Top 5: Escape the big freeze

Escape the big freeze in Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Office

Escape the big freeze: Cape Verde holidays

Hike in Cape Verde's mountainous terrain
Creative Commons / Erik Cleves

Experience a heady mix of salsa, samba and tribal beats on the volcanic Cape Verde Islands. Floating in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal, Brazil and the West African coast, the islands bask in a tropical climate with highs of 26°C (78°F) at this time of year. Burn off the winter bloat with a hike amidst the islands' mountainous terrain or a stroll between quiet villages and deserted white beaches. Go to Sal for live music with your tropical cocktail, or explore the colonial-style houses and gardens in São Nicolau. Beach bums should head to the sandy nirvana of Boa Vista.

Escape the big freeze: Antigua and Barbuda holidays

Jolly Beach in Antigua
Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Office

The Caribbean may be a popular escape for winter refugees but it still has some unearthed treasures. The islands of Antigua and Barbuda sit within old pirate waters with lots of old wrecks to explore. Barbuda is the most undeveloped of the two islands, with a handful of accommodation and some relaxed local-run bars. You'll be more likely to spot the local frigate bird than bump into another tourist on the miles of shimmering pink and white beaches. Beachcombing, fishing and hunting are popular, with some people camping in caves to catch and cook truly fresh island fare.

Escape the big freeze: Cambodia holidays

Discover Angkor Wat during your trip to Cambodia
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Go east to enjoy all the beach facilities of Sihanoukville, Cambodia's top resort town. Lie back on the warm sand and decide if you want to tuck into some fresh crab bought from a vendor, or hop on a boat and escape to the nearby islands for snorkelling - remember to slap on the sun lotion because temperatures can hit 30°C (86°F). Nearby Ream National Park is a lush mix of mangrove forests, waterfalls and marine habitat. Take in the view from a riverboat as it heads through the jungle and into the sparkling ocean.

Escape the big freeze: Uruguay holidays

Punta del Este beach in Uruguay
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If you want to experience both party and peace under the Latin sun, head to the coastline of Punta del Este in Uruguay. The glitzy resort has all the glamour of Rio's Copacabana Beach but is cleaner and safer, attracting fun-lovers in the know. If you tire of living it up in the bars, clubs and restaurants, travel north up the coastline. There you'll find pristine beaches, fishing villages and bohemian hideaways. Punta del Diablo is a popular hippy hangout, and with temperatures around 26°C (78°F), it makes sense to slip on some beads and go with the flow.

Escape the big freeze: South Africa holidays

Pick up sea shells on the sands of Port Alfred in South Africa
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South Africa's abundant landscape attracts visitors in droves but the Eastern Cape's awesome 800km (497-mile) coastline remains relatively untouched. The Wild Coast region boasts forests and pristine beaches, with bottlenose dolphins playing in the shallows. Quiet hangouts include quirky backpacker resort Port St John's and Kei Mouth on the banks of the Great Kei River. Further south on the Sunshine Coast, the beaches of East London attract surfers and families, while the sands of Port Alfred glisten with the shapes and muted colours of hundreds of different sea shells - perfect for a special souvenir.