Book your sun holiday

Close your eyes and dream about your summer holidays. Imagine relaxing and sunbathing on the beach: utter bliss! The average holidaymaker spends nearly 3 hours a day sunbathing. If you prefer not to lie in the sun you can still enjoy the gorgeous weather while exploring or swimming in the sea! Are you ready for your next sun holiday?

When looking for the perfect sun-and-sea holiday destination, consider the weather, location, and the vibe you're looking for. Do you want a beautiful ocean island, or a calm seaside retreat? Are you looking for somewhere quiet, off the beaten path, to spend relaxing time with loved ones, or are you looking for a beach party scene like no other?

If you fancy an exotic escape, head to Thailand or Mexico to soak up the culture, food and stunning beaches. Whether you are looking for somewhere with a vibrant nightlife or a tranquil getaway, Thailand and Mexico have the perfect beaches to suit your needs.

Or perhaps you prefer to stay closer to home, so why not enjoy some of the best beaches in Europe? Head to Greece and enjoy the white sandy beaches, with their crystal clear waters, followed by some traditional Greek cuisine. Portugal and Andalusia, in southern Spain, are also favourite sun holiday destinations, with a rich mix of culture, history and relaxation in an idyllic setting.

If island life appeals to you, then the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands offer paradise-like settings, with distinct identities and vibes across the individual islands, catering for active, relaxation and party holidays.

Find the cheapest flights for your holidays: book your flights in advance, and try to be flexible with your travel dates to get the best deal. Make sure that you book a return journey; buying outward and return tickets separately is usually a lot more expensive!

Maximise the space in your suitcase: roll up your clothes instead of folding them, pack your socks inside your shoes, and don't take things like towels that will already be at your hotel. Don't forget the essential travel accessories: an adaptor, a power bank for your phone, a lock for your bag, and an e-reader pre-loaded with your favourite summer titles!

Be sun safe: Always carry a bottle of good-quality sunscreen, which will protect you from harmful rays, and dry wrinkly skin. Use trusted brands, and choose a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Research shows that almost a third of people choose sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 45, and a quarter choose SPF 50+. The application is important: spread it evenly over all skin that might be exposed to the sun, including round belt lines and under sleeves that may slip.