The trouble with winter isn’t just the cold – it’s the monotony. Weeks of pewter skies and wet pavements can leave even the hardiest of us daydreaming about somewhere that smells faintly of sunscreen. A week in the winter sun promises an instant mood-lift, but it’s not as simple as picking a spot on the map and packing your swimwear.

Unlike the straightforward business of booking a summer break in Europe, plotting a sunshine escape during the winter months is a more strategic game. Distances are longer , weather patterns are more unpredictable, and the “tropics” aren’t always as sunny as they sound – you don’t want to swap a rainy week in Bath for tropical storms in Bermuda , afterall. So here are the main pitfalls to watch out for – and how to dodge them.

1. Hitting the rainy se

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