Winter holiday destinations

What are the best winter holiday destinations? Here, Sunday Times travel writers Mark Hodson and David Wickers, give expert independent advice on where to find the best deals in the sun. Or you can visit the 101 Holidays homepage to see our full collection of holiday ideas.

Cheap winter holiday destinations

If you’re looking for some winter sun on a budget, then Tunisia is a great choice, combining great food, friendly locals and superb beaches. Tenerife and the Egyptian Red Sea resorts are also less than five hours flying time away, and offer year-round sunshine

Tropical islands

For a taste of winter paradise, head to the Indian ocean and the idyllic island of Mauritius. You can also soak up the sun in the gorgeous settings of the Maldives and the Seychelles. With perfect beaches, stunning hotels and first-class service, they’re the perfect antidote to wintry weather.

Dubai and the Gulf in winter

If you want to combine guaranteed sunshine with some of the world’s most stunning hotels, there really is only one destination - Dubai. If you just want to kick back and relax the spas and beaches are wonderful, but you can also enjoy dune bashing in 4×4s, splash about at water parks, or a enjoy some unrivalled retail therapy. For a more authentic Arabian experience, head to Oman and its historic mosques, forts, camel markets and souks.

Caribbean in winter

A winter break in the Caribbean is a real treat, whether you opt for the old school charm of Cuba or the celebrity stardust of Barbados. Golf fans will love Bermuda, while the beaches and lush scenery of St Lucia, Tobago and Grenada, provide the ideal backdrop for a fantastic holiday.

Skiing holidays

If you want to hit the slopes, but time is at a premium, then a Ski Weekend is just the ticket. Pick from a choice of resorts in Italy, Switzerland and France, head off on Thursday and be back home on Monday - with four days of skiing under your belt. For a family ski trip, Esprit Ski offers 27 years of experience of making sure you and your little ones have a wonderful winter break in the Alps. You can also a budget ski holiday in one of the top resorts in the French Alps.