Africa
The Smiling Coast: Exotic Escape For Sunshine Break
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Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
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The Gambia serves up dazzling smiles and a warm welcome Images by Steve Hare
As the prospect of snow, howling winds and sheeting rain continuing to batter the UK, the lure of sunshine, stunning beaches and stimulating new cultures beckons. With a myriad of destinations from Mauritius to Mexico offering long haul packages and, closer to home, the Canaries, the Algarve and Cyprus vying for business, choices are driven by time and budget constraints.
P.ublished 7th February 2026