Chasing the winter sun

When the summer season is at its height, it is often hard to imagine that the long hours of sunshine and clear blue skies will soon be taken over by wet, grey and dreary days. This is the time when the sentimental part of us makes us reach for our holiday snaps to revive those happy holiday memories. Or this could simply be the time when the practical side of us tells us that summer doesn't necessarily need to be over yet - and that this is the best time to set out on a journey to chase the winter sun.

Many tour operators have lined up their flights for the winter holiday season, which doesn't mean only the skiers will have the chance to enjoy the long awaited white snow-covered slopes. Hundreds of flights will head for places like the Canaries, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia or Gambia, which are classed as short or mid-haul destinations. This means that you can be on that sun baked beach within 6 hours!

Egypt with its monumental history offers places like the calm remote Taba, with crimson mountains lining the blue coastline. The buzzing Sharm El Sheikh is a promise of hot sunny days on the beach and lively nights out, not mentioning the colourful reefs of its underwater world, ready to be explored by all keen divers.

The laid back coastal Agadir in Morocco is a perfect antidote to the frenetic capital Marrakech, with its cosmopolitan hotels and quaint city centre full of bazaars and salesmen trying to sell you anything from jewellery and textile to a camel!

If all this sounds too busy, then why not try and take a relaxing week on the Mediterranean coast of Tunisia? Many hotels here specialise in Thalasso-therapy and invite all their guests to enjoy the pampering spa and hammam sessions at fraction of the UK prices. Wherever you chose to go in North Africa, the winter months will certainly not let you down when it comes to long hours of sunshine, great all inclusive hotels and amazingly cheap package holidays.

Gambia is a relatively new holiday destination emerging on the list of exotic places to visit during the winter time. It's hot and full of unspoilt beaches dotted with inexpensive hotels. The service here is marked by the hospitality of the smiling locals, and the wildlife in the lush green natural setting is to die for. The bonus is that you won't be jet lagged after your 6-hour long flight and after your first encounter with this wonderful country, you are sure to be back the next season.

If, however, you are prepared to spend a bit extra cash and longer hours on the flight, countries in the ever popular Caribbean - Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, St Lucia or Antigua will satisfy even the most discerning traveller. The all inclusive resorts have been built with your utmost comfort in mind, directly on the beach and providing excellent food, entertainment and cultural experience, whether you are 6 or 66.

On the opposite side, where the tiffany blue Indian Ocean gently kisses the pearl white silky shores, the islands of Maldives are a true diver's and honeymooner's paradise. The impeccable service complements the elegant accommodation of beach villas and water bungalows from where you can take a plunge into the sea straight from your bedroom - the quintessential Maldivian experience.

Wherever your fancy takes you this winter season - the Canaries, North Africa, Caribbean, Goa or the Maldives and whether you choose to travel in October or January, they promise fun in the sun, sea and sand at fantastic bargain package holiday prices.