WHEN it comes to January you can either embrace the chill, or escape it.
Sun Travel has got seven destinations all over the globe from African Islands to UK staycations and a beautiful city under four hours away with return flights from just £35.
Cape Verde
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey can’t abide cold weather during January so has a suggestion for anyone wanting winter warmth.
She said: “If you want guaranteed sun without having to spend too much post-Christmas money, then Cape Verde is a great option.
“Expect much warmer temperatures – think 26C in January – without having to hop on a long flight. Taking just six hours, there’s just one hour’s time difference, so no jet lag either.
“Both TUI and easyJet offer flights there, with Boa Vista and Sal the two most popular islands. TUI’s package holidays start from £515pp, or easyJet’ flights are around £92 each way.
“There’s activities from boat trips to dune bashing, but I wouldn’t blame you if you ended up on the sun lounger more often than not for some winter warmth.”
Cruises
Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot recommends hopping on a cruise next month. She said: “Getting your Vitamin D fix couldn’t be easier when you choose a holiday at sea.
“Ocean cruising in the warm waters of the Caribbean, the Canary Islands or even the Gulf is the perfect January pick-me-up and you can sit back and relax on deck soaking up the sunshine while a new port of call will deliver the chance to explore ashore.
“For Brits, Marella Cruises offers great all-inclusive packages including flights, all your food and alcoholic drinks plus tips.
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“Fly to the Dominican Republic on January 6 and you could be setting sail onboard the Marella Discovery from £1,181pp for seven nights’ all-inclusive cruising to St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts and the British Virgin Islands. Flights depart Gatwick. See tui.co.uk/cruise.
“Or how about adding some Mexican flavour to your Caribbean escape? Iglu has a cruise-only deal for seven nights’ full-board on MSC Seashore from just £401pp, you’ll just need to book flights to Orlando to join the cruise. See iglucruise.com.”
Wales
Meanwhile Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski suggests sticking to the UK.
She said: “Generally speaking, I’ll pick a sunny holiday over a wintry escape every time. Except at this time of year, that is. January, for me, is about embracing winter – and I’m not quite ready to chuck on a bikini after all those mince pies.
“Instead, I’ll stay in cosy mode, with a cottage staycation where I can spend the week holed up in a typically British pub with a roaring fireplace and generously sized glass of red wine to warm me through.
“I visited North Wales in January last year and it was the perfect spot to reset myself after the festive period.
“Our Sykes Cottages property, Cefn Nannau cottage was set on a working farm and the area had just been caught in a flurry of snow.
“Mornings consisted of frosty dog walks around Lake Tegid, the largest natural lake in the country, followed by a soak in the outdoor hot tub with a cup of tea, watching the sheep huddle in the snow in the field opposite.
“A three nights’ self-catering break at Cefn Nannau cottage costs from £114pp, based on 12 sharing.”
Tenerife
Travel Writer Helen Wright has one island she goes back to year on year.
She said: “In my opinion, you can’t beat the Canary Islands in January. We go every year, usually to Tenerife, but if we get a good deal, we’ll sometimes choose Gran Canaria instead.
“It’s the perfect way to wind down after the Christmas chaos as the Canary Islands are always so chilled out.
“The weather is perfect for us as a family. It’s not as hot as some winter sun destinations, but very pleasantly warm. We’ll be wearing shorts and t-shirts during the day and then a hoodie or jacket with jeans in the evening.
“We spend our days on the beach or by the pool at our hotel – when booking, always remember to check the pool is heated and preferably not by solar panels because if it’s cloudy, the water can be cold.
“Often, we’ll book all-inclusive or half-board with Jet2, which means food and drink are hassle-free. Even when we eat out, the Canary Islands are never too expensive.
“It’s the perfect little January getaway and if you look around for some great last-minute deals, it can be super affordable too.”
Marrakesh
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill is also seeking out heat in January and there’s somewhere you can be in under four hours.
She said: “I really don’t mind the cold up until Christmas. But post December 31 and I’m ready for spring.
“Sadly living in the UK means it won’t be warm for months so if I can, I’ll head off somewhere not too far for some sun – like Marrakesh.
“In January the weather can be as high as 19C, if you’re lucky. But it’s still pleasant enough to stroll about without packing on the layers and thermals.
“There’s lots of exploring you can do too in the mild weather – which I find more pleasant than their scorching summers. Some of my favourite spots are the Dar El Bacha – a huge palace with beautiful mosaics, and of course the medina full of spices, leathers and great souvenirs.
“You can get return flights to Marrakesh from £35 with easyJet flying out on January 27 and returning on January 31, 2026.”
Seville
One places close to home that Kara loves is over in Spain, she said: “The city of Seville is perfect to visit for your first 2026 trip. Just two hours by flight, it’s one of Spain‘s hottest cities.
“Not only that, but it’s not one you want to visit in summer, with huge crowds and temperatures hitting an unbearable 40C.
“It’s an easy place for a weekend break, with fantastic food, live flamenco and beautiful architecture. I recommend staying at Only YOU – a boutique hotel that opened last year and is as little as £96 a night.
“And top tip – try and nab the free tickets for the Royal Alcázar of Seville palace, which are found in the last hour of opening.”
Paris
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill believes sometimes you have to compromise on heat for a shorter travel time – and head to somewhere like lovely Paris.
She said: “While you might not get the heat of places further afield, sometimes you can’t beat a short trip to somewhere like Paris where you can do so much in just a few days.
“When I went across on the Eurostar it was for an extreme daytrip and took just a few hours – but of course you can stay longer if you like.
“See incredible sites like Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay and you can even go on a food tour which will take you through beautiful neighbourhoods.
“When it’s not raining, walking along the River Seine during the winter with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate is delightful.
“If you fancy a short trip, you can get a return journey on the Eurostar from £83 departing on January 27 and returning a day later.”
For more Sun Travel suggestions, check out our favourite day trips in the South East – from pubs with a view to quiet beaches.
Plus, these are the holiday destinations we predict will be HUGE in 2026 – thanks to cheap hotels, flights and pints.