Head east for a sizzling winter break

For a sizzling winter break, why not head east this winter? Goa and Sri Lanka both combine stunning beaches, a fascinating culture and delicious food, as well as delivering a suitably exotic winter sun experience.

These destinations offer superb value as the pound is still holding its value against the rupee, so is good for those watching the pennies. If you like shopping both destinations will serve you well, selling beautiful jewellery and handcrafted items for the home, so make sure you pack light on the outward journey! Thomson and First Choice have put together some great options for a winter sun holiday filled with eastern promise.

GOA

With its laid back atmosphere, friendly locals and stunning beaches Goa attracts visitors back year after year. Situated on the western coast of India, Goa has a very different atmosphere from the rest of the country due to its Portuguese colonial past. The north of Goa has plenty to keep you busy with a vibrant nightlife, bursting markets and plenty of restaurants. For those looking for a total chill out head to the south where it is far more relaxed and there are larger resort style hotels to hang out in. Whatever kind of holiday you are after, you’ll find it in Goa.

Best for those on a budget: Silver Sands Holiday Village, Candolim

The Silver Sands Resort has a small villagey feel and is a great for those wanting to be in the heart of the resort of Candolim. It has a beautiful beach and is close to Anjuna where the weekly hippy market takes place, perfect for those wanting to stock up on Indian handicrafts on their way home.

First Choice offers seven night holidays in Goa staying bed and breakfast at the 2 Sun Silver Sands Holiday Village from £645 per person based on two sharing, departing from London Gatwick on the 2nd November 2009. For further information or to book this holiday go to firstchoice.co.uk/goa.

Best for Luxury: Taj Holiday Village, Sinquerim Beach

The luxurious Taj Holiday Village is in Sinqerim Beach, a quieter resort towards the north of Goa. The resort is spread over 28 acres and built to resemble a Portuguese-Goan village, with terracotta-roofed cottages surrounded by vibrant, landscaped gardens. For a total chill out in plush surroundings, this is an excellent choice.

Thomson offers seven night holidays in Goa staying bed and breakfast at the 5T Taj Holiday Village from £1995 based on two sharing, departing from London Gatwick on the 25th January 2009. For more information or to book visit thomson.co.uk.

SRI LANKA

Accurately described as the emerald island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is certainly very green with its tea plantations and lush green mountains. Whether you are a culture vulture looking to explore forgotten temples in the jungle, an animal lover wanting to get up, close and personal to the elephants at the elephant orphanage or a beach lover, holidays in Sri Lanka are sure to capture your imagination.

All-inclusive – Tangerine Beach, Kalutara

If you like to pay for your holiday all up front, then the Tangerine Beach is a great choice as it is one of the few all-inclusive resorts. Set along the Kalutara beach this is the perfect place to chill out and enjoy the sunshine. If you do happen to want to get off your sunlounger though there is a spa and Ayurvedic heatlth centre where you can get herbal massages and try acupuncture.

Thomson offers 14 night holidays in Sri Lanka staying all-inclusive at the 3T Tangerine Beach from £1030 based on two sharing, departing from London Gatwick on the 15th January 2009. For more information or to book visit thomson.co.uk.

Best for budget – Jetwing Seashells

Recently refurbished in a chic, minimalist style this great value hotel sits on the glorious beachfront, with all rooms facing the ocean. In a fantastic location, Jetwing Seashells is close to Negombo's bars and restaurants so you’ll have a whole choice of places to go to witter away an evening.

First Choice offers 14 night holidays in Sri Lanka staying bed and breakfast at the 2 Sun Jetwing Seashells from £629 per person based on two sharing, departing from London Gatwick on the 6th November 2009. For further information or to book this holiday go to firstchoice.co.uk/srilanka.