| Following one of the wettest UK summers ever | | | | and possibly the liveliest in a laid back kind of way. A |
| recorded, and with the country in the fierce grip of | | | | riot of gold, red and green, with the reggae spirit at the |
| recession its small wonder that many people feel | | | | very heart of this islands musical beat and the |
| cheated out of their summer holidays this year. With | | | | legendary Bob Marley Museum being one of its most |
| spirits at a low and the impending onslaught of cold | | | | iconic attractions. The easy pace of life, white sandy |
| frosty mornings and long dark evenings ahead, more | | | | beaches, tropical mountain blooms and blue mountain |
| and more of us find our thoughts turning to the | | | | peaks help to create the perfect winter paradise. Peak |
| prospect of finding late deal holidays this winter. | | | | season here is between December and April so kick |
| Winter sun destinations are usually found at the other | | | | off those shoes, let your hair down and get ready to |
| end of long haul flights; but this doesn’t always | | | | dance to the infectious reggae beat. |
| have to be the case with Morocco, Cape Verde and | | | | 7. St Lucia: St Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s |
| Egypt all being within a 6 hour flight of the UK and all | | | | Windward Islands, and is cushioned on one side by the |
| great places to start looking for late deal holidays. | | | | Caribbean Sea and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. |
| 1. Morocco: Enjoying 300 hours of sunshine a year and | | | | The volcanic island scenery is topped off by the twin |
| situated on the North West coast of Africa, Morocco | | | | peaks of the Pitons which can be climbed on guided |
| is a colourful, aromatic blend of beautiful beaches, | | | | tours and offer fantastic views of the bay below. |
| classis architecture and fascinating Kasbahs. Choose | | | | Temperatures can reach the lower eighties during |
| from a soothing beach break in Agadir or an | | | | winter months making St Lucia the perfect late deal |
| enchanting visit to Marrakech with its vibrant markets, | | | | holiday’s destination. |
| friendly locals and traditional bargains. Just a three hour | | | | 8. Mexico: This Central American country links North |
| flight from the UK makes Morocco a great choice for | | | | and South America together and is full of colour and |
| late deal holidays this winter. | | | | life. Leisure time and families are both priorities in |
| 2. Egypt: The astonishing Red Sea region of Egypt is | | | | Mexican life so you know you will enjoy an |
| around a 5 hour flight from the UK, has endless sandy | | | | unbelievably warm welcome from the locals here. |
| beaches, superb scuba diving and snorkelling | | | | Whilst still reeling from the side effects of Swine Flu, |
| opportunities and a fantastic selection of luxury hotels. | | | | prices in Mexico are very competitive in a bid to bring |
| Although instantly recognisable for its famous | | | | back any tourism they may have lost, so this is an |
| pyramids, iconic temples, fascinating River Nile and | | | | ideal time to look for late deal holidays to Mexico. |
| traditional markets, Egypt is also a country warm in | | | | 9. Florida: Clearwater Beach is part of a barrier island |
| hospitality and overwhelming beauty. | | | | on Florida’s west coast and is in the Guinness |
| 3. Cape Verde: Your chance to experience the exotic | | | | World Record books for having the most consecutive |
| beaches of the Caribbean without the long flight. Cape | | | | sunny days; 361 days of endless sunshine make this |
| Verde lies just off the West African coast (below the | | | | fun filled resort the ideal winter sun destination. Ideally |
| Canaries) and consists of ten small volcanic islands | | | | situated for Universal Studios and Disney World its |
| and five tiny islets; combining spectacular mountain | | | | wide sandy beaches stretch lazily into the shallow |
| ranges, deserted beaches, baron landscapes and | | | | waters of the Gulf of Mexico making it perfect for |
| fertile green fields to perfection. Whether it’s fun | | | | swimming. |
| loving Santiago or the peaceful tranquillity of Boa Vista | | | | 10. Kenya: Kenya has some of Africa’s best |
| you choose, late deal holidays to Cape Verde are the | | | | beaches and most stunning scenery, from the white |
| ideal winter destination. | | | | fringed shores of the Indian Ocean to the tips of the |
| 4. Sri Lanka: A teardrop shaped island hanging just off | | | | breathtaking Mount Kenya, the countryside is |
| India’s southern coastline, Sri Lanka has it | | | | breathtaking and abundant with wonderful wildlife and |
| all…endless white sandy beaches, beautiful crystal | | | | fascinating foliage. The rolling Savannah that stretches |
| clear waters and lush mountain greenery. The island is | | | | between the two is home to game parks such as |
| a haven to bird sanctuaries and national parks where | | | | Samburu, Masai Mara, Tsavo East and West, and |
| you might be lucky enough to see wild boar, elephants | | | | Amboseli, which could provide a glimpse of some of |
| and leopards going about life in their natural | | | | the most exciting wild animals in the world, all roaming |
| surroundings. With no fewer than seven UNESCO | | | | free in their natural habitat. |
| World Heritage Sites this incredible island is the perfect | | | | So why wait for summer to come around again next |
| paradise location for late deal holidays this winter. | | | | year, chances are it won’t be worth waiting for |
| 5. Goa: Probably the best time to visit Goa is October | | | | anyway…look for late deal holidays now and treat |
| to February when you’ll be spoilt by a near perfect | | | | yourself to some relaxation and much needed winter |
| climate with low humidity. Adjoining the Arabian Sea in | | | | sunshine. Take the chance to recharge your batteries |
| India, this former Portuguese colony blends Asian | | | | ready for the onslaught of Christmas on a soothing |
| culture with European trends perfectly and has long | | | | tropical beach. Whatever your needs or budget, |
| been popular with foreign tourists. The tranquil pace of | | | | there’s a winter sun holiday out there with your |
| life and the relaxing spirit of its hippy heydays in the | | | | name on it. |
| sixties is still very much in evidence today. | | | | Yvonne also writes travel news stories for the |
| 6. Jamaica: The third largest of the Caribbean islands | | | | travelnewz website. |