Where to go for winter sun - and why

Value for money and choice

Egypt

The number of Brits going to Egypt has risen by 38% in the last year and it's one of the hot destinations for 2009, according to the 'FCO & ABTA 2009 Travel Trends Report', as well as being a UK winter-sun staple under five hours' flying time. And it's a top non-Euro destination, to make your pound go further. Choose from Red Sea beach holidays and dive trips, Nile cruises and historical holidays (pyramids, anyone?) - or a combination. For a less frantic alternative, try up-and-coming Marsa Alam between the Arabian Desert and Red Sea - Monarch (www.holidays.monarch.co.uk) flies there - or a drop-out eco beach (see below).

Getting there: Combine a Nile cruise with a beach break from www.discoveregypt.co.uk. A seven-night, all-inclusive Nile cruise plus seven nights' B&B in Luxor costs from £699. Lastminute.com has seven-night all-inclusive Red Sea Riviera packages in January from £349, Independent travellers might prefer a Red Sea eco-lodge such as those at www.basata.com where a bamboo beach hut costs from €14 per person per night.