The forgotten winter sun destination just five hours from UK that’s 24C right now... - The US Sun

IF all you want from your holiday is some winter sun and cheap deals, then there is one destination perfect for Brits.

With hot weather, short flights and loads of package holidays - here is the destination you need to visit now.

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Why you need to travel to Egypt's Sharm el Sheikh this yearCredit: Getty

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The holiday destinations remains much hotter than the UK in winter, with temperatures up to 24CCredit: Getty

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Holiday deals are as little as £225pp for a week's breakCredit: Getty

Why Sharm el Sheikh?

Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt was once one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits until 2015, when a terror attack on a Russian passenger plane killed all 224 onboard.

All flights were stopped for four years, with TUI reintroducing holiday packages in 2019.

This was following the UK Foreign Office issuing new guidance which said Sharm el-Sheikh was considered safe after the airport security was overhauled.

However, just a few months later Covid hit - meaning the holiday resort once again saw tourist levels drop.

But with restrictions lifted, it is now the best time to visit - Sharm el Sheikh is ideal for winter sun as it rarely drops below 20C, even in December and January

The average temperature remains around 22C to 24C but reaches highs of 38C in August.

This means you should avoid the summer holiday months due to the extreme temperatures, with the best months being between December and February for winter sun.

Flights also aren't much longer than the Canary Islands, with direct routes from London Stansted and London Gatwick around five hours.

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Your money will go further too - Nilan Peiris, Chief Product Officer at Wise told Sun Online Travel: "Recently, the Egyptian pound has fallen against the dollar.

"This means the GBP is also stronger against the EGP.

"The exchange rate currently stands at 37 EGP to 1 GBP, a much more favourable exchange rate compared to 21 EGP - 1 GBP at the end of January last year.

"This is higher even than the pre-pandemic exchange rate — the rate recorded at the end of January 2020 was 20.5 EGP to 1 GBP."

What are the best Sharm el Sheikh holiday deals?

Sharm el Sheikh is one of the most affordable holiday destinations for Brits, with deals as low as £225pp.

LoveHolidays has seven-night self-catering breaks at Falcon Naama Blue for the bargain deal, with return flights from the UK.

But if you want all-inclusive holidays, they can be found for as little as £445pp

The best deal is seven nights at Pyramisa Beach Resort with Thomas Cook, including return flights, transfers and luggage.

TUI and easyJet also have cheap deals to Sharm el Sheikh.

If you just want just flights, easyJet, TUI and Wizz Air all fly direct.

What is Sharm el Sheikh like?

Sharm el Sheikh is popular for two reasons - its amazing beaches and waters for diving.

Most hotels in the resort town have their own private beach, but there are miles of sandy beach to explore.

And the Red Sea is home to more than 1,200 species of exotic fish, with 350 of them in Sharm el Sheikh.

Spots like Tiran Island is one of the best places in the world for snorkelling, with affordable excursions.

Divers often visit to get their PADI qualification, with shipwrecks and corals making it one of the most popular places for both newbies and experienced divers.

Or you can head out to the desert, with jeep rides and overnight camps popular with Brits.

Otherwise many opt for day trips to other parts of Egypt such as Hurghada or Cairo.

What else do I need to know about Sharm el Sheikh?

The local language is Arabic but most hotel staff will speak English.

There is just two hours time difference, with the UK two hours behind.

The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP) - £10 is 370.55 EGP - although most resorts accept the British pound or US dollar.

There are currently no Covid restrictions and Brits will not need a visa - if you're only visiting Sharm el Sheikh for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival.

If you plan on travelling out of the area or staying longer, then you will need a visa either via the official Visa2Egypt portal or at approved bank kiosks within arrival halls costing US$25.

Your passport must have at least six months left on it on arrival to the country.

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The holiday destination was once one of the most popular place to visit with BritsCredit: Getty

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No visa is needed and flights are just five hoursCredit: Getty