The weak pound means the Med is hardly a bargain now, which is one good reason to look further afield for your summer holiday this year.

Equally persuasive is the fact that some resorts in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and beyond are so anxious about bookings, they are offering unprecedented deals — giving away free rooms for children and throwing in complimentary lunches, dinners and even drinks — while airlines, burdened with overcapacity, are slashing fares.

Together, these factors are allowing tour operators to create their cheapest packages in years. Although these far-flung destinations are in low season, if you choose wisely, the weather can be more pleasant than the blistering heat of mainland Europe, and the resorts won’t be as crowded — which all adds up to the best year ever to push the boat out and go long-haul.

Unless stated, all packages include flights from London and transfers. For details of UK regional, and Irish flight options, contact the operator

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THE CARIBBEAN

Barbados

Hurricanes are the big Caribbean concern in the summer months, but Barbados’s track record is reassuring. The last one to cause significant damage landed back in 1955, and although you can expect rain in July and August, according to the meteorologists, it’s most likely to fall between 2am and 5am. We suspect that if you’re still up then, you could probably do with a cold shower.

Despite the reliable weather and its considerable kudos, even Simon Cowell’s favourite resort, Sandy Lane, is feeling the pinch.

It has been forced into its most competitive deals ever: Seasons in Style (01244 202000, seasonsinstyle.com) has a week for a family of five with three under-12s from £1,862pp in July or August — that’s £1,020 cheaper than the same trip last summer. If you don’t mind falling foul of the head teacher, or can travel in September, it’s just £1,445pp, B&B, for a family of four staying in two rooms — a saving of £1,782pp — if you book by Friday.

If you prefer something low-key and typically Bajan, Caribtours (020 7751 0660, www.caribtours.co.uk) has discounted seven-night stays at the Colony Club, which is on a beach just as pretty as Sandy Lane’s. A week starts at £1,135pp, B&B, a saving of £450pp. Book by August 31 for travel by October 31.

St Lucia

The island hasn’t had more than the odd palm tree ruffled by heavy winds in the past 12 years. Visit in July or August, and you’ll be rewarded with the sight of giant leatherback turtles heaving themselves onto the beaches to lay their eggs — rather more inspiring than the hordes of holidaymakers that cover the sands throughout the winter months.

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