As the nights draw in and the UK gets colder, many of us start dreaming of escaping to somewhere warm and sunny. Winter sun holidays are more popular than ever, with British travellers looking for affordable destinations that offer both sunshine and good value for money.

Here are some of the best options for winter 2025 — and how to stretch your budget while you’re away.

1. Canary Islands, Spain

A classic winter sun choice, the Canaries (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura) are just a 4-hour flight from the UK. With year-round sunshine and plenty of affordable accommodation, they remain one of the best value options in Europe.

• Average winter temperature: 20–24°C

• Currency: Euro (EUR)

• Tip: Exchange rates for the Euro can fluctuate — compare providers before you travel to lock in the best deal.

2. Dubai, UAE

Dubai offers guaranteed sunshine, luxury resorts, and family-friendly attractions. While it can be pricey, deals in early December and January make it more affordable than many assume.

• Average winter temperature: 25–28°C

• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)

• Tip: ATMs are widely available, but prepaid travel cards often offer better value than using a UK debit card.

3. Egypt (Hurghada & Sharm El Sheikh)

Egypt combines warm weather with all-inclusive resorts and plenty of culture. Flights are around 5 hours, and packages are often very competitively priced.

• Average winter temperature: 22–26°C

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

• Tip: Cash is king in local markets — make sure you take small denominations.

4. Turkey (Antalya & Dalaman)

Turkey has become increasingly popular with UK travellers thanks to its affordability. Even in winter, Antalya offers mild weather and great value hotels.

• Average winter temperature: 15–20°C

• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

• Tip: Exchange rates for the lira have been volatile — buying in advance could save you money.

5. The Caribbean (Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica)

For a long-haul escape, the Caribbean offers hot weather and an all-inclusive experience. January and February are peak months, so book early for the best prices.

• Average winter temperature: 26–30°C

• Currency: varies by island (Barbados Dollar, Dominican Peso, Jamaican Dollar, etc.)

• Tip: Bring some cash for local taxis and tips — not everything can be paid by card.

Making your travel money go further

Wherever you head this winter, it pays to plan ahead with your currency:

• Compare rates online before you buy.

• Avoid airport exchange desks where rates are usually the worst.

• Consider a travel money card for security and flexibility.

On Holiday Currency Exchange, you can compare the latest travel money rates for over 60 currencies and choose the provider that suits you best.