Where's hot, warm and cheap to go this time of year?

[Appalonia]

I haven't had a holiday abroad since 2018, I hate this cold weather, Jan, Feb is such a miserable time of year. Just feel like booking somewhere warm for a week away, just for me. Anyone for any good recommendations please?

The airing cupboard?

Great minds! 😂

I do have a good scout around a variety of websites. I usually find the cheap flights first, then have. Quick look to make sure there is a range of accommodation available on those dates. Once I’m happy that I will be able to secure accommodation at reasonable cost its back then to actually book the flights. Once flights are secured - it’s time to book accommodation. You could start with Expedia or booking.com. Alternatively I have a look at Tour operators websites to see which hotels I fancy - but always look at the reviews, both on the website & also on trip advisor. Take some with a piece of salt, but you get to find out things that might be a deal breaker for you eg loud disco music heard from bedrooms, steep hill back from beach, no shops in walking distance etc.

Once I’ve chosen a hotel generally I find it better to book with the hotel direct - either by email or on their website, particularly if they have a loyalty scheme . This way I seem to get better rooms at better prices than the rooms advertised on the major websites. I’m now a member of several hotel loyalty schemes which give excellent savings. Once at a resort take note of hotels /self catering accommodations that looks good - pop in (usually ask at reception and they are either happy to let me look or give a short tour) and then take a photo of the details, so if I go again I know where I want to stay and then book directly with the hotel. Doing it independently you do have to sort transfers out too, but usually the hotel will help or otherwise google is your friend to find local taxi /bus companies. Recently quotes for transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Caleta varied from E70 to E20 each way , while a little research finds perfectly good local taxis will do it for E12. So the savings can stack up quickly.

I have spent a fair bit of time on research & sourcing holidays over the years, but have saved large amounts of money and been able to go abroad when I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go with a tour operator. Done a couple of tours of Florida at low cost/high quality. If you pick up cheap flights for relatively popular tourist areas you are unlikely to have a problem finding accommodation in your price range with a bit of research. In some cases, booking with a tour operator can be cheaper, but generally if you are buying flights at around £100 (return) or less then you are onto a winner by booking the separate elements yourself independently.

Malta