Where's hot now: long-haul adventures

If you want to guarantee temperatures out of the teens, you need to think long-haul. Here's our pick, from Costa Rica to AustraliaAustraliaMarch average high: 24CTime a trip to Australia to coincide with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, a two-week showcase of Victoria's top-notch produce and restaurants. Join in the tastings and masterclasses, snap up the special offers or watch a foodie film at the alfresco cinema.? Austravel (0800 988 4834, austravel.com) has nine nights at a three-star hotel from �1,149pp, including flights from Heathrow, departing on 3 MarchSri LankaMarch average high: 31CSpend two weeks touring the island's unmissable sights on this eclectic tour. Setting off from Negombo, you'll find hidden caves and sacred shrines and explore ancient royal capitals. Enjoy the hill country with its tea plantations and nature reserves, watch baby elephants being bottle-fed ? then relax on the sandy beach of Induruwa.? Tucan Travel (020-8896 1600, tucantravel.com) has a 13-night trip for �730pp, including B&B accommodation in hotels, hostels and guesthouses but excluding flightsCosta RicaMarch average high: 26CIf the nest is empty, mum and dad could head to Central America and make a difference working with children and staff at adoption homes and care centres in and around San Ram�n. Set up by the government, projects are always looking for tias (aunties) for the children.? From �799 for four weeks including accommodation in hostels and with host families, orientation, airport pick-up, all meals and 24-hour support, but not flights. Call Real Gap Years for Grown Ups on 01892 701881 or visit gapyearforgrownups.co.ukMexicoMarch average high: 24CMarch is your last chance to whale-watch in Mexico, as the season finishes at the end of the month. Look out for grey whales from the beaches of Todos Santos, a laid-back town on the Pacific coast, then go horse-riding or surfing, or simply laze in a hammock at your boutique B&B.? I-escape (i-escape.com) has 15% off rooms at The Hotelito, meaning a seven-night stay between 1 and 9 March costs from �232pp, excluding flightsWinter sunMelbourneAustraliaAustralasiaSri LankaAsiaCosta RicaNorth and Central Americaguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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