Ryanair has £25 flights in January to Conde Nast Traveller’s top destination for 2026
BANISH the January blues by swapping the grey UK skies for a sunny break that doesn’t break the bank.
One destination in Morocco has been tipped as a must-visit destination for next year, with cheap flights that can get you there in under four hours.
Condé Nast Traveller recently revealed the top places to travel to in 2026 and Morocco’s Fès has made the list.
The publication said: “Fès is Morocco’s cultural capital and intellectual centre, but it still flies beneath the radar. That looks set to change in 2026 with the long-awaited reopening of Palais Jamaï – Fès’s iconic heritage hotel built in 1879 by a grand vizier to the sultan – after a decade-long renovation.
“A sister property to Marrakech’s landmark La Mamounia, Palais Jamaï is one of only a handful of centenarian North African hotels and retains its opulent architectural form, plus an atmosphere thick with history.“
You’ll find Fès in northern Morocco between the Rif Mountains and Middle Atlas – and it’s a great spot for more relaxed break as it’s known to be less busy than other cities like Marrakech.
Visitors to Fès need to explore Fes es-Bali – the old Medina which is one of the largest in the world – it’s made up of over 9,000 alleys that are separated from the outside world by high walls.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest Medina in North Africa.
Inside visitors can buy handmade goods from food to leather, handwoven rugs and hand-painted ceramics – and be prepared to haggle for them too.
Make sure to stop by the Bab Boujloud which is the pretty mosaic entryway, and the grand Royal Palace of Fès.
January isn’t the hottest month in Fès, but it has average highs of 18C so you can enjoy strolling around in T-shirt.
In January, you can fly directly from London Stansted to Fes-Saïss in three hours and 20 minutes for just £24.99 with Ryanair.
Condé Nast Traveller has predicted that Fès will become more popular thanks to the reopening of the Palais Jamaï Fès – a luxury hotel.
It will reopen in spring 2026, after extensive restoration and will have new dining and wellness facilities, and is likely to be expensive.
However, there are other much more affordable options.
The Riad Verus is close to the Batha Fountain and from the roof terraces you can see all the way to the Merenid Tombs.
It’s hostel aimed at solo or group travellers who can stay in the traditionally decorated dorm rooms, a communal terrace and lobby.
Prices in January start from £12 a night and it includes an authentic Moroccan brunch.
For more privacy, consider the Ibis Fes which is right beside the local train station.
All rooms are air-conditioned, and it has an outdoor swimming pool, gardens and on-site restaurant.
In January, the room rate starts from £37 per night (based on two people sharing) with an option breakfast for an extra £6.
The Ramada By Wyndham Fes is a 5* hotel with an outdoor pool, spa and gym.
Rooms start from £69 for a Superior King Room (based on two people sharing) and includes a buffet breakfast.
The room has a pool view along with free toiletries and a private bathroom, TV and minibar.
It’s not just hotels that are affordable, in Morocco a three-course meal for two people can cost as little as £15, according to Wise.
A pint of beer starts from £2.45 and you can get a coffee from £1.34.
With Ryanair axing flights across Europe this year – Morocco could become even more affordable in the coming years.
Ryanair announced in 2025 that it would be axing particular flights to Spain following Aena, the state-controlled airport operator in the country – increasing its fees for airlines.
With this meaning your trip to Tenerife might be more expensive, you can instead look to Morocco instead.
Cities around the North African country could be set to get cheaper flights as Ryanair has said that the capacity removed from Spanish airports will be reallocated to more competitive European markets, including Morocco.
The bustling city of Marrakech offers plenty of Medinas for exploring as well as activities in the desert, vibrant cafes and spice stalls.
Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, went on a trip earlier this year and said: “I’ve spent a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.
“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.
“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”
Another spot is Agadir which has incredible golden beaches, you can check out the capital of Rabat which has been dubbed an ‘understated seaside gem’ by travel experts.
Here’s the full list of Conde Nast Travellers ‘Best Place to Go in 2026’
Arusha, Tanzania
East Coast, Barbados
Brussels, Belgium
Chiriquí Province, Panama
Deer Valley, Utah
Fès, Morocco
Gabon
Upper Carniola (Gorenjska), Slovenia
Guadalajara, Mexico
Hong Kong, China
Margaret River, Australia
Medellín, Colombia
Minas Gerais, Brazil
Naoshima, Japan
Northern Chilean Patagonia
Northern Namibia
Oulu, Finland
The Peloponnese, Greece
Potosí, Bolivia
Prince Edward County, Canada
Route 66, USA
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France
Udaipur, India
Uluru, Australia
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe