Best winter sun travel departures to book right now
To help travellers kickstart 2023 with a boost of vitamin D, here are three winter sun adventures from escorted-tour specialist Newmarket Holidays, including short break, safari and long haul options.
SAFARI AND BEACH ADVENTURE: KENYA
This 13-day group tour includes wildlife-watching in two of Kenya’s most famous reserves, bookended with days relaxing by the Indian Ocean at a beach hotel in Mombasa. The safari adventure begins with a guided visit to the private Taita Hills Sanctuary, home to colourful birdlife and large mammals including lions and elephants, for a game drive and a five-star overnight stay at the sanctuary’s lodge, which is set on stilts above a series of waterholes. The tour then heads to the renowned Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks for game-spotting drives and a visit to the vast Yatta Plateau, one of the world’s largest lava flows, before returning to Mombasa for five days of beach bliss. How: Seven nights’ all-inclusive hotel accommodation at a beach resort in Mombasa and four nights’ full-board accommodation in game lodges during the safari from £3,365pp including flights from Heathrow on 6 March 2023 and escorted by experienced drivers and safari guides. Other departures available, newmarketholidays.co.uk, 0330 341 1927.
Direct link: https://www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/holidays/africa/kenya-beach-and-safari
LONG HAUL: THAILAND, CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM
Follow the Mekong to explore Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam with a 15-day escorted adventure starting with the colourful floating markets at Damnoen Saduak and a guided tour to discover the palaces and temples of Bangkok. The adventure heads through rural landscapes that have changed little in centuries, and crosses into Cambodia where the elegant French colonial city of Battambang, a ride on the Bamboo Train and the incredible temple complex of Angkor Thom are among the highlights. The journey ends in Vietnam, with a visit to the remarkable and poignant Cu Chi tunnel complex, followed by an illuminating tour of Ho Chi Minh City. How: 12-nights’ B&B with some lunches and dinners from £3,439pp including flights from Heathrow on 1 March, tours, transfers and tour manager. Other departures available, newmarketholidays.co.uk, 0330 341 1927. Direct link: https://newmarketholidays.co.uk/holidays/asia/thailand-cambodia-and-vietnam
SHORT HAUL: LISBON, SEVILLE AND THE GLORIOUS ALGARVE
With late February temperatures heading towards 20°, this eight-day early season break in the haven of Albufeira on Portugal’s southern coast combines relaxing days exploring the sun-kissed coastline, with guided excursions to Lisbon, to discover the Portuguese capital’s famous UNESCO sites and landmarks such as the Castelo de Sao Jorge, and to the Spanish city of Sevilla, where the impressive sightseeing options include the courtyards of the Moorish Alcazar, the Jewish Quarter (Juderia) and Plaza de España. How: Seven nights’ B&B accommodation and dinners from £739pp (saving £184) including flights from Birmingham on 25 February 2023, guided tours and transfers. Other departures available, newmarketholidays.co.uk, 0330 341 1927. Direct link: https://www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/holidays/europe/lisbon-seville-and-the-glorious-algarve
