With Christmas finally over, and the worst of the winter weather still to come, many of us are thinking about warmer climates.
According to tour operator Tui, which owns Thomsons and First Choice, winter sun bookings are running at 7% up on last year.
With the Brexit referendum having devastated the value of the pound, it’s much harder than ever to find a destination that won’t break the bank. Here we take look at a few of this year’s cheaper winter sun options.
Holidays in Europe cost £408 more this year thanks to Brexit
Cyprus
Late last month, a survey by Post Office Travel Money rated Cyprus the cheapest winter sun destination. A one-week package holiday with evening meals and drinks works out at just only £339 per person, it says – almost 19% cheaper than holidays in the Canary Islands including Lanzarote and Tenerife.
How can you stop Brexit hurting your holiday plans?
Cancun, Mexico
If it’s a tropical beach you’re fancy, then Cancun is your cheapest option; Mexico is actually one of the only countries in the world to have seen its currency fall against the pound over the last year. Prices are around two-thirds of those in nearby Caribbean countries, with many holidays available for under £900.
Orlando, US
Even though local prices for food and drink are much the same as a year, travel firms have slashed the cost of holidays to Orlando, Florida. Some packages are available for as little as £550, making it one of the cheapest US winter sun destinations.
Phuket, Thailand
Post Office Travel Money calculates the beach resort of Phuket to be the lowest-priced destination in the Far East currently. All in, it says, a week’s holiday costs under £1,000, which is around 10% less than in Malaysia or Mauritius.
The only four destinations where your cash will go further this year
Egypt
The cheapest winter sun bargains by far are in Egypt, however, you may well feel it’s not worth the risk. The Foreign Office has warned against travel to certain parts of Egypt where there’s a high risk of kidnapping. Meanwhile, it’s advised against air travel to or from Sharm el-Sheikh also, the once-popular Red Sea resort. Because of these risks this is why prices are so ludicrously cheap, with holidays starting at under £100; but if you research carefully and stay away from the biggest danger spots, the more adventurous could still have a great time in the tourist areas along the Nile.
