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to Paradise
If you feel the British weather has cheated you out of a proper summer yet again, you could go back to work and sulk or you could pack your bags and head to Manchester Airport for a swift getaway to the Caribbean.
There was a time when the Caribbean islands were a bolthole for the privileged few - think Ernest Hemingway and Ian Fleming. Now, thanks to affordable all-inclusive resorts and direct charter flights, the magical archipelago caters for everyone, from movie stars to backpackers.
Warm, bright, colourful, exotic and infinitely laid back, the Caribbean is worlds apart from the grim 9-5 routine that resumes this month after the summer holidays. And with more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays to choose from, you are bound to find your own private paradise.
The islands are unique and individual. You will leave Cuba with fond memories of daiquiris, salsa and Spanish colonial architecture. You will love the impromptu beach reggae parties in Jamaica. St Barths will seduce you with its sexy French vibe and glitz. You will be mesmerised by the heart-achingly beautiful mountain vistas in Grenada. The Bahamas will win you over with picture-postcard beaches, and you will lose your heart to St Lucia's lush beauty.
But there are two Caribbean destinations that are not just hot but also easily accessible, with regular, direct flights from Manchester Airport.
Barbados
If your idea of a fabulous holiday is balmy weather, azure water, delicious food and a good balance between relaxation and adventure, Barbados ticks all the boxes.
Often referred to as 'Little Britain', Barbados had been a British colony for over 300 years before becoming an independent state in 1966 - hence the feeling of familiarity that strikes you the minute you arrive, even if you are a first-time visitor.
Just like in Manchester, visitors to Barbados can expect great historical sites and monuments, a wide range of quality accommodation and a vibrant nightlife scene. Bajans even make great fish and chips. But unlike our otherwise fabulous city-region, the island boasts breathtaking beaches; a relaxed, happy-go-lucky attitude; and year-round temperatures of 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.
More developed and crowded than the average small Caribbean island, Barbados is not exactly a secluded escape, nor does it pretend to be one. It is a buzzing, friendly place, and it will encourage you to mingle with its 265,000 inhabitants and have a good time.
From windsurfing to opera and from golf to tax-free shopping, there is enough to keep you blissfully busy throughout your stay in Barbados. And if you are sick of bumping into the likes of Cliff Richard, Michael Winner and Jodie Kidd in the fashionable restaurants and boutiques, you could always escape to one of the beautiful, more secluded coves in the south-east.
What to do: Take an early morning walk along the glorious beaches.
Hire a car and explore the island - from the gentle landscape and tranquil bays of the west coast to the spectacular, rugged landscape of the east, Barbados offers some great sights.
Go to Oistins, in the parish of Christ Church, on a Friday or Saturday night to experience the famous Fish-Fry. This is an opportunity to enjoy the very best local food to the sound of live reggae.
Visit Harrison's Cave - a magnificent limestone cavern featuring flowing streams, stalactites and stalagmites.
Where to stay: A firm favourite with royalty and movie stars, the award-winning Sandy Lane Hotel (www.sandylane.com) is the island's premier luxury resort, with prices to match.
A more affordable option is the wonderful Little Arches Hotel in Christ Church (www.littlearches.com) - a privately owned, adult-only boutique hotel, offering views of Miami Beach.
Where to eat: Try Champers Restaurant & Wine Bar (www.champersbarbados.com) in Christ Church for upmarket waterside dining. Cafe Luna is another hugely popular restaurant, set on the roof of Little Arches Hotel (www.littlearches.com), fusing French, Latin American and oriental cuisines.
How to get there: bmi operates three flights a week, departing Mon, Wed and Sat, from Manchester non-stop to Barbados. For more information visit flybmi.com.
Antigua & Barbuda
Want to keep it nice and simple? Head to Antigua and its sister island Barbuda for unadulterated barefoot luxury and sheer holiday bliss.
Another former British colony, Antigua has a coastline dotted with remnants of its past as a naval base for the empire. Here you can find Nelson's Dockyard, which is the only surviving Georgian naval repair station in the world.
The British sailors of old are now long gone and the coastal forts replaced by waterfront hotels, but Antigua is still one of the heartlands of Caribbean sailing. The island hosts the region's most famous sailing regatta, Antigua Race Week, which means its waterside bars are busy as ever with modern-day sailors.
But despite its popularity among the yachting fraternity, the island has always been quite a low-key tourism destination, which means that it is relatively unspoiled, with miles of beautiful, quiet beaches and fantastic wildlife. Watch out for the bananaquits - little tame birds that like to feed on bananas and other fruit - and tree frogs that join in a chorus of croaking as night falls.
Antigua is a lot of things to a lot of people, but if it is absolute seclusion you are after, check out Barbuda. Located 27 miles to Antigua's northeast and easily accessible via ferry or plane, this 62m coral island is much quieter and much less developed than its big sister, with gorgeous beaches of fine pink and pearl-white sand that are nearly deserted.
What to do: Go snorkelling at Antigua's Long Bay.
Head to Shirley Heights in the evening to enjoy panoramic views of the English Harbour to the sound of live reggae.
If you are after an adrenaline-busting experience, try the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour - a journey through the forest, sliding across a high wire above the trees and climaxing with a 60-foot parachute jump.
Take a day trip to Barbuda to snorkel and visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, which is home to 170 species of birds.
Where to stay: Antigua's Galley Bay (www.galleybayresort.com) is a very popular resort - an intimate Caribbean hideaway of 98 guest rooms set on a private, white sand beach.
For a less pricey option try the charming, all-inclusive Cocobay - a colourful collection of pastel cottages set on a breezy hillside, affording fantastic ocean views. www.cocobayresort.com
Where to eat: The terrace restaurant at Antigua's fabulous Harmony Hall (www.harmonyhallantigua.com) offers superb Italian and international fare. If you like seafood, try local favourite Papa Zouk, which is also known for its extensive collection of rums.
How to get there: bmi operates a weekly, non-stop flight from Manchester to Antigua, departing every Friday morning. For more information visit www.flybmi.com.
To find out which other great destinations are easily accessible from Manchester, visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk.