january holidays

take in some winter sun in spain

Whether your ultimate holiday desire is for sun, snow or sights, you can kick off your year by getting your fill of them all from The Co-operative Travel. Easier travel has brought the sunshine within far closer reach, even when the nights at home are long. Check out these ideas for dodging the freezing weather, and book your choice of holiday easily and quickly online with us. 

You may be quite surprised to learn that ‘the further the better’ doesn’t necessarily apply when you’re trying to find a winter sun holiday destination.

An All-inclusive holiday or package holiday in Lanzarote or Tenerife can be blessed with equally good weather as more distant destinations, such as Sharm-el-Sheikh and the Dominican Republic.

enjoy the sunshine in lanzarote

The main difference between the latitudes lies in the consistency of the temperatures – for example, in Lanzarote, while they typically vary between 14 and 22 degrees C – still positively balmy for January, in Sharm, daytime temperatures stay almost constant at around 18 degrees.

In all cases, that’s perfectly adequate for sunbathing, while sea temperatures stay consistently above the air temperatures by 4-5 degrees, making for comfortable conditions in the water.

And of course, in all these destinations you’ve got the added benefit of the beaches being at their least crowded, so you can stretch out and feel far more relaxed!

head to the ski slopes during the winter break

Massive on-and off-piste runs in pristine condition await skiers of all levels of experience across large parts of central Europe as the year kicks off.

And, as people are generally still giving their wallets a chance to recover after the festive period, ski holiday prices can be especially favourable in January.

Lower temperatures also deter some would-be winter holidaymakers, but again, this can be in your favour if you’re more resistant to the cold, because the snowfall in many spots is no less than later in the season.

Choosing ski-in, ski-out accommodation can help reduce the effects of colder temperatures, as you avoid spending too long inactive.

Meribel, at the heart of the Trois Vallees, is a great place for skiers of all levels of proficiency, with one-third of the runs designated as for beginners, and all runs offering plenty of space to enjoy some stunning mountain views.

In the same region, Courchevel’s attractions are split between the lower-level Le Praz, and the higher, and more select, Courchevel 1850. At the lower level, you’ll find a more relaxed pace, while the après-ski is somewhat more lively higher up. All parts of the resort are linked by a free bus service.

experience a skiing holiday in canada

If Canada is top of your list of destinations, then you really have to consider a Whistler ski holiday. North America’s largest ski resort, it is dominated by twin peaks scaling more than 7,000 feet. In this perfect natural setting are ski runs for every level and a great range of snowboarding facilities.

More comfortable conditions for exploring, whether on foot or by car or train, mean that an exotic sightseeing trip is especially popular among people who may have resolved to experience new cultures on a January holiday.

plan a sightseeing trip to bangkok

That means Bangkok is one location which comes to the fore, as it offers the chance to choose the type of holiday you prefer – the weather is reliable enough for a beach holiday, but also sufficiently temperate to make sightseeing pleasurable.

In fact, as there is less emphasis on the bustle of the city’s nightlife at this time, January can be one of the best months for spending days exploring the many temples, before enjoying the more relaxed ambience of the city’s jazz and cocktail bars.

Penang in Malaysia is similar to Bangkok in offering a consistent climate, making sightseeing a pleasure, even in January, and the beaches of Batu Ferringhi an enticing prospect in any British winter.

What better antidote can there be to our January gloom than waking up in one of the city’s hotels with a view to the Indian Ocean under all-embracing blue skies? Many hotels are just a short walk from the beach, while much of the architecture has a familiar look, thanks to its colonial origins, especially around George Town.

enjoy some world class sport on a january holiday to melbourne

Heading ‘down under’, why not take in the attractions which make the Australian city of Melbourne a fast-rising star in the winter holiday pantheon?

Sports fans will know that January in Melbourne means the Australian Tennis Open, the first of the year’s ‘Grand Slam’ events. That means the eyes of much of the world focus on a city which already has more than its fair share of reasons to visit.

It’s also a very cultural city, with plenty of museums and art galleries to discover, while the Queen Victoria Market, open daily except Mondays and Wednesdays, is a perennial favourite. Meanwhile, a picnic beside the river in the Royal Botanic Gardens is also an experience not to be missed.