Budget airlines have revealed there will be cuts to winter flight routes this year, in the face of rising jet fuel costs.
In September, easyJet said it was set to cut between 1.3 million and 1.4 million seats in total, while Ryanair has announced it would slash its 2027 traffic target to 214 million passengers from 216 million.
So, is it possible to get proper winter sunshine without having to hop on a flight?
Yes, is the answer. From ferry getaways to cruises starting in the UK, here are the best ways to get your fix of vitamin D without having to board a plane…
MOROCCO MADNESS
Morocco’s scorching summer temperatures make it blisteringly hot during the summer months – not to mention crowded and hectic.
Instead, why not visit during the winter, allowing you to get a taste of the delicious tagines, fresh mint tea and medinas without the overheating?
A total of 1,500 miles away from our rainy shores, Agadir in December sees daily highs of 23C (73F), making it a great place to escape the depths of winter in the grey UK.
You can take a no-fly cruise directly from the UK, with routes available from Southampton or Liverpool.
For instance, sail to Spain and Morocco from Liverpool for 16 nights in November from £2,199 per person with Fred Olsen, or a Colours and Cultures of Morocco 12-night journey from Southampton in February from £1,399 per person.
GET THE TRAIN TO SPAIN
Take just two trains to get to Spain in the winter months and the thought of cloudy skies will be a thing of the past.
Start with a Eurostar from London to Paris – there, you’ll pick up the high-speed train to Spain.
Where can you go? Barcelona is one great option, which has highs of 18C (64F) in November, and can also be used as a stopover point to reach even hotter cities.
From Barcelona to Valencia is just three hours, where you will get highs of 24C (75F) in October and 19C (66F) in November.
FLIGHT-FREE FRENCH RIVIERA
Carry shopping bags down Cannes’ La Croisette, dine on oysters on the coast and soak up the lavish ambience on the French Riviera during the cooler months.
Admittedly, you’re not going to get as warm temperatures as during the summer, but for some this may be a welcome treat – especially since it also means fewer crowds.
After taking the Eurostar to Paris, you can hop on the TGV to Nice or Marseille – 18C (64F) in November – and then use either as a base to explore the region.
Villefranche-sur-Mer in November is tranquil and relaxed, while there is plenty of fun to be had in bigger cities.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day is celebrated mid-November when the first bottles of the wine are officially released, while Monte Carlo Jazz Festival in Monaco takes place 18-29 November this year.
CANARIES CRUISE
Few European destinations are as popular among Brits in the cooler months than the Canary Islands – and the weather is the main reason why.
With highs of 22C (72F) in December, it’s a favourite among those seeking the gift of warmth at Christmas. Avoid flying by taking a cruise from a UK port to get there.
P&O offers a 16-night Spain, Madeira and Canary Islands cruise from Southampton in October from £999 per person, while you can also book a December route for 14 nights passing through Tenerife, Cadiz and Lisbon for £799.
FERRY FUN
A ferry from Portsmouth will take you to Santander or Bilbao, from which you can take a train further on to other sunny destinations.
Bilbao sees highs of 22C (72F) in October and 17C (63F) in November, making it a blue-sky destination in its own right.
With gourmet food and cultural highlights to explore, it’s a quieter alternative to the bustling hubs of Madrid, Barcelona and the Costa del Sol.
The crossing from Portsmouth to Bilbao takes around 32 to 33 hours with Brittany Ferries, which spans two nights at sea. Prices start from £158.
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