You don't have to wait until the summer to enjoy a sunny holiday abroad. Travel just a short distance from the UK and you'll find that many countries are already enjoying high temperatures and scorching sunshine, without being thronged by the summer crowds - many just a short haul flight away.
Italy is a great place to enjoy year-round sunshine, and visiting regions such as Sardinia in the spring or autumn can be preferable to the often oppressive heat of the summer. This naturally stunning area is full of great beaches, many of which lie relatively undisturbed before the summer holidaymakers arrive, guaranteeing you some peace and quiet.
Another European sunshine destination that won't cost a fortune to fly to is Andalucia in Spain. Typically several degrees warmer than Sardinia, you could feel like you've arrived in a tropical paradise just a few hours from the UK. It's not just beaches that make Andalucia such a popular destination either, and heading there in the spring can be the best time to travel inland and explore areas such as Sierra de Aracena national park.
The Greek islands have long drawn sun-seekers from across Europe too, and Cyprus is perhaps the most appealing in the springtime, especially as ever more villages are being opened as tourist resorts, offering a more traditional experience than most beachside hotels. Many of Cyprus' beaches are natural marvels themselves, such as the horseshoe-shaped Coral Bay which can be great for holiday snaps.
Looking beyond Europe can sometimes mean bagging even cheaper deals though, especially when visiting cheap countries like Egypt. Most famous for its historical sites, Egypt's Red Sea coast has been tempting plenty of Brits in recent years. Areas such as Dahab are perfect for scuba diving, and the region is less commercialised than nearby Sharm El Sheikh, allowing you to enjoy a more authentic experience.
Another sunshine favourite for those who don't mind the heat is Lanzarote. Temperatures there are more manageable in the spring, so you'll have more energy to explore the wonders of Timanfaya national park when you fancy something different from the beach.
In the wake of the recession, many airlines and travel operators are offering sunshine holidays in the world's beauty spots at competitive prices. Now that many Brits can afford to travel abroad again, it could be an idea for them to try something slightly out of the ordinary at a fairly low price next time they fancy travelling.
Bob Taggart writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.