia is complete without watching the sun set over the sprawling ancient Hindu temples of Angkor Wat – the world’s largest religious monument.

ADVENTURE IN AFRICA

South Africa experiences summer during our winter, plus, there’s only a small time difference, meaning no days lost to jet lag – you can get straight out and enjoy your holiday once you’ve unpacked your case. To help you make the most of your time, speak to Travelbag’s specialists before you travel. They can arrange everything from flights to guided safaris, using their local knowledge to ensure your trip runs smoothly. Start by diving into Cape Town’s glorious food-andwine scene and savour breathtaking sights such as Table Mountain, before enjoying a scenic journey along the Garden Route – almost 200 miles of beautiful coastline and towns. Escape into the wild with a visit to the Eastern Cape; taking in the rolling African plains as you eagerly wait to catch a glimpse of the Big Five congregating around waterholes.

For a sensational finale, head to Zambia. Largely off the radar and with fewer crowds, the country packs a punch when it comes to outdoor wonders, including the spectacular Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River.