Top destinations for cheap winter sun

With Christmas over, and the worst of the winter weather still to come, many of us are finding our thoughts turning to sunnier climes.

According to tour operator Tui, which owns Thomsons and First Choice, winter sun bookings are running 7% up on last year.

But with the Brexit referendum having devastated the value of the pound, it's harder than ever to find a destination that won't break the bank. We look at a few of this year's cheaper winter sun options.

Holidays in Europe cost £408 more this year thanks to Brexit

Cyprus
Late last month, a survey by Post Office Travel Money rated Cyprus the cheapest winter sun destination. A one-week package holiday with evening meals and drinks works out at just £339 per person, it says - almost 19% cheaper than holidays in the Canary Islands of Lanzarote and Tenerife.

How can you stop Brexit hurting your holiday plans?

Cancun, Mexico
If it's a tropical beach you're after, then Cancun is your cheapest option; Mexico is one of the only countries in the world to have seen its currency fall against the pound over the last year. Prices are around two-thirds of those in nearby Caribbean countries, with holidays available for under £900.

Orlando, US
While local prices for food and drink are much the same as a year ago, travel firms have slashed the cost of holidays to Orlando, Florida. Some packages are available for under £550, making it one of the cheapest US winter sun destinations. Of course, you'll probably end up adding on the cost of entry into one of the area's many theme parks.

Phuket, Thailand
Post Office Travel Money calculates the beach resort of Phuket to be the lowest-priced destination in the Far East. All in, it says, a week's holiday costs under £1,000, around 10% less than in Malaysia or Mauritius.

The only four destinations where your cash will go further this year

Egypt
The cheapest winter sun by far is to be found in Egypt - but you may well feel it's not worth the risk. The Foreign Office has warned against travel to certain parts of Egypt where there's a high risk of kidnapping. Meanwhile, it's advised against air travel to or from Sharm el-Sheikh, the once-popular Red Sea resort. It's because of these risks that prices are so ludicrously cheap, with holidays starting at under £100; but if you research carefully and stay away from the biggest danger spots, the more adventurous could still have a great time in the tourist areas along the Nile.