STORM Goretti is continuing to cause chaos across the UK as further travel disruptions are confirmed.
A number of rail lines have suspended services as the first storm of the year batters Britain.
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Rail networks across the country have suspended services due to Storm Goretti (stock image)Credit: PA:Press AssociationStrong winds have brought damage to cars in CornwallCredit: Getty
West Midlands Railway officially cancelled routes this morning, Friday, 9 January.
In an official statement, the rail network said it is “unable to provide services until the afternoon”.
“Due to the significant ongoing transport and infrastructure disruption caused by Storm Goretti, we advise passengers not to travel on West Midlands Railway services on the morning of Friday, January 9,” the operator said.
“Passengers wishing to travel on the afternoon on Friday 9th January should check their journeys before they travel as we work to resume services.”
No rail replacement road services will be provided due to “uncertain road conditions”.
Network Rail are also experiencing disruption after a “very intense heavy snow” hit the West Midlands/Shropshire and Staffordshire areas on Thursday night.
Efforts are being made to clear rail routes, with some services expected to be affected until Sunday, 11 January.
Meanwhile, Avanti West Coast issued “do not travel” advice to anyone planning to use Midlands routes until 1pm on Friday.
“An amended timetable will operate across all routes from 0700 until 1500, when we currently expect services to return to normal,” the train service operator said.
“We strongly recommend travelling outside these times if possible.”
Storm Goretti has also caused disruptions to air travel, withEast MidlandsAirport andBirminghamAirport forced to cease operations after flurries of snow left runways unusable.
Some areas of the country could see as much as 15-25cm of snow fall and settle as the extreme weather continues for a second day, while Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were issued a rare red weather warning.
Gusts of 99mph were recorded at St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly while 90mph winds hit Culdrose, Cornwall where gales brought down power lines and trees.
National Highways said the A30 in Cornwall is closed in both directions between the A394 at Longrock and the A3074 at St Erth.
The closure is reportedly “due to a large number of trees that have fallen and are blocking the road”; Devon and Cornwall Police are assisting at the scene.
Specialist crews are working to clear the trees from the carriageway.
The A628 Woodhead Pass connecting Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire also remains closed in both directions between the A616 for Flouch and the A57 for Hollingworth because of snow.
National Highways has urged drivers to check the weather forecast before travelling today, saying: “Consideration of the weather forecast should be taken before commencing journeys, with considerable delays possible.”
Birmingham Airport was forced to cease operations due to heavy snowfall from Storm GorettiCredit: Alamy
ONE of Europe’s busiest airports has cancelled hundreds more flights as chaos enters its sixth day.
A major snow warning has resulted in the cancellations at Amsterdam‘s Schiphol Airport since the weekend.
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Heavy snow and winds have resulted in a sixth day of chaos at Amsterdam Schiphol AirportCredit: ReutersThousands of passengers have been left strandedCredit: EPACampbeds have been set up for passengers stuck overnight at the airportCredit: EPA
According to local media, another 718 flights have been cancelled today with fears of another 10cm of snow across the country.
The airport stated: “On Wednesday, due to persistent winterweather and heavy winds, only limited air traffic is possible to and from Schiphol.
“More cancellations are expected. This will be mostly European flights.”
The majority of flights from the UK have been cancelled to Schiphol Airport today, affecting as many as 60 inbound and outbound flights.
ALMOST 200 flights have been cancelled and delayed across the UK today as seven weather warnings remain in place.
A total of 41 flights have been grounded today as a result of the snow and ice, with a further 152 routes experiencing delays.
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The runway at Liverpool John Lennon Airport was forced to close yesterdayCredit: PASeveral yellow and amber weather warnings for snow and ice have been issuedCredit: MET Office
Nine major airports across the UK have grounded flights due to the current weather conditions.
While the Liverpool Airport has since re-opened, cancellations and disruptions continue to plague passengers across the UK after temperatures plummeted as low as minus 12.5C overnight.
Scots airline Loganair cancelled two flights from Aberdeen, with routes to Kirkwall and Norwich scrapped as an amber warning was issued for heavy snow across north-east and northern Scotland until 7pm.
Meanwhile, air passengers across England are also experiencing disruptions, with London Heathrow currently experiencing departure delays an average of 39 minutes.
The airport has also topped today’s list of cancellations at eight, with a further 87 delays, according to FlightAware.
Aberdeen and London City follow with six cancellations each, and five and two flight delays respectively.
And its not just outbound flights that have been affected, with Edinburgh reporting arrival delays for airborne aircraft at an average of 28 minutes.
These wait times are expected to increase as the Arctic Blast continues into the evening.
Anyone planning to travel is advised to check with their flight’s status with their airline before heading to the airport.
Rail passengers are also experiencing chaos as National Rail confirmed that disruptions are expected on the Wirral and Northern line services, as well as to trains across Scotland.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen – Dundee railway has partially reopened following closure yesterday due to heavy snow.
Those travelling between Edinburgh and Aberdeen have been issued a “Do Not Travel” warning until at least 2pm today.
UK outbound flight disruptions – 6 January 2026
Cancellations:
Heathrow – 8
Aberdeen – 6
London City – 6
Birmingham Int’l – 5
Manchester – 4
Glasgow Int’l – 3
Edinburgh – 3
Newcastle – 3
Humberside – 3
Delays:
Heathrow – 87
Manchester – 27
Glasgow Int’l – 11
Edinburgh – 10
Birmingham Int’ – 5
Aberdeen – 5
Newcastle – 5
London City – 2
The Glasgow subway was also closed this morning due to harsh weather conditions.
Select rail services across England have also been suspended due to snow, with passengers advised to verify their route is still operating before arriving at their station.
And motorists can also expect delays as breakdown companies including the AA and RAC are experiencing high demand.
A spokesman for the Met Office said milder temperatures are expected towards the end of the week, though further snow is possible on Sunday as the warmer air meets cold air.
MULTIPLE flights from a major UK airport have been cancelled after a blanket of snow covered the tarmac.
Holidaymakers have been left devastated after the runway at Liverpool John Lennon Airport was closed off this morning.
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Airport staff are currently trying to clear the area of snow and ice.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the airport said flights are subject to delay and there have been some cancellations due to the “wintry weather conditions”.
They added: “If you are traveling today please check with your airline for the latest information.”
The airport added that a further update would be provided at 10am.
ncFlights departing Liverpool John Lennon Airport have been cancelled this morningCredit: Alamy
HUNDREDS of flights at a major European airport have been cancelled due to snow and freezing temperatures.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, in the Netherlands, is a major hub for Brits both travelling to Europe and connecting to long-haul flights.
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Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands has cancelled hundreds more flights todayCredit: AlamyHundreds of flights were cancelled yesterday as wellCredit: EPA
And the airport has cancelled 450 flights today due to the weather conditions.
The Dutch news agency ANP also warned that this number was expected to rise throughout the day.
Hundreds of Brits are being affected by the cancellations as well, with routes to and from the UK also cancelled.
This includes the following departures from Schiphol:
Due to the cancellations of flights to the UK, this means most flights from the UK to Amsterdam have been cancelled or are majorly delayed this morning.
And with short-haul aircraft carrying between 150-200 passengers, it means thousands of Brits will be affected.
KLM, the Dutch flag carrier, is worst affected by the cancellations.
They said in a statement online: “Due to ongoing winter weather, air traffic at Schiphol is disrupted.
“Since last Friday, KLM has unfortunately had to cancel hundreds of flights to and from Schiphol.
“The winter conditions are expected to continue in the coming days.”
The airline has already cancelled 300 flights and said this number is expected to rise.
Brits are urged to contact their airline before travelling to see if their flight is still going ahead.
If it is cancelled, airlines must rebook you on the next available flight, even if it is with another airline.
If you accept a refund from the airline, they no longer have a duty of care when it comes to alternative flights or hotels.
SUNSHINE fan Scott Dixon has spent every winter in Benidorm for the past seven years and the canny traveller insists the annual pilgrimage SAVES him money.
The 55-year-old takes his work with him on his annual lengthy getaways, saying he sleeps better and returns to the UK refreshed and energised. Sound too good to be true? Here, he explains how he gets such “staggering value’ on his winter sunshine breaks.
Scott Dixon has spent every winter in Benidorm for the past seven yearsCredit: Scott DixonScott will have no food bills, no heating bills, no petrol bills and will be spending his days in 20C sunshineCredit: Scott Dixon
“It’s a no brainer,” says Scott, as he preps to jet away from his “freezing” home for the Spanish holiday resort.
“Many people think extended winter sun breaks are a luxury but I say it’s smart budgeting.
“Covid has opened up a whole new world of possibilities to work and live anywhere affordably
“I’ll have no food bills, no heating bills, no petrol bills and I’ll be spending my days in 20C sunshine instead of enduring it in freezing Edinburgh.”
For the past few years, Scott has tried out several different kinds of accommodation in Benidorm’s Old Town for the season, including self-catering long term lets, but this year he has booked two, three week half-board holidays with Jet2.
The digital nomad’s Benidorm package deals will include breakfast, evening meals with half a bottle of wine each night, flights, transfers and WiFi.
The ‘snowbird’, a name for people who move to sunnier climes for the winter, says the three weeks in December costs him £1,443 and the three weeks in February £1,205, totalling £2,648.
This, he has worked out, breaks down to a spend of £63 a day.
“To put it into perspective, my one bedroom flat in Edinburgh costs me up to £45 a week for electricity,” says Scott, who is mortgage free.
“Food is another £30 a week plus a load of other household costs.
“At home, I’m paying hundreds of pounds just to sit around in the cold, cooking for myself and keeping the heating on.
“The value for money I’m getting abroad is staggering – I’m getting sunny weather, daily cleaning with no housework and cooked meals.”
Thousands of Brits head to Benidorm every winter, with the resort’s long-stay visitors attracted by its weather and British-style pubs and shops.
“I’ve got to know a few familiar faces over the years,” says Scott, who is single and travels solo.
“Regular winter visitors, locals, bar staff and people who have become friends.
Scott says the value for money he’s getting abroad is staggering – “sunny weather, daily cleaning with no housework and cooked meals”Credit: AlamyWhile the lively, budget-conscious destination in Southern Spain has been unkindly dubbed ‘Blackpool with sunshine’ by some, Scott insists Benidorm’s Old Town is a true hidden gemCredit: Scott Dixon
“You see a lot of the same people each year and there’s a real community feel.
“It’s become quite common for people to escape the UK winters, especially pensioners, remote workers and anyone who realises they can live well for less in the sun for a few weeks.”
While the lively, budget-conscious destination in Southern Spain has been unkindly dubbed ‘Blackpool with sunshine’ by some, the writer insists Benidorm’s Old Town is a true hidden gem.
Filled with whitewashed buildings, narrow streets and traditional architecture, this area is known for its tapas bars and vibrant nightlife.
“The Old Town is traditionally Spanish and a polar contrast to the New Town, which is where everyone forms their ‘Brits abroad’ and ‘Blackpool with sunshine’ negative opinions,” says Scott.
“People who have seen my photos can’t believe how nice and clean it is, with pristine beaches and everything you can wish for.
“It’s reliable, warm, affordable, has everything I need and only a two-and-a-half-hour flight each way.
“Benidorm is a completely different place compared to the summer peak season in general – it’s calm, clean and more chilled out.”
The weather in the winter is mild and pleasant, with an average of six hours of sunshine each day compared to less than two hours back in the UK.
“The weather is the biggest draw,” says Scott.
“It’s perfect. Not too hot, not too busy and the weather is warm enough to sit outside with a beer on the beach front, go for long walks or just have a snooze on the beach without getting burned.
“Once you’re into January and February, it can sometimes be a bit too hot to sit out in.”
Moderate exposure to sunlight is a primary source of vitamin D for most people and this vitamin produces the ‘happiness hormone’ serotonin that positively affects people’s mood, appetite and sleep.
It could be why wintering in the holiday resort always has a positive effect on Scott’s mental wellbeing.
“I started going during the winter in 2018 because I realised I didn’t need to spend it in the UK, freezing, paying high bills and feeling miserable,” he explains.
“And the first time I tried it, I honestly couldn’t believe the difference in how I felt – more energy, better sleep, a better mood and a different mindset.
“That made it a yearly habit.
“I eat better and walk more, and return home refreshed and energised – not run-down and drained.”
The ‘snowbird’, a name for people who move to sunnier climes for the winter, says the three weeks in December will cost him £1,443Credit: Scott DixonScott says endless days of blue skies and warm sunshine really lifts his spirits and benefit his mental healthCredit: Alamy
Scott, a consumer rights expert known as The Complaints Resolver, takes his work with him on his extended holidays – and says he usually isn’t the only digital nomad around.
“Since I freelance, I’ve built flexibility into my schedule,” he explains.
“WiFi is good, and hotel staff are used to digital nomads now.
“I have stacked my work in advance so I can relax, and do some light work in the sunshine if necessary.”
So as Scott packs his suitcase for Spain, he has a simple message for anyone thinking of becoming a ‘snowbird’: do it.
“You don’t need to be wealthy,” he says.
“Package deals in winter are cheaper than many people think and if you compare it to the cost of staying at home you may find it’s not that expensive.
“The endless days of blue skies and warm sunshine really lift your spirits and benefit your mental health, you can’t put a price on that.
“It’s a place where you can relax without thinking about life admin, bills and the day-to-day drudgery of winter in the UK.
Scott says package deals in winter are cheaper than many people think and if you compare it to the cost of staying at home you may find it’s not that expensiveCredit: Alamy
LYING by the pool, white wine in hand, I wonder if the Seaside Palm Beach hotel might be the most beautiful resort I’ve ever stayed in.
In front of me, hundreds of wild palm trees — the tallest I’ve ever seen — sway in the afternoon breeze as canaries sing in the shade below.
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Relax by the pool at Seaside Palm Beach HotelCredit: SuppliedEnjoy breath-taking views on the desert-like sandsCredit: GettyWatch the stunning sunset as the day draws to an end over MaspalomasCredit: Getty
The scene marked the start of a calm and relaxed weekend on the tranquil Spanish island of Gran Canaria, where temperatures can easily reach the 20s in the winter months.
Just a four-hour flight from the UK (costing less than £30 each way with easyJet from Luton), this trip was the ultimate warm oasis retreat . . . without the jet lag.
The 5-star hotel, situated on the south east coast in Maspalomas, is a haven of luxury.
The serene spa is home to a new sauna, cold plunge and hydrotherapy suite, where guests have the option to strip off completely for an authentic wellness experience.
While my pal and I weren’t that brave, we did manage to plunge ourselves into the freezing ice bath (a welcome break from the October sunshine) before treating ourselves to a massage (99 euros for one dreamy hour) in the garden rooms, which have views of the botanical plants.
After a quick dip in the pool to wake ourselves up, we headed to the terrace for lunch of prawn caesar salad, calamari and homemade bread, with an ice-cold beer to wash it down.
Unlike most all-inclusive hotels I’ve stayed in, the Palm Beach offers guests the option to order lunch a la carte from the poolside restaurant as opposed to being stuck with just the buffet area, making it a much more intimate and luxurious experience.
Dinner was an equally impressive affair, with both a la carte and buffet options available on different nights.
Highlights included the Italian barbecue, with a homemade pasta station and a selection of fresh meat and fish grilled to order.
Outside of the hotel, local Italian restaurant il PosTo served us a delicious Neapolitan pizza for 18 euros, with a night cap of limoncello on the house.
The strip here is small but buzzing, with sunset beach bars lining the boardwalk, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail with stunning views of the Atlantic ocean.
But the most impressive place we visited had to be the natural wonder of the Maspalomas sand dunes. This protected nature reserve is home to 400 hectares of desert-like dunes and lagoons.
A ten-minute walk from the hotel, it is the perfect place to explore in the early-evening golden hour when the heat of the day has died down.
For those wanting something a little more buzzy, the resort of Puerto Rico is a 20-minute drive south.
Here you’ll find shopping malls, discos and a wider selection of restaurants, as well as dozens of daily boat excursions to explore the local coastline.
The Sun’s Jess, left, and pal in MaspalomasCredit: SuppliedDine at the lively Maspalomas restaurantsCredit: Alamy
For 40 euros, we hopped aboard Spirit of the Seas’ whale and dolphin watching tour — a 2.5-hour excursion with local experts who have worked on the sea here for 25 years.
We weren’t fortunate enough to see any marine mammals, but the company offers visitors a free voucher to go out again if there are no sightings — so it’s worth doing this excursion at the start of your trip to allow time to try again.
The next town along, Mogan, is also well worth a visit.
We paid a visit to the Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa, one of the grandest in the town, which offers day passes for 55 euros per adult and 27.50 euros for kids, including lunch.
The terracotta hotel blocks surround a garden spa featuring luxurious day beds, an outdoor heated hydrotherapy pool, hot tub and hot and cold foot spas.
After enjoying a fresh juice here, we tried the volcanic lava exfoliation treatment inside.
The 40-minute session started with a full-body exfoliation using black sand from the island’s northern beaches, followed by a massage using locally-sourced aromatic oils.
It was the perfect end to a three-day retreat — a break I will definitely want to repeat in the cold, dark winter months.
GO: GRAN CANARIA
GETTING THERE: EasyJet flies from Luton, Manchester and Birmingham, among other airports, from £28.99 each way. See easyjet.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Seaside Palm Beach hotel cost from £192 per night including breakfast.
All-inclusive rates start from £350 per night. See hotel-palm-beach.com. For information on Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa, see hotelsone.com.
WHEN there’s no snow anywhere else, there’s still a bit of powder in Obertauern.
This tiny Alpine town has more snow than anywhere else in Austria, and its season lasts from November until May.
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The Beatles filmed their 1965 movie, Help! here and had hired body-doubles to perform the action shots on skisCredit: SuppliedThe 4H+ Kesselspitze Chalet & Hotel is one of three in the town owned by Dubrovnik-based ValamarCredit: Supplied
So it’s no wonder when The Beatles were looking for a snow-sure location to film scenes for their 1965 movie Help! they opted for the once-unknown village 56 miles from Salzburg.
Body doubles were hired to perform the band’s action shots on skis — and Paul McCartney’s stand-in still lives here today.
This year marks the 60th year since the filming took place — transforming a previously quiet mountain village into the centre of pop culture for a few unforgettable days.
The global attention sparked by the Fab Four’s visit marked a turning point for Obertauern.
Beatles fans still make pilgrimages to the village, and scattered throughout the village are three monuments to commemorate the band.
And if, like The Beatles, you aren’t much of a skier, you can still catch a gondola to the peaks to enjoy the restaurants, with deckchairs overlooking the mountains.
But, of course, Obertauern is all about the snow, which reaches a maximum depth of 8½ft.
In the evenings, I’d watch snowfall from the cosy window seat in my room at Kesselspitze Chalet & Hotel, on the edge of town.
It fell so heavily I couldn’t see beyond it — not lights in the windows of nearby buildings, nor the mountains behind. It was everything a winter wonderland should be.
I hadn’t skied for a while, so I booked beginners lessons, and it is true what they say about teachers — the good ones make a massive difference. Mine made it look a doddle.
I may have stuck to safety on the nursery slopes while I practised my turns, but my classmates got the hang of it in no time.
Leg massage
It meant they could graduate to tougher challenges on the blue, red and black routes, including the Gamsleiten 2 — a scary 45- degree ski-run.
Back in town, the Eurobeat was booming in the apres-ski bars.
Still in full gear with skis parked against railings, people downed beers, wine and cocktails while they stomped to the beat.
The incredible mountain view from the hot tubCredit: Supplied
A pint of beer costs an average of €6 while a glass of good Austrian wine is around €4.30.
If you’re not partying or skiing, there are shops to browse, plus restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
A highlight of the trip for me, however, was the hotel and its facilities.
The 4*+ Kesselspitze is one of three in the town owned by Croatia-based Valamar.
It is everything I expected from an Alpine hotel: Lots of wood, stone and rich colours, with a real fire in the bar, while the decor in my room was luxurious yet homely.
The food, a combination of help-yourself buffet and a la carte, was amazing, and there was so much of it that I always felt well-fuelled before and after hitting the slopes.
I loved the hotel’s Balance Spa. Tired and aching, I recuperated in the sauna, steam room and Finnish sauna (much hotter) and booked in for a leg massage to soothe my throbbing calves.
There’s something spectacular about relaxing in an outdoor Jacuzzi while it is snowing — the heat of the bubbles clashing with the cold, and the mountains right in front of you.
It is the perfect way to soak away any aches and pains, ready for another day on the slopes.
In the evenings, I’d watch the snow fall from the cosy window seat in my room at Kesselspitze hotel on the edge of townCredit: Supplied
GO: OBERTAUERN, AUSTRIA
GETTING THERE: British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Salzburg from £59 each way. See britishairways.com.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at Kesselspitze Hotel & Chalet cost from £303 per night.
MORE INFO: Ski rental costs from €30 per day, and day ski passes cost from €65 per adult and €32.50 per child.
AN ISLAND dubbed the “Caribbean without the jetlag” – where pints cost just £2.20 – could be the perfect escape from the moody British weather.
An index tracking the best winter sun spots, ranking temperature, hours of sunshine, pint and meal for two prices, time difference, and precipitation, revealed its winner.
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An island dubbed the ‘Caribbean without the jetlag’ has topped the best winter sun escape locationCredit: SWNSThe destination which topped the chart averages between 24°C and 25°C throughout January to MarchCredit: SWNS
Sal in Cape Verde was the top spot of the unique index taking into account all things Brits love.
The Atlantic island offers white sandy beaches, subtropical temperatures and just a one-hour time difference with the UK, despite flights taking six hours.
Winter highs average between 24°C and 25°C throughout January to March.
Visitors can enjoy around 10 hours of sunshine each day, according to easyJet’s Winter Sun Index.
The island also boasts dishes inspired by Portuguese, African and Brazilian cuisines, with a meal for two costing roughly £30.
Close behind in the rankings is Egypt’s Red Sea gem, Hurghada, with winter temperatures sitting between 21°C and 25°C.
Unbelievably pints of beer on average cost under £2.
The resort town offers near-endless sunshine, crystal-clear waters and desert landscapes with activities like quad biking or Jeep safaris.
The Canary Islands also remain firm favourites, with Gran Canaria and Lanzarote claiming third and fourth spots.
Gran Canaria is known for its golden beaches, while Lanzarote stands out with striking black sands and volcanic vistas.
Kevin Doyle, UK country manager for the airline, said: “As temperatures at home begin to drop and the days get darker, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes.
“Our network and package holidays offer a broad range of winter sun destinations across Europe and beyond – from Sub-Saharan islands to Spanish peninsula cities.”
Other highlights from the index include the likes of Agadir in Morocco, Djerba off Tunisia and Spain’s Seville.
Agadir offers winter highs of 23°C, nearly nine hours of sunshine per day and very little rainfall, while on average, meals for two come in at £26 and a pint just £1.75.
Djerba made the index thanks to a mix of culture and relaxation, with winter temperatures ranging from 16°C to 18°C and up to eight hours of daily sunshine.
The island blends Mediterranean coastline and Saharan influences, plus artisanal market streets, palm trees and sandy beaches, with meals for two costing around £26 and a pint is just £1.30.
Seville, Europe’s warmest city in winter, scores highly for its elegant Moorish architecture and vibrant city life.
Travellers can expect temperatures between 16°C and 22°C, around eight hours of sunshine and a pint for just £2.20.
The city’s plazas, flamenco recitals, and sunny streets make it perfect for those seeking city warmth rather than the sea.
WINTER SUN INDEX – TOP 10 DESTINATIONS
1. Sal – Cape Verde Typical winter temperature: 24–25C Hours of sunshine per day: 8–10 Winter precipitation: 1–3mm Time difference with UK: -1hr Average pint: £2.20 Price of a meal for 2: £30–£31 Flights: £189.48 Holidays: £760
2. Hurghada – Egypt Typical winter temperature: 21–25C Hours of sunshine per day: 9–10 Winter precipitation: ~1mm Time difference with UK: +2hr Average pint: £1.75 Price of a meal for 2: £26 Flights: £154 Holidays: £460
3. Gran Canaria – Canary Islands, Spain Typical winter temperature: 20–22C Hours of sunshine per day: 7–8 Winter precipitation: 15–20mm Time difference with UK: 0hr Average pint: £1.75 Price of a meal for 2: £35 Flights: £29.98 Holidays: £380
4. Lanzarote – Canary Islands, Spain Typical winter temperature: 21–22C Hours of sunshine per day: 7–8 Winter precipitation: 10–20mm Time difference with UK: 0hr Average pint: £2.20 Price of a meal for 2: £44 Flights: £30.48 Holidays: £420
5. Agadir – Morocco Typical winter temperature: 19–23C Hours of sunshine per day: 7.5–8.5 Winter precipitation: 28–40mm Time difference with UK: 0hr Average pint: £1.75 Price of a meal for 2: £26 Flights: £44.15 Holidays: £430
6. Fuerteventura – Canary Islands, Spain Typical winter temperature: 20–22C Hours of sunshine per day: 6–7 Winter precipitation: 10–15mm Time difference with UK: 0hr Average pint: £2.20 Price of a meal for 2: £40 Flights: £51.48 Holidays: £420
7. Tenerife South – Canary Islands, Spain Typical winter temperature: 18–22C Hours of sunshine per day: 7–8 Winter precipitation: 15–30mm Time difference with UK: 0hr Average pint: £2.20 Price of a meal for 2: £40 Flights: £27.98 Holidays: £350
8. Djerba – Tunisia Typical winter temperature: 16–18C Hours of sunshine per day: 7–8 Winter precipitation: 18–25mm Time difference with UK: +1hr Average pint: £1.30 Price of a meal for 2: £26 Flights: £76.12 Holidays: £320
9. Seville – Spain Typical winter temperature: 16–22C Hours of sunshine per day: 6–8 Winter precipitation: 30–45mm Time difference with UK: 0hr Average pint: £2.20 Price of a meal for 2: £40 Flights: £81.98 Holidays: £230
10. Paphos – Cyprus Typical winter temperature: 17–19C Hours of sunshine per day: 7–8 Winter precipitation: 40–60mm Time difference with UK: +2hr Average pint: £2.65 Price of a meal for 2: £48–£50 Flights: £52.98 Holidays: £400
Sal in Cape Verde was the top spot of the unique indexCredit: SWNS
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.
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We suggest sunny escapes that will boost your mood without hurting your bank balanceCredit: Getty
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.
An incredible 15-night deal twins an Orlando stay with the chance to cruise the sun-soaked islands of the Caribbean.
Enjoy the new Epic Universe theme park as well as a seven-night full-board Caribbean cruiseCredit: EPA
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.
Soak up Moroccan sunshine in magical Marrakech as you visit the bustling souksCredit: davidionut
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.
You’ll be rewarded by sizzling temperatures if you head to the tropical paradise of Hua Hin in ThailandCredit: rachasuk
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.
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 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 22CCredit: Getty
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.
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.
Enjoy sub-tropical temperatures and abundant nature on the stunning island of MadeiraCredit: Getty
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.