As the winter chill begins to bite, you might find yourself longing for a bit of sunshine. While many people choose to go on holiday in the summer or towards the end of the year, it could be more cost-effective to go now, right after Christmas.
City breaks and ski holidays are always popular, but if you’re craving some vitamin D, booking a trip to one of these five destinations could be just what you need. Skyscanner, the well-known travel comparison site, has revealed its top picks for anyone looking for some winter sun.
Topping the list is Cape Town, South Africa, where temperatures can reach a pleasant 26C at this time of year, with nearly 11 hours of sunlight each day. There’s also a range of events and cultural festivities to take part in.
The beautiful winelands are in full bloom, providing a stunning setting for wine tastings and meals. Winery tours are a must-do in Cape Town, as well as water sports, shopping, nightlife, and safaris. According to Skyscanner, return flights to Cape Town are around £390. Another suggested destination for a winter sun holiday is Tenerife, Spain.
Although not as warm as Cape Town, you’ll still enjoy milder weather than the UK, with temperatures averaging 20C and plenty of sunshine. Tenerife is a budget-friendly choice for holidaymakers, with Ryanair currently offering flights from Birmingham, Stansted, Manchester and Bristol for as little as £17.99 this month.
January is off-peak season, so you’re likely to find cheaper hotel deals. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking the Roques de García Circuit Trail and Mirador de la Ruleta, while Punta de Teno offers breathtaking sunset views. The warmest weather is found in the south, around Playa de La Americas, Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes and Playa Santiago.
Bali in Indonesia is another sun-drenched destination to consider. Pack your swimwear and prepare for temperatures of up to 31C in January. Skyscanner lists return flights to Denspasar International Airport from £412, with departures available from London City, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Cardiff. While the flight might be a significant expense, accommodation, food and drink in Bali are typically cheap – a pint of beer won’t set you back more than £4.
Highlights include Asia’s top waterpark, Nusa Penida island, the sacred monkey forest sanctuary, Tanah Lot Temple and Mount Batur. If you’re craving a taste of Italy and a bit of sightseeing, Palermo in Sicily is a top choice.
While it might not be bikini weather, you can still escape the UK chill and bask in 15C temperatures. It’s an ideal spot for culture vultures, with its rich history, art, music and food scene. Plus, it could be the perfect way to kick off the new year. Flights to and from Palermo are a steal – Skyscanner reveals prices start from just £39.
If you fancy going further afield, Nairobi, Kenya offers warm climes at this time of year, with temperatures reaching up to 27C. If you’re considering a safari adventure, Kenya is the place to be in January and February. The weather is perfect for wildlife spotting.
Don’t miss out on the Karen Blixen museum, Karuara Forest and the Village Market. For more holiday inspiration, head over to the Skyscanner website.