Yahoo News The ‘best winter sun destination’ that’s 26C in February and a direct flight from Manchester Airport
Winter’s long months might have you longing for warm and sunny days, but summer is still a long way off.
As we struggle through freezing cold weather in the UK, many countries in hotter climates are basking in hours of sunshine. So if you’re feeling the chill, a sunny escape to one of these locations is the answer.
If you’re looking to go somewhere that’s a bit further afield than Europe, but not as far as the Caribbean or South East Asia, then there’s one destination to consider that’s among the ‘best winter sun’ holidays.
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Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, has garnered a reputation for being a destination for influencers, celebrities and social media stars.
Yet there’s so much more to this holiday spot, which is why it’s featured on so many travel lists. The Times, The Independent and Time Out all feature it in round-ups of the best places to visit for winter sun.
Dubai is praised for its gorgeous winter weather and endless things to do. In February temperatures are usually in the early 20s, but it can reach highs of 27C.
This is a lot cooler than the sizzling temperatures of the summer months where it can be hotter than 40C, allowing you to comfortably explore everything Dubai has to offer.
One thing which may surprise you is that this Emirate is incredibly family-friendly. It boasts several theme parks including IMG Worlds of Adventure, Legoland Dubai and Aquaventure Waterpark located on Dubai’s iconic The Palm, a manmade peninsula which juts out from the city.
A must-do for visitors of all ages is a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which features two observation decks on floors 124 and 148 respectively.
There’s no opportunity for boredom at the Dubai Mall, which has an incredible 1,200 stores, its own aquarium and an ice rink, just in case the sun is too much for you.
Dubai doesn’t ignore its past, either, and you can experience it with a boat trip up the Creek to Old Dubai where you can explore the Al Fahidi neighbourhood with buildings dating back to the 1890s.
Of course, no winter sun holiday is complete without a visit to the beach, and Dubai has no shortage of them. Among the best ones are Jumeirah Beach, Sufouh Beach and Kite Beach, which as its name suggests is popular for kitesurfing.
Skyscanner shows flights from Manchester Airport to Dubai in February from £280 one way, with returns available for a similar price, although this does not include baggage or seat allocation.
Emirates shows return flights in February from £596 per person, although extra charges may apply.
