Top Ten Destinations For Late Deal Holidays

Following one of the wettest UK summers ever recorded, and with the country in the fierce grip of recession its small wonder that many people feel cheated out of their summer holidays this year. With spirits at a low and the impending onslaught of cold frosty mornings and long dark evenings ahead, more and more of us find our thoughts turning to the prospect of finding late deal holidays this winter.



Winter sun destinations are usually found at the other end of long haul flights; but this doesn't always have to be the case with Morocco, Cape Verde and Egypt all being within a 6 hour flight of the UK and all great places to start looking for late deal holidays.



1. Morocco: Enjoying 300 hours of sunshine a year and situated on the North West coast of Africa, Morocco is a colourful, aromatic blend of beautiful beaches, classis architecture and fascinating Kasbahs. Choose from a soothing beach break in Agadir or an enchanting visit to Marrakech with its vibrant markets, friendly locals and traditional bargains. Just a three hour flight from the UK makes Morocco a great choice for late deal holidays this winter.



2. Egypt: The astonishing Red Sea region of Egypt is around a 5 hour flight from the UK, has endless sandy beaches, superb scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities and a fantastic selection of luxury hotels. Although instantly recognisable for its famous pyramids, iconic temples, fascinating River Nile and traditional markets, Egypt is also a country warm in hospitality and overwhelming beauty.



3. Cape Verde: Your chance to experience the exotic beaches of the Caribbean without the long flight. Cape Verde lies just off the West African coast (below the Canaries) and consists of ten small volcanic islands and five tiny islets; combining spectacular mountain ranges, deserted beaches, baron landscapes and fertile green fields to perfection. Whether it's fun loving Santiago or the peaceful tranquillity of Boa Vista you choose, late deal holidays to Cape Verde are the ideal winter destination.



4. Sri Lanka: A teardrop shaped island hanging just off India's southern coastline, Sri Lanka has it all...endless white sandy beaches, beautiful crystal clear waters and lush mountain greenery. The island is a haven to bird sanctuaries and national parks where you might be lucky enough to see wild boar, elephants and leopards going about life in their natural surroundings. With no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites this incredible island is the perfect paradise location for late deal holidays this winter.



5. Goa: Probably the best time to visit Goa is October to February when you'll be spoilt by a near perfect climate with low humidity. Adjoining the Arabian Sea in India, this former Portuguese colony blends Asian culture with European trends perfectly and has long been popular with foreign tourists. The tranquil pace of life and the relaxing spirit of its hippy heydays in the sixties is still very much in evidence today.



6. Jamaica: The third largest of the Caribbean islands and possibly the liveliest in a laid back kind of way. A riot of gold, red and green, with the reggae spirit at the very heart of this islands musical beat and the legendary Bob Marley Museum being one of its most iconic attractions. The easy pace of life, white sandy beaches, tropical mountain blooms and blue mountain peaks help to create the perfect winter paradise. Peak season here is between December and April so kick off those shoes, let your hair down and get ready to dance to the infectious reggae beat.



7. St Lucia: St Lucia is one of the Caribbean's Windward Islands, and is cushioned on one side by the Caribbean Sea and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. The volcanic island scenery is topped off by the twin peaks of the Pitons which can be climbed on guided tours and offer fantastic views of the bay below. Temperatures can reach the lower eighties during winter months making St Lucia the perfect late deal holiday's destination.



8. Mexico: This Central American country links North and South America together and is full of colour and life. Leisure time and families are both priorities in Mexican life so you know you will enjoy an unbelievably warm welcome from the locals here. Whilst still reeling from the side effects of Swine Flu, prices in Mexico are very competitive in a bid to bring back any tourism they may have lost, so this is an ideal time to look for late deal holidays to Mexico.



9. Florida: Clearwater Beach is part of a barrier island on Florida's west coast and is in the Guinness World Record books for having the most consecutive sunny days; 361 days of endless sunshine make this fun filled resort the ideal winter sun destination. Ideally situated for Universal Studios and Disney World its wide sandy beaches stretch lazily into the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico making it perfect for swimming.



10. Kenya: Kenya has some of Africa's best beaches and most stunning scenery, from the white fringed shores of the Indian Ocean to the tips of the breathtaking Mount Kenya, the countryside is breathtaking and abundant with wonderful wildlife and fascinating foliage. The rolling Savannah that stretches between the two is home to game parks such as Samburu, Masai Mara, Tsavo East and West, and Amboseli, which could provide a glimpse of some of the most exciting wild animals in the world, all roaming free in their natural habitat.



So why wait for summer to come around again next year, chances are it won't be worth waiting for anyway...look for late deal holidays now and treat yourself to some relaxation and much needed winter sunshine. Take the chance to recharge your batteries ready for the onslaught of Christmas on a soothing tropical beach. Whatever your needs or budget, there's a winter sun holiday out there with your name on it.



Yvonne also writes travel news stories for the travelnewz website.