Winter Sun Destination

[mrbubbles]

OK we have realised that we need to go long haul form some sunshine but am a bit stuck as to which island - St Lucia? The Bahama's? Turks & Caicos? or should we go for The Maldives? The Seychelles, Thailand? budget isn't endless so the caribbean may be cheaper or should we wait for a last minute booking to somewhere better?? just want a beautiful beach and lovely scenery to relax at over Crimbly any recommended places you have stayed at would be great thankyoooooooooo

[thugulike]

Costa Rica in Central America has all the advantages of the Caribbean but is safe, especially outside San Jose the capital.  Food and accommodation are very cheap.  Get Lonely Planet and don't book anything but haggle for the rooms when you get there.  Need to avoid November as it's the wet season but early December is cheap and quiet with great weather.  Best flights are via Madrid if you want to avoid changing at Miami.

[jno]

Canaries should be warm - not baking hot but sunbathable - that time of year; cheaper and closer than the rest.

[Artemis]

The Maldives is my favourite.

[coggles]

I used to go to the Gran Canaria in Jan/Feb and always had good weather but it can still be quits busy on the beaches.

Went to the Maldives for our honeymoon and it was wonderful. Apart from the beautiful beach and sea on your doorstep and island hopping on a dhoni boat, there is not as much entertainment-wise as bigger resorts -  but then we were on our honeymoon...!

[coggles]

Ooops! Gran Canaria, not 'the' Gran Canaria...

[coggles]

'quite' busy!

Roll on getting our own edit button...!

[dothawkes]

Don't recommend Cayo Guillaume Cuba, but do recommend Cancun, Mexico

[ianess]

No need to go "long haul" when the Canaries are all reachable in around 4 hours and the weather is virtually guaranteed.  I love Gran Canaria in the winter months [summer is just too hot] and the scenery is beautiful.  Very popular all-year-round destination so the main tourist resorts will be busy.
The North of Tenerife is milder than the very hot South but also well worth a visit.

[smudge]

Cyprus is wonderful in April/May-Sep/Oct - we've had many wonderful holidays there at these times.

[bev and gez]

why not try a cruise can highly recommend the ocean village for all age groups that way you get to see a lot of caribbean islands and xmas is brill on board .roast turkey and all the trimmings. very festive lots of entertainment and reasonable price.

[jno]

yes I also did an Ocean Village cruise this year - there are already half-price offers appearing in the weekend papers - round the Caribbean. Lots of sun, as much sightseeing as you want; decent food and tips included. (Drinks not.) Does mean you don't get to a lot of beaches, so not for people who want sea bathing every day, but there are pools on board.

[jake-the-peg]

Wouldn't recommend the Bahamas, it's so close to florida and has a drinking age of 18 rather than 21 in the states so can attract a lot of young Americans on benders.

The Seychelles is probably the most beautiful place I've ever seen, if you don't agree go to the next smallest island it's ten times better. La Digue is quite mind numbing.