Where do you go in the winter?

I must admit the two different people who recommended CV were the all inclusive stay in the complex types, not for me either.

Another place we visited in early March is Israel, very pleasant climate on the coast, a bit chilly in Jerusalem, and hot at the Dead Sea

CLs somewhere in this country!

I was looking at Cape Verde but heard reports about muggings and was put off.  Not looked at Gambia though.  Thanks for the tip.

Done all of that.  Been on CL's in early January and will probably do it again next Jan...However, much as we enjoy having CL's to ourselves,  we do hanker for some warmth and sunshine in the darkest months!

Costa  Rica - December to April is the driest time.  There is a wide range of different accommodation from all-inclusive to 'intrepid traveller, there are Caribbean beaches or rain forests, waterfalls and volcanoes, you can hire your own guide, or do your own thing.  There is a fantastic opportunity for photographs, with amazing wildlife literally on your doorstep. 

Interesting that you should say that, Val - it's exactly where Mrs M's got her eyes on for next February. Seems like a country just waking up to tourism and there are some very good deals out there too. We watched the recent 3 part documentary on Channel 4 about the country. I don't think she'll need to try very hard to persuade me!

We had 1 day on Costa Rica when we did the Panama cruise 5 years ago. Really nice people and amazing wildlife. The Americans have been going for awhile now mostly to the Caribbean areas.

For the past ten years, since we`ve been together, Jules and I have been going to a fantastic hotel in Hammamet in Tunisia.

We honeymooned there on our fourth year, it had everything we loved. Private beach, beach bar, the staff were faultless, and because we were regulars, we always got preferential treatment, much to the chargrin of other guests, lol. we made friends out there and met up with them every year, us from the Midlands, couples from, Somerset, Southhampton, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Great times, and then it all kicked off, we were 5 km away from Sousse when the atrocities happened. So sad, so needless.

I`m not going to get into politics of what happened, we all know.

Needless to say, we will not be returning, but trying to find a destination 3hrs away with everything we want is becoming a right dilemma!!. We went to Zante last year, which was disappointing.

And this Sunday we`re off to Mallorca, east coast, away from Magaluf!!.  Not been before, so hopefully it will be an enjoyable holiday.

I feel for you.  That is similar to the dilemma we face.  Do we do the Canaries again...probably 15 years on the trot or do we find somewhere else within say a 4 hour flight where we can get some winter sunshine.  Doesn't seem to be much of a choice so far but will take on board all the interesting feedback received so far and do some research.

We love visiting Germany in the MH in December for the Christmas Markets (need M&S or winter tyres). For a short trip in the van we think the best time to visit Brugge is Nov - Feb (great trains to Gent, Antwerp and Brussels). These are the best months to visit Venice though we fly. If going in winter remember to check the phases of the moon before booking and try to  avoid full and new moons to minimize the risk of flooding. Also room prices double at Carnival time in Feb. Wrap up warm, keep away from St Marks and the Riallto Bridge - wonderfully peaceful and at its best. If you want sun from Nov - Feb Oman is fantastic - stunningly beautiful with wonderful people and couldn't be more different to the glass towers, shopping malls and intolerance of Dubai. Its expensive to stay but cheap to eat out if you "go native" and keep away from the international hotels.