January

The Alfriston, East Sussex

Virginia Woolf described the South Downs as “too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness”. So where better to head at this time of year, when our happiness levels are traditionally at their lowest ebb? Striding across the rolling chalkland towards the teetering sea cliffs buoyed up by a stiff breeze is the perfect antidote to the January blues. And if there’s a cosy hotel bar with an open fire waiting for you at the end of the walk, so much the better.

The Alfriston, on the edge of the Sussex village of the same name, reopened under new owners last spring. Housed in a red-brick manor house, parts of which date back to the 14th century, its new look nods to the Arts and Crafts movement with attractive block-printed wallpapers, patterned furnishings and wood panelling painted in warm colours.

There’s a long front lawn laid out for games of croquet, skittles and pétanque but the jewel in the crown is the 10-metre outdoor pool, heated and open year-round. After a swim, warm up in the sauna or steam room or treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment in the small spa area. On a Saturday evening the 1554 Brasserie was lively with a mix of guests and locals and the menu had something to please all palates – from slow-roasted Norfolk cauliflower (£18 for a main) to haunch of fallow deer with chestnuts and cacao sauce (£28). My starter of scallops followed by grilled whole sea bass with samphire was excellent. After a deep sleep we woke up to views across the mist-shrouded downs and breakfast in the Orangery, where the walls are hand-painted with delicate murals of trees and flowers. I can’t help feeling that Woolf, whose Charleston farmhouse HQ was just a few miles away, would approve.
Doubles from £135 B&B, thealfriston.com
Joanne O’Connor

Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire

The unprecedented January 3rd US attack and the capture of Nicolás Maduro has shaken Venezuela’s political board. Today, after the new chavista legislature was sworn in and Jorge Rodríguez was ratified as its president, we saw the latter taking the oath of his sister, Delcy, as Nicolás Maduro’s acting president. As this was happening, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were being arraigned in a New York court. It’s Monday, January 5th, all of this could change in months, weeks, or even days. This is where the different players stand.

Delcy and Jorge Rodríguez

It’s widely being reported that Delcy Rodríguez backstabbed Maduro and Flores, giving away their coordinates for a Delta Force unit to take them out on January 3rd. While it’s easy to imagine the Rodríguez siblings lobbying hard for a chavismo-without-Maduro outcome that sought to end months of US hostilities in the Caribbean, it can’t be ruled out that the White House just grew tired of Maduro calling Trump’s bluff and decided to snatch him and his wife while unilaterally handing the reins of the country to the beleaguered siblings, the two chavistas that US diplomats know best at this point (a mixture between the Rubio and Grenell approaches, leave the “moderates” but get Maduro). Those two are far from being in a comfortable position. On one hand, they must deal with a US government that, according to Politico, is asking Rodríguez to stop the flow of drugs, expel Iranian and Cuban agents, and block US adversaries from Venezuelan oil. Por ahora, other more complicated asks may come later. 

Apart from this, the Rodríguez house must keep itself safe from the most predatory clan within the ruling coalition, embodied by Diosdado Cabello and the web of security agencies he leads. It’s fair to say that chavismo is quite good at maintaining cohesiveness in the toughest circumstances. However, the ease at which the US entered Venezuela and captured its dictator makes the current equilibrium quite fragile. Delcy and Jorge may have an insurmountable challenge ahead of them: keeping the US satisfied in whatever appears in Trump and Runio’s (or Stephen Miller’s!) agenda, while making themselves unexpendable for the safety of Cabello et al until who knows when. At some point, something’s gotta give.

The Venezuelan business elite

For this actor, Plan A for unlocking the country’s near-permanent, multidimensional crisis has always been a transitional government led by reformist and pragmatic figures who, in their view, would prioritize preserving the economic order built over the past five years. The Rodríguez siblings served as the bridge between the ruling elite and organizations such as Fedecámaras and Conapri—leaders of the domestic private sector who, in recent years, benefited from de facto dollarization, price deregulation, tariff exemptions for certain products, and informal privatizations driven by the drastic shrinking of the Venezuelan state.

If the new chavista setup was to last without Maduro and Cilia at the helm, the business elite would be betting on a continuation of what Venezuela was between 2019 and 2023, when the logic of the so-called Pax Bodegónica prevailed, before political instability surged again in 2024. Beyond enjoying a fairly exclusive relationship with what The New York Times calls “Venezuela’s industry captains,” the Rodríguez siblings embody the socioeconomic architecture that has been wobbling since Maduro’s electoral fraud: a spiraling exchange rate, the revocation of licenses granted to oil companies that had returned to the country, and more recently, the US naval blockade of Venezuelan crude in the Caribbean.

In the coming weeks and months, this actor is likely to push for what it has sought since 2019: the lifting of sanctions on PDVSA (and, of course, the oil blockade); the expansion of oil licenses to companies that benefited from the 2023-2024 Barbados Agreement; further deregulation of private-sector activity; and continued access to the ruling elite still that remains running the country.

The Trump administration

The United States bypassed Venezuela’s defenses with little resistance, bombed the capital’s main military installations (possibly destroying weapons and air-defense systems), and penetrated the country’s most important military complex to capture what it considers the two kingpins of an international drug-trafficking network threatening US national security. All of this without suffering a single combat casualty.

In line with its newly unveiled foreign policy doctrine, the US showed the world it is willing to remove its enemies in its old backyard, as it did a century ago, and to carry out spectacular interventions in its own hemisphere—not only in distant places like Iran or Syria. Collateral damage from the so-called Operation Absolute Resolve appears low compared to previous US interventions such as Libya (2011) or Iraq (2003), though the true human toll of January 3 is still unknown.

The operation also exposed Cuban presence within Venezuela’s security apparatus that has long been questioned by some foreign analysts. On Monday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted that 32 Cubans who were “on mission” in Venezuela died as a result of the January 3 attacks. This revelation may give Washington leverage to demand that Delcy Rodríguez purge Cuban networks from the Venezuelan state in the near future.

A big win for Trump in general terms, but the question is how impactful it may be back home—where it actually matters to him. How much do Americans care about Trump ending a dictator’s run and dangling him for people to see in a New York court? How much do they care about the business that may come from Bolivar’s homeland? Also, while it’s great to see Maduro dragged out of his home and delivered to a court of justice, some of the actions and decisions of T2 during this whole process may come back to judicially haunt him in the future—unless he’s able to go full Chávez and stay on forever.

International intermediaries close to the Rodríguez siblings

One of the great ironies of this episode is that some of the figures who downplayed the events of July 28 and advocated for a “negotiated solution with chavismo” amid the conflict with the United States (which, according to Trump, could have meant a safe exile for Maduro) are now seeing their desired outcome materialize through military intervention.

Delcy Rodríguez—the “Deng Xiaoping” of chavismo, who has cultivated influence and contacts in Western countries—is, for now, in charge of steering the transition. Figures such as special envoy Ric Grenell and former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero may play a role in maintaining cooperation between the US administration, the European Union, and the teams of Delcy and Jorge Rodríguez, with whom they have long-standing ties.

Diosdado Cabello

The interior minister survived the US attack. Washington prioritized capturing the presidential couple over going after the regime’s chief enforcer—arguably its most dangerous figure. Cabello responded by appearing publicly with a group of armed men that included DGCIM Colonel Alexander Granko Arteaga and CICPC Director Douglas Rico.

Simply surviving the incursion is a victory for the Cabello clan, which now has the opportunity to regroup, reassess its options, and consider off-ramps that seemed unnecessary just a month ago. Still, Cabello’s medium-term options may be limited. Too much rapprochement and cooperation between Delcy Rodríguez and Trump could lead to another “anti-corruption” episode that takes down the Cabello clan, as happened to El Aissami in 2022. On the other hand, a refusal by Delcy Rodríguez to advance Washington’s agenda risks triggering a second wave of US aircraft, with Cabello as a potential primary target.

Faux opposition lawmakers in the 2025 National Assembly

With an interim government supposedly under pressure to enact reforms to “re-steer” Venezuela after Maduro’s capture, figures such as Henrique Capriles, Stalin González, Antonio Ecarri, and Bernabé Gutiérrez—recently sworn in—gain renewed relevance. More than 20 supposedly opposition politicians, many of whom failed to secure enough votes to legislate, have just taken office.

The 2025 National Assembly is likely to present itself as a venue for approving new agreements and “national unity pacts” in response to US aggression. This group—often referred to as the faux opposition or systemic opposition—can act as a proxy for real power centers, backing initiatives and extracting favors that may empower them. In the coming months, this could yield:

1. More releases of political prisoners;
2. The lifting of political bans for specific opposition politicians (or a combination of 1 and 2); and
3. New political appointments for faux opposition figures as part of a prospective “national unity government.”

María Corina Machado and the opposition

The US attack doesn’t seem to have been carried out with prior consultation with Team Machado, which had no time to craft an immediate response and watched as President Gustavo Petro became the first international leader to react. More troubling for them is that both Donald Trump and Marco Rubio have made clear, for now, that Machado or her allies are not being considered to lead the transition. The preference seems to be to run the country in the coming months through de facto power holders, including the ruling elite and the existing security apparatus.

Machado can celebrate the fall of chavismo’s top boss, but it doesn’t look like she can claim to have access to “the room where it happens.” Por ahora. At this moment, it seems unlikely that the military option will allow Edmundo González Urrutia to take the presidential oath right now. Or ever. However, this doesn’t mean that she’s done. Machado has yet to do her next move, and if she waits for the right moment, and plays her cards correctly, it may pay off.

This hiccup may be a blessing and not a curse. While at this moment we see highly unlikely that we will see the enforcement of the result of the 2024 presidential elections, if the Trump administration tried to impose the proclamation of the rightful winner, it could easily backfire. The coming months are going to be highly unstable. Machado could take her time to put that Nobel to good use and strengthen international alliances (in the US and the EU) that could back her up if and when she decides to return to the country. Then, she would have a chance to go back to the ground to lead the political movement that she built and perhaps run in an election without a stand in dummy. Is it unlikely that she will be allowed to run? Absolutely! But this is the transition path that we’re on. If Trump and Rubio follow through, eventually we could get to a place where she can get there. Hindsight is 20/20, but it is what it is. Trump wasn’t going to force Edmundo. It would’ve required a scorched earth campaign, with the US assuming much more responsibility—NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

The Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB)

Without repeating what has already been said, Venezuela’s military forces stood out for their complete inability to resist the US attacks. They failed to shoot down a single helicopter that roamed the Caracas valley in the early hours of January 3. The humiliation is nearly total for a force that has spent 20 years chanting anti-imperialist slogans while claiming readiness to withstand a Yankee onslaught in perfect “civic-military-police unity,” or even to reclaim the Essequibo.

The myth of Russian, Chinese, and Iranian defense systems—sold by Chávez until his death—has also evaporated. The FANB’s response to the “imperialist aggression” (without naming Trump or the United States) made no reference to soldiers killed in combat, for whom there is still no official figure. Nor was there an accounting of the cities and facilities attacked.

Within both the FANB and the PSUV, the discourse insists on Maduro’s release while refusing to acknowledge how defenseless the territory proved to be during a limited bombing campaign. Internally, this should:

1. significantly demoralize mid- and lower-ranking officers in the Army and National Guard, who may now see themselves as cannon fodder; and
2. generate greater mistrust among generals and military regions that may well consider cooperating with the US to save themselves in the event of a second wave of attacks.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Gustavo Petro

The United States upended the scenarios of both leaders. Nicolás Maduro and his wife were forcibly removed from power, yet the country did not collapse nor descend into the kind of bloody Libyan-style civil war that Brazil and Colombia had predicted. January 3 sets a troubling precedent for Venezuela’s neighbors: Washington did not consult Lula, who had repeatedly offered to mediate with Trump during the conflict.

The possibility of a golden exile for Maduro—facilitated by allies in the old regional left—has been buried, or at least reduced to very low odds. Both Lula and Petro are now watching, in real time, as Venezuela—whether under chavismo or another political force—may be drifting into the US sphere of influence, without Washington incurring significant reputational damage during the operation.

Maduro’s capture could also provide Washington with compromising information about three decades of alliances between chavismo and figures of the regional left, including Petro and Lula—valuable ammunition ahead of elections in both South American countries and as the US seeks to reassert its hemispheric dominance.

Venezuelan society

There have been celebrations in the diaspora over the imprisonment of Maduro and Cilia Flores. It is also possible that many inside Venezuela harbor cautious, if private, optimism about what has happened and what may come. But Venezuela remains far from the political changes people are waiting for—let alone those demanded by the more than seven million voters of July 28, 2024.

Even though the U.S. managed to decapitate the regime’s leadership, chavismo remains standing. Meanwhile, confusion reigns. The uncertainty Venezuelans already felt in their daily lives continues to grow, reflected in long lines at grocery stores and supermarkets in the hours following Absolute Resolve.

History will judge whether this truly marks the beginning of a democratic transition.  For now, colectivos and security agents will keep rounding up activists, journalists and ordinary Venezuelans. The official dollar exchange rate has just surpassed Bs. 300—five times its value in February 2024. The material precarity of Venezuelans will not change unless the country shows real signs of deep transformation in the months ahead.

Yet, never underestimate the indomitable Venezuelan spirit.

The Maduros

Well, not much to say about this. While Nicolás Jr. (aka Nicolasito) has to submit himself to the rule of the Rodríguez siblings, Maduro and Cilia are in for a ride and will be paraded as trophies as they dive into a complicated trial. Will they rot in jail? Probably, beyond the drug charges, there’s a couple of jurisdictions that want them for human rights violations. And besides, who would pardon a drug trafficker? Right?

WASHINGTON — Approaching the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, the official plaque honoring the police who defended democracy that day is nowhere to be found.

It’s not on display at the Capitol, as is required by law. Its whereabouts aren’t publicly known, though it’s believed to be in storage.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, has yet to formally unveil the plaque. And the Trump administration’s Department of Justice is seeking to dismiss a police officers’ lawsuit asking that it be displayed as intended. The Architect of the Capitol, which was responsible for obtaining and displaying the plaque, said in light of the federal litigation, it cannot comment.

Determined to preserve the nation’s history, some 100 members of Congress, mostly Democrats, have taken it upon themselves to memorialize the moment. For months, they’ve mounted poster board-style replicas of the Jan. 6 plaque outside their office doors, resulting in a Capitol complex awash with makeshift remembrances.

“On behalf of a grateful Congress, this plaque honors the extraordinary individuals who bravely protected and defended this symbol of democracy on Jan. 6, 2021,” reads the faux bronze stand-in for the real thing. “Their heroism will never be forgotten.”

Jan. 6 void in the Capitol

In Washington, a capital city lined with monuments to the nation’s history, the plaque was intended to become a simple but permanent marker, situated near the Capitol’s west front, where some of the most violent fighting took place as rioters breached the building.

But in its absence, the missing plaque makes way for something else entirely — a culture of forgetting.

Visitors can pass through the Capitol without any formal reminder of what happened that day, when a mob of President Trump’s supporters stormed the building trying to overturn the Republican’s 2020 reelection defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. With memory left unchecked, it allows new narratives to swirl and revised histories to take hold.

Five years ago, the jarring scene watched the world over was declared an “insurrection” by the then-GOP leader of the Senate, while the House GOP leader at the time called it his “saddest day” in Congress. But those condemnations have faded.

Trump calls it a “day of love.” And Johnson, who was among those lawmakers challenging the 2020 election results, is now the House speaker.

“The question of January 6 remains – democracy was on the guillotine — how important is that event in the overall sweep of 21st century U.S. history,” said Douglas Brinkley, a professor of history at Rice University and noted scholar.

“Will January 6 be seen as the seminal moment when democracy was in peril?” he asked. Or will it be remembered as “kind of a weird one-off?”

“There’s not as much consensus on that as one would have thought on the fifth anniversary,” he said.

Memories shift, but violent legacy lingers

At least five people died in the riot and its aftermath, including Trump supporter Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by police while trying to climb through a window toward the House chamber. More than 140 law enforcement officers were wounded, some gravely, and several died later, some by suicide.

All told, some 1,500 people were charged in the Capitol attack, among the largest federal prosecutions in the nation’s history. When Trump returned to power in January 2025, he pardoned all of them within hours of taking office.

Unlike the twin light beams that commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001, attack or the stand-alone chairs at the Oklahoma City bombing site memorial, the failure to recognize Jan. 6 has left a gap not only in memory but in helping to stitch the country back together.

“That’s why you put up a plaque,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa. “You respect the memory and the service of the people involved.”

Police sue over Jan. 6 plaque, DOJ seeks to dismiss

The speaker’s office over the years has suggested it was working on installing the plaque, but it declined to respond to a request for further comment.

Lawmakers approved the plaque in March 2022 as part of a broader government funding package. The resolution said the U.S. “owes its deepest gratitude to those officers,” and it set out instructions for an honorific plaque listing the names of officers “who responded to the violence that occurred.” It gave a one-year deadline for installation at the Capitol.

This summer, two officers who fought the mob that day sued over the delay.

“By refusing to follow the law and honor officers as it is required to do, Congress encourages this rewriting of history,” said the claim by officers Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges. “It suggests that the officers are not worthy of being recognized, because Congress refuses to recognize them.”

The Justice Department is seeking to have the case dismissed. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and others argued Congress “already has publicly recognized the service of law enforcement personnel” by approving the plaque and displaying it wouldn’t alleviate the problems they claim to face from their work.

“It is implausible,” the Justice Department attorneys wrote, to suggest installation of the plaque “would stop the alleged death threats they claim to have been receiving.”

The department also said the plaque is required to include the names of “all law enforcement officers” involved in the response that day — some 3,600 people.

Makeshift memorials emerge

Lawmakers who’ve installed replicas of the plaque outside their offices said it’s important for the public to know what happened.

“There are new generations of people who are just growing up now who don’t understand how close we came to losing our democracy on Jan 6, 2021,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., a member of the Jan. 6 committee, which was opposed by GOP leadership but nevertheless issued a nearly 1,000-page report investigating the run-up to the attack and the attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

Raskin envisions the Capitol one day holding tours around what happened. “People need to study that as an essential part of American history,” he said.

“Think about the dates in American history that we know only by the dates: There’s the 4th of July. There’s December 7th. There’s 9/11. And there’s January 6th,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-calif., who also served on the committee and has a plaque outside her office.

“They really saved my life, and they saved the democracy and they deserve to be thanked for it,” she said.

But as time passes, there are no longer bipartisan memorial services for Jan. 6. On Tuesday, the Democrats will reconvene members from the Jan. 6 committee for a hearing to “examine ongoing threats to free and fair elections,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York announced. It’s unlikely Republicans will participate.

The Republicans under Johnson have tapped Rep. Barry Loudermilk of Georgia to stand up their own special committee to uncover what the speaker calls the “full truth” of what happened. They’re planning a hearing this month.

“We should stop this silliness of trying to whitewash history — it’s not going to happen,” said Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., who helped lead the effort to display the replica plaques.

“I was here that day so I’ll never forget,” he said. “I think that Americans will not forget what happened.”

The number of makeshift plaques that fill the halls is a testimony to that remembrance, he said.

Instead of one plaque, he said, they’ve “now got 100.”

Mascaro writes for the Associated Press.

If you’re after an affordable holiday, then you’re in luck

The Yuletide season can often leave your purse feeling a tad empty. But, being a bit skint doesn’t mean you have to forego a delightful holiday.

If you’re yearning for a break but need to keep the costs down, then we’ve got good news for you. Skyscanner has put together a list of 10 of the most budget-friendly countries to visit this year, featuring destinations such as the vibrant Czech Republic, Italy’s romantic nooks and crannies, and Norway’s rugged coastlines.

All these spots won’t break the bank, with average return flight prices coming in at £136 or less, reports the Express.

10 of the cheapest places to go in 2026

10. Tromsø, Norway

Average return flight price: £136

It’s famous for the midnight sun and the Northern Lights but Norway has plenty more to offer visitors. From reindeer feeding to arctic fishing trips and more, this stunning Scandinavian country is well worth a visit.

9. Venice, Italy

Average return flight price: £134

The Floating City is famous across the world. Its labyrinthine passages of canals and islands are truly wondrous to behold but it also boasts some amazing architecture and art.

8. Agadir, Morocco

Average return flight price: £130

Built on the shores of a long stretch of golden sand with the Atlantic ocean lapping at the shores, this resort town has it all. From bustling souks to surfing lessons and amazing natural beauty, Agadir is the perfect place to explore. Plus, the average temperature even in January is 20C.

7. Bucharest, Romania

Average return flight price: £128

Sometimes known as ‘little Paris’ due to its elegant architecture, Bucharest is a great place to get away for the weekend. Wander the city’s many parks and snack on delicious street food. If you want to get further afield, then Transylvania is on the city’s doorstep.

6. Berlin, Germany

Average return flight price: £128

This buzzing city is jam packed with history from Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall – but it’s also an amazing place to explore.

Sample coffee and pastries from one of the millions of cafes, wander along the canals or explore the famous nightlife.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Average return flight price: £122

Prague looks like something that is straight from the pages of a fairytale. It’s fabulously well preserved architecture lines the river, offering some truly stunning views.

Why not visit the famous Old Town or wander across the Charles Bridge before stopping in for a drink at one of the city’s many bars?

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Average return flight price: £117

The capital of cool, Copenhagen is at the forefront of fashion and perfect for a cultured weekend away. Cycle along the canals like locals do, enjoy a coffee in one of the trendy cafes and enjoy the world class food scene.

3. Madrid, Spain

Average return flight price: £114

Less touristy than Barcelona, this Spanish city is rich in art and history. Madrid is home to three prestigious art museums and a vibrant food scene. Sample tapas, dine al fresco and then wander through the verdant green spaces of this cool little city.

2. Milan, Italy

Average return flight price: £111

When you hear Milan, you think luxury but this city is actually the second cheapest to fly to. It’s a hub of fashion, art and history but it’s also a perfect starting point to explore some of Italy’s most magical scenery like the Dolomites.

1. Lyon, France

Average return flight price: £105

This walkable city has Roman ruins, UNESCO World Heritage sites and plenty more to explore. Try some of the local delicacies at a traditional bouchon (restaurant) and browse the markets.

LOOKING to save on holidays on the high seas?

Cruise companies are going all out to get you booking, with their January Wave campaigns offering discounts and upgrades.

Lisa Minot looks at the savings to be made if you book in New Year sales . . . 

MARELLA

There are savings of up to £300 per booking on select departures between April 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027.

Deals are on sailings of seven nights or more to over 100 destinations including the Caribbean and Canaries.

An 11-night Captivating Coasts repositioning cruise from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, on Marella Explorer will sail from the Canaries on April 26, 2027, to include calls in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Morocco, Malaga, Menorca, Sicily and Corfu.

SEA SECRET

I live on a cruise ship – crew have sex & here’s the mistake that gets you fired

CRUISE CONTROL

Dream trip of Miami Open and then luxury Caribbean cruise from £2,399pp

Prices from £1,941pp all-inclusive cover flights from Gatwick, 20kg luggage and transfers. See tui.co.uk/cruise/deals.

P&O

This very British cruise line now has all-inclusive packages for the first time on trips of five nights or more.

Departures are from March 2026 and include all drinks, wifi and speciality dining credit.

A Classic package is from £49pp per day and the Deluxe is from £59pp, with a wider range of spirits, ultimate wifi and up to £80 dining credit.

Deals include a seven-night all-inclusive Canary Islands and Madeira fly-cruise on P&O Azura from £972pp, including drinks, wifi, speciality dining credit, flights and transfers, departing March 6. See pocruises.com.

MSC

The company has reduced the price of drinks packages on select sailings to just £196pp (previously £250) so you can enjoy beers, wines and cocktails from just £28 per day on seven-night cruises.

Other incentives in their Wave campaign include fly-cruise packages to the Mediterranean with flights from just £99 or low £100 deposits to secure the cruise of your choice.

Deals include setting sail from Southampton on MSC Virtuosa on October 31 for a seven-night voyage that calls at Brest, Lisbon, Vigo and Cherbourg. From £494pp.

To book, see msccruises.co.uk.

PRINCESS

There are savings of up to £800 per Stateroom and low deposits of £99 in the cruise line’s Value Is Princess VIP sale.

Book before March 2 and save up to £75pp on sailings from six to eight nights; £150pp on sailings from nine to 16 nights and up to £200 on cruises of more than 17 nights.

The promotion includes all 17 ships in the fleet, including the latest addition, Star Princess, with fares on the new ship on seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from £494pp.

And sister ship Sun Princess is also included, with seven night sailings from Barcelona from £774pp. See princess.com/en-uk.

CELEBRITY

Save up to 60 per cent on the second guest, with £500 in savings or $600 on-board spend.

On European sailings from May 1 next year, guests can upgrade to Celebrity’s All Included package, which combines the classic drinks package with wifi from only £50pp, per day.

In 2026, the premium cruise line will offer even more ways to explore Europe with three Edge-class ships, the latest Xcel, Ascent and Apex sailing to more than 100 European destinations with 59 overnight stays, including Madeira and Istanbul.

See celebritycruises.co.uk.

From Thailand to Barbados, a travel content creator shares top winter sun destinations with temperatures ranging from 21 to 30C to beat the British chill.

The chilly winter weather is in full swing as frosty conditions continue to blanket the UK. With the festive season behind us, we’re still facing plenty of dark evenings as we yearn for the warmth of summer.

January is a prime time for planning holidays for the year ahead, but it’s also an ideal month to travel if you want to beat the crowds. Many people use this time of year to recharge their batteries, and what better way to do so than on a sun-soaked beach?

As we still have a long wait until the British summer arrives, it can be a fantastic opportunity to seek out some sunshine elsewhere.

There are numerous holiday destinations that boast temperatures above 22C at this time of year. Plus, you’re likely to encounter fewer tourists than during the peak summer travel season.

So, if you’re considering a last-minute escape to warmer climes, a travel expert has compiled a list of their top seven picks for this year, reports the Express. TikTok user @kelseyinlondon, who regularly shares travel advice online, has chosen her favourite winter sun destinations that are sure to deliver some much-needed heat.

Thailand

First on Kelsey’s list is Thailand, a destination that’s growing increasingly popular with Brits. In January, the average temperature is a balmy 30C, and visitors can take advantage of the dry season. Imagine endless blue skies, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back island atmosphere.

Dubai

Dubai is renowned for its scorching temperatures, but in January, you can experience the desert heat without it being too intense. The average temperature this month is a comfortable 25C.

Kelsey recommends: “January in Dubai is the perfect balance of warm days and cool evenings. Soak up the sun at beach clubs, explore the desert by hot air balloon, and enjoy alfresco dining in Dubai Marina.”

Maldives

Why not jet off to paradise and bask in 28C heat in the Maldives? Start your New Year’s resolutions surrounded by crystal-clear waters and tranquil seas. Unwind in an overwater villa or discover the local marine life on a snorkelling adventure.

Marrakech

Consider a winter getaway to Morocco, where you can relish strolling through the streets of Marrakech with fewer tourists. With temperatures hovering around a pleasant 21C, immerse yourself in the rich culture the city has to offer.

Canary Islands

This beloved European winter sun destination is ideal for savouring beach days away from the summer crowds. Expect an average temperature of 22C as you relax on the islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria or La Palma.

Barbados

For a hotter island experience, make your way to Barbados, where temperatures average a balmy 28C.

Kelsey suggests: “It’s peak dry season, so you can spend all day lazing on white sand beaches, sipping rum punches, and enjoying the island’s incredible laidback vibes.”

Red Sea Coast, Egypt

Venture to destinations like Hurghada, El Gouna and Sharm El Sheikh where you’ll find sunshine, golden sands and warm turquoise waters. With temperatures around 24C, you can still enjoy mild evenings out.

Many people book a January holiday to feel refreshed and recharged, but it could be a mistake if you don’t do your research – here’s what to look for

As the UK looks set to be covered in snow over the next few days, many Brits will be looking to book a holiday somewhere warmer.

January is the most popular month for British people to book holidays as the cold sets in, but if you’re one of them then it’s a wise idea to exercise caution, as travel experts warn that some hotels may subtly cut corners during the quieter winter months.

Experts warn that booking hotels in January can be fraught with risk if travellers aren’t aware of what to look out for as some hotels alter their operations once the festive season is over.

But the good news is it’s still possible to bag a bargain holiday and save money, as long as you know the red flags to look out for, according to Ski Vertigo.

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Here are five red flags to watch out for:

1. Significant discounts with ambiguous descriptions.

While substantial price reductions can be enticing in January, experts caution that vague listings often indicate a change. This could encompass closed amenities, restricted services or rooms that aren’t typically available during peak periods.

2. Lack of winter facilities information.

Hotels which don’t explicitly outline their winter operations should raise eyebrows. Factors such as heating, transport accessibility and food options can all be impacted during the colder months. If a hotel fails to clarify this, travellers may find themselves faced with limited services upon arrival.

3. Negative or outdated reviews from winter stays.

Travel gurus suggest that holidaymakers often only consider reviews from summer holidays. Those planning a January getaway are advised to sift through recent winter stay reviews. Complaints about chilly rooms, poor food or closed facilities should raise red flags.

4. Reduced staff or services.

January is a period when many hotels cut back on their workforce. This can result in slower check-in times, limited housekeeping and fewer dining options. If a hotel fails to clearly outline what services are on offer, experts recommend erring on the side of caution.

5. Promising luxury at bargain prices.

Hotels offering spa access, gourmet dining and premium extras at surprisingly low prices in January may not live up to guests’ expectations. Amenities may operate on reduced hours or incur additional charges. ABTA’s industry guidance advises travellers to always verify what’s included in off-peak stays and to confirm facilities directly with accommodation providers prior to booking.

Travel pundits assert that January isn’t a poor time to travel, but it’s a month where meticulous planning is more crucial than ever. A spokesperson from Ski Vertigo highlights that travellers often presume all hotels operate the same way throughout the year, which is seldom the case once the peak season concludes.

Rather than hunting for bargains, specialists recommend prioritising clear communication, recent reviews, and accommodation tailored for winter travel.

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Clockwise from top middle: Tacos from Marvito, beef tartare from Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn, smoked bologna sandwich and fries from Mario’s Butcher Shop, spicy albacore with onigiri and seared scallops from OyBar, and a fish sandwich from Bopomofo cafe.

(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times, Ron de Angelis / For The Times, Philip Wang)

Some of the biggest deals completed this month could be contract renewals for a number of big-name players.

England’s Georgia Stanway, 26, has attracted lots of attention, with Arsenal among those to have held talks with the midfielder. Her deal at Bayern Munich ends in the summer, and while she has an offer to extend, she could sign a pre-contract agreement in January to join another club in the summer.

Another England midfielder, Ella Toone, is out of contract at Manchester United in July. She can begin talks with other clubs outside the WSL this month.

Manchester City top scorer Khadija Shaw, 28, has had positive discussions over a contract extension, which is a huge priority for the club.

European champions Arsenal want to keep US international Emily Fox and she joins Katie McCabe, Kim Little and Stina Blackstenius in having a deal that expires this summer.

Chelsea are also due to hold negotiations with just six months remaining on the contracts of senior players Sam Kerr, Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze.

Aston Villa captain Rachel Daly is also out of contract in the summer, but will the club offer a new deal to the 34-year-old?

Elsewhere, Everton forward Kelly Gago, 27 on 5 January, has reportedly attracted interest from Paris St-Germain but with a valuation of £500,000, can the Toffees keep hold of her?

All eyes will be on US striker Trinity Rodman, who could be on the move from Washington Spirit depending on the outcome of salary negotiations with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Chelsea are among those tracking Rodman’s situation, while Japan midfielder Maika Hamano could leave the Blues to join Tottenham on loan. US forward Catarina Macario also has interest from the NWSL, while Germany midfielder Sjoeke Nusken could seek more game time elsewhere.

Reports suggest West Ham might have to fend off interest in England defender Anouk Denton, while Amber Tysiak previously attracted suitors in the summer.

This island offers the perfect winter escape with average temperatures of 20C in January – and it’s just a four-hour flight from London

As murmurs of snow and icy conditions intensify, and the January weather settles in, it’s hardly surprising that many are dreaming of escaping to warmer climes – minus the peak-season throngs.

Those blessed with sufficient funds and holiday allowance might contemplate Cancun, but there’s a secret paradise much nearer that can be reached for a fraction of the price: an island hailed as the “Hawaii of Europe”, merely a four-hour journey from London (which is due to crash down to -3C this week).

Positioned 500km from Africa’s shores and 450km north of the Canary Islands, Madeira is renowned as Cristiano Ronaldo’s homeland – not, bewilderingly, the English sponge cake bearing the same moniker. The Portuguese island chain comprises four territories: Madeira, Porto Santo, the Desertas, and the Selvagens.

It serves as a perfect winter retreat, offering average temperatures as high as 23C on the warmest January days. The Met Office reports that the archipelago typically basks in six hours of daily sunshine throughout winter. Nevertheless, weather patterns differ considerably across mountainous areas, influenced by elevation. Even during quieter months, the heavily populated isle can still appear bustling, particularly following its social media fame as a breathtaking oceanic sanctuary competing with tropical paradises.

“If you’re looking for winter sun, you won’t have much trouble finding it in Madeira in January. Daytime temperatures can be 20°C in the south below what’s called the ‘banana line’, the best place for cultivating the fruit. Yet look at the mountaintops from Funchal, and you may well see snow glittering in the sunlight. Madeirans take their first sea swims of the year, but you might want to wait a few months,” explains Responsible Travel.

Even during the quieter months, the heavily populated island can still seem busy, particularly following its social media fame as a breathtaking oceanic retreat competing with tropical hotspots, according to the Express.

As a delightful perk, Madeira operates on the UK’s timezone, meaning you won’t squander valuable time off wrestling with jet lag.

Madeira, the main island, is bursting with attractions and adventures crammed into its compact area, ideal for those seeking more than simply lounging in the sun and making their friends back home envious. Must-see experiences include trekking up Pico Ruivo, wandering through the lush gardens at Monte Palace, and visiting local wineries to discover the area’s fascinating wine-making heritage.

The island’s famous Madeira wine found its way to England during the 1800s and was traditionally served alongside lemon and almond-flavoured madeira cake – remarkably giving the dessert its name despite having no other link.

According to Visit Madeira, Ponta do Sol boasts the island’s highest annual sunshine hours. It’s described as a “place much appreciated by those seeking to enjoy sunny days on the beach or in contact with some idyllic spots in nature”.

For culture enthusiasts, Ponta do Sol Beach is unbeatable during their visit. Boasting excellent water quality and a charming setting, this compact 160-metre stretch is ideal for tranquillity seekers. Meanwhile, Madalena do Mar Beach sits nestled near dramatic rocky cliffs and is adored by swimmers. Visit Madeira explains: “This bathing resort is a combination of pebbles and black sand. It is bathed by crystal-clear waters with mild temperatures all year round, and low swell.”

In terms of how long to stay, Lonely Planet’s Austin Bush suggests: “Because Madeira’s highlights are found at all over the island, you shouldn’t plan a stay of under four days. Consider a night in Funchal to get oriented, then supplement this with stops in one or two more destinations elsewhere on the island. Dedicate a day to active pursuits, followed ideally by a day to recover on the beach. Tack on at least another two nights if you plan to hit Porto Santo, the other inhabited island that forms part of the Madeiran archipelago.”

Direct flights to Madeira operate from numerous major UK airports, including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bristol and Gatwick. From northern England, the journey to Madeira takes roughly four hours, compared to approximately 19 hours to reach Hawaii – which has no direct connections from the UK. Right now, there are flights from Bristol for £17, Manchester for £24 and Birmingham for £32 this January.

As the new year begins, novelists send characters to great heights in Tibet and Wyoming, to the great depths of the 19th century Atlantic and back in time, to early 20th century Pakistan. Meanwhile, nonfiction authors contemplate a Spanish shipwreck, a racially motivated murder, the origins of great ideas and how laughter can change our lives. Happy reading!

FICTION

Call Me Ishmaelle: A Novel
By Xiaolu Guo
Grove Press: 448 pp., $18
(Jan. 6)

Guo, whose 2017 memoir “Nine Continents” detailed her difficult road to personal and artistic freedom, pours that experience into Ishmaelle, a young woman from England’s coast who joins the crew of a whaling ship named the Nimrod. Yes, it’s a retelling of Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” and yes, it’s well worth your time. By adding in new characters while adhering to the original story, the author creates something new, strange and thrilling.

The Last of Earth: A Novel
By Deepa Anappara
Random House: 252 pp., $29
(Jan. 13)

Set in 1869, when Europeans were forbidden to enter Tibet, this slow-paced yet tense novel follows the perspectives of Balram, an Indian surveyor, and Katharine, a woman of mixed English and Indian heritage, as they both attempt expeditions for different purposes. During their treks both characters meet a man named Chetak, whose eerie folkloric tales underscore the power structures they’ll each have to surmount before reaching their goals.

This Is Where the Serpent Lives: A Novel
By Daniyal Mueenuddin
Knopf: 368 pp., $29
(Jan. 13)

While most of this stunning book takes place in Pakistan, an important section leads two brothers to college at Dartmouth in the United States, a place about as far in every respect from their Rawalpindi origins as possible. Mueenuddin, whose gift for satire shines whether he’s describing society matrons or gangsters, never loses sight of his theme: How do any of us ever manage to justify our treatment of the underserved?

Crux: A Novel
By Gabriel Tallent
Riverhead: 416 pp., $30
(Jan. 20)

A “crux” refers to the toughest point in a climb; it also means a decision point, as well as a place where two things cross. For Tallent’s sophomore novel, two characters who are climbers have reached an important moment in their teenage lives. Daniel and Tamma (he’s straight, she’s queer) have been close friends for years, scrabbling all over Joshua Tree peaks, but as their home lives and individual paths diverge, their bond wavers.

Vigil: A Novel
By George Saunders
Random House: 192 pp., $28
(Jan. 27)

It seems unfair that, after his spectacular “Lincoln in the Bardo,” Saunders returns with not just another novel featuring a ghost, but with a new novel even more spectacular than the last. “Who else could you have been but exactly who you are?” says the newly incarnated Jill “Doll” Blaine, sent to comfort nefarious oil tycoon K. J. Boone in his last hours alive — a statement that in no way diminishes the political urgency of this spare, lovely book.

NONFICTION

Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy
By Chris Duffy
Doubleday: 272 pp., $29
(Jan. 6)

We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine; funny stuff isn’t merely diversion, but essential to our health. Author Duffy, who hosts the TED Talks podcast “How to Be a Better Human,” believes that anyone, from age 10 to age 103 (he gives examples of each), can make you laugh, help you form community and even lead you to make better decisions. One of the latter? Learn to laugh at yourself; it can signal “general intelligence and verbal creativity.”

The Legend of Wyatt Outlaw: From Reconstruction Through Black Lives Matter

By Sylvester Allen Jr. and Belle Boggs
University of North Carolina Press: 296 pp., $30
(Jan. 27)

The titular Outlaw was the first Black constable of Graham, N.C. In 1870, he was killed by lynching by members of the local Ku Klux Klan, no doubt in part due to his efforts to build coalition between members of different races and social classes. Allen, a native of Graham and a playwright who wrote a drama based on Outlaw’s legacy, and Boggs, a scholar, connect the terrorism and hatred behind this man’s murder to the present day.

How Great Ideas Happen: The Hidden Steps Behind Breakthrough Success

By George Newman
Simon & Schuster: 304 pp., $30
(Jan. 27)

So many cartoons depict great ideas using light bulbs that we’ve forgotten many of the greatest ideas come about from long deliberation and careful winnowing. Canadian professor Newman uses archaeological terms for the process: surveying, gridding, digging and sifting. Who knew that Jordan Peele rewrote “Get Out” 400 times, or that Paul Simon composed his “Graceland” album by combing through all of his previous work?

Neptune’s Fortune: The Billion-Dollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire

By Julian Sancton
Crown: 384 pp., $33
(Jan. 27)

In 1708 the San José, a treasure-laden Spanish galleon, sunk off the coast of Colombia. In 2015 a man named Roger Dooley found the galleon’s wreck and brought back artifacts proving it. Unfortunately, with little education, few bona fides and a sketchy reputation, Dooley received no credit for the discovery. Sancton tracked down Dooley — now in his 80s and somewhat reclusive — and thus is able to provide a fascinating conclusion to the tale.

Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Meaning and Purpose

By Jennifer Breheny Wallace
Portfolio: 288 pp., $30
(Jan. 27)

Loneliness pervades our society and to heal it, people need to feel that they actually matter to others — something author Wallace saw when she researched and wrote her 2023 bestseller “Never Enough,” which focused on adolescents and burnout. Now Wallace shares her findings from talking with people of all ages and hearing what a difference it makes when connections are made and individuals are recognized for even the smallest contributions.

Patrick is a freelance critic and author of the memoir “Life B.”

Desperate to escape the big chill this January? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Ryanair is offering a number of cheap flights to the Canary Islands in the next few weeks, where holidaymakers can bask in 21C weather

Budget airline Ryanair has launched what it claims is its ‘biggest ever seat sale’, with 10 million fares at discounted prices.

There are plenty of summer bargains to be found in the sale, including cut-price fares that are ideal for winter sun seekers keen to enjoy a break from the gloomy January weather. Right now there are great prices on flights to the Canary Islands.

It’s no surprise the Canaries are so popular with Brits in January. While the New Year is set to bring freezing weather to much of the UK, the Canaries have temperatures as high as 22C forecast next week.

Usually, the hottest Canary Island is Tenerife, and Ryanair flies to Tenerife South from a number of UK airports. The south of the island tends to be warmer than the north. There are £24.9 one-way fares from London Stansted to Tenerife South on a number of January dates, and while midweek is slightly cheaper, weekends are just a couple of pounds more.

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In the south of the island, there are popular resorts, such as Costa Adeje, a lively part of Tenerife that is full of bars, restaurants, and shops. It also has golden sand beaches such as Playa del Duque, where you can enjoy up to seven hours of sunshine a day in January.

However, it’s not just London airports that enjoy these cheap fares; there are also £24.99 deals from Liverpool and Manchester, while Edinburgh flights to Tenerife start at £25.99 one-way. Flight times start at four hours 30 minutes from London airports, so you could be soaking up the sun in no time.

Gran Canaria is also popular and has a similar climate to Tenerife, forecast to hit about 20C in January, although there is some stormy weather at the start of the week. Again, there are some deals to be had from both London and regional airports, with inexpensive flights throughout January. Bristol to Gran Canaria flights are currently showing from £25.81 one way, while flights from London Luton Airport start at £24.99.

Lanzarote is another destination beloved by winter sun seekers, and according to the weather forecast, will be hitting daytime highs of 21C next week. If you’re in need of some sunshine, there are £24.99 one-way fares from London Stansted, Bournemouth, Manchester, and other regional airports.

The south and east coasts of Lanzarote tend to be the most popular, in part because of their close proximity to the airport and milder weather. Playa Blanca is a great place to stay in January, offering a long, sandy beach with typically calm seas, an upmarket marina area featuring restaurants, and a shopping centre.

Fuerteventura is the least visited of the major Canary Islands, but it still has the same natural beauty as its neighbours. It’ll see highs of up to 20C in early January, and six to seven hours of sunlight a day. The island can be reached from London Stansted, with £24.99 one-way flights on various dates, while Newcastle fares start from £25.99 and Leeds Bradford from £32.

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Fuerteventura has an arid landscape, but is flatter than the other Canaries, with spectacular desert landscapes. The second-largest Canary Island, it’s known for its white sand beaches, large national parks, and the lively former fishing village of Corralejo, where you can take a boat trip to nearby islands or a day of snorkelling.

Prices are subject to availability and can change.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A travel expert has shared six winter sun destinations where it will be 25C and above.

While the UK might be in the grip of a cold snap, there’s still plenty of sunshine to be found elsewhere. If you’re not one for the chilly and dark seasons in the UK, then there are numerous other destinations to consider.

Maria Hughes, a travel expert at Good To Go Travel Insurance, has revealed to the Express her top six winter sun spots that holidaymakers should check out.

From vibrant cities to expansive beaches and lush rainforests, there’s a world of options – and these locations all boast temperatures in the mid to high 20s, ideal for soaking up some rays.

6. Valletta, Malta

This majestic walled city is a popular holiday destination for Brits because it’s just a few short hours away. Not only does Malta have some gorgeous beaches, but it also has winding streets filled with cafes and bars, perfect for exploring.

5. Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa is in full summer splendour, and the views are spectacular. Dine alfresco at the foot of the imposing Table Mountain, or take a cable car up to it and see the landscape spread out beneath you. There are white sand beaches and a bustling harbour to sit at and watch the boats sail to and from.

4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

White sand, turquoise seas and a gentle breeze rustling the palms as you sit back and relax. The Dominican Republic is a stunning place to explore, and this is no different. This resort town is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a taste of luxury as the warm, balmy weather sweeps over you.

3. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Although this island is not as hot as some of the other places on the list, it’s still a popular winter sun destination for Brits because it’s so easy to get to. Tenerife has jaw-dropping black sand beaches, volcanoes and a bustling Old Town that makes for a fabulous day out.

2. Sri Lanka

January marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s dry season, so it’s the perfect time to visit for the best weather. You can explore the misty rainforest highlands and drink tea, or just laze around on the beaches and relax.

1. Barbados, Caribbean

Just as in Sri Lanka, January in Barbados is the dry season. This island paradise is famous for its laid-back lifestyle, delicious food and beachfront resorts. You can swim with turtles, explore the coast by boat and experience true Caribbean hospitality.

THIS Caribbean island has it all, plenty of sunshine and beautiful beaches with soft sand – not to mention January is the perfect month to visit.

With highs of almost 30C and nine hours of sunshine each day, Barbados is a great place to start the New Year.

The island sits in the eastern Caribbean Sea close to St Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and has around 285,000 residents.

For tourists, there’s a great mix of beaches and busy towns like Bridgetown, the island’s capital – it has pretty architecture, shops, vibrant markets and National Heroes Square.

Generally visitors will head to the West Coast for luxury stays and calm waters or the South Coast for vibrant nightlife.

Wherever you go, you don’t have to look far for beautiful beaches as they’re all across Barbados, from Sandy Bay Beach to Dover Beach.

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Another is Carlisle Bay on the southwest coast which is popular for spotting turtles and diving among shipwrecks.

Barbados even has a beach with pink sand, called Crane Beach, which is found on the southeast coast.

It’s well-known for having soft, pink sand which is made finely from crushed coral and shells that create a pinkish hue.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “It has beautiful pink and white sand and very, very few tourists. Magnificent crashing waves and warm shallow water – perfection!”

Another described it as having “incomparable views with pink sugar sand”.

A different part of the island however, was revealed to be one of the ‘Best Places to Go in 2026’.

The East Coast of Barbados was mentioned by Condé Nast Traveller thanks to its “dramatic scenery, world-class surfing, and colourful fishing villages preserve the island’s unspoiled character.”

For those visiting, it suggested starting in Bathsheba, a village with a popular surfing beach often referred to as ‘The Soup Bowl’.

Another spot on the East Coast is Martin’s Bay, and on Thursdays head to Bay Tavern Fish Fry for some red snapper or macaroni pie (essentially baked mac and cheese).

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the Caribbean island last January. She said: “Rum alcohol is in the fabric of this beautiful island.

“And Barbados certainly isn’t short of rum bars — there are about 1,500 of them, with one next to every church on the island. (That’s a lot of booze stops for the world’s 13th smallest country).

“It’s home to the oldest rum distillery in the world, Mount Gay. So it would be rude to deny myself a rum punch after a trip to Harrison’s Cave, one of the island’s most popular attractions.

Kara continued: “After a quick tram tour underground, above ground is where you can find Mount Gay taster sessions. That rambunctiousness was why we ended up in a KFC after being told that it’s much better in the Caribbean.“

Unlike January in the UK, you’re guaranteed to have sun in Barbados and temperatures for the first month of the year sit between 23C and 28C.

In January, there are direct flights from London Gatwick and London Heathrow which take 9 hours.

The cheapest flight according to Skyscanner is on January 8, 2026 from £311 with TUI.

For more on the Caribbean, check out this lesser-visited island where one writer discovered zip lines, lobster bars and volcano hiking.

And this Caribbean island that’s the closest to the UK with Maldives-like overwater villas.

THE January sales are about to land and now is an excellent time to bag yourself a bargain, whether it’s a summer holiday, homeware or that
set of golf clubs you’ve had your eye on for months.

But don’t just spend your cash willy-nilly. I’m going to let you in on
my top travel hack that will help you score big in the sales – bagging
yourself a free holiday, just by doing your ordinary shopping.

I can truthfully say, there is no catch. The more you spend, the
greater your getaway.

So, what’s the secret? Avios. But not in the way you know it.

You’ll likely have heard of the flight rewards system, whereby travel
spend is converted into points that can be redeemed against flights,
hotels, shopping and more.

The chances are, however, you’re not using the system properly. And by that, I mean reaping mega benefits every time you spend.

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I’m not just talking about flight spend. You can earn points every
time you catch the train to work, fill up your car with fuel, or do
your weekly grocery shop.

Say hello to the Avios portal. I believe it to be the BEST
points-benefits system out there for travellers – and I’m an avid
subscriber to rewards schemes (special nod to my Boots card and the
MyWaitrose account).

Right now, I am just shy of enough points to fly to New York City in
business class with British Airways (I have 80,000 to be exact).

A business class seat would cost me 88,000 points flying at an
off-peak time. Although I would still have to pay a £199.50 flat fee,
a nominal charge that covers taxes, carrier fees and a fixed Avios
amount.

That cost is small, though, when you consider the fact that the
absolute cheapest business class flight you can currently book to NYC
with British Airways is £1,832 – and that’s in the January sale,
meaning I would have saved a minimum of £1,600 by using points.

To put this into a wider perspective, I could also fly to Sydney in
Australia (55,000 points) or Tokyo and back again (38,500 points each
way) or even to Amsterdam and back again up to FOUR times (10,000
points each way).

Flat fees are tiny on short-haul flights too, with costs to
destinations like Amsterdam, Corfu and Gran Canaria capped at just £1
as opposed to the near £200 for my fancy NYC business class seat.

My high points score has nothing to do with me being a travel editor,
either. In fact, I earn very little from my adventures through work
and barely anything from flights alone.

Instead, it’s my regular, everyday spending that helps me earn big with Avios.

My commute to work, my trips to the BP for fuel and my incessant
fashion purchases on ASOS are what stacks those points up.

Better still, if you’re doing a big splurge in the January sales, you
can rake them in thick and fast.

So, how does it work and where can you earn?

Thousands of retailers have partnerships with the Avios store. You can
earn when you spend on hotels, homeware, sports, fashion, toys,
attractions and entertainment from Argos and TravelZoo to Boots and
Alton Towers.

The number of points you earn varies per retailer, for example when
you purchase from M&S Flowers & Hampers you will earn up to 24 Avios
per £1 spent, whereas booking a rail journey through Trainline will
earn you 1 Avios per £1 spent.

Many retailers have bonus offers for January, including Booking.com where you can bag 8 Avios per £1 until January 31, up from 4 Avios per £1 and Viator which has a 12 Avios per £1 offer until February 7, 2026.

My rule of thumb whenever I shop for something (big or small) is:
check whether the retailer I want to buy from is on the Avios shop,
and if not, can I buy the product I want from another retailer that
will earn me points?

To collect points on in-store purchases, you simply have to link  your
card – any card – to your account and spend on this card in
Avios-linked stores.

To make online purchases, you have to register your visit to the
retailers website by first going through the Avios shop website
(avios.com).

Simply log on, click on ‘collect avios’ and search for the retailer in the ‘search for brands’ box.

Once you’ve found the retailer, click on ‘shop now’ to register your visit and carry out your online shopping as you would normally. It really is that simple.

If, like me, you do a lot of shopping on your phone, I’d recommend
downloading the Avios app, which makes things a little easier and
keeps you logged in.

Your Avios is then redeemable with certain airlines, which includes
OneWorld Alliance partners like British Airways and Qatar Airways as
well as Aer Lingus and Vueling.

You can also book holiday packages, including flights and hotels, through British Airways Holidays.

So, how long does it take before you earn yourself enough for a free
flight or holiday? Well, that’s difficult to answer.

Last time I wrote about Avios was in April 2025 and back
then I had 57,000 points. Now I have 80,000 – so I’ve earned myself
23,000 points in 8 months, the equivalent of a return flight to
Brussels, Paris or Turin in Italy.

But I’m single and in the process of buying my first home, so my
spending is frugal.

If you use this hack to do your January sale shopping, however, you’ll
certainly be one step closer to bagging yourself a free getaway.

Here’s some useful tips for shopping through the Avios Shop….

Get yourself an Amex

First things first, get yourself an American Express (AMEX) credit
card, if you don’t already have one. Yes, you don’t technically need
one in order to collect points, but it’s an easy way to boost your
earnings. I have the free British Airways Amex.

Just make sure you pay it off in full every month. And if you don’t
trust yourself to do all of your spending on that card, start by
committing to a small and regular spend, like the weekly food shop.

If you’re successfully approved for a British Airways free Amex,
you’ll be given a bonus 5,000 Avios if you spend £2,000 in the first
three months of having the card.

It’s an incentive – and credit card companies are hoping that you forget to pay them back, so just make sure you have enough money in your current account to pay off the spend and don’t get caught out.

Link your accounts

Accounts that you use regularly like Uber are a great way of boosting
your points. You can link certain regular accounts you use to your
Avios account.

For example, I have my BPme Rewards and Uber account both linked to my Avios one, which means I don’t need to log on and register my visit as
explained above, with normal online shopping.

Everything is done automatically and I’m earning points without lifting a finger.

I book my train to work through Uber every time and it earns me a
steady and regular number of points every month.

Look for deals

Right now you can bag a bonus 50 per cent Avios with certain retailers.

There are so many deals at various times of the year. There’s
also special offers on certain deals such as The Wine Flyer, whereby
you earn a promises amount of points if you spend over a certain
figure on bottles.

Most recently, over the Christmas period, if you spent over £150 on wine through the Avios shop, you’d bag 5,000 bonus Avios on top of the usual 5 Avios per £1 spent,

But my rule is never to spend unless you really need it. The whole
point of a free holiday or flight is that you’re only spending on what
you would normally.

Sign up your parent/partner/pal

You’ll bag a bonus 500 Avios if you refer a friend – a simple referral
code does the trick.

You’ll also notice certain offers, such as a bonus 9,000 Avios if you order a second Amex linked to your account for a partner or child to spend on.

You’ll then be responsible for paying off their spend, however. But there’s nothing stopping you from ordering a second card and not passing it over to that person, though.

That way you’ll bag the bonus points without the panic. Just keep your
eyes peeled for those offers in your inbox.

For more on how to save money on your next travel trip, read more from one woman who flies every month and does 7 things to save herself cash.

 And here are our Sun-approved booking tips, plane hacks and travel products that can save you hundreds on holiday.

The move comes as part of a wider plan to cut the number of vehicles in central London

In the new year, certain drivers who are now exempt from an additional fee will have to pay the charge. From January 2, 2026, an existing discount will be removed, following an announcement from London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The Mayor has confirmed that in 2026, electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from London’s Congestion Charge. While EVs previously received the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, they will now be subject to charges as part of an overall effort to cut down the number of vehicles in the city centre.

Transport for London announced that January 2 is the specific date when numerous alterations will be implemented. Starting then, electric van and lorry drivers will benefit from a 50% discount to enter the zone, while electric car drivers will receive a 25% reduction.

Electric vehicle drivers will be required to pay a £13.50 fee to access the zone, while electric van owners will face a £9 charge. Nevertheless, by March 2030, discounts will decrease to 25% for electric vans and lorries, and to 12.5% for electric cars.

The standard Congestion Charge for non-electric vehicles will rise from £15 to £18 starting January 2. This marks the first increase since 2020.

People living in the zone can expect discounts of up to 90%. However, those moving into the area after March 1, 2027, will not qualify for a discount unless they own an electric vehicle.

Reductions of up to 100% will remain in place to assist low-income and disabled residents of London. According to the Mirror, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said last month: “Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy.

“While the congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, we must ensure it stays fit for purpose, and sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.

“We must support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel, so I’m pleased that substantial incentives will remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles, as we work to build a greener and better London for everyone.”

Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Strategy, added: “If we want to ensure that London remains a thriving city for everyone to enjoy, then it’s vital that traffic and congestion is kept under control and managed effectively.

“The changes to the Congestion Charging scheme play a key role in allowing us to do that, while striking a careful balance that enables drivers, businesses and other organisations to continue transitioning to cleaner vehicles and more sustainable forms of transport.”

Within Transport for London’s press announcement, Izzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Manager at climate charity Possible, also said: “Tying the Congestion Charge to public transport fares is welcome. It’s only right to make sure that public transport doesn’t get disproportionately more expensive than driving. We’re also pleased to see new support for electric car clubs.

“We need to cut traffic and invest in accessible and affordable public transport, and make sure Londoners can walk, wheel and cycle safely. This will put us on the path to a healthier, fairer London – reducing air pollution and making the city safer for everyone.”

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Dec. 25 (UPI) — The National Capital Planning Commission has added the East Wing Modernization Project at the White House to its Jan. 8 agenda to review construction of a new ballroom and other improvements.

Trump administration officials will provide the commission with an informational presentation on the ballroom construction and other planned improvements, according to The Hill.

No public testimony will be heard and no vote taken on the project during the meeting, according to the NCPC.

“This is an opportunity for the project applicant to present the project and for commissioners to ask questions and provide general observations prior to formal review, which we anticipate this spring,” the NCPC said in a FAQ published on the commission’s website.

The NPC has no authority over White House demolitions or site preparations and only reviews building exteriors, per the National Capital Planning Act, but it does review proposed new construction or permanent site improvements.

The National Environmental Policy Act does give the NCPC the authority to review projects within the District of Columbia to ensure compliance with the NEPA.

The National Historic Preservation Act, though, does not apply in the matter as the White House and its grounds are excluded from its provisions.

The Trump administration initially said the construction of a new ballroom in the East Wing of the White House would cost $200 million, and said that the project will be funded by private donations.

President Donald Trump last week said the project could cost twice that amount but that donors would cover all additional costs, too.

The president earlier announced the ballroom construction, which he said is needed to provide a modern event space inside the White House.

Officials with the National Trust for Historic Preservation challenged the construction in federal court and sought an injunction to halt all work.

A federal judge denied the injunction request but ordered the Trump administration to undergo a review process for the project.

THE Canary Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits with Tenerife and Gran Canaria being some of the most well-known.

However, there’s one island that most won’t have visited or perhaps even heard of with ragged coastlines, black sand beaches and natural pools.

Unlike its neighbours, the island of El Hierro offers a peaceful, nature-filled break rather than one for parties and cheap bars.

Off the coast of the island are diving reserves, natural pools and further inland, you can hike up volcanic trails.

The island will be much less busy than the other Canary Islands too as it only gets between 20,000 to 30,000 visitors each year.

In comparison, Tenerife attractions around 7million tourists each year, while Gran Canaria welcomes around 4.7million.

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As Brits we often seek out sun, and El Hierro is sunny and warm for most of the year as it sits on the Morocco-Western Sahara border.

Temperatures tend not to dip below 15C and in January it can be as hot as 20C – in comparison it tends to sit between 3-6C in the UK.

Timon van Basten has lived in Spain for the last five years and works as a tour guide in the country and he recommends a trip to El Hierro.

Timon told Euro News: “The tiny, remote island has an end-of-the-world vibe with lava flows, volcanic craters, and lush cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.

“Explore at your own pace, with quaint towns, secluded beaches, and tranquil hiking trails to discover.”

When it comes to popular attractions on the island, a top one is the El Tamaduste Pool.

It’s a natural swimming pool in a sheltered bay in the village of Tamaduste.

Visitors can take a dip in the pool while being protected by the strong sea waves. Aside from swimming, visitors can also enjoy water sports like diving or paddle boarding.

Another natural pool is Charco Azul which is one of the most famous and sits on the north of the island with a huge rock acting as the barrier between the pool and the sea.

Another is the viewpoint called Mirador de la Peña which overlooks a huge landslide valley with views across the sweeping coastline.

Of course there are plenty of beaches, some of the most popular are  Playa de Tacorón, which is ideal for families.

There’s also Playa del Verodal, the largest beach the island which has incredible sunset views, but not so good for swimming due to strong currents.

There aren’t any white or golden sandy beaches on the island because of volcanic activity.

El Hierro’s sands are rich in iron, causing it to turn red, and the black granules are created from volcanic glass.

Cala de Tacorón beach is the hidden gem of the island with soft red sands and as it’s in a cove, has much calmer waves.

If you fancy getting a souvenir, there are stalls and street markets dotted around El Hierro where you can buy jewellery, homemade gifts, as well as locally produced honey, wines and cheeses.

To get to El Hierro from the UK, you’ll need to fly to another Canary Island like Tenerife or Gran Canaria and take a connecting flight.

From Tenerife to the neighbouring island, flights take just 40-minutes, or 55-minutes from Gran Canaria.

Another option is to take a connecting ferry which from Tenerife takes just over two hours.

Here’s why one man loves the Canary Islands from award-winning restaurants to its beautiful beaches…

One man who has visited over 100 countries reveals that the one place he always goes back to is the Canary Islands…

Robin McKelvie said: “Having first visited the Canary Islands in Spain back in 1998, I’ve been back at least once a year on holiday.

“It’s the world’s most varied archipelago – on Tenerife alone you can party at the world’s second biggest carnival, bash around the world’s best waterpark (Siam Park) and climb a mountain almost three times higher than Britain’s Ben Nevis.

“La Graciosa could be on a different planet. There are no tarmac roads, nevermind an airport.

“It’s a brilliant escape from the modern world, hiking and
cycling around rough tracks, up volcanoes and out to windswept beaches.

“You can still tuck into British comfort food across the resorts, but there is far more to savour today. Lanzarote and Gran Canaria boast Michelin star restaurants and foodies flock to Tenerife to dine at eight Michelin star restaurants.

“Tenerife boasts more Michelin stars than Wales and the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort has more stars than any hotel in Spain with four. And Tenerife just keeps winning stars. This year Il Bocconcino snared a star.

“Tenerife is not my favourite island for beaches – I prefer the third largest isle, Fuerteventura.

“The Parque Natural de Corralejo boasts mile upon mile of Sahara-esque dunes and gorgeous beaches.

“It’s just south of Corralejo, a resort popular with Brits and is
easily my favourite Canarian resort.”

For more on the best European islands for winter sun – here are all the best hidden spots on Fuerteventura that only locals know about.

And here are the best secret beaches, cheap bars serving €2 pints and hidden gems in Tenerife – as revealed by locals.

A study by booking platform Omio has analysed temperature data across European cities to find which have the warmest weather in January 2026

A fresh analysis from travel booking site Omio has crunched temperature figures for European destinations to pinpoint which cities boast the warmest climate.

Nicosia and Valletta have been crowned the toastiest capital cities to escape to in January 2026, both enjoying average temperatures of 16C.

Malta’s stunning capital, Valletta, sees the mercury climb to 16C throughout January, offering “bright blue skies and Mediterranean sea views,” positioning it as an ideal warm getaway that’s only a short flight from British airports.

Travel specialists noted: “Whether wandering the historic harbour of the Port of Valletta, taking the ferry to neighbouring islands, or dining above the coastline at the famous Panorama Restaurant, Valletta’s winter days feel more like early spring.”

One recent visitor to Valletta gushed about the destination on Tripadvisor, dubbing it “the Caribbean in Europe“. He said: “We recently had the pleasure of visiting Valletta, Malta’s enchanting capital, and what an experience it was! I felt compelled to share the magic we encountered on this journey, especially for those planning their first visit to Valletta.

“As we wandered the streets of Valletta, we were surprised to find that the city had a Caribbean-esque vibe, an intriguing blend that made our exploration even more fascinating. The narrow streets, historical buildings, and the laid-back atmosphere added an unexpected but delightful twist to our trip.”

Nicosia in Cyprus also boasts average January highs of 16C. The travel gurus explained: “Cyprus’ capital is the continent’s strongest bet for warm afternoons, al fresco dining and long strolls, where travellers can walk through centuries of history, from the iconic Venetian walls to Büyük Han.

“With direct transport connections and smooth onward travel, Nicosia offers an effortless mid-winter reset for travellers craving daylight and mild weather.”

Top 10 European cities with the warmest temperature in January

1. Valletta, Malta
2. Nicosia, Cyprus
3. Lisbon, Portugal
4. Athens, Greece
5. Rome, Italy
6. Madrid, Spain
7. Dublin, Ireland
8. Vienna, Austria
9. Paris, France,
10. Brussels, Belgium

Europe’s warmest capital city in January has been revealed, offering a blissful winter sunshine escape for those in need of a vitamin D boost – and it’s only a 4-hour flight from the UK

As the British weather turns dreary and the Christmas frenzy sets in, the idea of escaping to a sunnier climate is undoubtedly enticing. There’s a European destination just four hours away from the UK that boasts a pleasant 16C in January.

Valletta, situated on the island of Malta between Sicily and the North African coast, has been unveiled as the warmest European capital to visit in January. The global booking platform, Omio, analysed temperature data across all of Europe’s capital cities to identify those predicted to offer a sizzling winter getaway, with Valletta taking the top spot.

With temperatures reaching 16C in January, Valletta provides an idyllic escape to start the year for those craving a dose of vitamin D, complete with clear blue skies and stunning views of the Mediterranean sea. The fortified city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to just over 5,000 residents, offering a unique charm that’s hard to come by elsewhere.

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Despite its small size, it draws in countless tourists each year with its golden Baroque architecture lining its quaint streets. Visitors can wander through the peaceful Upper Barrakka Gardens before marvelling at the breathtaking sea views from its military structures.

Popular attractions include the Valletta Waterfront, Grand Master’s Palace, and Barrakka Lift, each boasting its own unique appeal and considered a must-see for tourists. While Republic Street is a hub for shopping, dining, and culture, Strait Street is renowned for its narrow lanes and lively nightlife.

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Valletta boasts numerous attractions, with St. John’s Co-Cathedral standing out as a spectacular edifice from the 16th century. The capital’s naval and military heritage forms a crucial part of both Valletta’s and Malta’s character, with captivating historical tales at every turn.

Those keen to explore further can visit the Lascaris War Rooms, Saluting Battery, and the National War Museum. Outside Valletta’s boundaries, the wider Maltese archipelago, covering just 122 square miles, presents additional gems waiting to be discovered.

While the capital doesn’t feature its own beaches, there’s a wealth of popular coastal spots within easy reach across Malta. These include the renowned Blue Lagoon, Mellieha Beach, St Peter’s Pool, Ramla Bay, Golden Bay, Golden Sands Beach and Armier Bay Beach.

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Tourists have sung the praises of Malta’s capital, with one visitor writing on TripAdvisor: “Beautiful city. Wonderful monuments, beautiful weather. Good footwear for walking around aimlessly. Superb war museum worth visiting, very well done.”

Another traveller remarked: “Visiting it is even more beautiful than it appears from photos, videos and reviews. An incredible concentration of historical, artistic and cultural sites and riches makes it resemble a small Italy. Beautiful and very much alive, Valletta! Definitely worth a visit!” A third traveller shared: “Valletta, the smallest capital, but rich in history with its knights and its UNESCO heritage monuments. You enter from the square where the fountain of the newts stands out. Continue along the ancient walls on the right the parliament building designed by Renzo Piano and on the left a long staircase on top of which you can enjoy a spectacular view.

“City full of partly Arab styles, with narrow streets that go down and up! Characteristics are the closed balconies and their coloured doors, the terraces of the bars with small tables on the steps or on the small steps… a real treat! English phone booths and corners all to photograph! The Cathedral with the largest dome in Europe, but the real surprise is the co-cathedral. To visit in a day, at least.”

Have you got a travel story or question? Drop us an email at webtravel@reachplc.com

Barry Manilow has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will be postponing his January concerts.

“I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans,” the “Mandy” singer wrote in a statement posted to Instagram on Monday revealing his diagnosis. According to Manilow, his doctors had discovered “a cancerous spot” on his left lung that he will have surgically removed.

“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” Manilow wrote in the statement. “Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK.”

The “Copacabana (At the Copa)” singer said it was “pure luck” that the cancer was found early and that his doctors “do not believe it has spread.” He added that he is taking additional tests to confirm that diagnosis.

“[N]ow that the Christmas A Gift of Love concerts are over I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed,” Manilow continued in his statement. “So that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”

The January arena concerts have been rescheduled because recovery from the surgery will take a month, said the 82-year-old singer, whose hits also include “Could It Be Magic,” “I Write the Songs” and “Weekend in New England.” The new dates, starting in late February and continuing through April, were included in the Instagram post. Ticketholders for the canceled shows will be able to reschedule to the new dates.

Manilow also noted his next scheduled performances will be over Valentine’s Day weekend back at the Westgate Las Vegas, where he has a lifetime residency.

“Something tells me that February weekend is going to be one big party,” Manilow wrote, before wishing his fans “a wonderful Christmas and New Year.” “And remember, if you even have the slightest symptom… get tested!”