World TravellerGuide to travelling the world

As the winter months set in, grey skies descend and the temperatures plummet. There is no better time for sitting down at the internet and searching for cruise deals to somewhere warm and tropical. But what are the best sunshine destinations for this time of year?

Here are some of the best tropical destinations that can be visited in the comfort and luxuries of a cruise ship for that all important fun in the sun:

Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands offer plenty of great cruises with island hopping routes from Honolulu to a selection of other stunningly beautiful destinations. Famed for their warm hospitality and welcome the Hawaiian people will ensure your trip is a truly memorable one. Here you can unwind and soak up the sun whilst enjoying all those luxurious extras on the cruise ship.

The Caribbean
This is possibly one of the most popular cruise ship destinations. The combination of sun, stunning scenery, diverse cultures and locations and some of the most iconic ruins will make your tropical getaway the most thrilling, sun baked experience.

The South Pacific
Head to Tahiti and the breathtakingly beautiful French Polynesian islands for a spectacular winter get-away. On this cruise you can enjoys miles of sandy beaches, balmy sunshine filled days and tropical evenings; perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views.
This cruise destination can often be quieter than the Caribbean or Hawaii making it a paradise to those who discover this sunny place. With no crowds you can simply relax and enjoy this beautiful location.

The Canary Islands
With cruises from Southampton in 2012, this sunny haven is a popular choice. The islands are located close to the coast of North Africa where you can be sure of sunshine 365 days of the year. Every island has something new to offer and great sightseeing opportunities.
If you want to escape the winter gloom opt for cruise deals and escape to the sun.

Your tickets have been booked for months, you’ve finished work, and your holiday is just around the corner – time to relax? You’d think so, but there are a few little things to do before you go away, and before even that, which can help ensure your holiday goes swimmingly.

If you’re going to a country outside of Britain, you’ll need to change your money to its respective currency. To find the best deal, it’s a good idea to shop around. What’s more, change your money quickly so as not to leave it too late; exposing yourself to last-minute ‘bureau de changes’ could prove to be an expensive decision.

Sensible choice of clothing is, of course, essential for a family holiday! It’s a good move to check out the weather at your destination before you go, in order to work out which clothes to take. Do you need to wrap up warm, or is it more of a getaway in the sun? The former will require more clothes and, potentially, more luggage space.

It’s also a good idea to prepare yourself in case there are many medical emergencies during your trip. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) acts as insurance should you fall ill in Europe, while some basic medicine from home can also be brought along should anything go awry.

If you’re heading to a sunny destination, make sure you bring the right sun tan lotion for everyone in your party. Sometimes the sun can be deceptive, and you could be burned without realising. This is common on ski holidays, where the cold weather takes your mind off the fact that you are at such high altitudes, and therefore closer to the sun. Family holiday parks or campsites will often have swimming pools or play areas and it’s important to make sure the kids (and you!) have the right level of protection.

If you’re taking young children with you on holiday, consider bringing toys and games for them to play. Sometimes children can be hard work, especially when you take them to a new place, so it helps to keep them distracted while you sort out more pressing matters such as checking into a camp site. It’s also useful to bring comforting items for children, perhaps a blanket, to help settle any unease a child may have.
Going on holiday can be a stressful experience, but you need not feel resigned to this possibility. By planning ahead and meeting any problems before they come up, you can keep stress levels to a minimum and get on with the important task of simply enjoying your holiday!