LONDON, September 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

With the rain clouds sitting firm above the UK, and it looking very likely that wet weather will put something of a dampener on the closing months of 2012, it's no small surprise that families are already looking to sunnier shores for their share of the sun in 2013.

And with plenty of cheap holiday deals available online from Direct Holidays to destinations around the world, avoiding the UK's dismal drizzle is affordable and easy. Here are a couple of choice suggestions on where sun-seekers should head in the coming months.

The USA

The USA is proving a particularly popular destination at the moment. There has been a rise of 4% in the number of tourists from the UK choosing North America as their holiday destination, with the popularity of California, New York and Florida holidays as strong as ever.*

Florida is a particularly favourite choice for families, not least because of one of its most famous attractions: the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the more recently opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando. Both of these fantastic attractions are guaranteed to offer children an unforgettable experience.

The long expanse of sandy beaches is another huge draw of the aptly named 'Sunshine State', inviting visitors to relax, unwind and soak up the rays, but the Florida coast also offers plenty of opportunities for watersports that the whole family can enjoy all year round - another great way to keep the kids entertained.

Cyprus

For families looking closer to home, Cyprus holiday packages offer all of the fun, sun and relaxation you could wish for. Over 100,000 UK residents made Cyprus their choice of holiday destination in May of this year**, and as temperatures start to heat up throughout March and April, that figure is likely to rise with the mercury in the thermometer.

The rich culture and history of the Mediterranean island, with influences from Europe, Asia and Africa, no doubt accounts for part of its attraction. Young children and grown-ups alike can learn something from the numerous museums and archaeological sites, while hikes and coastal trails offer fun and adventure. Plus, with the famous resort of Ayia Napa on the southern coast, dance music fans can enjoy some of the biggest club nights in the world.

Whether you're looking for a long or short haul flight destination this summer, you can find fantastic value deals on all inclusive package holidays for families to a variety of sunny havens with Direct Holidays, helping you to escape the autumn rain and the winter cold.

*http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-269251

**http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/services_71main_en/services_71main_en?OpenForm&sub=1&sel=

SOURCE Direct Holidays