Lifestyle -- 25 days ago
Words: Honor Scott
Stereotypical as it sounds, British people really do spend a lot of time talking about the weather. We also like to complain rather a lot. Enter autumn: the season in which these two national pastimes are best united. Before you can even get the words ‘summer went so quickly’ out of your mouth autumn has come running, with winter in hot pursuit, and you are buffeted by a blast of wind direct from the Arctic. You are bombarded by adverts for winter clothing, and find yourself actually taking serious notice as you search for a new coat with which to battle through the coming months. You can’t bring yourself to even count the number of months left until you can reasonably expect the sun to return to your native country.
If any of these situations sound familiar, gentlemen, it’s really no use pretending you have the resilience required to spend the whole winter in this country. Far better to accept that it is simply not worth the trauma, and give yourself something to look forward to. We think that any of these destinations are attractive alternatives to the grey British sky right now.
Morocco
Reachable in just a three and a half-hour flight, Morocco is one of the most exotic locations within such relatively easy reach of the UK. The perfect destination for the getaway you’ve been longing for. Head to Marrakech for an assortment of souks, spices and snake charmers; to old capital Fez to soak up the frozen in time atmosphere; or, if you are in search of some serious heat, out into the Sahara.
Maldives
If you have somehow managed to avoid seeing pictures of these paradise isles, let us introduce you gentlemen. Picture luxury hotel villas suspended over azure waters, spotless white sand, and palm fringed islands. It doesn’t get more idyllic than the Maldives. It’s also worth bearing in mind that, if global warming continues at the present rate, these desert islands could be one of the first places to be submerged by rising sea levels.
Thailand
Culture, beaches, cuisine, and outstanding wildlife. If you’re looking for some tranquillity, journey away from busy Bangkok to snorkel and dive on the coast, pay the jungle as visit, or get a winter culture fix visiting ancient temples and out of the way villages.
Oman
Just a short hop over from Dubai, Oman is fast becoming a favourite alternative to its flashy neighbour. A combination of mountains cascading down into crystal clear seas, intriguing history and supreme luxury, it guarantees enough sun to get any vitamin-D deprived British gentleman back to full health. Take an awe-inspiring trip through the mountains to see huge wadis, set out into the Wahiba sands to try dune bashing and spend a night amongst the dunes, something no trip to Oman would be complete without, and end with some time sun worshipping in style in the Al Bustan or Shangri-La outside Muscat.
Brazil
Bordering all other South American countries apart from Ecuador and Chile, Brazil is the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world. Take a trip across the Atlantic to experience the vast array of options this country has to offer. Some time in Rio is almost obligatory, and from there the options are endless. With iconic destinations such as the Amazon basin, the 240ft Iguacu Falls, and the flooded outback of the Panatal to choose from, along with 13 cities, over 4,500 miles of coastline and countless tropical islands, spoilt for choice is an understatement.
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