32C

Senegal is a vibrant West African country that’s just a six-hour plane trip from the UK – and it boasts some pretty incredible beaches as well as 32C heat in November

Just a six-hour flight from the UK, the lively African nation of Senegal boasts pristine golden beaches that stretch along most of its coastline.

This haven for beach lovers offers endless expanses, with each beach offering something unique for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking to unwind and relax, get involved in watersports or dive into the party scene, there’s a beach in Senegal just for you.

The West African country has become a hotspot for the international surf scene. Home to a world-renowned wave, it’s not uncommon to spot pro surfers on Senegal’s shores. But don’t worry if you’re new to the sport – there are plenty of calmer beaches with surf schools catering to all abilities.

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In the heart of Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant capital, keen surfers often flock to the bustling Virage beach. After a day riding the waves, visitors can kick back and enjoy the stunning views at one of the many beach bars or restaurants lining the coast, reports the Express.

But it’s not just about the beaches – this diverse country is also home to an array of incredible wildlife. Birdwatchers will be in their element, with the chance to spot some of Africa’s rarest species.

And with a range of habitats to explore – from mangroves and freshwater pools to savannah lands and forests – nature lovers won’t be short of places to explore.

Senegal, known for its stunning beaches, is also a hub for trendsetting art, culture and fashion. It hosts the renowned Dak’Art exhibition every two years, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate African artwork.

While many African countries boast of their cuisine, Senegal’s rich culinary dishes are a standout. The national dish, Thieboudienne (pronounced ceebu jen), is a tantalising rice and fish meal. It features stewed broken jasmine rice and vegetables paired with marinated fish, which can be any type available.

For those with a penchant for trying new foods, this dish can be perfectly complemented with Bissap, Senegal’s national drink. This highly nutritious tea is made from hibiscus flowers, sweetened with sugar and flavoured with mint.

However, first-time travellers to Senegal are warned by the UK Government about potential dangers, such as pickpocketing, particularly in Dakar.

Holidaymakers are advised against walking alone in the evening and after dark, especially women. They’re also cautioned not to wear conspicuous jewellery and to keep handbags or satchels on the side furthest from the street.

The Government further advises travellers to pre-arrange taxis to avoid bogus drivers and ensure they show ID. For those who fancy a self-drive holiday, UK driving licences are valid for up to six months in Senegal. However, due to the stark difference in driving standards, Brits are advised against driving after dark if possible.

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This little-known Mexican island completely blew me away with its dream-like beaches, affordable prices and wealth of fauna including tropical birds, flamingos and monkeys

When booking a trip to Mexico, a lot of people flock to the touristy hotel zone in Cancun – but I wanted to veer off the beaten track and stay somewhere more affordable.

So I hopped on a two-and-half bus ride from Cancun’s centre to the port town of Chiquila, on the east tip of the peninsula. From there, I took the ferry to to the lesser-known island of Holbox. I’d heard it was a ‘hidden gem’ and it was recommended on comment threads and backpacker blogs. They promised white-sand beaches, electric Caribbean waters, and mouth-watering Mexican cuisine. It completely blew me away.

Isla Holbox was once a small fishing village, with little more than 100 families and a dozen hotels nestled on its sandy soil. It’s now been expanded to fit even more rooms, hostels and restaurants – but doesn’t feel in any way crowded.

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My boyfriend and I opted to stay in a private room in Che Holbox, a modern-feeling hostel just 10 minutes’ walk from the island’s main beach. It cost just £28 per night, with a pool, bar and (crucially) air-conditioning.

As an island on the Caribbean Sea, Holbox is hot: but its proximity to the azure waters completely negates the heat. Shade can be found under gently wafting palms and ducked under market tents. Wandering down its sandy streets, there are hardly any cars – though tourists and locals may trundle past in golf buggies.

As you stroll into the main town there are endless options for food: taquerias, brunch bars, seafood restaurants. On our first morning, we enjoyed a mouthwatering breakfast by the beach with strong American coffee and huevos motulenos: eggs with beans, salsa and fried banana. In the morning, there were hardly any other beachgoers, meaning we could listen to the tropical caws of the great-tailed grackles and the soft lap of the waves as the heat began to stir.

While many parts of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera (which includes Cancun) can become bombarded by saragassum during the summer months – a sulfuric smelling thick brown seaweed – its presence was scarce on Holbox’s shores, allowing you to enjoy an idyllic view.

During the day, we went on a cycling trip through the island to Punta Mosquito: a beach further north where you could spot flamingos. Wading through the warm water, there were several sand banks, meaning you could walk out for a while without needing to swim (although I did spot a sting rays I was careful not to step on).

While traversing the beach, we also passed by the island’s large protected wildlife zone, the Yum Balam Reserve. Home to glistening lagoons, mangroves, jaguars, crocodiles, monkeys and turtles, it costs around just £8 for visitors to enter.

After cycling to Playa Punta Cocos, we refreshed ourselves with coconut milk by the beach, followed by margaritas rimmed with lip-licking salt and spice. We also ordered a fresh bowl of guacamole with nachos, while an iguana rested on the tree branch next to us. For the most part, cocktails in bars and restaurants cost around £5, while beers were between £2-3.

While we took it easy, there are countless other activities that holidaymakers can get up to. Holbox is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks. Despite their name, these giant sea creatures are known for being very gentle.

There is also a bioluminescent beach, which shows up best during summer months, and which visitors can come to admire once the sun sinks behind the horizon and the sea is lit up by thousands of tiny plankton.