January Holidays

January gets a bad rep - dark mornings, endless to-do lists, and the lingering guilt of inhaling a whopper amount of mince pies. But who says January is just for staying in and binge-watching TV? (Although, no judgement if that’s your vibe). A January holiday is exactly what you need to kickstart the year with a bang! Whether you're following the sun to where's hot in January, a swanky city break, or a frosty winter wonderland, there’s a jolly just waiting to be booked. It’s one of the best times to bag a bargain, skip the crowds, and start the year with a bit of flair.

Top Destinations for January Holidays

Tenerife

Tenerife is the winter sun go-to. January temperatures are in the low 20s, so you can ditch the frost and head for beach vibes. The Canary Islands are always a solid choice, especially if you’ve got a hankering for sandy shores and boujee resorts. Take a dip in the warm Atlantic, trek up Mount Teide, or simply laze by the pool with some Lays crisps. Sounds lush, right?

Madeira

Looking for somewhere off the beaten track that still offers banging winter sun? Madeira is the place to be. This Portuguese island is a hiker’s dream with its stunning mountain landscapes and lush green valleys. The weather is mild, and you can mix outdoor adventures with delish local wine. A topper choice if you want something more than just lounging by the pool - although, there’s plenty of that too if you fancy it!

Barbados

Dreaming of Caribbean beaches? Barbados is a January stunner. With temperatures hovering around a balmy 28°C, you’ll find this paradise perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and sipping rum punches. January is outside the hurricane season, so it’s the ideal time to explore Bridgetown, visit the famous Crane Beach, or even go swimming with sea turtles. A top-tier option for proper sun worshippers.

Reykjavik

Fancy something a little chillier? Iceland in January is pure magic. Northern Lights? Check. Natural hot springs? Check. Whale watching? You bet. Bundle up in your cosiest gear and head off for a winter wonderland that’s got "bucket list" written all over it. Plus, who doesn't want to see geysers pop off like they're in an epic nature show? Reykjavik holidays really do have it all!

Why January Holidays Are a Top-Tier Choice

January holidays are like the hidden gems of the travel world. Everyone’s too busy detoxing, but savvy travellers (like you, eh?) know that this is the best time to snag a banging deal. Here’s why:

• Fewer Crowds: Everyone else is back at work, so it’s just you and the destination.

• Cheaper Flights & Accommodation: Travel in peak season? Nah, not for you. January means lower prices, and we’re talking proper good bargains here.

• Escape the UK Winter: Let’s be real, January in the UK is all levels of freezing. A quick jolly to somewhere warm will sort that right out.

• Replenish Your Vitamin D: Swap your woolly jumper for your swimmers and catch some rays. Fanta Lemon by the pool, anyone?

How to Snag the Best January Holiday Deals

• Book Early, Reap the Rewards: Sure, last-minute deals can pop up, but booking early can give you access to mega savings. Hotels, flights, and even car rentals are usually cheaper when you book in advance.

• Midweek Flights Are Your Friend: Travelling on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you a whopping amount of cash. Avoid those weekend surges and get more bang for your buck.

• Stay Flexible: If your dates aren't set in stone, you can easily adjust your itinerary to fit the best deals available. Flexibility is key to grabbing that topper of a bargain.

• Go All-Inclusive: Looking for a boujee but budget-friendly option? All-inclusive holidays are perfect for keeping costs down while still enjoying the high life. Food, drinks, and even activities are all sorted - just sit back and relax.

Winter Sun vs City Breaks for your January holidays

Winter Sun Holidays in January

If your dream January holidays involve actual sunshine instead of that grey drizzle we all pretend doesn’t bother us, the winter-sun holiday route is calling your name. This is the time to chase scorchio goodness on Tenerife holidays, or mix it up completely and book something long haul, like holidays to Dubai... or anywhere else serving up warm days, blue skies, and boujee beachfront living.

Expect top-tier lounging, poolside naps that hit just right, and that unbeatable first sip of Fanta Lemon that screams “ah yes, I am officially on holibobs.” Perfect for beach breaks, all-inclusive jollies, or a mid-winter reset with serious heat.

January City Breaks

More of a scarf-and-sightseeing type? A cool-weather city break might be your jam. January is gorge for exploring lush cities like Prague, Vienna, or Berlin - all dishing up crisp mornings, cosy cafés, delish comfort food, and culture by the bucketload.

Think fairy lights still lingering in the squares, steaming thermal baths, and boujee rooftop bars you don’t have to queue for. It’s chilly, sure, but wrap up toasty, get the big coat on, and get those steps in because nothing beats a cityscape in winter.

Which One’s Your January Mood?

Sun-drenched beaches or cool cobblestone wanderings - both are valid options at this time of year. Go all-in on the heat, lean into the winter charm, or be a little cheeky and book both. They're your holidays in January, so you make the rules.

January holidays 2026 travel guide

Alright, now here's where we pull out the big guns. From city breaks to flop-and-drop escapes, here's what's trending for 2025...

Wellness Retreats

January is all about "new year, new you," so why not treat yourself to a top-notch wellness retreat? More travellers are ditching the classic beach break in favour of holidays that nourish both body and soul. From yoga retreats in Thailand to detox getaways in the Spanish countryside, wellness holidays are popping off right now. Fancy the idea of sunrise meditation sessions, organic meals, and spa days? Then these zen-tastic escapes are calling your name.

Digital Detox Holidays

Feeling the need to unplug? With so many of us glued to our screens, digital detox holidays are gaining serious momentum. These offer a complete break from the buzz of social media and emails, with some destinations even banning tech. Imagine spending your days hiking in serene landscapes, journaling, meditating, or even learning new crafts. Over-water lodges and eco-retreats are top-tier options if you’re keen to switch off and reconnect with nature (and yourself). No Wi-Fi? No problem!

Culinary Tours

If you're a foodie at heart, this one’s for you. Culinary tours are becoming the next big thing for those who want to combine travel with tantalising taste buds. January is a fab time to explore food markets and dine in Michelin-starred restaurants without the peak-season crowds. Whether it’s a wine tour in France, a pasta-making experience in Italy, or a street food adventure in Asia, culinary holidays will leave you with delish memories (and maybe a few new recipes to show off).

Stargazing Holidays

If you’re more into stargazing than sunbathing, January is one of the best months for catching some cosmic magic. The dark winter skies offer ideal conditions for seeing stars and planets in all their glory. Head to places like Tenerife or Madeira, both of which are famed for their clear skies. You’ll be treated to some top-tier celestial displays, and who knows, you might even spot a shooting star or two!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Whether you're looking for a last minute beach break or planning ahead for the summer hols, like a big friendly towel when you're changing at the beach, we've got you covered.

Holidays throughout the year

• February Holidays

• March Holidays

• April Holidays

• May Holidays

• June Holidays

• July Holidays

• August Holidays

• September Holidays

• October Holidays

• November Holidays

• December Holidays