While excitedly counting down to Christmas, I’m very aware of the dark days of January stacking up not far behind. Yikes. What happens when all the Christmas lights come down …. You head for sunshine, that’s what! Here’s my round-up of some top places to go for winter sun. Find out here why you need the sun …

See our top 10 places for winter sun worldwide

Take a trip to Egypt for an all-inclusive cruise on the Nile: visiting Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, the Edfu Temple, Kom Omob and the Temple of Philae. Travel right down to Aswan to stay in the Old Cataract hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote 'Death on the Nile'.

Sample beach life and culture in Miami - it's not all about Don Johnson you know ...

Closer to home, opt for the Canary Islands and (almost) year-round sunshine on Fuerteventura

Or - closer than you think - The Gambia is only five hours flying time from the UK, with no time difference on arrival

If a trip abroad just isn’t possible – yes, Christmas is a very expensive time – consider investing in a SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lamp and give your body a natural energy-bursting boost of bright light until the sun shines again. See our top 10 buys

And if you are staying at home and happen to be in London, soak up a little of that South American spirit - literally - at the city's latest pop-up bar. The Pisco Embassy ‘pops up’ every Friday and Saturday night from midnight to 5am, showcasing rare and unusual Piscos from Peru. The cocktail menu has been designed by Lima native José Francisco-Modonese (previously sommelier at Sushisamba) and is the place to go for Pisco in London. Scratching your head and wondering ‘what?’ Pisco is a yellow-coloured spirit produced in Peru and Chile and a famous local tipple in these countries.

The Pisco Embassy is at 176 Upper St, London N1 1RG; www.piscoembassy.london

Christmas countdown: shopping, skating, reading

Christmas treats: films and chocolate

And counting ... your Christmas countdown clock