Cold Comforts

When UK temperatures start to drop, head abroad for a balmy break, says Wendy gomersall
There's more to going abroad late in the year than just hotter weather, of course, but it is nice to be able to walk around in only your cardie in October. These holidays in warmer climes also have an added autumn factor...

New direct flights from London to Vietnam make a tour of Indo-China easier and cheaper, and with temperatures in autumn in the low 30s (C) it makes a lovely contrast to the UK! Voyages Jules Verne's 13-night escorted Treasures of Indo-China tour of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia includes Saigon, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Luang Prabang, the Mekong and the temples of Angkor. The trip costs from £1,949 per person with departures from September to November, and includes Vietnam Airlines flights from Gatwick, 11 nights B&B, some other meals and a sightseeing itinerary.

0845-166 7003, www.vjv.com

Cold-Comforts-02-590Taormina in sicily

There is no better time to visit Marrakech than in the autumn, when temperatures are in the high 20s. This two-centre trip from Kirker Holidays features two lovely riads, sublime sunsets and the fresh mountain air of the Atlas Mountains. You stay four nights at 12-room Riad El Cadi five minutes' walk from the city's famous Djemaa El Fna Square and three nights at Kasbah Bab Ourika in the countryside 45 minutes from Marrakech. The trip costs from £1,094 per person including flights, private transfers throughout, a complimentary walking tour of the city and accommodation with breakfast.

020-7593 1899, www.kirkerholidays.com

Cold-Comforts-03-382Fall in Maine, New England

Autumn is a lovely time in Greece, and one of Voyages to Antiquity's most popular cruises, The Light of Greece, sailing from Athens, takes in the islands and mainland, as well as Turkey. The price, from £1,495 per person for an inside cabin on Aegean Odyssey, encompasses flights, crew tips and wine with dinner, at least one tour each day and a two-night pre-cruise stay in Athens. Of course sightseeing includes the Acropolis, Ephesus and wonderful Istanbul. There's a special low single supplement offer of just £100 per person to occupy a double cabin (subject to availability) on this 16 October departure, too.

0845-437 9737, www.voyagestoantiquity.com

Saga Holidays has a new autumn tour, Seriously Sicily, highlighting the island's sights, architecture and cuisine. It's a great place to explore this time of the year when the climate is still warm but not too hot, and the When UK temperatures start to drop, head abroad for a balmy break, says Wendy gomersall cold comforts vineyards turn dazzling red and orange. The 12-night tour, from £999 per person, departing 22 November (other dates available), includes hotel, breakfasts and 10 dinners, flights and transfers. Among the highlights there's the ancient hill town of Ragusa, Módica with one of Sicily's oldest chocolate producers, Monreale Cathedral, picturesque Viagrande for stunning views of the Aeolian Islands, and Mount Etna, Palermo and Taormina.

0800-096 0074, www.sagaholidays.co.uk

Mention autumn holidays and for many that means the legendary fall foliage of New England in America. Trips sell out quickly, so book this for next year now. Titan Travel's 10-day The Glorious Fall Colours of New England, costs from £1,895 per person in 2013. From mid-September to late October, trees in towns, mountains and forests blaze red, orange and gold, providing an unforgettable backdrop to the historical and cultural treasures of the region. This holiday encompasses Toronto, Boston and New York, not to mention spectacular Niagara Falls.

0800-988 5823, www.titantravel.co.uk