YOU might not believe it, but you can still find a long-haul holiday that won’t empty your pockets post Christmas.
The Sun Travel team have traversed the globe and found their destinations where you can find some winter sun, without having to splash to cash (too much).
It may seem like madness to describe the bucket list luxury destination of the Maldives as a great value destination but it is possible to enjoy those beautiful beaches for less.
There are still plenty of guest houses on local islands – those not owned by large resorts – where you can stay from just £40 a night.
And with new flights from Virgin Atlantic flying direct to Male, prices are keen too.
The Liberty Guesthouse on the island of Mahibadhoo has rooms from just £38 a night, right on the beach front.
Or head to Fulidhoo, where you can enjoy those white sand beaches and clear turquoise seas at the fraction of the cost of resort islands.
A night at the Bougainvillea Inn will cost from just £43per night.
If you do want to experience full-on luxury and those legendary over-water villas, the 5* Siyam World has some really competitive prices with a week from £2,069pp including flights.
– Head of Travel, Lisa Minot
For me, the best and more affordable way to experience the Caribbean is on a cruise.
They really are unbeatable when it comes to value-for-money with some packages costing as little as £70pp a day including your cabin, all of your food and West-End style entertainment.
I travelled on a seven-night sailing on board P&O Cruises’ sleek 5,200-passenger ship, Arvia, a couple of years ago, and waking up to views of a new sun-drenched island every morning is something I’d never tire of.
A day or so at sea meant I could take advantage of all of the on board facilities, including an epic escape room themed around an underwater submarine with role play actors that made it feel like the real deal.
We ticked off Antigua, Basseterre, Saint Kitts, Fort de France, Martinique, Castries, Saint Lucia, and Bridgetown in Barbados in just seven days.
Better still, you can manage your money wisely on a cruise, uploading credit beforehand if you wish (which you can spend at the on-board duty-free shops, at the luxury spa or on specialty restaurants).
If you want to keep costs down, you needn’t spend an extra dime.
– Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
Sometimes you just want a blast of heat without having to travel too far – enter Senegal.
TUI launched holidays to Senegal back in 2022 – I was on one of the first flights out there to try it, which you can read here – and has remained a popular option ever since.
All-inclusive breaks can be found for around £900pp, and that includes your flights.
There’s no time difference either, its hot in winter but its just six hours by flight.
And when there, you can fill your boots with experiences from tours to Goree Island, a former slave trade island, a trip to the capital of Dakar, as well as an African safari.
– Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Not only is Thailand a true winter sun destination for Brits, it’s a country where bucket list experiences can be done on a budget.
Earlier this year, I flew from London Gatwick Airport to Phuket with TUI.
I visited three destinations in southern Thailand, Krabi, Khao Lak and Khao Sok National Park, where I spent a couple of nights at Elephant Hills, a luxury glamping experience and elephant sanctuary all wrapped into one.
While a 14-night package does start from £2,000, it is the trip of a lifetime – Thailand can be a lot cheaper.
Earlier this year, Phuket was named one of the cheapest holiday long-haul holiday destinations in the Post Office Travel Money’s latest Long Haul Holiday Report, with pints costing as little as £2.18.
– Travel Reporter, Hope Brotherton
