Top ten winter warmers

With the UK in the grip of winter and the festive season well and truly over, it’s hard not to get down in the dumps. So cheat your way through winter and avoid a case of seasonal affective disorder with these top ten winter warmers.

Sharm El Shiek Egypt’s Sharm El Shiek is the perfect antidote to winter boredom. With average temperatures in March reaching 21 degrees Celsius, the ‘sea, sun and sand’ break is a great option. This city by the Red Sea boasts some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world, fantastic shopping, golf courses, health facilities, all kinds of water sports, camel riding, desert safaris, intriguing ancient attractions and more, plus a buzzing nightlife with casinos, restaurants and nightclubs.

Cuba The colourful island of Cuba in the Caribbean is a treat for travellers. From outdoor pursuits exploring Cuba’s diverse landscapes of lush rainforests, sugar sand beaches and unparalleled coral reefs to enjoying the laid-back vibes, culture and history in Havana city, even the most tenacious of travellers will not get bored. A winter break in Cuba is about getting out and about, exploring and celebrating life with the locals and fellow travellers.

Jamaica Another favoured winter break in the Caribbean is the fun-loving island of Jamaica. The Jamaican culture does ‘laid-back’ like none other and it won't take long for you to be infected with the feel good vibes. With reggae music flowing on the breeze and paradise beaches beckoning you to do nothing but relax, a winter break in Jamaica is about doing as little as possible. Grab yourself a cocktail, dig your toes into the sand and forget the UK weather you’ve left behind.

Kenya If you are after a wild, explorative winter break then Kenya could be the destination for you. Travel through tribal villages, spot lions on Safari or discover Kenya’s golden sandy beaches. With average temperatures in winter hitting high 20s, Kenya is an excellent choice to thaw you out during the winter months back home.

Cape Verde In winter, Cape Verde is 10 degrees warmer than Southern Spain, with warm waters to match. Located midway between Portugal and Brazil, six hours flight from the UK, the 10-island archipelago boasts perfect conditions for surfing, sailing, diving and snorkelling. Along with fantastic seafood, friendly locals and un-crowded, beautiful beaches, a holiday on Cape Verde is the ultimate winter island getaway.

Dubai Winter is the best time to visit the grandiose emirate of Dubai, as the weather is much more pleasant than the scorching summer months. It also happens to be when the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place, one of the world’s most exciting shopping events. With incredible discounts, competitions and entertainment all over the city and in Dubai’s mammoth malls, plus the usual tourist must-dos, including desert safaris and scoping out the world’s largest hotel, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai is a perfect winter destination. Check out winter flights to Dubai now.

A little bit further…

If you’ve got the budget and some extra time off work, head a little bit further towards the southern hemisphere for some summer at these exotic, sunny destinations.

Take a few weeks off and explore down under on an adventure in the Australian sunshine. Soak up the sun on the beach all day then let your hair down in the vibrant nightlife of Miami, Florida. Explore the diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches and fascinating culture on a romantic getaway in Sri Lanka, or head to the Land of Smiles, Thailand for two weeks of fun in the sun accompanied by the exotic flavours of famed Thai cuisine.