The top resorts to help you beat the winter blues
THINKING of booking a getaway for a dose of warm winter sunshine, but don’t want the expense and hassle of flying too far?
Options are now more limited – British Airways and easyJet have suspended flights to the Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheik due to security concerns, and other airlines may follow. Meanwhile Tunisia is currently off-limits too, as a result of the horrific terrorist attack in Sousse in June.
So I’ve picked some alternative places to go where you can expect warm weather, but won’t have to fly for longer than seven hours. A word on prices. If you can get away before Christmas, there are some great deals to be had. The first half of December is always a relatively quiet time for winter-sun breaks, and this year bookings are down due to many people’s concerns about travelling and terrorism.
For example, I have found that a week at a three-star hotel in Tenerife on a half-board basis in early December with Thomson now costs just £250 a head, including flights and transfers.
However, bear in mind that winter-sun getaways over the Christmas/New Year period are looking just as expensive as usual.
Hurghada FLIGHTS continue to operate normally to other parts of Egypt, including to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. It has many of the same enticements as Sharm, including great beaches and diving, and packages to good-quality hotels at often bargain prices.
I’ve found a week before Christmas all-inclusive at a fourstar property, with flights, for under £400 per person. Flying time from London: 5 hours Average daytime high temperature in December: 23C Book with: Monarch (0333 777 4744, monarch.co.uk)
Canary Islands FOR those inclined to steer clear of Egypt altogether this winter, the Canaries top the popularity stakes. Travelzoo, an online publisher of travel deals, says winter-sun bookings to the Spanish islands are up by as much as 30 per cent from last year, and several of the big holiday companies have added extra capacity there.
With posh hotels and lively resorts, some spectacular beaches and fantastic walking (particularly Tenerife and Gran Canaria) and sightseeing (notably the volcanic landscapes on Lanzarote), the underrated islands appeal to all-comers. Flying time from London: 4½ hours Average daytime high temperature in December: 21C Book with: Thomson (0871 231 4691, thomson.co.uk), or direct with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair (ryanair.com) and easyJet (easyjet.com).
Morocco
FOR anyone looking for some North African exoticism, Morocco is a great alternative to Egypt and Tunisia. Think atmospheric medinas, lively souks and stays in lovely riads – boutique hotels set around courtyard gardens. Options include the absorbing desert city of Marrakech, and over on the breezy Atlantic coast laid-back Essaouira and modern Agadir. All are served by direct flights from the UK.
Flying time from London: 3¾ hours Average daytime high temperature
in December: 19C Book with: easyJet Holidays (0203 499 5232, easyjet.com/en/holidays).
The Gambia
WANT tropical heat? Then fly further south to this friendly little West African nation. You’ll also find uncrowded beaches and copious wildlife (brilliant birdwatching, monkeys, crocodiles). There’s no issue with jet-lag – the Gambia is in the same time zone as the UK – but you should take anti-malarial tablets before you travel. Flying time from London: 6 hours Average daytime high temperature in December: 32C Book with: Thomas Cook (0844 412 5959, thomascook.com).
Dubai
FOR dry heat, head to the United Arab Emirates. Compared with the other destinations featured here, flights to Dubai are a bit longer, and packages are generally more expensive. But with its skyscrapers, high-end hotels and restaurants, and over-the-top shopping malls, the city has the wow factor. Flying time from London: 7 hours Average daytime high temperature in December: 26C Book with: Travelbag (0871 402 1620, travelbag.co.uk).