A record 16.2 million visitors descended on the Canary Islands last year (5.6m from the UK alone, the islands’ principal source market, followed by 2.
6m Germans). It’s a sign that it is harder than ever to escape the crowds in traditional winter sun destinations. Read Next Skiers hold their breath for late snow and bargains after a 'weird' winter But look further south than this heat-seeker’s favoured Spanish archipelago , and several destinations in and around Africa are becoming weatherproof budget alternatives for a winter escape.
“We’ve seen strong year-on-year increases in demand for winter sun holidays in West Africa,” says Phil Iveson, Tui UK’s commercial director. “In terms of passenger numbers, Sal in Cape Verde has seen the biggest uptick. The Gambia and Senegal bookings are up, too, more than 20 per cent and 60 per cent respectively this year compared with last.
” With uncrowded beaches, guaranteed sun, direct flights taking around six hours and no, or limited, time difference to Britain – and so avoiding jet lag – it’s not difficult to understand why. From the laid-back coast of The Gambia to a Tanzanian safari and tropical islands, here are seven new and affordable winter sun options..
. The Gambia A six-hour flight from London where you will stay on GMT, The Gambia ’s small, 80km Atlantic coastline is a smooth introduction to West Africa. English is the official language of this well-established winter sun destination, and you can spend y.