The Birmingham Airport destination that's '30C in winter' with pearly beaches and coral reefs

The Caribbean island might seem too lavish for a last minute break, but flights from BHX might be cheaper than you think

The British summer may have ended before it even began, but it's not too late to use up the last of the annual leave and escape cold and wet Birmingham for some winter sun and a slice of island life.

One destination with direct flights from Birmingham Airport is lucky enough to receive year-round sunshine. Its summers see scorching-hot highs of 34°C, but even in November, it isn't unusual to see temperatures peaking at 30°C, providing the ideal sunbathing conditions (between the occasional hurricane, that is).

Cancun might seem too far afield and perhaps too lavish for a last minute break, but flights might be cheaper than you think. Flying direct with TUI this autumn costs as little as £250 for a return from BHX.

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The tropical Mexican city is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, bordering the Caribbean Sea, and is world-renowned for its palm tree-speckled, pearly-sand beaches, which stretch for almost 30 kilometres, its luxurious resorts and buzzing nightlife.

Many holidaymakers drawn in by the perfect pictures of Cancun's paradisiacal landscapes plastered across holiday brochures and airline ads are shocked to discover that the island's coastline looks equally as stunning in real life.

The sea temperature is actually at its hottest between September and October, which unfortunately also means that the hurricane risk is higher. As well being plenty warm enough to swim in at this time of year, Cancun's glistening crystal waters are also home to some of the most vibrant coral reefs and unique marine habitats on the planet, from lemon sharks to endangered sea turtles.

Cancun's coast is dotted with luxury five-star hotels, rustic bamboo cocktail bars and lively super-clubs, but its idyllic natural surroundings also offer plenty of opportunities to get away from the hustle and bustle and there are more rugged, quieter beaches to be discovered in hidden corners.

Holidaymakers can immerse themselves in Maya culture and you don't need to travel far from the resorts to find ancient ruins and temples, some of them two millennia old.

Browse flights and package holidays from Birmingham Airport to Cancun on the TUI website. If you're looking to upgrade your luggage before your next trip, luxury suitcase brand Antler has slashed £51 off the price of its top-selling Brixham Cabin Bag, or there's £175 off the full Logo Set, which includes a large, medium and cabin suitcase.