January

THE UK’s most isolated island celebrates Christmas on January 6 – despite the rest of Britain packing away the decorations weeks earlier.

Foula, a tiny Scottish island 20 miles off the west coast of Shetland, follows its own festive timetable.

The unusual timing is down to the calendar the island follows.

While the rest of the UK adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, Foula’s residents chose to keep using the older Julian calendar.

That decision means key dates slowly drifted, and after a leap year change in 1900, Christmas and New Year ended up falling 12 days later than elsewhere.

Home to just 35 people, Foula is often described as one of the most remote places in the country.

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With no pubs, shops, bars, Wi-Fi or National Grid connection, supplies arrive only by boat or small plane, weather permitting, yet despite its isolation the island still offers plenty to see.

Foula covers around five square miles and is dominated by five dramatic peaks, including Da Kame, which is believed to be one of the highest sheer sea cliffs in Britain.

The island is also one of the best places in the UK to spot the Northern Lights.

Known locally as the Mirrie Dancers, they are most often seen between mid-October and mid-March, depending on conditions.

Wildlife is another major draw. Foula is famous for its native sheep, which are unique.

Foula is also popular with scuba divers due to several shipwrecks around its shores, notably the RMS Oceanic, launched in 1899, later used during the First World War, and wrecked just three miles east of the island.

Those who prefer to stay on dry land can join guided walks run by the Foula Ranger Service, or explore independently using maps provided by Foula Heritage.

The island can be reached by ferry or flight from the Shetland Mainland, with ferries running three times a week and taking about two hours, while visitors stay in self-catering accommodation and must bring all supplies.

Two other little-known islands to visit in the UK

HERE are two other little-known islands to visit in the UK.

The Isle of Erraid, Scotland

The tiny Inner Hebridean Isle of Erraid is a tidal island, just off the tip of the Ross of Mull.

For an hour or two either side of low tide, the Isle of Erraid is linked to the mainland by a broad expanse of sand that you can cross.

But Erraid’s major claim to fame is its inspiration for the famous novel Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Erraid is one of the driest and sunniest places in Scotland, with less than 1,000 millimetres of rain and 1,350 hours of sunshine annually, so you’re virtually guaranteed great days out on the beach.

Unst, Scotland

Unst is roughly 178 miles away from the Scottish mainland.

There are thought to be just 600 people living on the tiny island, making it the most northerly inhabited place in the UK.

Unst has just one pub, one hotel, one school, three shops and a lone bus route.

Skaw Beach, the most northerly in the UK, is packed with golden sand, and it’s backed by a meadow that’s home to an array of wild flowers in the spring and summer.

Because of its shape, the beach is fairly sheltered from the winds.

There are limited facilities at the beach, so holidaymakers should aim to pack everything they need before visiting.

Despite its remote location, around 100 people have reviewed the beach on Google, with one person writing: “Wild and wooly, with nobody around. The water was freezing, as you would expect.”

It’s also a haven for birds including corncrake, lapwing, peregrine, hen harriers and sandpipers and you’ll also see plenty of deer, hedgehogs and Black Face sheep.

Published on 18/12/2025 – 23:27 GMT+1
•Updated
23:35

Following tense negotiations among the 27 member states, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday pushed the signature of the contentious Mercosur agreement to January to the frustration of backers Germany and Spain.

The trade deal dominated the EU summit, with France and Italy pressing for a delay to secure stronger farmer protections, while von der Leyen had hoped to travel to Latin America for a signing ceremony on 20 December after securing member-state support.

Without approval, the ceremony can no longer go ahead. There is not set date.

“The Commission proposed that it postpones to early January the signature to further discuss with the countries who still need a bit more time,” an EU official told reporters.

After a phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she supported the deal, but added that Rome still needs stronger assurances for Italian farmers. Lula said in separate comments that Meloni assured him the trade deal would be approved in the next 10 days to a month.

The Mercosur agreement would create a free-trade area between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. But European farmers fear it would expose them to unfair competition from Latin American imports on pricing and practices.

Meloni’s decision was pivotal to delay

“The Italian government is ready to sign the agreement as soon as the necessary answers are provided to farmers. This would depend on the decisions of the European Commission and can be defined within a short timeframe,” Meloni said after speaking with Lula, who had threatened to walk away from the deal unless an agreement was found this month. He sounded more conciliatory after speaking to Meloni.

Talks among EU leaders were fraught, as backers of the deal – concluded in 2024 after 25 years of negotiations – argued the Mercosur is an imperative as the bloc needs new markets at a time in which the US, its biggest trading partner, pursues an aggressive tariff policy. Duties on European exports to the US have tripled under Donald Trump.

“This is one of the most difficult EU summits since the last negotiation of the long-term budget two years ago,” an EU diplomat said.

France began pushing last Sunday for a delay in the vote amid farmers’ anger.

Paris has long opposed the deal, demanding robust safeguards for farmers and reciprocity on environmental and health production standards with Mercosur countries.

The agreement requires a qualified majority for approval. France, Poland and Hungary oppose the signature, while Austria and Belgium planned to abstain if a vote were held this week. Ireland has also raised concerns over farmer protections.

Italy’s stance was pivotal.

However, supporters of the agreement now fear prolonged hesitation could prompt Mercosur countries to walk away after decades of negotiations for good.

After speaking with Meloni, Lula said he would pass Italy’s request on to Mercosur so that it can “decide what to do.”

An EU official said contacts with Mercosur were “ongoing,” adding: “We need to make sure that everything is accepted by them.”

CHRISTMAS is nearly here, but hot on its heels is what seems to be the year’s, longest, most miserable month: January.

The UK endures some of the dimmest winter light in Europe, says travel company First Choice, with just 41 to 62 hours of sun in the WHOLE of January, equating to only between 90 minutes and two hours a day.

So there couldn’t be a better month to escape abroad.

Lisa Minot suggests sunny escapes that will boost your mood without hurting your bank balance.

CYPRUS

You’ll get three times more sunshine on this sun-drenched island that enjoys 3,4000 hours of blue skies a year.

Temperatures in January are still a very acceptable 18C to 20C and the sun shines an average of five to six hours a day.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

SNOW SLOPES

I went to the all-inclusive ski resort with 300 days of sunshine

Get your fix with a cheeky short stay at the 4* Louis Phaethon Beach right on the seafront near Paphos.

The hotel has two fabulous pools and three restaurants.

Four nights’ all-inclusive is from £337pp including flights from Manchester on January 14.

Check out firstchoice.co.uk.

LANZAROTE

Laze the day away beside your own sparkling private pool at the Rubi Mar village near Playa Blanca.

Here in the Canary Islands, you can expect six to seven hours of sunshine a day in January, with temperatures a balmy 20C or 21C.

The three-bed villa sits in lovely grounds and is within walking distance of a shop and restaurant.

Seven nights’ self-catering is from £240pp, based on six sharing and including flights from Gatwick on January 8.

See solmarvillas.com.

FLORIDA & CARIBBEAN CRUISE

This is the ultimate holiday for sun-seekers.

An incredible 15-night deal twins an Orlando stay with the chance to cruise the sun-soaked islands of the Caribbean.

Expect temperatures in the high twenties throughout, and seven to nine hours of sunshine.

This trip of a lifetime includes a five-night stay in Orlando, with a ticket to the new Epic Universe theme park as well as a seven-night full-board Caribbean cruise aboard the new Star Princess with ports of call in Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic.

And that’s not all — there’s also a two-night stay in Miami included as well a tour of the Everglades.

The price, £1,699, includes return flights from London on January 12 and dedicated transfers throughout.

To book, go to cruise.co.uk or call 0870 990 8824.

MOROCCO

Soak up Moroccan sunshine in magical Marrakech as you visit the bustling souks then enjoy a dip in the rooftop plunge pool at your traditional riad hotel.

Temperatures are 18C to 20C in January and you can expect seven hours of sunshine a day.

This Travelbag deal includes seven nights’ B&B at the boutique Riad Vert, in the heart of the old town and a ten-minute stroll from the souks.

Prices from £649pp include flights from Gatwick on January 11 and private transfers. See travelbag.co.uk or call 0203 944 3694.

THAILAND

It’s a little farther to fly but you’ll be rewarded by sizzling temperatures from 28C to 32C and nine hours of sunshine a day if you head to the tropical paradise of Hua Hin this January.

The 3* Ibis Hua Hin hotel is just a five-minute stroll from a sandy shore and has an outdoor pool and great restaurant.

It’s also close to the Cicada Market and Vana Nava Water Jungle.

Seven nights’ room-only is from £760pp including flights from Stansted On January 20.

Check out onthebeach.co.uk.

EGYPT

The Red Sea resort of Hurghada promises guaranteed sun in January, with eight to ten hours of clear skies a day and temperatures ranging from 19C to 22C.

The 4* Sea Star Beau Rivage hotel sits right on its own sandy beach and features two huge pools set in palm-lined gardens.

The spa and hammam on site is perfect for pampering too.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £378pp including flights from Gatwick on January 21.

Check out travelsupermarket.com.

MADEIRA

Enjoy sub-tropical temperatures and abundant nature on this stunning island in the Atlantic.

Expect daily temperatures of around 19C in January, and five or six hours of sunshine a day.

The 3* Mathu Raga Madeira Hotel is just a short stroll from Funchal’s popular Lido promenade.

The hotel’s pool is heated in winter and while the Mathu Raga has a lovely buffet restaurant, the delights of the town’s many restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance.

Seven nights’ room-only is from £439pp including flights from Birmingham on January 26, 22kg luggage and transfers.

To book, see jet2holidays.com.

FUERTEVENTURA

Treat yourself on this lovely Canary Island with average daytime highs of 20C and six to seven hours of sunshine.

The 4* Occidental Jandia Playa hotel has panoramic seaside views as well as two beautiful pools to lounge beside.

A ten-minute walk from Jandia Beach there’s also two restaurants, four bars and evening entertainment to keep you busy.

Seven nights’ half-board is from £600pp including flights from Stansted on January 16, 20kg hold luggage and transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

January can be a great month to take a holiday as prices drop and there are plenty of destinations that are both hot and affordable.

Winter has arrived bringing with it dark, chilly and damp days. Whilst Christmas can inject some festive spirit into these dreary months, there’s still a considerable wait until spring makes its appearance.

Plenty of people will already be dreaming about their summer getaway, but if you’re unable to hold out that long, there are numerous destinations within easy reach of the UK that can deliver the sunshine you’re longing for.

January can prove to be an ideal time for travel, as holiday spots offer budget-friendly prices that allow you to kick off your new year in style.

A travel guru has highlighted four locations you can jet off to from the UK for “winter sun on a January budget”.

TikTok travel specialist Robonthebeach has revealed four of his personal top picks that Brits can escape to in the new year. He’s suggested destinations that are both warm and wallet-friendly.

As reported by the Express, Rob said: “January is one of my favourite months to book a holiday. Everyone’s skint, everyone’s cold, flights are quiet and the prices in a lot of destinations drop way lower than you’d expect.”

He examined January weather conditions, booking trends and pricing to compile his recommendations for a “warm, good value holiday next month”.

Madeira

Kicking off Rob’s suggestions are the Portuguese islands of Madeira. The four-island archipelago lies off the northwest coast of Africa and is renowned for its wine, pleasant temperatures and subtropical climate.

Rob pointed out that whilst January won’t bring scorching temperatures, visitors can still enjoy pleasant sunny conditions hovering around 19C to 20C. He described it as “one of the most gorgeous coastlines in Europe” and managed to find a bargain at £330 per person departing from Dublin, including flights and bed and breakfast.

Tenerife

The biggest of the Canary Islands offers consistently warm weather even during January, with temperatures reaching 22C to 23C and daily sunshine. Rob demonstrated the destination’s affordability by discovering a seven-night self-catering package from Liverpool for just £260 per person.

His personal tip was to base yourself in Costa Adeje, which he praised for being “sheltered, warm [with] loads going on”.

Sharm El Sheikh

This Egyptian resort town is celebrated for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Rob enthused: “If you want actual summer in January, this is it. You’re looking at 24C to 27C here, blue sky every single day and water that’s like a bath.”

He tracked down an all-inclusive seven-night package with flights from Luton for a mere £225 per person. “If you want heat for cheap, this is the one,” he declared.

Miami

Rob confessed this pick is his “wildcard” but insisted that with the right offer, it can still represent excellent value for a winter escape. He located seven nights at a Miami Beach hotel with indirect flights from Heathrow for £605 per person.

The travel guru remarked: “For Miami beach in January, peak sunshine season, that’s pretty nuts.” Miami’s weather sits at a balmy 25C to 27C.

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.

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“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.

“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.

Miracles do still happen.

Ricki Lake took to Instagram on Monday to share the “craziest” story of how a stranger had found her old family photos “at a freaking flea market.”

“I can’t even process” this, the former talk show host says in the video. “My words are not coming.”

Lake, who lost her Malibu home in the Palisades fire in January, recounted how a couple of her friends had reached out to her Sunday night to let her know that someone had posted images of old photos featuring Lake and her son on social media and was trying to get in touch with her.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing because all of it was gone in the fire,” Lake says.

Patty Scanlon, the artist who had posted the images, joined Lake on Instagram Live to share how she stumbled upon the photos while looking for inspiration at the Pasadena City College Flea Market.

“It was like the universe drove me to get your pictures,” Scanlon says, explaining she found a box of photos at the first vendor she hit at the market and bought it for $20. “I opened the pictures and the first one I saw … I thought ‘Oh, I love that woman’s face.’”

The artist didn’t immediately recognize the woman in the photos, but as she looked through more of them she realized it was Lake and her son Milo, who is now 28, as a toddler. In addition to the photos, Scanlon found a letter that indicated Lake had mailed them as a thank-you for some gifts that were given to baby Milo.

“These pictures are so priceless to me,” Lake says. “They would be anyway … but the fact that I lost all of these images in the fire in January … I thought they were gone forever.”

“I had made peace,” she continues. “It was such a heartache and such a painful thing to come to terms with. That all of these memories are no longer in front of me. They’re just in my mind and heart now. But the fact that you found these is unbelievable.”

In the video, Scanlon hypothesizes that the box of photos probably ended up at the flea market after an estate sale and says she can’t believe what a “miracle” it was that she had found them after learning about how Lake had lost everything in the fires.

“I really cannot thank you enough for your generosity,” Lake says to Scanlon. “The fact that I’m going to get something back that I thought was lost forever … it makes me so happy.”