Ah, the great British winter. The season of dark nights and bitter cold temperatures, has somehow managed to creep up on us for another year.

Now I know what you’re thinking, just where has the time gone, right? It only feels like yesterday that we were enjoying the summer sun, and suddenly some how we’re now donning our thickest coats, wooliest jumpers and cosiest boots.

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that rather than relishing what the great British winter has to offer, all I associate it with is sneezing, colds, rain, rain and more rain. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just hibernate for the whole season, or run away to a hot country somewhere? Well, it’s exactly what some fellows do when it hits this time of year (the hot country bit, not the hibernating bit).

Jetting off to a corner of the earth where the sun still shines during the winter is a great way to catch some winter rays.

So, if you’re seriously considering booking yourself on the next plane in order to do so, then here’s a little guide of short-haul, mid-haul and long-haul options to help you on your way.

Short-Haul

If you’re simply looking to step out of the dreary winter and into something just a little bit brighter, than a trip into Europe may be what you’re looking for.

Locations such as the French and Italian Rivieras, Sicily, Majorca and Portugal are perfect if you’re after simply a brighter winter. Although these locations don’t boast scorching heat in the winter months, they do offer reasonable temperatures, sunny days and beautiful surroundings that’ll give you a whole different meaning to the word ‘winter’.

Whether you opt for a hotel stay or prefer to hire out a villa, such as a Portugal property for your short break, you’ll be amazed at how far you can be from the British weather, without having to travel to the other side of the world to get it. With flight times of less than 4 hours, they’re perfect for both week-long stays or long weekends.

Mid-Haul

If you are looking for temperatures a little higher than what Europe has to offer for this time of year, then there are a vast array of mid-haul options that’ll help you escape.

By hopping on a plane ride of 5 hours, you can find yourself in the beautiful Cape Verde, situated off the coast of Africa. Cape Verde offers average temperatures of between 22 and 29 degrees in the winter months, and with the area boasting stunning surroundings, you really can’t go wrong.

Egypt is also a popular choice with holidaymakers looking to get away for some winter sun. With a flight time from the UK of around 5 hours again, you can experience a city break in Cairo or take a River Cruise up the world famous Nile. What’s guaranteed is that whatever you choose to do, you’ll feel a million miles from the British winter weather.

Long-Haul

So, you’ve been saving up your annual leave days all year in hope of one thing as the end of the year approaches; a well-deserved holiday soaking up the scorching hot sun.

If this is you and you’re really looking to travel far to escape the winter weather, then the Caribbean is definitely for you.

From locations such as the Maldives, the Seychelles or Barbados, all with a flight times of around 8 hours, it’s time to don that bikini, take a dip in the ocean and take long strolls along the beautiful white sandy beaches. With temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, what was all that moaning about winter again?