Best last-minute holiday deals for December, from Barbados to Cornwall
Escape the winter gloom with these last-minute deals
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Your support makes all the difference.If the build-up to Christmas is getting too much and you need to escape, think about going somewhere warm – or snuggle up in a country cottage. You might even want to celebrate Christmas somewhere snowy and festive.
If you’re looking ahead to a March holiday, some of these ideas might inspire you.
Go now
Barbados
You haven’t got far to stumble to the beach at Coral Mist Beach Hotel – it’s right in front of this cheerful three-star at Worthing Beach just south of Barbados’ capital, Bridgetown. There’s a pool too if you want a change of scenery. Teletext Holidays has a seven nights’ room only deal from £887pp departing 14 December, including flights and transfers.
Austria
Embrace all things festive while skiing down the slopes of Ischgl during Christmas week. Its snow-sure pistes are alluring enough – just add a hefty dose of mad Austrian après-ski for a party-filled week. Inghams has a week’s B&B at family-run Hotel Binta from £779pp, including flights and transfers, departing 21 December.
Cornwall
If you’re looking for a cosy Christmas in a romantic setting, check out Streamside Mill. This cute one-bedroom stone cottage has a wood-burning stove and is close to St Just and Cape Cornwall. And there’s a pub only 400 yards away. Classic Cottages has five nights’ rental for £461 from 22 December.
Egypt
Tourism is picking up again in Egypt, and now is a good time to get to know the country on a nine-day tour over Christmas. On the Go Tours has a Festive King Tut tour that features Cairo, the Pyramids at Giza and an overnight train to Aswan. Then it’s on to a felucca cruise down the Nile towards Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. The tour costs from £792pp (saving nearly £200) with departure dates on 20, 21 and 24 December. The price includes accommodation, transport and some meals, but flights are extra.
Book now for March
Malaysia
It’s hard to resist the combination of Borneo rainforests, orangutans, going on a boat safari and chilling out in an eco-friendly luxury resort. Tropical Sky has a very tempting 10-night tour that includes a stay at secluded Gaya Island Resort and visits to an orangutan rehabilitation centre. The starting price of £1,999pp includes flights and transfers for departures throughout March.
France
Once the February half-term holidays have come and gone, things get back to normal at ski resorts. Morzine is one of the most attractive villages within the Portes du Soleil ski domain, with direct links to neighbouring Avoriaz and Les Gets. Alpine Elements has a week’s half-board at the central Hotel Les Dents Blanches from £764pp, departing 3 March. The price includes flights, transfers, breakfast, six evening meals with wine as well as afternoon tea.
Cape Verde
While you’re waiting for Europe to warm up, head out to Cape Verde and soak up the sun in this Atlantic archipelago. Boa Vista is one of the most laidback of the Cape Verde islands, and Orquidea Guest House is in a prime beachfront spot for lazy days surrounded by tropical gardens. Cape Verde Experience has a week at Orquidea Guest House from £1,149pp departing 5 March. The price includes flights, transfers and breakfast.
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
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