Returning to work following the festive celebration can be tough, but fortunately there is still a lot of sun to be had for those fancying winter getaways.
If you’re keen to escape gale force winds and flurries of rain and snow then there are plenty of warm destinations just waiting to be discovered. Of course, another getaway option may be to hit the ski slopes of Europe or further afield but here are some of the world’s warmer destinations.
The Caribbean
The obvious choice for anyone looking for fantastic weather and the chance to relax and tan, the Caribbean offers the perfect escape route from Britain’s terrible weather.
Each island has its own character and individual charms which makes deciding which one to visit a tough choice. Fortunately there are always plenty of deals that cover everywhere from Barbados in the south to the Bahamas in the north.
The lifestyle of all the islands is similar, taking a laidback approach and providing effortless relaxation. Temperatures will tend to be around 26°C and the sun will beat down for around eight hours a day, on average.
With idyllic beaches, lagoons and the options for additional extras such as diving and snorkelling experiences, the Caribbean represents a fantastic location to escape the early pressures of 2015.
The Canary Islands
From the party resorts of Tenerife to the more family orientated resorts of Lanzarote, there is something for everyone on the Canary Islands which can all be easily accessed during the winter months with flight times of around four hours from southern UK airports.
Fuerteventura is famed for its windsurfing opportunities while there are a number of exceptional resorts offering spa treatments, golf courses and plenty of other relaxing opportunities.
Temperatures are not necessarily boiling – averaging around 22°C in the early part of the year – but they are significantly warmer than mainland Europe.
With six hours of sunshine a day on average and plenty of regular flights, the Canaries represent an affordable getaway for those fancying a January holiday.
The Gambia
While Britain freezes, it’s absolutely sweltering in The Gambia with temperatures of 31°C and nine hours of sunshine every day.
For those wanting to top up their tan in a beautiful environment it represents a fantastic getaway opportunity and flights only take about an hour and a half longer than one to the Canary Islands.
The River Island National Park is packed full of exciting wildlife for those wanting more than just a beach and sunshine is virtually guaranteed with the popular resorts of Kololo, Kotu, Fajara and Bakau all situated on the Atlantic Coast.
Roughly 50,000 Brits visit The Gambia each year, ready to immerse themselves in the local cultures, markets and wildlife which can all be found in abundance across the country.
Funding trips and managing your money
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.
