Tui

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.

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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.

WANT the dream holiday without the long flight? The Gambia has all the perks of bucket list breaks – and flights restart next week.

In just six hours, Brits could be on a safari spotting wild animals and exotic birdlife in 30C.

A trip to The Gambia can have all the perks of the likes of Kenya or South Africa without the 11 hour journey.

In fact, The Gambia is only a six-hour flight away from the UK and these restart with TUI next week from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.

When it comes to activities, why not head on a safari?

Most tours will take visitors just across the border to Senegal which has lions, giraffe, zebras, buffalo, rhino and antelope.

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For those going on holiday with TUI offers excursions to the Fathala Wildlife Reserve.

On the trip, holidaymakers will take a ferry across the River Gambia and then head on the safari tour.

TUI Musement offers the full-day trip from £115 per person.

TUI also offers the South Gambia safari which takes visitors to local villages to get involved in local culture.

Cruises along the River Gambia will involve searching for hippos and crocodiles.

When it comes to birdlife, there are over 450 species to see.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to The Gambia, staying at the 3T Senegambia Beach on a bed and breakfast basis from £798 per person.

The hotel has two swimming pools, four bars and three restaurants.

It’s found on the resort area of Kololi Beach in Serrekunda which has golden sand beaches, vibrant nightlife and wildlife.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to The Gambia, staying at the 4T TUI BLUE Tamala on an all-inclusive basis from £1,337 per person

It has an outdoor swimming pool, three bars and two restaurants.

The rooms are Scandi-style and some of the rooms you can swim up to from the pool.

Throughout the year, The Gambia sits at 30C but the best time to visit is during the dry season which runs roughly from November to mid-June.

TUI Travel Advisor, Linda Sharrocks, who has been in the travel industry for 28 years said: “Lots of customers come in wanting a safari but are put off by the price or the flight time.

“The Gambia is the one I always tell them about. You’re there in six hours, and you can be spotting giraffes one day and lying on a beach in 30C sunshine at an all-inclusive the next.

“And make sure you pack some binoculars too, even if you don’t think you’re a birdwatcher. You’ll be amazed at the colours.”

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.

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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.

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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.

TUI Cabin Manager Rosie Poulios has spent over 30 years travelling across all continents – but there’s one destination that tops her list.

It has beautiful beaches, wildlife, colourful fishing villages and the best news for Brits, absolutely no jet lag. The destination in question? Senegal.

Talking about the West African country, Rosie says it combines “sunshine, culture, character and experiences” that you can’t easily find elsewhere.

Senegal is six hours away from the UK and TUI is reintroducing its direct route from London Gatwick on November 2.

There’s no time difference between Senegal and the UK either, so holidaymakers can get their winter sunshine without any jet lag. 

There’s plenty to do too like exploring Gorée Island, a UNESCO-listed island that’s car-free with pastel-colored buildings.

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On the island is the House of Slaves ‘Maison des Esclaves’ a pink-coloured building and memorial museum from 1776 commemorating millions of enslaved Africans.

For those looking to see wildlife, there’s a chance to see all sorts of animals at the Bandia Reserve.

On a safari-style drive, visitors can spot giraffes, zebra and rhino. 

Another popular experience is visiting the Saloum Delta which is waterways and mangroves which is lush with birdlife.

If you go on holiday with TUI, you can book these tours with TUI Musement – full day tours of Goree Island from £69 per adult and £48 per child.

Half-day safaris at Bandia Reserve from £59 per adult and £41 per child. 

When it comes to staying in Senegal, Rosie suggests checking into the Riu Baobab.

The all-inclusive resort has four swimming pools, a waterpark and is a few short steps away from Pointe Sarene beach.

Guests can try out water activities, lazing about by the pool and enjoying meals at its restaurants.

Rosie said:”It gives families all the convenience of an all-inclusive beach holiday while also offering the chance to discover a fascinating destination beyond the resort.

“And it’s brilliant for adults too with kayaking and paddleboarding on offer on the beach, or thatched parasols to laze the day away beneath.” 

TUI offers a one week all-inclusive stay at the Riui Boabab in Pointe Serene from £1046 per person. 

This is based on a family of four departing London Gatwick on November 30.

For anyone who has Africa on their bucket list, Rosie described Senegal as “one of the easiest introductions to Africa you can find.”

Rosie also describes the Senegalese as “some of the friendliest I’ve met”.

She added: “They’re welcoming, proud of their culture and genuinely happy to share their country with visitors.”

“You get the wildlife, the culture, the history and the scenery people dream about, but in a way that feels accessible and completely unintimidating.” 

The best time to visit Senegal is during the dry season from November to May – and temperatures sit around 30C all-year.

TUI is launching a new route from London Gatwick to Athens, recently named the top winter destination by Time Out, where temperatures can occasionally reach the low 20s on particularly sunny winter days.

TUI is launching a new route from London Gatwick to Athens, offering travellers a city break in a European capital that stays mild for much of the winter.

The Greek capital joins an expanded Gatwick network of 59 destinations. The German holiday company is also adding services to Palermo, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Valencia, Tangier, Djerba and Mytilene.

Athens was recently named the top winter destination by Time Out. Writer John Ovans, who spent last winter there, said “the city never goes into full hibernation mode”.

He also suggested Athens could challenge Lisbon as Europe’s leading city for digital nomads, thanks to “cheap living, a warm lifestyle, and a gritty-glamorous vibe”.

While visitors should not expect summer heat, particularly sunny winter days can bring surprisingly mild temperatures. Ovans wrote: “On a good winter day you might get up to the high teens, or even low‐20s on rare extra sunny occasions.”

He recommended eating outdoors in the city’s squares, with awnings and gas heaters helping diners enjoy neighbourhoods such as Psirri, Plaka and Exarchia even on sunny days in January and February.

A spring visit also revealed a vibrant and exciting city, reports MyLondon. Although its iced freddo coffees and open-air cinemas are best enjoyed in warmer weather, many of Athens’ biggest attractions appeal throughout the year.

The Acropolis is worth the climb in any season, offering breathtaking views of the Parthenon and the city below.

Another highlight is the National Archaeological Museum, where exhibits include the Artemision Bronze and the Mask of Agamemnon. An extensive refurbishment is on the horizon.

For affordable lunches, Athens’ traditional workers’ canteens, historically known as inomagireia or simply magireia, serve hearty, home-style food.

These unpretentious venues dish up stews, soups and casseroles straight from heated trays or pans, making them a good option for budget-conscious visitors.

In the evenings, the city’s tavernas come alive whatever the season. Home-style dishes can be enjoyed alongside rakomelo, a warming spirit served as a digestif.

Across TUI’s wider network, the new routes will add 640,000 seats and open up previously unconnected destinations in Spain, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Tanzania, Cape Verde and Morocco. Most services will operate two to three times a week.

TUI Airline chief commercial officer Peter Glade said: “Gatwick has played a central role in the development of Tui’s airline business in the UK for more than six decades. For generations of customers across London, the south and southwest of England, it has been the gateway to their holidays.

“Expanding our portfolio to 59 destinations is a natural next step as we continue to invest in one of the most important markets. The additional flying creates more opportunities for customers, supports continued growth in both package holiday and flight-only demand, and reinforces our long-term commitment to Gatwick.”

BRITS will get more choice of where to go on holiday next year as TUI has announced eight new routes.

These will take-off from London Gatwick to destinations from sunny Spanish cities to North African islands.

For summer 2027, TUI is adding eight new routes which will contribute to its 17 million seats and 84,000 flights planned for next year.

There will be three new routes to Spain, one of which will be to Seville which is popular for winter sun thanks to its year-round sunshine.

Even in the winter, Seville can experience highs of 18C.

The city has plenty to see like Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de España which is a cobbled square with four bridges over its small river.

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There are also live flamenco performances and Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey suggests heading to El Rinconcillo.

It’s the city’s oldest tapas bar which dates back to 1670 – and you can get huge glasses of wine for as little as £3.

Two other Spanish cities that TUI will fly to in summer 2027 include Santiago de Compostela and Valencia.

One of these will be to the Greek capital of Athens which was recently named the most underrated winter city break in Europe by Time Out.

The city is known for its ancient sites like the Acropolis and plenty of modern neighbourhoods too.

Travel writer Ryan Gray who visited during the winter discovered it was just as good without the hot weather – especially as it had half the crowds.

He added: “I climbed Mars Hill to catch the sunset over the city — an experience that’s usually a shoulder-to-shoulder fight in July, but in winter felt like my own private viewing platform.

Another of TUI’s new routes is to Mytilene (Lesvos) which is on the Greek island of Lesbos.

In the city, visitors can explore Mytilene Castle, stroll around Ermou Street Market and enjoy seafood at the tavernas along the waterfront.

It even has its own Statue of Liberty in the harbour.

TUI will also fly to Palermo, the capital of the Italian island of Sicily.

It sits on the northern coast of the country with both sandy and rocky beaches like Mondello Beach and Addaura.

One free attraction is San Domenico Square which is the entrance to La Vucciria a market selling things like food, jewellery and souvenirs.

TUI is also offering a direct route to Tangier in Morocco which sits along the Strait of Gibraltar.

The city itself has plenty to see including its medina, busy souks, and landmarks like the Kasbah and the Caves of Hercules.

The city itself has a blend of cultures; African, French and Spanish.

It has a vibrant café culture thanks to its French influence, tapas culture from Spain.

In the summertime, Tangier sits at around 30C so it’s warm, but still mild enough to explore.

Another route is to Djerba, a large island off Tunisia’s southeastern coast.

It has sandy beaches and for any Star Wars fans, it was the filming location for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – and there are regular tours too.

Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot, visited Djerba last year, she said: “Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites.

“Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine.”

STILL stuck on where to go on holiday this autumn? One TUI travel expert has the insider track on places that are still hot, and great value.

Kim Boucher, who has worked in TUI’s Mansfield store for more than 25 years, has revealed her top five destinations that are still warm in autumn – and has beer as cheap as £1.50.

Marmaris, Turkey

For cheap breaks, average temperatures of 24C, a pint for less than £2, a glass of wine from £2.70 AND meals out from £10, Turkey is a great option for an autumn break.

There are still TUI breaks on offer too.

Kim recommends Marmaris in particular for break during October and November thanks to its sunshine and temperatures which sit at around 24C.

She said: “You can spend your days unwinding on the beach or taking a boat trip along the stunning coastline, then enjoy the town’s vibrant atmosphere once the sun goes down.

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“One of the things I love most about Marmaris is the buzz in the evenings. The waterfront and marina come alive with bars, restaurants and cafés, creating a fantastic atmosphere.”

Kim suggests Lalila Blue Suites for a “stylish and relaxing getaway”.

The hotel is a short walk away from the beach, it also has a swimming pool and is a five-minute drive from the centre of Marmaris which has lots of bars and restaurants.

TUI offers seven-night holidays to the 4T Lalila Blue Suites on an all-inclusive basis from £496per person or – £70.85pppn.

Tunisia

This North African country is pretty much a fail-safe when it comes to autumn holidays with average highs of 25C.

For Brits, it’s not as far as you’d think either – it takes just three hours to get from the UK to Tunisia.

Kim recommends it not just for the temperatures, but says it has “exceptional value” compared to some Mediterranean destinations .

She added: “Hammamet in particular offers beautiful beaches, a charming old town and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway.”

In Hammamet, visitors can explore traditional Medinas, check out the local markets and try some traditional Tunisian food.

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort which is perfect for a “relaxing escape in Tunisia.”

It has five swimming pools, four restaurants and three bars – plus there’s a white sandy bay right on the doorstep.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to the 5T Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort on a bed and breakfast basis from £610per person – or £87.14pppn.

Majorca, Balearic Islands

When it comes to the Mediterranean, Kim says Majorca is one of the first destinations she suggests when customers ask about an autumn getaway.

She explained: “It offers something for everyone. Even later in the season, you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine, while the slightly cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring the island’s picturesque villages, coastline and vibrant resort towns.”

“You can spend your days relaxing on golden sandy beaches, discovering hidden coves and enjoying waterfront restaurants, before wandering through the island’s beautiful old towns in the evening.”

Pints of beer on the island are around £3, glasses of wine can be picked up for £4.50 and meals out for £20pp.

Kim recommends the Grupotel Gran Vista & Spa which has two lagoon pools, a children’s splash park and it’s a short walk away from the beach.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to 4T Grupotel Gran Vista & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis from £326per person – or £46.58pppn.

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is another trusted holiday option for autumn thanks to its warm temperatures and short flight time.

When it comes to the region, Kim suggests heading to Albufeira.

She calls it a “fantastic option for anyone looking to extend their summer.”

Albufeira in particular is ideal “for beach days, waterfront dining and exploring the picturesque Algarve coastline.”

She added: “What makes Albufeira so popular is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back couples’ retreat, lively nightlife or scenic coastal walks, there’s something for everyone.

“Combined with great-value accommodation and plenty of sunshine, it’s easy to see why it remains a favourite year after year.”

The average temperature of the Algarve in autumn is 20C with the average price of a local beer being as low as £1.50.

TUI offers a seven-night break at the 4T Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa on a bed and breakfast basis from £363 per person – or £51.85pppn.

Orlando, Florida

Whether you’re after the theme parks, shopping malls or just want some great restaurants and entertainment, Florida is a great autumn getaway spot, especially Orlando.

It’s still hot at 24C during autumn, but it’s much cooler than during the summer months, and more pleasant for wandering around.

Kim said: “While Orlando is best known for its incredible theme parks, there’s so much more to discover beyond the attractions.

“From lively entertainment districts and world-class dining to nearby natural springs and golf courses, it offers something for all types of travellers.

“It’s a destination where you can fill every day with adventure while still finding plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.”

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista which she called a “peaceful retreat” away from the theme parks – but still close enough to get to.

It has a palm-tree lined swimming pool, video games arcade and movies in the lobby as well as an Applebee’s restaurant, a breakfast buffet and a tiki bar.

TUI offers a seven-night holidays at the 3T+ Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista on a room only basis from £832 per person – or £118.85pppn.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

While temperatures in the UK drop during October, the Canary Islands is one spot where they sit at around 24C.

Kim added: “Tenerife is one of the destinations I regularly recommend for an autumn getaway.

“I love the variety it offers. You can have a completely relaxing beach holiday, explore the island’s dramatic scenery or head into the livelier resort areas for restaurants, bars and entertainment.

“It’s a fantastic all-round choice for couples looking for sunshine, great value and a change of scenery this autumn.”

On the island, popular activities include sunbathing on the beaches, snorkelling, hiking in Teide National Park.

Or for those who love watercoasters, heading over to Siam Park – a Thai-themed waterpark.

The average local pint here starts from £2.50 with the average meal out being as little as £15pp.

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical which she called a “great-value escape”.

The hotel is a top pick thanks to its child-friendly entertainment with plenty of activities as well as having two swimming pools and waterside bars.

TUI offer a seven-night holidays at the 3T TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical on an all-inclusive basis from £423 per person – or £60.43pppn.

THE docile dugong munches on the swaying grasses ­covering the seabed, kicking up billows of sand as it lazily grazes.

Just a few feet above, I’m snorkelling in the warm waters of the Red Sea and fascinated by this gentle giant, also known as a sea cow.

But it isn’t long before my attention is diverted by a magnificent green turtle gliding effortlessly to the surface for air.

And then there are the reefs, where shoals of vibrant fish dart between the thickly-carpeted colourful corals mere feet below me.

Best of all, this stunning marine life is just steps from my hotel, the beachfront 5H Jaz Elite Amara in the Egyptian resort of Marsa Alam.

This hot new winter-sun destination for tour giant Tui offers the chance to swim in the Marsa Mubarak reef in the bay right by the hotel, with a long pier bringing you to within metres of the natural wonders.

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

Further south than Hurghada on the Red Sea coast, direct flights to Marsa Alam this winter mean less time travelling and more time relaxing.

And I can’t think of somewhere more suited to that than the all-inclusive Jaz Elite Amara.

This sprawling resort features four huge pools fringed by loungers and over-water sunbeds as well as the largest outdoor whirlpool in Egypt.

And that’s before you get to the vast swathe of sand looking out on to the Marsa Mubarak reef, complete with a relaxed beach bar.

The 272 spacious rooms are set in six two-storey blocks around the pools amidst swaying palms and manicured gardens.

My second-floor room was cool (nice, quiet air con), calm and very comfortable, with two queen beds, a sofa and bathroom with twin sinks and huge rainfall shower.

The roomy terrace was perfect for relaxing, day or night.

You can upgrade to a sea view but I was perfectly happy with my room overlooking the pools. And you can also splash out a little extra on swim-up pool rooms.

Kids are well catered for with their own club space as well as dedicated pools, ideal for allowing Mum and Dad a chance to enjoy the gym and spa, with its sauna, steam room and range of treatments.

But the natural wonders of this environment are not to be missed.

The resort’s 5H PADI dive centre offers the chance to learn to scuba dive in gloriously warm waters with so much to see.

And while the desert landscape is stark, jumping onto a quad bike to roar through the wilderness is another thrilling way to explore.

The landscape — and the driving — are surprisingly varied.

One minute we’re whizzing along flat, sun-baked plains, the next we are bouncing over rocky tracks along dry river beds.

It’s full throttle through narrow paths surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, then we’re kicking up plumes of golden dust as we bank around dunes.

Do as we did and book a late-afternoon safari for the piece de resistance, though.

After an hour weaving our way through the desert, nothing could prepare me for the view as we crested a hill and looked down upon the glistening Red Sea as the sun began to set.

With the desert falling into the water, we paused to watch as the sky turned brilliant orange.

Making our way back to the Bedouin camp where we’d started as dusk fell, there were more treats to come with a generous buffet of lamb, chicken, veg­etables, rice and salads.

Bellies full, we took a walk away from the bright lights of the camp with a guide to look skywards.

Free from light pollution, we were soon spotting stars and planets aplenty in the vast desert skies.

Back at the Jaz Elite Amara, there was still time for a nightcap and a little live entertainment on the hotel lobby’s generous terrace before bed.

And refuelling was never an issue with the all-inclusive hotel offering a huge buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with live cooking stations and a vast amount of choice.

Breakfast featured all your usual hot favourites — with fresh omelettes and pancakes — as well as a vast array of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Lunch and dinner sees more choice, with meat and fresh fish cooked to order in front of you as well as a huge choice of salads, dips and mezze delights.

Hotel guests also get one a la carte meal a week in the hotel’s Tao Tao Asian restaurant, and day and night, fresh ­pizzas, burgers and salads are also served at the pool snack bar and Bay View beach restaurant.

My short stay proved just the tonic after a few long winter months — and even in February, when I went, we enjoyed temperatures in the mid to high 20s every day and glorious blue skies.

Add in the ease of flying directly into Marsa Alam, just a ten-minute drive from the Jaz Elite Amara, and you get a fuss-free, luxury sunshine break.

And after all that wonderful food, I possibly returned home looking not a little unlike my dugong friend.