Which is your fave winter warmer destination?
We all crave some winter sun and time away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. But where to go and what to do? Thomas Cook helps you pick the perfect winter warmer getaway.
Under 5 hours away…
Destination: Tunisia (3 hr flight)
What to expect: A land of souks and spices, desert dunes and Roman ruins, palms and busy medinas. The majority of accommodation is half board or all-inclusive making Tunisia a great value winter getaway with over 800 miles of Mediterranean coastline to be enjoyed.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 21 degrees with seven hours of sunshine.
Best buy: Cotton kaftans, copperware, silver, leather goods and pottery all make great souvenirs and with bartering part of the buying process – shopping is certainly a fun experience here.
Best deal: Airtours - 7 nights in Tunisia from £265 per person. Staying at the 3-star Residence Golf in Port Kantaoui on half board. For more information or to book, go to www.airtours.co.uk
Destination: Turkey (4.5 hr flight)
What to expect: The new kid on the block when it comes to Winter destinations - Turkey offers exceptional value for money at this time of year. For a true taste of Turkey why not spend a day or two exploring Turkey’s traditional delights, whether it’s the local shops and bazaars on the hunt for a bargain or one of the excursions that give you a true insight into Turkey’s history and culture. End the day with a traditional Turkish bath to recharge the batteries before heading out to sample some of the delicious local cuisine.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 21 degrees with seven hours of sunshine.
Best buy: A good Turkish carpet can be an excellent investment. Be sure to buy from a reputable dealer and check if it will cost you to bring it home.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Turkey from £441 per person. Staying at the 5-star Royal Dragon Resort in Colakli on all-inclusive. For more information or to book, go to www.thomascook.com
Destination: The Canaries (4.5hr flight)
What to expect: The winter favourite, the Canary islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are hard to beat. Each boast their own unique personalities but the promise of good weather, a great choice of accommodation and something to suit all ages comes as standard.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 25 degrees with seven hours of sunshine.
Best buy: No doubt during your stay you will get a taste for Mojo sauce – a Canarian favourite! It’s really cheap to buy so be sure to stock up and bring some home so you can recreate some holiday tastes at home.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Fuerteventura from £375 per person. Staying at the 3 star Dunas Club in Corralejo on self-catering. For more information or to book, go to www.thomascook.com
Under 6 hours away…
Destination: Egypt (5.5.hr flight)
What to expect: The Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada are perfect for couples and families alike in Winter. Be sure to head out for a snorkel as all ages will be amazed at what lies beneath the crystal clear waters. For those who fancy exploring further, book yourself onto a dive course and see some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 27 degrees with eight hours of sunshine.
Best buy: If you are a fan of Egyptian cotton sheets and towels then you can get some great quality and value bed linen here. Remember to haggle though, The Egyptian expect it so don’t be shy.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Egypt from £485 per person. Staying at the 4-star Laguna Vista Beach in Nabq Bay on all-inclusive. For more information or to book, go to www.thomascook.com
Destination: Gambia (6 hr flight)
What to expect: Expect the warmest of welcomes here as even though Gambia is Africa’s smallest nation it is renowned for its broadest smiles. From great beaches to mangrove swamps, Gambia is a great winter warmer.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 32 degrees with eight hours of sunshine
Best buy: Head to a local craft market to stock up on great wooden artifacts, hand woven fabric and sand paintings.
Best deal: Airtours - 7 nights in the Gambia from £495 per person. Staying at the 3-star Bamboo Hotel in Kololi on bed & breakfast. For more information or to book, go to www.airtours.co.uk
Under 12 hours away…
Destination: Goa (9.5 hr flight)
What to expect: India’s prime beach hotspot, Goa is a glorious mix of Indian culture and European influences. Here you can enjoy lazy days spent on palm fringed beaches before heading out to experience the delicious local cuisine and bustling night markets.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 32 degrees with nine hours of sunshine.
Best buy: The night markets are legendary and you will be spoilt for choice on what to take home. Jewellery fans will be in their element and if you are after something for the home, then silk is available at rock bottom prices.
Best deal: Airtours - 14 nights in Goa from £655 per person. Staying at the 3-star Azzure Spree Hotel in Calangute on bed & breakfast. For more information or to book, go to www.airtours.co.uk
Destination: Mexico (10.5 hr flight)
What to expect: With the opportunity to explore ancient history, new cultures and cuisines, Mexico is a destination that is more than just a break in the sun. The hotels you will find in Mexico’s prime resorts of Cancun and Riveria Maya pride themselves on great quality, standards and service that are second to none.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 30 degrees with six hours of sunshine.
Best buy: Silverware and ceramics are well worth stocking up on and for a taste of Mexico when you get home – be sure to grab a bottle of Tequila too.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 14 nights in Mexico from £995 per person. Staying at the 5 star Gran Bahia In Riviera Maya on all inclusive. For more information or to book, go to www.thomascook.com
Destination: Cuba (11hrs flight)
What to expect: An island of contrasts, Cuba invites you to experience a holiday of two halves. Head to Havana and explore its historic streets, cultural sights and captivating Salsa sounds. Move on to one of the many breathtaking beach resorts where you can unwind and cool down while soaking up the Caribbean sunshine.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 28 degrees with five hours of sunshine.
Best buy: For special occasions why not take a few cigars back with you. One of Cuba’s best brands is the Cohiba. If you buy a box be sure to check it has the official seal on it.
Best deal: Airtours - 14 nights in Cuba from £845 per person. Staying at the 4-star Sol Cayo Coco in Cayo Coco on all inclusive. For more information or to book, go to www.airtours.co.uk
Tell us where your favourite winter warmer destinations are in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
FemaleFirst
Shabana Adam @Shabs_A
Tagged in Travel Mexico Holidays travel tips Travel Advice Africa winter Turkey