Fancy an all-inclusive 4 star break in Tunisia?
9 places to warm up in winter
Shorter days and chilly weather getting you down? Just imagine how much better you'd feel with warm sunshine bathing your face, sunglasses on your nose, a good book in your hand... Winter sun is just the tonic you need, so try these ideas to see you through until spring.
Budget
Canary Islands: The nearest place to the UK you can hope to visit (at low cost) for guaranteed heat during the winter months. Tenerife is the largest of the islands, and it has the most facilities, in contrast to tiny El Hierro and La Gomera, where tourism has had less of an impact. Gran Canaria has the best beaches, while Lanzarote is volcanic, so parts of the island are covered in lava and ashes, and many of the beaches have black sand.
Weather: Expect winter temperatures of mid-20sC. Rain is rare
Beware: The mega-resorts (for example, Playa del Ingles on Gran Canaria) with their cavorting hordes
Also try: Goa, Tunisia, Cyprus
Family
Florida: You can fly direct from the UK, so there are no tedious stopovers, and once you get there the kids will eat the food, speak the language and enjoy the beach life. Miami Beach is a good base, with its huge sandy beaches and warm water. Hire a car and visit the Seaquarium to meet sea lions, dolphins, manatees and even a killer whale. It's also a good idea to make time for the Science Museum, Planetarium, kayaking through the Everglades and the mother of all Florida attractions: the Orlando theme parks.
Weather: Temperatures average 16C-30C December to May
Beware: A car is essential
Also try: Canaries, Balearics
Glamour
Dubai: Expect to rub shoulders with the stars at beach resorts in this city, which has been dubbed the Hong Kong of the Gulf. David Beckham and Michael Owen are among those who are said to have bought property here, and the glittering hotels on Jumeira beach are testament to the rich clientele this spot attracts. The Burj al Arab hotel has got to be seen: it's the world's only seven-star hotel, plus take a walk through the souks to check out the Persian carpets and gawp at the gold on sale.
Weather: Between 20C and 25C, though it can be windy in winter
Beware: Overdoing it on your credit card
Also try: Barbados, St Maarten
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