The nights are drawing in and the mornings are getting colder – a surefire sign that winter will quickly be upon us.
But there’s no need to get caught up in all the doom and gloom as you could be jetting off to some of the world’s warmer climes in the coming months.
While many of the best locations may need long haul flights, there is still plenty of sunshine to be found elsewhere, such as in both the Canaries and the Gulf.
An important aspect of finding the best holidays relies on planning ahead though, and it’s never too early to get thinking of those warm winter escapes.
Warm weather…but without the long haul
If it’s warmer weather but without a body-numbing long haul flight that is desired, there are plenty of options available.
The Arabian Gulf features a wide range of different cultures and lifestyles that can be explored, with luxurious destinations found across Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi.
Alternatively, head southwards but in the opposite direction for the pleasures of Tenerife or Lanzarote, both of which have temperatures averaging in the mid-20s all year round.
The warmth of the Caribbean
The Caribbean is renowned for its weather and December marks the start of the season there – making it ideal for topping up a Christmas tan.
It’s important to travel before the school holidays begin though, as flights and hotel prices increase drastically overnight.
Grenada, Jamaica and Tobago are great options while Antigua, St Lucia and the Bahamas also offer everything that visitors may want.
Venturing further East
If long-haul flights are not a problem then destinations such as Malaysia and Vietnam offer a chance to indulge in a vast array of culture and wonderful delicacies.
Travelling in this part of the world features plenty of history, as Cambodia features a jungle full of ancient temples while Vietnam still bears the scars of its conflict with the USA.
Alternatively, India has a host of national parks and wildlife reserves, featuring some of the world’s most spectacular animals, while Bali has warm seas and delectable cuisine.
Heading south for the winter
Heading to the southern hemisphere provides the best chance of great weather and spectacular destinations – it’s the height of their summer after all.
From carnivals in Brazil to safaris across the African plains, there is something to suit everyone, even for those who just want to lie back and relax.
Regardless of where anyone chooses to head for a winter holiday, a key factor is to plan ahead – especially where finances are concerned.
Time to get planning
Prices can vary dramatically for many locations and the best deals are usually found by looking in advance.
Another important factor to consider is how to manage money once you have travelled to your destination.
Travelling with a prepaid travel card can provide money to spend without the need to carry lots of travellers’ cheques or foreign currency.
With a prepaid card you can only spend the amount which is on it at any given time, making budget management possible, although it can be topped up if you so wish.
Additional security exists on these cards, while the exchange rate seen will be the one when the original transaction took place – providing protection should the exchange rate vary dramatically during a trip.