Travel editor STEVE HART picks the package deals that will cure the winter blues for the price of a colour television.
With summer now a distant memory and the Easter break long gone, most of us are preparing for the long haul before spring arrives. The dark evenings are here and there's a distinct chill in the air - it's time to get away.
There are plenty of good deals around and with a modest $700 to $1500 to spend, the world is almost your oyster. And of course you don't need to jet away for a whole week to enjoy a burst of sunshine. A four-day break could be just enough to blow away the winter blues and set you up until next summer.
Some of the breaks featured need to be taken pretty soon, others can be taken later in the year, but booking now will at least give you something to look forward to.
As with many offers from holiday retailers, check for any compulsory add-ons that increase the package price before agreeing to buy the holiday. These could include insurance levies or airport taxes. Make sure you know the bottom-line price.
