Thomas Cook wraps up this years Winter warmers
After the UK experiencing the coldest winter in decades last year, the appeal of a winter getaway to sunnier shores is no doubt set to soar over the coming months. From firm favourites to new hotspots on the map, bargain breaks to stylish 5 star escapes, Thomas Cook takes a look at the hottest destinations, how long it takes to get there, what you can expect and even what local bargains to be sure to bring back with you!
Under 5 hours away…
Destination: Tunisia (3 hour flight)
What to expect: A land of souks and spices, desert dunes and Roman ruins, palms and busy medinas. The majority of accommodation is half board or all-inclusive making Tunisia a great value winter getaway with over 800 miles of Mediterranean coastline to be enjoyed.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 21 degrees with 7 hours of sunshine
Costs when you get there: Three course meal -£20.00, bottle of beer - £2.00, Cup of coffee - £1.50
Best buy: Cotton kaftans, copperware, silver, leather goods and pottery all make great souvenirs and with bartering part of the buying process – shopping is certainly a fun experience here.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Tunisia from £332 per person
Staying at the 4 star Vincci Nozha Beach in Hammamet on all inclusive, London Gatwick – 28th November 2010
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Destination: Turkey (4.5 hrs flight)
What to expect: The new kid on the block when it comes to Winter destinations - Turkey offers exceptional value for money at this time of year. For a true taste of Turkey why not spend a day or two exploring Turkey’s traditional delights, whether it’s the local shops and bazaars on the hunt for a bargain or one of the excursions that give you a true insight into Turkey’s history and culture. End the day with a traditional Turkish bath to recharge the batteries before heading out to sample some of the delicious local cuisine.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 21 degrees with 7 hours of sunshine
Costs when you get there: Three course meal -£10.00, bottle of beer - £4.00, Cup of coffee - £2.00
Best buy: A good Turkish carpet can be an excellent investment. Be sure to buy from a reputable dealer and check if it will cost you to bring it home.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Turkey from £331 per person (based on 3 sharing)
Staying at the 4 star Iberostar Bellis in Belek on all inclusive, London Gatwick, 23rd November 2010
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Destination: The Canaries (4.5hrs flight)
What to expect: The winter favourite, the Canary islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuertevenura and Lanzarote are hard to beat. Each boast their own unique personalities but the promise of good weather, a great choice of accommodation and something to suit all ages comes as standard.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 25 degrees with 7 hours of sunshine
Costs when you get there: Three course meal -£13.50, bottle of beer - £2.70, cup of coffee - £1.10
Best buy: No doubt during your stay you will get a taste for Mojo sauce – a Canarian favourite! It’s really cheap to buy so be sure to stock up and bring some home so you can recreate some holiday tastes at home.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Fuerteventura from £441 per person
Staying at the 4 star Stella Canaris in Jandia on all inclusive, London Gatwick - 27th November 2010
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Under 6 hours away…
Destination: Egypt (5.5.hrs flight)
What to expect: The Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada are perfect for couples and families alike in Winter. The majority of resorts are all-inclusive which means a hassle free holiday from the start and with a wide choice of hotels on offer there is certainly something for every taste and budget. Be sure to head out for a snorkel and all ages will be amazed at what lies beneath the crystal clear waters. For those who fancy exploring further, book yourself onto a dive course and see some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 27 degrees with 8 hours of sunshine
Costs when you get there: Three course meal -£20.00, bottle of beer - £2.25, Cup of coffee - £1.50
Best buy: If you are a fan of Egyptian cotton sheets and towels then you can get some great quality and value bedlinen here. Remember to haggle though, The Egyptian expect it so don’t be shy.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Egypt from £444 per person
Staying at the 4 star Caribbean Resort in Soma Bay, London Gatwick – 23rd November 2010
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Destination: Gambia (6 hrs flight)
What to expect: Expect the warmest of welcomes here as even though Gambia is Africa’s smallest nation it is renowned for its broadest smiles. From great beaches to mangrove swamps, Gambia is a great winter warmer.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 32 degrees with 8 hours of sunshine
Costs when you get there: Three course meal -£15.00, bottle of beer - £1.50, cup of coffee - £1.00
Best buy: Head to a local craft market to stock up on great wooden artifacts, hand woven fabric and sand paintings.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Gambia from £412 per person
Staying at the 3 star Bakotu Hotel in Kotu Beach on bed & breakfast, London Gatwick- 29th November 2010
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Under 12 hours away…
Destination: Dominican Republic (9hrs flight)
What to expect: With a number of new developments, the east coast of The Dominican Republic is one to set your sights on this winter. Idyllic and refined, this part of the popular and best value Caribbean island is perfect for those seeking a relaxing break amid swaying palms and crystal clear waters.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 30 degrees with 7 hours of sunshine
Costs when you get there: Three course meal -£20.00, bottle of beer - £3.50, cup of coffee - £2.00
Best buy: If rum is your tipple then the local Brugal Rum is one not to miss. Available at local supermarkets or head to Brugal rum factory where you can pick it up at cost price.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Dominican Republic from £969 per person
Staying at the 5 star IberoCosta Dorada in Costa Dorada on all inclusive, London Gatwick - 24th November 2010
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Destination: Goa (9.5 hours flight)
What to expect: India’s prime beach hotspot, Goa is a glorious mix of Indian culture and European influences. Here you can enjoy lazy days spent on palm fringed beaches before heading out to experience the delicious local cuisine and bustling night markets.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 32 degrees with 9 hours of sunshine
What to expect to pay: Three course meal -£5.50, bottle of beer - £0.68, cup of coffee - £0.27
Best buy: The night markets are legendary and you will be spoilt for choice on what to take home. Jewellery fans will be in their element and if you are after something for the home, then silk is available at rock bottom prices.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Goa from £593 per person
Staying at the 3 star Mykonos Blu in Baga Beach on bed & breakfast, London Gatwick - 26th November 2010
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Destination: Mexico (10.5 hrs flight)
What to expect: With the opportunity to explore ancient history, new cultures and cuisines, Mexico is a destination that is more than just a break in the sun. The hotels you will find in Mexico’s prime resorts of Cancun and Riveria Maya pride themselves on great quality, standards and service that are second to none.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 30 degrees with 6 hours of sunshine
Costs when you get there: Three course meal -£25.00, bottle of beer - £1.80, cup of coffee - £1.00
Best buy: Silverware and ceramics are well worth stocking up on and for a taste of Mexico when you get home – be sure to grab a bottle of Tequila.
Best deal: Thomas Cook - 14 nights in Mexico from £997 per person
Staying at the 4 star Sandos Caracol Beacg in Riviera Maya on all inclusive, London Gatwick - 28th November 2010
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Destination: Cuba (11hrs flight)
What to expect: An island of contrasts, Cuba invites you to experience a holiday of two halves. Head to Havana and explore its historic streets, cultural sights and captivating Salsa sounds. Move on to one of the many breathtaking beach resorts where you can unwind and cool down while soaking up the Caribbean sunshine.
Weather: November offers an average temperature of 28 degrees with 5 hours of sunshine
Costs when you get there: Three course meal -£10.00, bottle of beer - £1.07, cup of coffee - £0.70
Best buy: For special occasions why not take a few cigars back with you. One of Cuba’s best brands is the Cohiba. If you buy a box be sure to check it has the official seal on it.
Best deal:Thomas Cook - 14 nights in Cuba from £757 per person
Staying at the 4 star Sol Cayo Coco in Cayo Coco on all inclusive, London Gatwick - 30th November 2010
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970 or visit the nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
All our package holidays are ATOL bonded, which means that we'll make sure all our holidaymakers are looked after if they are delayed in resort and get home as safely as soon as possible. If a holiday is cancelled and holidaymakers are unable to depart, we'll do our best to get them on a holiday, but if not their money is safe.