Relaxing on the beach and letting the cares of daily life drift away is a top pastime for holiday-makers, but it’s often confined to the tourist-heavy peak seasons. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and save yourself a bit of money, out-of-season holidaying could be the perfect solution. You don’t have to trek half way across the globe either. There’s an appealing variety of year-round destinations much closer to home and some great hotel deals to be had as well.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an ideal year-round destination. The climate is warm and dry for most of the year and with so many islands to choose from, you’re bound to find your perfect partner. Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the most popular islands and all boast stunning coastlines and varying degrees of action and adventure. The concept of peak season has been slightly distorted here as the islands enjoy great weather and temperatures over 20°C almost all year round. November to mid-December and April to June – avoiding Easter – are good times to enjoy fewer crowds and cheap Canaries hotels. One bedroom bungalows can be found on Fuerteventura at the moment for as little as £10 per person per night during mid-November.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a good early spring option thanks to its favourable Mediterranean climate. Peak season runs from June to September, so avoid these months to experience the slightly quieter side of this popular isle. Visit in April and May and you can enjoy average maximum temperatures of 22°C and 26°C respectively while you laze on the beach, explore historic sites or indulge in some of the country’s delicious cuisine. Temperatures then remain high throughout the summer and into October and November, but heavier rainfall makes these autumn months less appealing. In mid-April, prices for Cyprus hotels in the Paphos area go as low as £14 per person per night.

Egypt

For something a bit different, head to Egypt and prepare to explore the exotic land of the Pharaohs. There are a multitude of attractions both above and below sea level making a visit definitely worthwhile. To avoid the crowds, stay away during the peak season months between October and May and instead visit in June or September. During these months temperatures are regularly over 30°C, though, so you are advised to take it easy. The great Egypt hotels deals available should help take the edge of the heat; hotels in Cairo can be booked for a little as £11 per person per night for a seven night stay in mid-September.