Where to go for cheap sun this summer

Summer holidays might seem a long way away, but now could be the time to snap up some bargains for that much-needed time in the sun.

It is the time of year when thoughts turn from the chaos of Christmas to the more relaxing prospect of a summer holiday but like everything at the moment, it is subject to a tight household budget.

So here are a few pointers to help you find a cheaper run to the sun.

The latest world offers from British Airways, available until January 27, to destinations including North America, Asia and Africa, are worth checking out.

Flights to New York from Heathrow are on sale for £259 return, Barbados for £479 return and Dubai from £329.

Virgin Atlantic also has some good offers, including £258 return to New York and £338 return to Las Vegas.

Travel agent John Brodie-Good, owner of Wildwings in Fishponds, recommends, however, travellers looking for real bargains should avoid heading to the US or to countries reliant on the dollar or euro, which are both at their strongest level against the pound for years.

Countries he recommends taking holidays to in 2009 include Egypt, Turkey, South Africa, Thailand and Iceland.

Mr Brodie-Good said: "Last year there was a steep rise in the popularity of the closer, non-euro destinations. The economies of Egypt and Turkey are not based on the euro and they are the closest places to get guaranteed sun.

"The pound is dropping against the dollar, euro, and other currencies, one of the only exceptions being South Africa, where the pound has strengthened against the rand so it is particularly good value for travellers.

"Thailand can also provide amazing value at the moment and is expected to make a big return this year as a popular destination, provided it continues to stay calm there. And don't forget poor Iceland, which went bankrupt last year."

For those looking to fly to south-east Asia, a new airline could save you lots of money.

AirAsia X employs the low cost model used by budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryan Air, but for long haul travel. When it was launched, initial prices to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia started at £100.

With the collapse last year of several low-cost airlines and travel firms, Mr Brodie-Good said that an easy way to guarantee not losing any money in the case of your travel provider falling into administration was to make sure that your holiday is Atol-protected, and also to pay by credit card, so if the company you have given money to does fold, that money will be protected by your bank.