Winter sun sizzlers

Package holidays aren't the be-all and end-all of winter sun escapes. Sometimes, by combining a shrewd flight booking with an off-season apartment or villa, you can make considerable savings -- especially when families or groups are involved.

During February and March, for example, Holiday Homes Direct has a week in a one-bed apartment in Fuerteventura, sleeping four, from just €175. A week in a three-bed villa, sleeping six, starts at €350. Going to press, Ryanair had Saturday flights from Dublin to Fuerteventura from €39.99. Do the math.