Suffering from post-Christmas blues? Why not ditch the leftover turkey, pack your case, and beat the dreary weather by going abroad?

POST-CHRISTMAS holidays are becoming popular. With a choice of destinations available from Cardiff International Airport this winter, we've teamed up with Direct Holidays, the UK's number one direct-sell holiday company, to offer you a guide to festive fun in the sun.

THE MAGIC OF FLORIDA

Florida has more attractions to the square mile than anywhere else and its magic will soon clear your mind of stressful times with relatives over Christmas.

Your little ones will become princes and princesses as they enter Cinderella's castle at Magic Kingdom Park. As you 'ride the movies' and come face to face with Jaws at Universal Studios you'll soon realise your mother-in-law isn't that bad after all. And, the big splash from the killer whales at SeaWorld will only dampen your clothes, not your mood.

There's also a huge choice of bargains in the decorative shopping malls - for next year's presents!

With all the fun and excitement in Florida, it's like Christmas year-round!

A NEW YEAR, A NEW START

Another way to start the New Year is to get fit and shed a few Christmas pounds. The Costa del Sol's long hours of sunshine and fabulous scenic backdrops are making the area's golf courses a big attraction.

There's a choice of other activities, too, as more holidaymakers combine a Spanish getaway with their favourite sport, from windsurfing and diving to beach volleyball and horse riding.

There are, of course, also traditional attractions like relaxing on the beach, enjoying traditional tapas (light meals) and sightseeing around the Spanish coastline.

Alternatively you could get over the Christmas stress and tension in Gran Canaria - an island that has developed as a health resort.

You can pamper your body in one of the island's spas and relieve fatigue with aromatherapy, massage or algae wrap. Soak up the bubbles in a Jacuzzi or unwind in a sauna, at your hotel or a nearby health centre.

Another great way to relax is swimming and in the warm climate of the Canary Islands there's plenty of opportunity to take advantage of your pool. Follow with a stroll along the beach and you might just start to relax.

PRUSPERO O NUEVO

That's Happy New Year to you and me. One of the best ways to learn a new language is to be somewhere where it is spoken all the time. Tenerife, for example, offers a perfect introduction to Spanish in Spain.

Its mix of traditional culture with modern resorts, where English is spoken, means you'll introduce yourself to the local lingo at an easy, enjoyable pace.