At this time of year, Brits desperate for some sunshine often have a list of criteria – short flights, winter sun and no jet lag. 

There is one destination that ticks all the boxes – the West African country of Senegal.

Senegal as a holiday destination is often overlooked by Brits, with no direct flights available until recently. 

However, TUI launched direct flights and new package holidays in 2022. 

What’s more, it is also incredibly affordable in comparison with other winter sun destinations – with all-inclusive holidays available for under £1,000pp. 

An all-inclusive seven-night break at the Riu Babob resort along the Pointe Sarene beach, including return flights from London Gatwick when travelling on December 9, costs just £800pp.  

You could also have seven nights B&B at Palm Beach resort in Saly, costing £837pp when travelling on that same day. 

Pointe Sarene and Saly are the two main destinations for tourists – the former is the up-and-coming beach resort, with a huge stretch of golden sand popular with swimmers and other water sports. 

While several new resorts are being built along the beach, it has not become overcrowded with hotels and shops – meaning fewer crowds, especially at this time of year. 

Saly is also a beach resort, which was once a Portuguese trading post. Many of the restaurants and bars are found here, meaning it is the busiest tourist area – but still nothing compared with the likes of Dubai or the Caribbean. 

Senegal runs on GMT, sharing a time zone with western Europe – so there is no jet lag for you to contend with, so you can focus on immersion and relaxation in this stunning country. 

Popular activities when on holiday in Senegal include safari tours to the Bandia reserve, home to giraffes, zebras and rhinos. 

A day trip to the capital, Dakar, is also a must, with boat trips to Goree Island, a former slave island, departing from there. 

Most hotel staff will speak English, with the official language being French and the most widely spoken being Wolof, a West African language. 

To make travel even easier, you do not need a visa to enter Senegal if staying for less than three months, but passports must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive.

The most popular routes between the UK and Senegal are from London Heathrow to Dakar (Blaise Diagne International Airport) with Iberian Airlines or from London Gatwick with TAP Air Portugal. 

The average TUI flight time from London is around six hours, according to Skyscanner, with the lowest fares in November and December.