January can be a challenging month to endure. With the post-Christmas blues lingering and a cold weather forecast ahead, many people yearn for a winter sun getaway to escape the dreary days and replenish their vitamin D levels.
If summertime feels too far away for a beach vacation, worry not. Numerous travel companies are offering New Year sales, allowing you to snag a discounted holiday package even if you decide to depart on short notice. Here are some enticing deals we’ve uncovered for destinations just a stone’s throw away from the UK but light-years apart in terms of weather at the beginning of the year.
Prices are subject to change and availability.
Agadir stands out as one of Morocco’s warmest coastal regions in January, often boasting highs of 21C. Beyond its expansive golden beaches, Agadir is a vibrant city blending traditional and modern elements, offering family-friendly attractions ranging from water parks to zoos. The ongoing easyJet sale features one-way flights to Agadir starting from £22.49 departing from Glasgow and from £38.13 on the Gatwick route.
Sharm el-Sheikh basks in eight hours of sunshine daily in January, with daytime temperatures hovering around 22C. A mere five and a half hours flight from the UK, this Egyptian paradise is a favored destination for New Year getaways. Wizz Air provides direct flights to Sharm el-Sheikh from London Luton and London Gatwick airports, with one-way fares starting at £40.37 in January. Other budget airlines such as TUI and easyJet also operate flights to the resort.
Emerging as a sought-after winter sun spot, Cape Verde offers January highs of 25C, with flights from the UK to this African archipelago lasting just over six hours. EasyJet Holidays currently presents a seven-night package at the Hotel Dunas de Sal, including breakfast, for £666 per person based on double occupancy using the discount code BIGSALE. This package includes flights from London Gatwick departing on January 11.
Often underrated as a winter sun retreat, Gambia welcomes direct six and a half-hour flights from the UK and can experience temperatures soaring up to 30C in January. TUI is presently offering a seven-night stay at the Holiday Beach hotel adjacent to the sandy Kololi Beach. Departing from Manchester on January 21, this deal includes bed and breakfast accommodation for £655 per person based on double room occupancy.
Tenerife remains a classic choice for winter sun seekers, thanks to its mild 21C climate. With flights from the UK taking approximately four and a half hours, Tenerife promises some of the best January weather among short-haul destinations. Jet2 currently provides a week-long stay at Granada Park Apartments & Siam Park Waterpark for £471 per person, with flights departing from Bristol on January 18. This price covers self-catering accommodation for two sharing a one-bedroom apartment in this three-star resort, inclusive of unlimited daily access to the waterpark.
Cancun is often perceived as a pricey destination due to its long-haul status, involving around 11 hours of flight time from the UK. Nevertheless, attractive package deals can be found for January travel, sometimes costing similar to a European escapade. On The Beach is currently offering a deal at £710 per person departing on January 29 from London Gatwick. This price encompasses TUI flights to Cancun and accommodation at the four-star Aloft Cancun, situated on a picturesque sand strip with stunning beaches. With January temperatures peaking at 28C, the lengthy flight proves worthwhile.
Barbados is another destination often assumed to be extravagant, but with strategic planning, costs can be minimized. TUI presently features a London Gatwick to Barbados flight departing on January 8 and returning on January 22 for £410 per person, inclusive of 15kg checked luggage. Subsequently, you can independently search for accommodation – numerous Airbnb properties are available for these dates at under £600, allowing you to curate your own cost-effective package.