Forget SAD and get HAPPY with some Winter Sunshine!

With the cold winter nights drawing in, you can’t be blamed for wanting to jet off to warmer climes.

In fact, 3 million Britons jetted off for some much craved for winter sunshine last year. This year, again, millions of Britons are heading off to balmy sunshine, with many choosing to spend Christmas and New Year overseas.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of top winter sun destinations so you can get away from the ‘great British weather’ – there’s even some useful information such as flight times and the average temperatures during the winter months.So whether you want to get away short haul or long haul you’ll find everything you need to know about winter sun right here!

Gran Canaria
Just four and a half hours away by plane, Gran Canaria boasts the best beaches of all the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria is an all year round island, rain is rare and temperatures warm. The island boasts excellent water sports, rolling sand dunes to visit, whilst the capital, Las Palmas, offers a great choice of shopping. And with an average winter sun temperature of around 70F it’s the perfect get away this winter.

Madeira
Known as the Isle of Eternal Spring, Madeira is a top choice for travellers wanting some winter sunshine but without the hoards of travellers, crammed onto beaches. Whilst there’s a beach, it is accessed via a steep slope so most visitors here stick to relaxing in the wide choice of café verandas. What’s more, there’s lots to see and do here, including world-class golf. You can travel to Madeira in just four hours, and it boasts average winter temperatures of 68F.

Cyprus
Open all year round, the resort of Paphos is the place to stay when heading out on a short flight – around five hours - to Cyprus. Situated on the fork of Africa and Europe it’s a top choice for winter sunshine and warmth, at around 66F during the winter months. And believe it or not, here you can enjoy winter sports as well as summer sun all at the same time. Just head off to the Troodos Mountains where the snow is pure and white.

Mauritius
Further afield is Mauritius, located twelve hours away. If all you want to do is sit back, relax and listen to the sound of the waves hitting golden sand then this tropical paradise is your best bet. With miles of beautiful coastline, crystal clear warm seas and beaches worthy of the most prestigious postcard, temperatures of 83f, Mauritius has it all.

Egypt
If you’re after blue skies and no rain then, at around five hours away, is Egypt. With around 8 hours of sunshine per day, the country, which is bursting with luxury 4 and 5 star hotels, and sandy beaches a plenty, is a popular choice with winter sun travellers. Do think about booking early, as Egypt is fast becoming one of the UK’s most popular winter destinations. Average temperatures are in the 70s, with January traditionally being the cooler month, yet still warm and clear.

Sri Lanka
Worth the ten-hour flight, Sri Lanka mixes golden beaches with ancient history. Hot temperatures – 85F and welcoming locals, Sri Lanka has it all. And don’t forget to go on an elephant ride through the lush forests – truly unforgettable.

South Africa
Whilst skies are blue in South Africa, and temperatures are very warm at 78F during the winter, remember that the seas of Cape Town are very cold so if it’s swimming you’re into then you might be worth staying by the pool. Not only does Cape Town offer a cosmopolitan vibe in the harbour, it also offers lush countryside. Be sure to take a trip up to Table Top Mountain or venture further afield and visit the Country’s famous vineyards. Getting to Cape Town will take approximately eleven hours.

Mexico
For the best winter sun in Mexico fly, taking approximately eleven hours from the UK, to Playa del Carmen. Forget images of Ibiza styled Cancun – Playa del Carmen boasts sandy white beaches and is a haven of laid back locals who have perfected the art of relaxing. Plus, not a ‘clubber’ in sight.

Michelle Blackmore is an experienced traveller and contributor to the Heathrow valet parking website site MGP Heathrow. For the best deals customers can book their valet parking Heathrow online.