January can prove challenging to endure with the lingering post-Christmas blues and a cold weather outlook for the upcoming weeks. It is no surprise that many individuals yearn for a winter sun holiday to escape the dreary days and replenish their vitamin D levels.
For those who can’t wait until summer to bask on the beach, there is good news. Several travel companies are currently offering New Year sales, allowing travelers to snag affordable package deals even for last-minute getaways. Here are some enticing offers for destinations just a few hours away from the UK but offering a world of difference in terms of weather during the early months of the year.
Prices are subject to change based on availability.
Agadir, known as one of the warmest coastal areas of Morocco in January, often enjoys highs of 21C. Apart from its expansive golden beaches, Agadir boasts a vibrant cityscape blending traditional and modern elements, along with family-friendly attractions like water parks and zoos. In the ongoing easyJet sale, travelers can find one-way flights from Glasgow to Agadir starting at £22.49, or from Gatwick for £38.13.
Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt offers a generous eight hours of sunshine per day in January, with daytime temperatures reaching around 22C. With flight durations of approximately five and a half hours from the UK, it’s no wonder why this Egyptian paradise is a popular choice for New Year getaways. Wizz Air provides direct flights to Sharm el-Sheikh from London Luton and Gatwick airports, with one-way fares starting at £40.37 in January. Other budget airlines like TUI and easyJet also offer flights to this resort.
Cape Verde is gaining popularity as a winter sun destination, offering highs of 25C in January, with flight times from the UK to this African island averaging just over six hours. EasyJet Holidays is currently promoting a seven-night package at Hotel Dunas de Sal, including breakfast, for £666 per person based on two sharing, departing from London Gatwick on January 11, with the use of discount code BIGSALE.
Gambia, often overlooked as a winter sun spot, features direct flights from the UK lasting about six and a half hours, with temperatures in January reaching up to 30C. TUI is currently offering a seven-night stay at the Holiday Beach hotel next to Kololi Beach in Gambia for £655 per person, including bed and breakfast accommodation. This offer is based on double occupancy and includes flights departing from Manchester on January 21.
Tenerife remains a classic choice for a winter sun escape, boasting mild temperatures around 21C in January and flight durations from the UK of approximately four and a half hours. Jet2 is currently advertising a week-long stay at Granada Park Apartments & Siam Park Waterpark for £471 per person, with flights departing from Bristol on January 18. This self-catering package is based on two sharing a one-bedroom apartment in this three-star resort, with unlimited daily access to the waterpark included.
Despite being a long-haul destination with flights from the UK lasting around 11 hours, Cancun can offer great package deals for January travel, often comparable in price to European trips. On The Beach is currently promoting a deal at £710 per person departing on January 29 from London Gatwick. This price includes TUI flights to Cancun and accommodation at the four-star Aloft Cancun, situated on a picturesque sand strip with stunning beaches. With January temperatures reaching highs of 28C, the lengthy flight is definitely worthwhile.
Barbados is another destination typically perceived as expensive, but with careful planning, costs can be reduced. TUI currently offers a London Gatwick to Barbados flight departing on January 8 and returning on January 22 for £410 per person, inclusive of 15kg of checked luggage. Travelers can then independently search for accommodations, with numerous Airbnb properties available for under £600 during these dates, allowing individuals to craft their own budget-friendly package.
