Where's hot in April?

As spring swings into life, Spain’s Costa Blanca is starting to heat up nicely. Longer days mean plenty of sunshine – around eight hours on average – while high average temperatures flirt with the 20-mark. Well warm enough for a cheeky break!

Benidorm, the coast’s go-to hotspot for cheap, reliable sun, sea and sand holidays, is a mix of brilliant beaches and lively night life. Venture away from the modern skyscrapers of the new city, and Benidorm’s old town buzzes with authentic tapas places and the dazzling white-washed buildings of traditional Spain.

Beyond Benidorm, there’s plenty to do and explore. Nearby Serra Gelada Natural Park is perfect for a spot of hiking and the historic village of Guadalest, one of Spain’s most visited places, is just a few hours away by car.

As it’s spring, you might see a few showers, but these are generally short and clear up quickly. It’s also wise to take warmer clothing for the evenings – the temperature may be cool after the sun goes down.

April in Cape Verde means plenty of sun, warm weather and barely any rain. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? It’s the start of the peak season, but if you look to go early in the month, there are some brilliant package deals to be had.

Simplicity is key to Cape Verde’s growing tourism scene. The archipelago’s mantra “no stress” reflects a laid-back way of life, perfect for those looking to fly-and-flop somewhere warm. At just six hours’ flight time away from the UK, the journey isn’t too bad, either.

Sal and Boa Vista have become the unofficial tourist hubs for Cape Verde due to their impeccable, white-sand beaches and the range of direct flights that service their airports.

There are, however, internal flights and ferries that connect the other islands. Fogo, a rugged volcanic island, and Sao Vicente, the cultural centre of the country, are well worth a visit if you have the time.

If you’re after somewhere hot but don’t fancy a long-haul flight this April, look no further than Lanzarote for sun, sea and sand, all at affordable prices. Add in an average temperature of 20°C, plenty of sunshine and barely any rain and you’ve got yourself a steal of a holiday.

With world-class beaches aplenty and fascinating volcanic landscapes to explore, this Canary Island is ideal for all types of holidaymaker, which is why it’s so popular with families, couples and groups alike.

To see the island in all its surreal glory, a visit to Timanfaya National Park is a must, while the viewpoint at Mirador del Río provides sweeping views of the Mars-like terrain Lanzarote is famous for.

One of Lanzarote’s biggest draws is the sheer choice it offers. Larger resorts Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca are perfect for those looking for cheap fly-and-flop holidays, while the island’s wilder, northern coast is great for surfing and water sports enthusiasts.

Increasingly, more and more hotels catering to luxury and wellness are popping up around the island.

Glitz, glamour and guaranteed sunshine make Las Vegas a great choice for a hot April break along with the nearby Grand Canyon for nature's own show of strength.

Granted, there are no beaches as the neon illuminated city is situated right in the middle of the Nevada desert but you will certainly enjoy hot, sunny weather. Daytime temperatures in April are 25°C to 28°C and coupled with 13 hours of daily sunshine and very little rainfall year round. Las Vegas will definitely satisfy your thirst for sun!

Vegas will also keep you entertained, whilst famous for its salubrious Casino's (allowing for very cheap hotel room rates) it also hosts some of the world's best theatre shows and has some of the best hotels in the world. Perhaps the most famous hotel on the Las Vegas 'Strip' is the Bellagio Hotel and Casino complex.

Taking on an Italian theme this hotel has vast gardens, 3000 rooms and hundreds of gaming tables and slot machines. The fountains are renowned, performing jets dance to classical music from 7pm-midnight every day. It's difficult to describe the phenomenon that is Las Vegas without seeing it for yourself!

Worlds away in terms of culture, yet only four hours on the plane, Marrakech's old-world feel and stunning medina make it an excellent option for an adventurous city break. Here, bustling souks and grand palaces take centre stage in a city that hums with activity. Embrace the madness of Djemaa el Fna, marvel at the magnificent minaret of Koutoubia Mosque and unwind in luxurious riads.

April’s temperate weather is ideal for exploring Marrakech - with an average temperature of 18°C, it’s not the stifling heat of summer, yet there’s plenty of sunshine during the day. And, unlike the UK, where spring is traditionally wet, Morocco remains blissfully dry.

Marrakech also acts as a gateway to the mighty Atlas Mountains and the coastal town of Essaouira, so it's perfect for culture vultures looking for their first taste of North Africa, intrepid travellers seeking their next exotic adventure and families seeking something different.

A thrilling fusion of exotic islands, serene pagodas and friendly people, Thailand has forged a long-lasting love affair with Brits over the last couple of decades. Recently, the wealth of packages available has opened Southeast Asia up to intrepid families, as well as couples and solo travellers.

The country’s tropical islands have their own character and vibe. Ko Samet, Koh Chang and Koh Samui are among some of the most idyllic, while Pattaya and Phuket are popular with Brits. Besides the islands, Chiang Mai is a trekker’s paradise, while Bangkok, with its street food and busy markets, is a perfect pit stop for foodies.

April does bring in more humid weather but cooling sea breezes and plenty of sunshine make Thailand a good holiday option nonetheless. Average temperatures in Phuket, for example, hover around 29°C with eight hours of sunshine.