We like to get away in the winter, though this is later than our normal getaway. We don't really like the Canaries, so swap some of the heat for more interesting places in Portugal, Majorca or southern Spain.

Our normal pattern is to go away in May and September, utilising a house exchange site. We've been doing it for over 20 years and been all over the place – last year it was Chios (Greek island) and Coasta de le Luz/Sevilla. However, we have decided to call it a day on the exchanges as the missus can't be arsed any longer with the preparations. So we are planning a combined Istanbul/coastal trip in May and want to try something different in September (Europe, but beyond our normal southern France and Spain destinations). Recommendations welcome.

Paul