Scorching tourist hotspot has cheap flights, white beaches and no jet lag

Deciding on the destination for your holiday can be a difficult task.

When you are seeking some winter sun, it's easy to be a creature of habit and just book a flight to somewhere like Tenerife.

But there's plenty of other places that get overlooked that may actually have more on offer than the popular places.

If you wanted something a bit closer to home, then Albania might be somewhere to consider - and it shot up in popularity after the pandemic.

Or somewhere even closer is this place in Portugal - but it's not Porto or Lisbon.

But if you fancy a bit of an adventure, then this West African country might be to your liking.

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The Gambia is still scorching there at this time of year.

Temperatures easily creep into the mid-30s throughout the winter months, while us Brits perish at home.

In the UK, the days are growing shorter and darker at a rapid rate - whereas the West African nation basks in nine hours of sunshine.

The country enjoys its dry season from November to May, so it makes it the perfect place to escape the rainfall.

As well as allowing you to take a break from the pitch black, a holiday in Gambia also won't mess your sleeping pattern up as it shares the same time zone as the UK.

It would certainly make it much easier to get in touch with your pals to show off your trip without the fear of interrupting their sleep.

And taking a break to Gambia also won't break the bank, unlike some other pricey holiday hotspots.

You can secure a seven night stay with bed and breakfast at the Palm Beach Resort for just £626 including flights with TUI.

This is based off a booking of two adults sharing a double room - with a balcony or terrace - who jet off from London Gatwick on 7 November. You even get 15kg of luggage thrown in.

And you are going to need it if you're heading to Gambia as it's a place that has something for everyone.

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Whether you are packing bikinis for the sandy beaches or hiking boots to trek through the lush green forests, it's full of opportunities for adventure as well as relaxation.

Holidaymakers recommend visiting Bijilo Forest Park, River Gambia National Park and Kotu Beach.

And local wildlife such as chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles and baboons are always lurking around too - you can even spot bottle nose dolphins in the estuary of the River Gambia if you are fortunate.

But if you prefer birdwatching, then you're in luck as there are nearly 600 varying species in Gambia to have a gawp at.

The Bakau Fish Market is said to have delicious lunch offerings while you can shop until you drop at the Albert Market in Banjul.

And Gambia is also renowned for its craft markets - so you can bring something back to remember the holiday.

So, when are we booking it then?

Topics: Travel, World News

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_