beaches

LOOKING for a winter holiday where you can surf, swim in the Caribbean Sea, sip on cheap beer and enjoy temperatures of 30C? I’ve got just the place.

Puerto Rico is in the northeastern Caribbean Sea and while it’s known mostly for its vibrant city of San Juan – there’s plenty more to see.

I visited the island earlier this year first landing in San Juan where there are vibrant bars and restaurants before exploring quieter corners of the island like Ciales.

Forty miles to the west of the island it has sweeping, unspoilt countryside with beautiful waterfalls and coffee plantations.

I ventured to FinCafe which serves up brews with a twist – like a ginger and cinnamon flat white – it even grows its own coffee across the road.

Puerto Rico is surrounded by two seas, the North Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south.

ON THE UP

Paradise islands to ‘Falafel City’ – the top trending destinations for winter

TOP TOWIE

Forget Cornwall and Devon – why our beachfront county is just as good

So if you fancy the water a bit warmer, head to those on the side of the Caribbean Sea.

One of the most beautiful seaside spots I found was called Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla.

It was actually a former military site, but has been transformed into a beautiful stretch of white sand bordering clear blue seas.

It’s popular with the locals and one of the must-do activities is to jump off the old fishing pier.

For surfing, there’s Jobos Beach where there are lessons for beginners or huge waves further out for those more experienced.

One interesting thing about Puerto Rico is that as it’s an unincorporated territory of the United States and there are elements of the US on the island.

For example, on a drive, you’ll see restaurants like Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Popeyes and Chick-fil-A.

But when it comes to food, I’d suggest visiting some more authentic spots like La Alcapurria Quemá in Santurce for fresh seafood, mofongo and tasty plantain chips.

Medalla Light is a popular beer on the island, but my favourite was a bottle of Ocean Lab Mambo, which has a hint of passion fruit.

You can pick up a Medalla Light for $3.00 (£2.27).

Of course, the island rose in popularity following Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl half-time show.

If you’re lucky enough (and he’s not on tour) you might even spot him there.

During one of my tours, of Puerto Rico, the guide pointed out one of Bad Bunny‘s back-up dancers enjoying a coffee at a roadside stall.

As it’s a quick flight away from the States, it’s quite a popular escape for celebrities – the week before my visit, Joe Jonas was spotted at Habitante Cafe in San Juan.

It’s not just me that loves the island of Puerto Rico, National Geographic just named it one of the ‘Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027’.

The publication picked the top destinations from across all six continents and praised Puerto Rico for its “blend of cultures and community-led traditions” that “is sparking renewed global attention”.

So it’s definitely one to watch and it’s a great destination for Brits to visit during the winter months as the island sits at around 30C year-round.

However, if you’re looking for sunshine, avoid April through November as this is the rainy season.

The best months for visiting Puerto Rico are February and March which have the heat with low humidity and barely any rain.

Sadly for Brits, there are no direct flights from the UK to Puerto Rico.

Anyone heading over to the island will have to change in the US – I took a connecting flight from New York JFK.

JetBlue flies from London Heathrow to San Juan via New York from £390 each way – at it’s quickest, the journey is 14 hours.

I’VE explored over 70 destinations worldwide, but nothing comes close to Cymru.

I might be biased, but it’s easy to fall in love with my homeland – there are sing-song accents, wild landscapes, decent pubs, market towns and sandy beaches galore.

Despite its relatively small size, Wales has loads to explore if you know where to look.

If you’re planning a Welsh staycation, read on for my favourite places you won’t want to miss…

Best beaches

Wales’ 1,600-mile coastline is among the world’s most beautiful, stretching across sandy beaches, pebbled shorelines, and secluded coves – here are some of my top picks:

Poppit Sands, Pembrokeshire

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

Dune-backed Poppit Sands has retained its Blue Flag for 2026 and is one of my favourite wildlife-spotting locations, as bottlenose dolphins can often be seen from the coastal path.

The beachside bakery Crwst is another highlight here; pop in for brioche doughnuts and Welsh roasted coffee.

Monknash Beach, Vale of Glamorgan

A lesser-known local favourite, dog-friendly Monknash is only reachable on foot via a wooded path that leads to towering limestone cliffs and fossil-embedded rocks.

You won’t find any amenities at this secluded spot, but that’s part of its wild charm.

From the beach, walk to the 14th-century Plough & Harrow pub for a pint by the fire.

Shell Island, Eryri National Park

Shell Island Peninsula in Eryri National Park has sandy beaches and dunes, with over 200 shell varieties strewn along the shoreline.

Known for excellent crabbing, it’s also home to one of Europe’s largest campsites, packed with amenities including a tavern bar, supermarket, hot showers, and launderette.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower

Regularly listed as one of the UK’s best beaches, this sandy beach and salt marsh remain thankfully uncommercialised.

It’s located on a particularly scenic section of the Wales Coast Path, and if you head east, you can reach pretty Oxwich Bay on a wooded clifftop walk.

Best market towns

I’ve clocked up a fair few market towns across Wales, and these beauties are worth the drive.

Rhayader

This crossroads market town prides itself on its selection of boutiques and pubs where Welsh-brewed ales are still reasonably priced.

Browse haberdashery and Welsh souvenirs at family-run Hafod Hardware, then enjoy a lovely Sunday lunch at the Crown.

Abergavenny

The Gateway to Wales has a long trading history, with weekly and period markets centred around the Victorian market.

A highlight is the town’s annual food festival where you can watch chef demonstrations and try local produce.

Machynlleth

Known for its festivals and arts scene, Mach is a cultural hub, best known for its annual comedy festival that attracts big-name comedians.

Explore indie shops, visit the Museum of Modern Art, and head to the historic Wednesday Market, which has run since 1291.

Llandeilo

This pastel-coloured hilltop town has scores of shops and cafés and is home to the cherry-red 18th-century Cawdor Hotel, along with a haunted National Trust 17th-century manor and parklands.

Top places for a pint in Wales

Wales has loads of decent boozers where you can sip a Welsh ale or have a pub tea and here are some of my top picks:

Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen

One of Wales’s most famous seaside pubs, Ty Coch Inn sits in Porthdinllaen, a tiny village on the Llyn Peninsula.

Voted one of the best beach bars in the world, it sits right on the golden sands with epic views of the Irish Sea and is only reachable on foot.

Felin Fach Griffin, Bannau Brycheiniog

This dog-friendly pub with rooms is the epitome of a countryside inn, where you can have a reasonably priced Welsh ale by a cracking fire on a squashy sofa.

Listed in the Good Food Guide, it also has a decent seasonal menu packed with Welsh produce.

The Sloop Inn, Porthgain

I love a character-filled pub, and the 18th-century Sloop Inn’s decor is as eclectic as the crowds, with wood beams paired with vintage fishing nets, a penny bar and historic signs.

Order specials from the chalkboard menu for proper good pub grub.

City Arms, Cardiff

Opposite Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, the historic City Arms has long drawn sports crowds for its buzzing match-day atmosphere and huge selection of Welsh and craft ales.

Get a pint of Brains Dark and a pickled egg.

Mold Alehouse, Mold

Up for CAMRA Wales Pub of the Year 2026, Mold Alehouse is a top-tier micro-pub in a Grade II-listed building with no TVs, live music or spirits.

Instead, the landlords focus on cask beer and quality chats.

Best places to stay

I’ve stayed in hotels, B&Bs and glamping sites across the country; here are some of my favourite stays:

Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff

My favourite four-star stay is housed in a former post office and county court.

Parkgate has all the hallmarks of a swish city-centre hotel, with a Michelin-listed brasserie and a glass-fronted spa pool overlooking the Welsh Capital.

Llanthony Castaway, Llanthony

There’s no signal in this stylishly converted railway cabin in the remote Welsh countryside, so you’ll have to make do with wholesome campfires and stargazing.

Gladstone’s Library, Flintshire

Unleash your inner Belle at Gladstone Library, the UK’s only residential library, with subtle literary-themed rooms and a bistro.

Home to over 150,000 books and journals, you won’t be short of bedtime reading.

The Harbourmaster Hotel, Aberaeron

A landmark hotel and a favourite of Jeremy Clarkson, the Harbourmaster has 13 maritime-themed rooms and overlooks Aberaeron harbour.

Bag a seat on the terrace with a Spritz and graze on their signature HM Charcuterie.

Browns Hotel

Forever linked to Dylan Thomas, the hotel’s bar was the Welsh poet’s favourite drinking hole.

Uniquely designed rooms have everything you need, like a fancy coffee machine, Welsh wool blankets and a good bath.

My top hidden gem – Elan Valley

The Elan Estate in the underrated Cambrian Mountains covers around 70 square miles of Victorian dams, reservoirs, rugged cycle routes and walking trails.

When night-time conditions are right, you’ll find world-class stargazing opportunities; the estate earned ‘International Dark Sky Park’ status in 2015 and its 45,000 acres are protected from light pollution.

CHAMPAGNE flutes clink all around us as we sit on the sunny terrace of elegant mansion house La Baronnie, a property so chic King Louis XVI gave it to Marie Antoinette back in 1785.

My husband Eamon and I have begun our long weekend on the French island of Île de Ré with an indulgent brunch buffet, £44 each, including a glass of fizz.

And as we stuff ourselves silly with treats such as oysters, smoked trout and local meats and cheeses, we can’t help but think it’s the perfect start (Hotel-labaronnie.com).

Capital Gains

Off the west coast of France, Île de Ré is roughly 19 miles long and three miles wide, and home to idyllic, quaint villages of whitewashed houses decked out with pastel-shuttered windows.

But first, we explore the capital, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, strolling past the handsome Citadelle Vauban and historic harbour, before hitting the backstreets that brim with independent shops.

The isle is famed for salt and soap, so I stock up on seasoning at Esprit du Sel, £4.80, before dropping into colour and scent fest Loix & Savons to splurge on a perfumed trio of fig, caramel and violet soap, £16.50.

BOOK IT

English holiday park named best in the UK with cosy lakefront lodges & £17 stays

HOT DROP

Winter sun destinations that have DROPPED in price this year with hols from £200pp

I browse colourful threads at Équateur and classic swimwear at Pile ou Face, but my fave find is 29 on Rue Jean Jaurès, where everything is €29!

Later, quirky Le Tout du Cru turns out to be seafood heaven – as I feast on delicate half crab, £16.50, and Eamon devours blue lobster with home-made mayo, £41.50 (Tout-du-cru.fr).

After refreshing scoops of blackcurrant and violet ice cream from La Martinière parlour, £3.20 each (La-martiniere.fr), we make the 20-minute drive to charming Hôtel Le Sénéchal in Ars-en-Ré, which sits just metres from the main square and the black-and-white peak of Saint-Étienne church.

A quiet oasis of floral courtyards and a small, heated outdoor pool, the bedrooms offer crisp white sheets with a palette of dusky blues and creams.

Even better, double rooms cost from just £81 per night (En.hotel-le-senechal.com).

Wheely good

The next morning, we wake early and grab bikes from Les Cycles N to embark on a 15km circular route.

Daily hire costs £11 per adult (Lescyclesn.com).

Our highlights include snapping the towering 57-metre-tall Lighthouse Of The Whales and wandering across the sweeping golden sands of La Conche beach, before sharing a dozen oysters for £21.50 at stylish La Bazenne in the little village of Les Portes-en-Ré (Labazenne.fr).

We head back via the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, with its thriving birdlife and shimmering salt marshes and, after a quick dip back at the hotel pool, we stroll to the port to dine on traditional moules marinières with fries, £16.75, at laid-back Le Café du Commerce (Cafcom-ars.com).

Another brilliant decision is to visit Relais Thalasso’s coastal spa, just 10 minutes’ drive from the bridge that will take us back to France’s mainland – and home again.

Here, the motto is: “The sea takes care of you,” and for £43 each, we’re able to spend the whole day relaxing at the Marine Spa, which includes an indoor seawater pool with bubble benches and massage jets, a hammam, sauna, sensory shower trail and herbal tea room, as well as a gorgeous outdoor pool (Iledere.relaisthalasso.com).

If this isn’t bliss, I really don’t know what is.

DREAMING of five-star winter sun without the five-star price tag? Check out Morocco’s wild north-west coast.

The Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is vast. Sprawling across 250 hectares — roughly the size of 350 football pitches — it sits alongside four miles of empty and pristine Atlantic coastline.

The resort is built in the style of an ancient Moroccan citadel, with ochre- plastered walls capped with crenellated roofline and towers.

Rooms are set around central courtyards and landscaped gardens.

Long reflecting pools, marble fountains and rows of manicured palms are framed by grand horseshoe arches decorated with intricate, carved plasterwork.

With 15 restaurants and bars, an 18-hole golf course, spa and endless activities, my stay revealed a luxury hotel that comes at a surprisingly affordable price, with rooms from £145 a night.

STAY NOW

Our top cheap UK stays including holiday parks & seaside hotels from £3pp a night

ARE EU SCARED?

These are Europe’s SPOOKIEST holiday destinations

And you get a lot of room for your money. My spacious, modern room had fabulous ocean views with delightful Moroccan-inspired touches, including hanging lanterns flanking the king-size bed.

Sliding open the balcony doors rewards you with a sweeping panorama of the Atlantic surf crashing against the sand.

Early morning, with a sweet tea in hand, I caught sight of horses galloping along the beach.

Surf instructors were waxing down their boards and lining up life jackets ready for a day of training tourists how not to topple into the swell.

But there was no time to dawdle, with so many activities at my finger tips.

First stop was the resort’s award- winning spa for a double dose of indulgence.

I was treated to a deeply relaxing hot stones massage, followed by a traditional grand hammam ritual. Inside a glowing, marble-clad steam room, I was bathed, scrubbed and polished top-to-toe with black soap, oils and eucalyptus.

Staff said the locals insist on scrubbing down with one of these treatments at least once a week — and after seeing the glow on my own rejuvenated skin, I can certainly see why.

Suitably refreshed, it was time for some high-octane adventure.

And that’s where Mazagan feels less like a hotel and more like a high-end luxury playground.

The golf course, designed by Gary Player, is the longest in Morocco, stretching over 7,400 yards.

Then there is North Africa’s largest casino (housing 37 gaming tables and nearly 400 slot machines open 23 hours a day), a 22ft climbing wall, go-karting tracks, paintball fields, pickleball courts and more.

And at the centre of the maze of courtyards that connects the more than 400 rooms, a glistening pool invites you in for a dip — though I had barely any time to kick off my flip-flops before I was on to the next activity.

I upped the ante with a thrilling quad bike ride along the resort’s flat, wide sands, feeling the salty Atlantic spray as we neared the water’s edge before heading into the rolling sand dunes and scrubland surrounding the resorts.

On longer drives, your guides will even take you inland to zip through the neighbouring eucalyptus and pine forests that fringe the coastline.

And after some serious speed, I switched to a very different horse power with a gentle ride along the beach.

The hotel’s onsite stables are home to local barb and Arab-barb horses.

Historically bred by the North African cavalry and Berber horsemen, these magnificent beasts are sure-footed in the soft sand, calm-tempered and well-accustomed to the heat and Atlantic winds.

Heading out on to the broad, tidal flats we were soon trotting along at a fair pace on the wide open, empty sands before steering our steers towards the coastal forest trails, lined with fragrant mimosa.

All that activity means treating yourself when it comes to food and drink and Mazagan doesn’t disappoint.

Trying just a fraction of the resort’s 15 restaurants and bars, I feasted on rich, fragrant tagines, fresh seafood and mountains of velvety houmous.

Sel de Mer was an absolute highlight. Here, the catch of the day is transformed into culinary perfection.

Select your own from the fresh, tempting line-up resting on a bed of crushed ice and then choose to have it grilled on the plancha or oven-baked, served up with a choice of sauces.

For a more relaxed dining experience, the Beach Barbecue serves up freshly-grilled meats, fish and vegetables while your feet are in the sands.

Alongside the barbecue there’s a buffet of fresh salads, Moroccan cooked salads, couscous and freshly-baked flatbreads.

And for a truly Moroccan touch, Al Firma offers an open-air setting with traditional Bedouin and Berber carpets, low seating and lanterns as well as traditional tagines with vegetables from the onsite farm garden.

I topped it all off with cocktails at the Casablanca-inspired lounge bar — swathed in royal green velvet drapes and playing some live weekend jazz.

With adrenalin-charged activities alongside top-tier pampering, Mazagan delivers a great winter break option without breaking the bank.

THE evenings are drawing in and the mornings are getting chillier – so now is the perfect time to plan your winter sun getaway.

For the next two weeks, the temperature in Agadir, Morocco, sits between 26C and 29C – making it the perfect spot to escape the UK.

And the even better news is that return flights cost as little as £43 and take around four hours.

The city sits on southwestern coast of the country and is framed by the Anti-Atas mountains, which date back millions of years.

The city is home to three souks to explore, such as Souk El Had, which is the largest in the city with a staggering 13 entrance gates and and around 3,000 to 6,000 shops and stalls selling spices, leather goods, fresh fruit and crafted goods.

You could also visit La Medina d’Agadir, which is a craft village with workshops and smaller shops.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

BOOK IT

20 ultra cheap girly hols – UK trips, city breaks & all inclusive stays from £59

For a bit of history, head on the cable car to Agadir Oufella Kasbah, which is home to 16th century hilltop ruins as well as panoramic views of the city and marina below.

And of course, Agadir is home to a brilliant six-mile Plage d’Agadir beach with golden sand and a promenade lined with shops, cafes and palm trees.

If you are a keen outdoor explorer, take a half or full-day trip into the Atlas Mountains, with limestone canyons and natural rock pools ideal for a cooling dip.

North of the city, Taghazout Bay is another great day trip – it’s a small fishing and surfing village with secluded spots serving up fresh seafood.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who has visited the city, said: “The Moroccan city is home to the country’s largest market, Souk El Had, as well as a bustling harbour and modern marina.

“Rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the sprawling city nestles against the Atlantic Ocean and its palm-lined wide roads feel more Miami than Morocco.

“At Taghazout Beach, hordes of eager surfers took to the sea before I’d even finished my morning coffee.

“As a novice surfer, I opted to watch those riding the waves, while my companion made friends with the stray dogs and hawkers selling Moroccan breads.”

Soon there will also be a new TUI Magic Life all-inclusive beachfront resort in Agadir as well, set to open summer next year.

The resort will have more than 400 rooms, three restaurants, four bars and three outdoor swimming pools.

Can’t head to Agadir in the next couple of weeks? Well the good news is that the city benefits from around 300 days of sunshine each year.

IF YOU are thinking about where to head off to this winter, then you won’t be short for choice as several airlines are launching new flights from the UK to warm and sunny destinations.

Whether you fancy a city break in the sun or a beach trip to soak up rays, across October, November and December airlines are launching new flights.

And there are both short haul and long haul destinations.

Here’s a roundup of the newest flight routes coming this season from the UK, ideal for a winter sun holiday:

British Airways

British Airways has a number of new winter sun routes, with a couple already launched.

On October 23, the airline launched flights between London Gatwick and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

BOOK IT

20 ultra cheap girly hols – UK trips, city breaks & all inclusive stays from £59

The city of Colombo is known for its vibrant temples, such as the Buddhist Gangarama Temple.

Visitors can also visit bustling markets, such as Pettah Market, with local spices and handmade textiles.

Then on October 25, flights were launched between London Gatwick and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Bridgetown is the largest city of Barbados and has heaps of history to explore including the central area which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During December, temperatures reach around 29C.

The same day, flights launched between London Heathrow and San Jose, Costa Rica after being moved from Gatwick Airport.

San Jose is home to a mix of neoclassical architecture as well as sprawling markets and even active volcanoes.

Make sure to have a walk through Mercado Central (Central Market), which is an indoor market dating back to 1880 selling local produce and gifts.

Virgin Atlantic

Earlier this month, Virgin Atlantic launched flights between London Heathrow and Phuket, Thailand.

Phuket is a great destination for beach hopping, with white sand spots and beaches ideal for surfing.

Make sure to visit Phuket Old Town as well where you can spot colourful 19th century houses, as well as shops, cafes and local galleries.

It is also nice and warm in December, with temperatures reaching up to 32C.

EasyJet

Despite being an airline that mainly serves Europe, easyJet is launching three new winter sun routes over the coming weeks.

The first will be between Newcastle and Hurghada, Egypt, with flights taking off on October 27.

Hurghada is surrounded by the Red Sea that is full of coral reefs and colourful fish where you can head snorkelling.

Make sure to visit the Marina too at sunset where you can even see across to the minarets of the El Mina mosque.

This route will be followed by flights between London Luton and Rabat, Morocco, launching on November 5.

The capital of Morocco is known for its historic architecture and has up to just eight days of rain in December.

Then on November 9, Manchester will get a route to Giza Sphinx/Cairo, Egypt.

In Cairo, you can visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which is the last surviving wonder of the ancient world with daytime highs of 21C.

Ryanair

Budget airline Ryanair will be launching flights from Birmingham to Marrakech, Morocco in late October.

The city is home to an abundance of souks selling spices and locally crafted items as well as a medieval Medina with hidden courtyards.

Around the same time, the airline will also start flights between Liverpool and Porto, Portugal.

The coastal city of Porto is known for its wine but also has a UNESCO-listed medieval riverfront, where you can stop by an outdoor cafe.

TUI

On October 25, TUI launched flights between the East Midlands and Antalya, Turkey.

The Turkish city is full of narrow cobblestone streets in its Old Town to get lost exploring, with Ottoman-era houses and artisan shops.

You’ll also be able to pick up a cheap pint, with beers costing as little as £3 a pint.

The airline will follow this by also launching flights to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from the airport in early November.

Sharm El Sheikh is great for an adventure holiday with snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea as well as desert activities such as quad biking, dune buggies and camel rides.

Later, in mid-December, TUI is then also set to start flights between Belfast International and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana is known for its world-famous, all-inclusive resorts but also jungle adventures and vibrant nightlife.

Temperatures can reach up to 32C in December, which is the ideal weather for sinking a cool pint that will set you back as little as £1.80.

HOLIDAYMAKERS are swapping Spanish escapes for bargain breaks to North Africa, where glamour comes without the premium price tag.

Tour operator TUI has seen a rise in British passenger numbers for this winter, with particular interest in all-inclusive, luxury holidays to Egypt as well as Tunisia.

Meanwhile, easyJet recorded a growth of 14 per cent year on year to North Africa.

Garry Wilson, boss of easyJet holidays, said: “Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco offer huge potential, with high-quality hotels, brilliant value, warm hospitality and great connectivity from airports across the UK.”

Sophie Sweitochowski shares her pick of premium North African getaways for 2027 that won’t break the bank.

Grab them while they are hot.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

TAGHAZOUT, MOROCCO

THE Hilton Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa is an absolute steal at under £700pp for seven nights with flights.

It’s chic and contemporary in style, with five swimming pools — one adults-only and a few overlooking the sea where you will spot surfers riding Taghazout’s notorious waves.

Bedrooms are generously sized and come with balconies, perfect for soaking up those 22C highs, plus there is a lavish spa dishing out local treatments like

Don’t skip brekkie. The extensive feast features freshly baked pastries, yoghurts, fresh fruits and live cooking stations as well as local honeys and traditional flatbreads.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa is from £656pp including flights from Gatwick on December 3, plus luggage and transfers. See jet2holidays.com.

SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT

IT is impossible to feel bored at the Jaz Mirabel Beach Hotel.

The sprawling resort is home to an on-site waterpark with whirling slides, a water sports centre where you can try windsurfing, parasailing and water-skiing, plus an open-air amphitheatre for regular shows and entertainment.

The highlight is the location, bordering the Red Sea. Guests can use the hotel’s private jetty to plunge into one of the best snorkelling spots in the area.

Scenic boat trips and desert safaris to traditional bedouin camps are some of the bucket list excursions on offer from the hotel.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Jaz Mirabel Beach Hotel is from £762pp including flights from East Midlands on December 14. See tui.co.uk.

SOUSSE, TUNISIA

A CHAMPAGNE lifestyle on a lemonade budget is achievable in Tunisia, especially at the Sousse Palace Hotel & Spa.

Right in the centre of town, there are glam restaurants and bars right on the doorstep — not that you will need them with this all-inclusive package, however.

The main buffet restaurant operates around a theme of international dishes every night with live cooking and meat carving stations.

If you are willing to shell out a little extra, though, you should visit the hotel’s Le 12ème which serves elegant plates such as freshly-caught fish carpaccio and slow-cooked lamb shank.

Outside of the food, there’s a sandy beach, wellness centre with a traditional Tunisian hammam, steam rooms and massage suites, and several swimming pools.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Sousse Palace Hotel & Spa is from £360pp including flights from Gatwick on November 25. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

ON the hunt for a relaxing couples break? The Be Live Collection Marrakech is an adults-only haven, set back from the chaos of the city centre but with a free daily shuttle bus direct to Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

There is a quiet pool if you are after complete relaxation, while the activity pool has a livelier atmosphere.

If you have never experienced a traditional Moroccan hammam, this is the place to do it.

The wellness area is equipped with two authentic traditional Moroccan hammams where therapists use authentic black soap to remove dead skin cells.

Come night time, indulge in a drink at one of the four sleek bars.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Be Live Collection Marrakech is from £479pp including flights from Manchester on December 12. See loveholidays.com.

HAMMAMET, TUNISIA

ON a private beach and surrounded by greenery, The Sindbad offers pure luxury escapism in the heart of the town.

Its infinity pool looks a little like the sort you would get in a fancy Ibiza or Mykonos resort, only this place is a fraction of the price.

In to golf? The resort offers discounted green fees to Yasmine Golf Club and Citrus Golf Club, two of Tunisia’s top 18-hole courses, with free shuttle buses.

The buffet restaurant is excellent and a great opportunity to sample the local cuisine such as couscous and brik, a mashed potato dish usually served with fish.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H The Sindbad is from £370pp including flights from Newcastle on December 10. See travelsupermarket.com.

COMBINE fantastic campsites that feel more like holiday resorts with bargain prices, and you have Eurocamp.

With more than 400 parks in Europe, there are three brand new ones opening in the UK next year – here are the ones to book ready for summer 2027.

Camping l’Ardéchois, France

New to Eurocamp will be Camping l’Ardéchois – Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, although the resort isn’t new itself.

This is one made for toddlers, with a massive outdoor playground and kids paddling pool, along with a kids club.

That’s not to say there isn’t enough for adults, with two huge pools and a spa area too, completely with saunas and hammams.

Otherwise expect on-site restaurants, live evening shows and even it own nautical centre.

Read more on holiday parks

SPLASHING OUT

UK holiday park reveals ‘biggest ever’ £4million upgrade with new splash park

FREE FOR ALL

The 45 UK holiday parks with ‘all inclusive breaks’ from £25 a night

It’s from here you can go on a ‘canoe safari’ on the riverside beach, otherwise go for some yoga, tennis and padel.

On-site are 230 pitches, making it one of the smaller, more manageable resorts.

Choose from standard two-bedroom cabins (sleeping five), or premium, three-bedroom holiday homes that are slightly bigger.

It is set to open on April 23, 2027, and will be open all summer until September. Prices start from £416 – working out to just around £11.80 each a night.

Delta Open Air Resort, Italy

A brand new resort in Italy, Delta Open Air Resort is right on the Adriatic.

You won’t want to leave – it has a huge 4,000sqm aqua park with pools and splash zones for kids.

There are two restaurants (expect fantastic Italian food) as well as a bar and gelato store. Or you can head to the supermarket to buy your own stuff.

Cycle paths along the coast are one for the sport-goers, along with loads of sports facilities on-site too.

Otherwise you can head straight to the nearby beach for some sunbathing time.

It is by some gorgeous Italian towns too if you want to explore the area.

This resort is considered “extra large” with a whopping 1,20 pitches ranging from cabins to premium holiday homes.

The park opens on May 22, 2027 and will be open until October. Prices start from £410, or £11.60 each a night.

hu Eraclea Mare, Italy

Also a brand new resort, hu Eraclea Mare is on the Venetian Coast which is expected to be one of their five-star resorts.

The on-site waterpark is the star of the show – it has 15,000sqm of lagoons, indoor pools, Olympic pools, waterslides and even a solarium.

Even outside of this, there is an insane amount of things to do, from tennis, football and volleyball to yoga, pedalos and canoeing.

How about a game of paintball, or even a few hits on the 18-hole mini golf?

Then there is the tree experience and zip line – which they claim is the biggest ever built at a holiday village.

Evenings come in the form of 30 food and drink spots, and a 1,500 seat outdoor theatre.

It is right on the beach, and it’s Blue Flag, to expect clean, safe sands and waters.

This is the biggest resort on the list, with 3,000 pitches ranging from two to four bedroom properties.

The resort opens May 5, 2027, and stays open until September.

Prices start from £313, which is £8.80 each – the biggest bargain on the list.

Collioure is a Mediterranean dream

Last October, while I was cycling around south-west France, near the Spanish border, a tip from a local waiter led me to Collioure, near Perpignan. The town was like a Mediterranean dream, where the summer crowds had faded, leaving behind a peaceful, artistic haven of soft light, warm sunshine, cobbled streets, sandy beaches – and the Pyrenees as a backdrop. In the early evening, the still balmy autumn air was perfect for wandering through the quiet, pastel-coloured alleyways of the Le Mouré district to enjoy €5 off-season happy hour wine with fish tapas. I had planned to stay a weekend but ended up staying a week, seduced by Collioure’s perfect autumn cocktail of chilled Catalan culture and sunkissed seaside sensuality.

April

Peaceful Portuguese sunsets

Sitting outside in T-shirt and shorts on the deck of a boat gliding along the Tagus River in Lisbon, sipping a glass of crisp Portuguese wine as the setting autumn sun illuminated the pastel-coloured hills, is a lasting travel memory for me. October temperatures were still in the mid-20s, perfect for exploring fascinating areas on foot, or hanging out of trams as they rattled up and down the cobbled streets. In the evenings, I joined local people basking in the remaining warmth of the year at outdoor cafes or waterside tavernas like Ponto Final, enjoying coffee and pastries, or anchovies and beer, while watching magnificent sunsets without the summer masses.

Nicoletta

Wild times in St Davids, Pembrokeshire

My autumn escape is St Davids on the Pembrokeshire coast. Once the summer crowds disappear, it feels wonderfully wild and tranquil. We walk the coast path towards Whitesands, stopping to watch for seals below the cliffs, before heading back into tiny St Davids for something warm to eat. The beaches are often almost empty and, even when the weather turns, the dramatic sea and windswept coastline are part of the charm. My tip is to visit in early autumn; pack proper walking boots and layers, and embrace the weather – you get one of Britain’s loveliest coastlines almost to yourself.

Tess

Baroque beauty in eastern Germany

Görlitz makes for a fascinating autumnal base, with its location on the German-Polish border to the east of Dresden. The highlights were day excursions to Bad Muskau, where there is a wonderful baroque palace, and the Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge), reached by a narrow gauge forest railway (waldeisenbahn.de). It’s a part of Germany rarely visited, but those who go there will be rewarded with amazing photographs.

Martin

Bliss on a lesser-visited Canary island

The Canary Islands are well-trodden choices for autumn sun, but the island of El Hierro remains a wilder alternative to Tenerife or Lanzarote. The scenery is beautiful and bizarrely varied: from pine forests to black volcanic lava flows – most of which you’ll have to yourself. You can pass hours exploring the rugged coastlines, where volcanic swimming holes such as Charco Azul can be found. We spent a blissful few hours there, relaxing on the rocks and looking out at the Atlantic. There are no big resorts but plenty of guest houses and smaller hotels, and sunshine is almost guaranteed into November.

Leo Mark

Dramatic Devon walks

We stayed in Woolacombe, north Devon, with our three-year-old in October 2023 and the off-season suited us well. The three-mile beach gave us room for proper sandcastle engineering, and the Atlantic offered drama rather than deckchair weather. We watched the sunset turn the sea orange and purple from the hill above the bay. We could walk into the village, then use Woolacombe as a base for Mortehoe and the South West Coast Path. Pack waterproofs as well as sunglasses: north Devon makes no promises. But on a bright autumn day, those enormous sands feel almost privately hired.

Katharina Parsons

Coast, culture and cable cars on Madeira

Funchal on Madeira is my pick for an autumn escape because it still feels properly alive after summer. The seafront is made for slow walks in the sunshine, with cafes and gardens open year-round. You can browse the colourful Mercado dos Lavradores, ride the cable car for views over the terracotta rooftops and Atlantic, then cool off at one of the city’s lidos. The weather is pleasantly warm rather than overpowering, while the mountains and levada (aqueduct) walks are within easy reach. It combines coast, culture and dramatic scenery without feeling like a resort that closes down for winter.

Bernice

Clifftops and crab rolls in the Scottish Borders

If you’re looking for a cracking wee coastal escape, head straight to St Abbs in the Scottish Borders. My wife and I absolutely fell in love with its rugged charm and bonny views. First off, Marvel fans will know it as New Asgard from Avengers: Endgame, and taking a selfie by the official sign set the right tone. Beyond the film fame, the dramatic clifftop walk up to St Abb’s Head is brilliant, packed with seabirds and proper fresh sea air. Afterwards, grab a fresh crab roll down at the harbour cafe – nae hassle, just proper good cheer.

Craig

Nonstop sun in a Cretan haven

Autumn came brutal and early to Crete this month. But the ferocious northerly that drenched the northern coast got stuck on the White Mountains. And on just one tiny south-west speck of the island, the sun shone all and every day. Palaiochora is a year-round magic place anyway. No big hotels. Still proudly Greek. A place where the town’s rhythms are set by the comings and goings of the Loutro ferry. But this past week, while thunder stalked the mountains, we swam and walked every day. “We’re unique,” said the man at the cafe. “Please don’t tell anyone.” What have I done?

Kay Jones

Winning tip: Fiestas and feasts in Zaragoza, Spain

For an autumn city break, Zaragoza comes alive during the Fiestas del Pilar in October. We spent a week there, wandering bustling streets lined with people, many in traditional dress, queueing to lay flowers at the vast floral tribute to the Virgin Mary in Plaza del Pilar. Along the river, food stalls served Aragonese specialities, from chistorra (sausage) and stews to roast chestnuts and sweet wine. Between festivities, we explored the stunning Aljafería Palace and discovered tiny tapas bars tucked down side streets. The city felt wonderfully local, lively and full of surprises.

Carrie

BRITS could face hefty fines if caught smoking, or playing loud music at one popular holiday spot.

In some cases, the penalty could be as much as £2,500.

The area of La Laguna in Tenerife, has approved new rules banning smoking, camping, overnight stays and disruptive music on its beaches and natural swimming pools.

The announcement was made on October 7 and has been put in place to protect the coastline.

Under the new rules, beaches within the areas and natural pools are now smoke-free.

It also stops visitors from leaving rubbish behind including soap and shampoo in public showers.

STAY CHEAP

Bargains at Butlins & manor stays… incredible value UK hols from £2.50pp a night

BE-LEAF IT

Perfect autumn attractions from £1.95 per kid from pumpkin patches to waterparks

Unless there’s a a special permitted event, beachgoers are banned from playing loud music or general noise that disturbs those around them.

The new rules also state that there is a ban on camping and overnight stays on the beaches.

Within the area of La Laguna, the coastal areas where these rules have been enforced include Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo, Jover and La Barranquera.

While there is a maximum fine of €3,000 (£2,500), it does not apply to every beach.

The amount also depends on the offence with those deemed minor having fines of €300 (£254).

In summer 2026, lots of beaches and hotels in Tenerife put rules in place to stop tourists reserving loungers and sand space with a towel.

Tourists could see their belongings confiscated and be fined up to €3,000.

It comes after strict rules were put in place across Spain for summer 2026.