LONDON, October 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Ladies in Oxford are apparently not fazed by the risk of streaks and bronzed bed sheets, with a whopping 72% admitting that they have opted for darker fake tans than usual this summer*.

While fake tan may come close, there is a better way to cure your summer blues - by booking cheap holiday deals with Direct Holidays! So why not leave the Fake Bake and St Tropez at home this winter and get the real thing this winter?

A poll by very.co.uk found that the miserable summer weather is the reason behind the huge number of women donning the deep bronze colour, dubbed 'Oxford Olive'.

The historic city of Oxford has even beaten Manchester and Liverpool to the top of the fake tan charts, with these cities taking the sixth and seventh spots respectively. Essex, however, did live up to its reputation for self-tanning, with Brentwood claiming fourth place overall.

As the UK descends into winter, Brits are bracing themselves for some cold, dark months spent bundled up in hats, coats and scarves. However, many Brits are undoubtedly hoping to do the opposite and pack up their suitcases with shorts, swimwear and sunglasses by booking all inclusive package holidays.

These packages are available for a number of sun-soaked destinations including Turkey, Spain, Egypt and Greece, and in addition to this they are fuss-free: you can relax safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of and you know right from the start what your holiday is going to cost. But where are the best winter destinations for 2012?

Florida

Known as the 'Sunshine State', there really is something for everyone in Florida. If you're planning on jetting off during the October half term, kids are sure to love meeting the dolphins at SeaWorld, dining in Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom and receiving their very own magic wand in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Florida holidays also promise complete relaxation in the shape of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and lush green golf courses.

Cyprus

Sun-seekers and culture vultures alike will find it difficult to leave this beautiful Mediterranean island. As well as sandy beaches and azure waters, Cyprus holiday packages offer a glimpse into the history and archaeology of a truly fascinating culture. From Aphrodite's Rock to the Tombs of the Kings, classical culture buffs will be in seventh heaven; nature lovers will be blown away by the Troodos Mountains and the mouth-watering Cypriot food is sure to satisfy all palates.

* http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2184516/Fifteen-shades-nations-fake-tans-revealed-OXFORD-girls-beat-Liverpudlians-tango-chart.html