Winter sun
Sick of grey skies, dark mornings and soggy umbrellas? It's not too late - or too difficult - to escape to the sun.
Thailand
A well-known traveller's paradise, Thailand has long been tempting foreign visitors to it's balmy shores. Filled with historical artefacts and clusters of islands with stunning beaches, Thailand is a friendly, diverse country with efficient transport, cheap accommodation and delicious food.
When should I visit? The best time to see the country is between November and February, as the heat is not as blistering then and there is less chance of your holiday being rained off.
What will it set me back? It can be quite expensive flying out to Thailand; a typical return flight will cost you upwards of £400 (but expect to pay more in season). The good news is, there are plenty of opportunities to shop around for cheap flights home while you're out there. Food and accommodation are really cheap too; even if you're on a tight budget you can live like a king on £10-15 per day!
Cyprus
Cyprus is the perfect place to get away from it all, even in the depths of winter. Active types will love the wealth of water sports, biking and diving, but Cyprus is also steeped in history and mythology. To catch the best partie, Ayia Napa is the place to be, although many of the clubs shut up shop around September, so don't expect the full shebang during winter months.
When should I visit? The weather in Cyprus is pleasant throughout the year, but it does get slightly wetter during the winter months. From June to August, the temperatures generally soar and it often gets unpleasantly hot, but otherwise any month is a good time to visit.
What will it set me back? Book your holiday at the right time and you could pay less than £100 for seven days with a basic room thrown in. Alternatively, choose a 'flight only' option and for about £30 a day you should get very basic accommodation, food and local travel on public transport. Take more if you're planning on eating and drinking out a lot and also be aware that Cypriots are also big on tipping.
Goa
India isn't always the first place that springs to mind when you're looking for a blissful break on the beach, but one visit to Goa's palm-fringed bays will change all that. With whiter-than-snow sand and clear turquoise waters, Goa certainly lives up to all the clichés of paradise, especially if you head south to Palolem. The north of Goa is a popular package holiday destination, but you'll also find lots of travellers chilling out, great beaches and bustling markets.
When should I visit? To truly appreciate life in Goa, run to the sun when the dreary days start to descend on London, between October and February. Give the monsoon season a miss; it typically starts around April and has been known to go on until September.
What will it set me back? Flights to Goa can be expensive, but it's definitely worth shopping around for cheap deals, which you can pick up for £350. When you get there, food and accommodation are really cheap, and the most economical way to sightsee is by hiring a scooter, but watch the locals who are crazy drivers. If you don't fancy that, buses are dirt cheap, although not always the most comfortable ride you've ever experienced
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands experience great weather all year round and there's an island for everyone. If you're expecting a heady nightlife of cheap booze and non-stop parties, you won't be disappointed by Tenerife's endless clubs and bars. If you don't go in for mass tourism, try the comparatively quieter island of Fuerteventura to surf, fish or just lounge on the beautiful beaches.
When should I visit? December and February are the island's busiest times due to cheaper package deals, but there are plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. The winter months are slightly cooler, but this remains the closest place to our shores to find warm weather at this time of year. If you're planning on visiting Tenerife's Anaga mountains, one of the island's best-kept secrets, take some warmer clothes.
What will it set me back? Flights to the Canary Islands are ridiculously cheap. Book at the right time and you could get a week's break for around £90 - and the best value airfares tend to be offered around Christmas. You can get by on about £35 per day if you're on a tight budget and don't mind very basic accommodation. Theft and pickpocketing is often reported on these islands, so take the bulk of your money in plastic or traveller's cheques.
Morocco
A friendly yet hectic place to travel around in, Morocco is packed with markets that make you feel like you've stepped onto the set of Aladdin, with snake charmers and street performers on every corner. There are loads of trekking opportunities in Morocco and if you stay in a higher-altitude part of the country, you can even try your hand at skiing or white-water rafting.
When should I visit? Many visitors choose to go to Morocco between October and April, when the heat is not quite as intense. In the north, the weather can be cooler and wetter than anywhere else.
What will it set me back? Airfares are upwards of £250 and budget travellers who are happy to stay in hostels or tents could comfortably survive in Morocco for about £20 a day. It is a cheap country to get around in, especially if you cycle and food isn't expensive either. Because it's a Muslim country, alcohol is hard to come by, and therefore expensive, but hey, it's a good excuse to detox!
Written by Jenny Green
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