November is the ideal month to pick up a cheap long-haul flight. Prices to many areas have dipped exceptionally low before the high season Christmas and millennium period kicks in.
A glut of cheap flights to Brazil have hit the market. Earlier this year, Varig increased its capacity from London, but fewer Brazilians are flying because of the devaluation of the Real. Airlines are targeting the British to fill the seats. This month, Iberia and Varig both have return flights from London for £347 including tax (half the price of many other times of the year), available through Veloso Tours (0181-762 0616). November is the beginning of summer in Brazil. The beaches won't be too crowded and temperatures will be hot.
November is usually a busy time for cruises, with high- season prices. Not so this year! Many people who normally take a cruise in November delayed or didn't bother booking this year because they planned to travel over the millennium instead. There are some really big offers and empty cabins on several ships.
The luxury Crystal Symphony has a 14-night sailing between Bombay and Singapore for £2,600 per person (half the normal price). The Black Watch, owned by Fred Olsen, has a 13-night Caribbean cruise for £1,306 per person (30% off normal price). Both offers are available through Paul Mundy Cruising (0171-734 4404).
If you're looking for a cheap last-minute package some where hot and within a four hour flight of the UK, you are unlikely to find anything in the Canaries, which is practically sold out. Even if you do find the odd package, it is likely to be at the full brochure price. Thomson (0990 502555) reports that Gran Canaria is the only island with much availability. It has one-week half-board packages in Bahia Feliz for £369 per person (from November 22).
A good alternative to the Canaries is the Portuguese island of Madeira, which has temperatures in the low 70s. Extra Holidays (0181-251 0975) has one-week packages in a three-star hotel between £279 and £329 per person throughout November. Try Mundi Color (0171-828 6021) for tailor-made options.
