1 Morocco

Guaranteed dry heat is what we need right now. Stay at Kasbah Ben Moro, a mud palace in the Dades valley. Fly to Marrakech with easyjet.com, then bus to Ouarzazate and taxi to Skoura. Or book a package through Simpsontravel.com. From €45pp half board; kasbahbenmoro.com.

2 Lanzarote

Casa Omar Sharif was built for the actor who promptly lost it in a card game. Since then two cute cottages for two have been added. Built into the cliffs and surrounded by gardens, they're perfect for a mid-March pick-me-up. From €650 per week. lag-o-mar.com.

3 Cape Verde

Long white beaches, turquoise sea, Brazilian vibe, great scuba diving ... yours for £659. The price includes seven nights' B&B at Dunas de Sal, a small hotel 200 metres from the beach, and flights from Gatwick. Departs March 22. capeverdeexperience.com.

4 La Gomera

Hike through the Garajonay national park, plonk yourself by the pool. Secretplaces.com has details of the Ibo Alfaro hotel, a former manor house overlooking the Hermigua valley. Doubles from €74.

5 Egypt

Explore the Luxor and Karnak temples and the Theban Necropolis across the river. Seven nights' B&B costs £299 with Gatwick flights departing between March 12 and May 21. 01306 747008, kuoni.co.uk.