It’s January, the Christmas decorations are down, the mornings are dark and summer feels like a long way off. This is a time of year when people start looking for ways to beat the January blues.
One way that has grown in popularity over recent years is people looking for holidays that will give them some much needed winter sun. There are plenty of destinations to choose from, and not all of them mean a long haul flight. Have a look through R Travel’s suggestions for places to feel that winter sun and chase away the blues.
Our favourite winter sun destinations:
1. Canary Islands, Spain
- Flight Time: 4 – 4.5 hours
- Weather: 20-25°C in January (mild and sunny)
- Things to Do & See:
- Tenerife: Teide National Park (volcanic landscapes, cable car), Loro Parque Zoo, whale watching.
- Lanzarote: Timanfaya National Park (volcanic site), Jameos del Agua caves, pristine beaches.
- Gran Canaria: Maspalomas dunes, ancient villages, and beaches.
- Suited To:
- Families looking for outdoor activities and beaches.
- Hikers and nature lovers (volcanic landscapes, national parks).
- Those wanting year-round warmth without a long flight.
2. Dubai, UAE
- Flight Time: 7 hours
- Weather: 24-26°C in January (warm and sunny)
- Things to Do & See:
- Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building), Dubai Mall (shopping and indoor attractions).
- Desert safaris, luxury resorts, and beaches.
- Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Aquaventure water park.
- Suited To:
- Luxury travelers seeking high-end shopping and experiences.
- Families looking for world-class resorts and activities.
- Adventure seekers (desert safaris, waterparks).
3. Madeira, Portugal
- Flight Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Weather: 18-20°C in January (mild and pleasant)
- Things to Do & See:
- Explore the Levadas (unique irrigation channels), ideal for hiking.
- Visit the Botanical Gardens in Funchal and Monte Palace.
- Cabo Girão Skywalk for panoramic views.
- Suited To:
- Nature lovers and hikers looking for scenic landscapes.
- Couples or solo travelers seeking relaxation and tranquility.
- Those interested in exploring subtropical environments and cultural heritage.
4. Malta
- Flight Time: 3 hours
- Weather: 15-20°C (cool but pleasant)
- Things to Do & See:
- Explore Valletta (UNESCO World Heritage site), St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
- Mdina (the Silent City), ancient temples of Hagar Qim.
- The Blue Lagoon and Comino for stunning waters and caves.
- Suited To:
- History buffs and culture seekers.
- Families and couples interested in sightseeing and easy access to beaches.
- Those wanting a mix of relaxation and exploration in a small island.
5. Cyprus
- Flight Time: 4.5-5 hours
- Weather: 17-20°C (mild)
- Things to Do & See:
- Paphos Archaeological Park and Tombs of the Kings.
- Limassol for its lively marina, old town, and beaches.
- Troodos Mountains for nature walks, wineries, and traditional villages.
- Suited To:
- Families and couples seeking a balance of history, nature, and beach relaxation.
- Culture lovers interested in archaeological sites.
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts (Troodos Mountains).
6. Thailand (Phuket or Krabi)
- Flight Time: 11-12 hours (non-stop)
- Weather: 28-32°C (tropical warmth)
- Things to Do & See:
- Phuket: Patong Beach, Big Buddha, and vibrant nightlife.
- Krabi: Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands, and Ao Nang.
- Visit Wat Chalong and other cultural temples.
- Go scuba diving or take a boat tour through limestone cliffs.
- Suited To:
- Adventure seekers (scuba diving, water sports).
- Beach lovers looking for tropical, scenic landscapes.
- Couples or honeymooners looking for romantic settings.
7. Morocco (Marrakech)
- Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Weather: 15-20°C (cool but pleasant)
- Things to Do & See:
- Explore the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square and Medina.
- Visit the stunning Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Majorelle Garden.
- Day trips to the Atlas Mountains or the desert.
- Suited To:
- Culture seekers and those looking to explore vibrant markets and history.
- Those who enjoy rich cuisine, unique architecture, and desert excursions.
- Couples or solo travelers seeking a cultural and exotic getaway.
8. Egypt (Sharm El Sheikh)
- Flight Time: 5 hours
- Weather: 20-25°C (warm and dry)
- Things to Do & See:
- Snorkel or dive in the Red Sea (Ras Mohammed National Park).
- Explore St. Catherine’s Monastery or Mount Sinai.
- Visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx (day trip from Cairo).
- Suited To:
- Families and couples looking for beach vacations with cultural exploration.
- Scuba divers or snorkelers looking for world-class underwater experiences.
- History buffs wanting to explore ancient Egyptian landmarks.
Heading for winter sun?
These destinations provide a variety of options to escape the UK winter, whether you’re interested in soaking up the sun, exploring rich cultures, hiking through scenic landscapes, or lounging on beautiful beaches. Depending on your preferences (luxury, adventure, nature, or history), there’s a perfect getaway for everyone.
If you are booking a holiday to escape to the winter sun, then why not make the whole experience stress free by allowing us to get you to and from the airport. Booking with R Travel means you won’t be worried about paying to keep your car at the airport or relying on local taxi firms to turn up on time. We are an experienced and professional airport transfer company who won’t let you down. All we need is 24 hours notice to ensure we have the right vehicle for the size of your party. Once you have booked, sit back and relax safe in the knowledge that we will get you to the airport in plenty of time and be there for you when you get back home. You will travel in comfort and style in one of our fleet of vehicles. If you are looking for an airport transfer service that delivers on its promises, look no further! Book today to secure your car and driver.
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