Winter sun destinations 2008

If the cold, dark and rainy British winter with its changeable weather is leaving you desperate for a second summer holiday, then it is time to jet off to warmer climes.

Winter sun destinations such as the Seychelles, Maldives, Egypt, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia may be popular but there are lots of other exciting countries to head to as well.

travelbite.co.uk has been talking to the experts to find out what you can do on an active winter sun holidays around the globe.

Wildlife and waterfalls in Caribbean Grenada

As well as beaches and diving opportunities, Grenada offers active holidaymakers a chance to don their walking boots and head for the island's tropical forests.

One of the best hiking destinations on the island is Grand Etang National Park - a high altitude rainforest which supports different eco-systems thanks to its sharp variations in height.

Some of the best of Grenada's wildlife can be taken in at the park, including birdlife such as hawks and hummingbirds, frogs, lizards, armadillos, mongoose, and mona monkey.

As well as the wildlife there are some nice trails to hike in the area.

A fairly easy-going walk can be had around the shores of Grand Etang lake, which takes around an hour and a half, and gives a good insight to the different flora and fauna of the park. (Holidaymakers should note some stream crossings and tropical mud will have to be traversed).

However, if you after a walk that can be reached easily from the country's main city, St George's, there is some well-preserved rainforest where you can climb a nature trail to 342 metres above sea level, where there are also some great views from a lookout platform.

The Morne Gazo trail is open 09:00 until 16:00 Monday to Saturday and 10:00 til 15:00 on Sundays, with an entry fee of $5 EC.

Three day forecast of the weather in Saint George's, Grenada.

Laid-back winter sun in Sri Lanka

People on the lookout for some laidback, cheap winter sunshine should head to Sri Lanka’s thousand kilometres of coastline.

Away from the troubled north, the small sleepy beach towns of the south and east have been attracting visitors for years.

The weather is hot all year round, and out of season (May - September) it is not uncommon to find yourself alone on the beach.

In season, the country is especially popular with European tourists, and things can get a bit crowded. The upside of this is that the nightlife takes on a bustling, lively atmosphere, which can be lacking the rest of the year.

Diving is good all along the coast, and the town of Hikkaduwa, (98km from Colombo), is home to the country’s only marine sanctuary, where you can snorkel or dive with bright corals and fish.

Unawatuna, and hour or two from the capital, is a small, low key resort popular with budget travellers. The narrow, golden beach is lined with palm trees and the occasional beach bar.

Matara is the largest town on the south coast and offers a livelier alternative to a few of the quieter beaches. There are many bars and restaurants aimed at tourists and for those not lugging a backpack round, some good upmarket hotels.

For those who want a more active beach experience, head to Aragam Bay on the south-east coast.

Here surfers of all levels can rent a board and head out to sea, safe in the knowledge that however bad they are, there will probably be someone worse. There are also hundreds of wild monkeys in Aragam Bay, which are fun to look at - but do not get too close to the males or you may get more than you bargained for from your winter sun break.

Five day forecast of the weather in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Safari and hiking in Kenya

Kenya’s sun-drenched Indian Ocean shores, the natural beauty of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Kenya gift the country a high position on many holidaymakers' lists as a dream winter sun destination.

Activities for holidaymakers range from hiking in the mountains, to walking safaris and touring game reserves in a 4x4s.

For those looking for a unique perspective on the country the tourist board suggests trying a light aircraft ride over Lake Nakuru, which is scattered with masses of flamingos.

However, there is more to see than just the vast flocks of the iconic pink birds. Thanks to its position as part of a national park the lake is also a safari hotspot where leopard, rhino, lion, zebra, buffalo, endangered Rothschild giraffe and waterbucks can be found.

Around the lake are waterfalls, cliffs and forests - a great destination for taking in the natural beauty of Nakuru and Kenya.

Lake Nakuru can be reached direct from Nairobi by bus or private transport in around two hours.

And when it comes to luxurious and unique accommodation there are plenty of award-winning safari lodges and luxury tented camps to stay at.

If the wilds of Kenya are not so appealing, then you can always opt for the many hotels that line the beaches of Mombassa, and stay as active, or inactive as you would like.

For more information see the official Kenya tourist board website.

Five day forecast of the weather in Nairobi Kenya.

City breaks and beaches in Tunisia

Offering desert, cities, beaches and diving sites to explore, Tunisia is a great winter sun destination.

Temperatures may not be scorching, but they certainly are comfortably warm during the day hitting around 17 degrees on average during in January and February in the afternoons.

The destination has been hotly tipped for 2008, with Cox & Kings' among the tour operators offering trips to the Middle Eastern country for the first time.

"People tend to think of Tunisia as a beach holiday destination and, although it does have some lovely beaches, it has so much more to offer in the way of history and culture. The country has been occupied by Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs, and it now has some of the most impressive ruins in North Africa," commented Mark Stacey, Cox & Kings' Middle East expert.

Among the top sites is Carthage, originally built by the Phoenicians, before being colonised by the Romans.

At the ruins holidaymakers can see the Antoinine Thermal baths; at 47 metres long and 15 high they are one of the largest built by the Roman Empire.

Additionally, the travel tips sharing website Tripadvisor recently reported the island of Jerba, located off the south-east coast of Tunisia in the Gulf of Gabes, was the top destination for 2008.

The island boasts great seafood restaurants and lots of active holiday opportunities, from water sports to cycling, and a bustling open-air market where you can find pottery and silversmith craftwork.

Five day forecast of the weather in Tunis, Tunisia.

Luxury and sunshine in Monaco

If you are watching your air-miles and want a luxury winter sun break with beaches, good food and great hotels, the French Riviera is a top choice.

Monaco boasts 315 sunny days per year, and though temperatures are unlikely to reach mid to high 20s you get in the Middle East and the tropics of south-east Asia, it is still substantially warmer than the near-freezing temperatures you can expect in the UK.

The principality also boasts a coastline and iconic harbour, which for many sums up the luxurious style of the Côte d'Azur.

"Monaco is filled with outstanding architecture, beautiful gardens and bright friendly people. The hotels there are regarded as some of the best in the world. The Metropole, just off Casino square was recently awarded the title of best hotel in Europe," commented Stephan Roberge, Maison de Monaco managing director.

He added some of the best Monaco hotels can be stayed at for around £100 to £150 per person per night.

"Accommodation choices are wide and varied - the best among the choices are the Columbus, the Fairmont, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Port Palace from £100 per person per night (based on two sharing) and the Hermitage, Le Meridien, Hotel de Paris and the Metropole from £150 per person per night (based on two sharing)."

And though the quality hotels can be pricey, flights to Nice can be found for around £70 per person return, with British Airways, Easyjet and Air France among airlines serving the airport.

All have regular flights to Nice from approx £70 pp return.

However, if money is no object then why not arrive in style and catch the helicopter from Nice to Monaco - £60 per person one-way.

For more information see the see the Monaco tourist board website.

Five day forecast of the weather in Monaco.