The Gambia, Finland, St Lucia

Now... African escape

Expedia has a week-long break to The Gambia, with B&B at the Bakotu Hotel, just 100m from the coastal resort of Kotu Beach. The deal – £398 per person – includes flights from Gatwick on 25 November. Spend time on the sand soaking up the sunshine, or take a day trip to see the wildlife along the River Gambia. Expedia.co.uk

Soon... Santa and slopes

Fancy a ski break with a festive feel? Inghams has a week-long stay in the Finnish resort of Levi, just below the Arctic Circle, with half-board at the Levitunturi Hotel for £589 per person. The deal includes Thomson flights from Gatwick to Kittila on 11 December, transfers and Christmas dinner, with a visit from Santa on the final night. Inghams.co.uk

Later... Sun in St Lucia

Stave off the winter blues by booking a luxury Caribbean break. Thomas Cook Signature has a week-long stay at the Coconut Bay Resort on the glorious southern coast of St Lucia for £1,269 per person, with all-inclusive board and Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick on 15 March, 2012. Thomascooksignature.com