Britons may think of the Caribbean, the UAE or even Australia as the best options for some winter sun, but a lesser-known African spot could be a better choice.This is according to a veteran cabin crew member who recommended Senegal. She highlighted its beautiful beaches, guaranteed high temperatures.TUI Cabin Manager Rosie Poulios has travelled the world, visiting more holiday spots than most, and the West African country has made the biggest impression on her. Not only does it offer year-round sunshine — think 28°C highs in winter — but there are also beautiful Atlantic beaches, incredible wildlife, safaris, and a rich cultural heritage.Poulios said: “After decades in the air, it takes a lot for somewhere to leave a lasting impression. Senegal did exactly that.“Beautiful beaches are wonderful, but plenty of destinations have those. Great hotels matter, but they’re not enough on their own. The places people remember combine sunshine, culture, character and experiences they can’t easily find elsewhere. Senegal does all of that.”Senegal borders The Gambia, and visitors can find everything from colourful fishing villages and mangrove waterways to nature reserves and historic islands.“I often tell people that Senegal is one of the easiest introductions to Africa you can find,” the expert added. “You get the wildlife, culture, history and scenery people dream about, but in a way that feels accessible and completely unintimidating.”TRAVEL NEWSRyanair adds routes to eight magical destinations for winter 2026, fares from £29.99Historical city less than two hours from UK named best for a European walking holiday — top 10Butlin’s launches all-inclusive bundles during school holidays for very first time — from £125On top of that, the cabin crew member said you can find some of the “friendliest” people in the world there: “They are welcoming, proud of their culture and genuinely happy to share their country with visitors”.Many holidaymakers stay at all-inclusive resorts, and these can be combined with unique excursions that set the trip apart from standard all-inclusive destinations. Poulios said: “It gives families all the convenience of an all-inclusive beach holiday while also offering the chance to discover a fascinating destination beyond the resort.“It’s brilliant for adults too, with kayaking and paddleboarding on offer, or thatched parasols to laze beneath. What I love is the variety. One day you can be relaxing on the beach and the next learning about Senegal’s history, culture or wildlife. “People are often surprised by just how much holiday they get for their money. You can combine winter sunshine, wildlife, culture, history and a fantastic resort all in one trip.”Another highlight, according to the travel expert, is that there is no time difference to the UK — “you arrive feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy your holiday immediately”.While there are some incredible resorts in Senegal —and TUI’s direct winter flights from London Gatwick to Senegal restart on November 2 — it is relatively quiet. This makes you feel like you are discovering something new, according to the travel pro.She added: “You return home feeling like you’ve found something truly special. That’s exactly why I continue recommending it.” Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter