Wet and windy weather swept across the country last weekend. Combined with long, dark nights and seasonal sniffles, we’re not surprised that some of you are already dreaming of a sunny holiday!  That’s why, with Christmas fast approaching, we’ve taken a look at five perfect destinations for spring and summer 2016. As well as spectacular beaches, good food and warm weather, these are the perfect way to spend your Christmas money!

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Corfu
From £99

The northernmost of the Ionian Islands, Corfu has been attracting British holidaymakers for over fifty years. Beyond the bulging tourist resorts, the island described in Gerald Durrell’s much-loved My Family and Other Animals still exists in the form of spectacular beaches and landscapes that bristle with life. To explore this isle of wonder, you could book an all-inclusive holiday to Corfu as little as £99.

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Majorca
From £102

Majorca is famous for the poets that wrote some of their best works on the island. The tranquillity that made this part of the island so appealing to writers hundreds of years ago, has attracted some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, with Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones holidaying at their villa in Valldemossa, just a stone’s throw from the picture postcard village of Fornalutx. For a livelier week in the sun, try the thrills and spills of Playa de Palma or Magaluf from just £102 for full board.

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Gran Canaria
From £98

There’s a reason the Canary Islands remain so popular with European holidaymakers. The simple formula of warm weather throughout the year, buzzing nightlife and a family-friendly atmosphere gives them broad appeal. This diversity is reflected in the landscape of Gran Canaria, always dubbed a ‘continent in miniature’ in the brochures on account of the range of landscapes it offers. Holidaymakers can spend the morning exploring the subtropical forests that cover the interior, before heading off in search of a pristine, white sand beach for an afternoon in the sun. Self-catering in June from £98.

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Algarve
From £89

The Algarve is all about simple pleasures. From its cove beaches, with small thumbnails of golden sand and clear water, to the fresh ingredients and friendly locals, Portugal’s southern tip delivers at every level. Holidaymakers can play at some of Europe’s best golf courses, surf at the beaches near Sagres and enjoy the vibrant nightlife at resorts like Albufeira, Lagos and Armação de Pêra. Inland, the Algarve continues to deliver. The pretty town of Monchique, with its narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses offers relaxation and some great walking, while the historic town of Silves boasts a splendid Moorish castle. You could enjoy a holiday in Portugal at a B&B in May from just £89.

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Turkey
From £92

Turkey’s coastal resorts continue to attract tourists in their droves. From the unmistakeable lagoon at Oludeniz to the buzzing attractions of Marmaris, the resorts all tend to share the same common characteristics – white sand, turquoise water and spectacular mountainous backdrops. Beyond the coastal resorts lie Turkey’s real gems, from the surrealist shapes of Cappadocia to the countless, brilliantly preserved ancient sites like Ephesus and Aspendos. So why not put your Christmas spending money towards a holiday in Turkey, the birthplace of the original St Nicholas? We have half board options available in June from just £92!

Online searches for holidays in 2016 are expected to peak on Boxing Day. Where will you be looking to spend a week in the sun? Let us know by commenting below or on our Twitter page.

Images via Flickr: Michael Gleave, Gatanass, Giuseppe MiloChris Ford, Tania Ho, Morfheos