From Barbados to Miami: Great getaways

Where to go and what to do

St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, Barbados (Flickr)

WINTER SUN

For an winter beach break, consider Virgin Holidays' offer of seven nights in Miami for £655pp. The package departs on 19 November, with flights from Heathrow and car hire included. Accommodation is at the Days Inn Thunderbird, located on Collins Avenue at the north end of Miami Beach, which features a small pool and direct access to the sand (virginholidays.co.uk).

CULTURE TRIP

The Greek Islands get all the attention, but Athens has charms all of its own. In the capital, flea markets and fashionable wine bars rub shoulders with ancient sites such as the Acropolis, making for an engaging city break. Travel on 27 September, when easyJet Holidays has a three-night stay at the Athens Lotus for £230pp, including flights from Gatwick (easyjet.com/holidays).

BEACH BREAK

Head off for a week of sun in Barbados for £915pp. The Destinology deal has departures until 7 December, when booked by 23 September. Virgin Atlantic flights are included from Manchester, along with transfers and room-only accommodation at Ocean Two, a four-star beach resort on the south coast near St Lawrence Gap and Oistins, home to a lively fish market (destinology.co.uk).

SALE AWAY

Until 23 September, BA has a worldwide sale. Travel dates vary, but examples of deals include two nights in Rome at the Hotel Giotto from £129pp, with Gatwick flights and breakfast; or a week's half-board in Mauritius at Coin de Mire Attitude hotel from £789pp, again with Gatwick flights. Fly-drive packages and flight-only fares also available (ba.com).