January is a particularly busy time for forward bookings from holidaymakers seeking summer sun and an escape from the grey and dreary British winter.
This coming Monday, the third of the month, has been coined ‘Blue Monday’ by the travel industry for its noticeable peak in activity – more than 630,000 travellers searched for a flight from Manchester on the corresponding Monday last year, according to data from price comparison site Skyscanner.
The Northern Hub is expecting a busy January for bookings this year and has revealed its most popular destinations by capacity for summer 2023, with many thousands of seats available over the travel industry’s summer season.
A number of airlines also have deals available on Blue Monday and throughout January, with flights to some major holiday hotspots available from under £60pp return.
All prices correct at the time of writing, but may be subject to change. Prices quoted are for flights only and may not include hold baggage.
7. Tenerife
If you like combining sunshine with adventure, Tenerife boasts some awe-inspiring experiences. Ride a cable car 3,335m to the summit of Mount Teide and take in the incredible views of the national park that surrounds it. Alternatively, visit the cliffs of Los Gigantes, where you can relax on the beach, or cruise the waters by taking a boat trip from the nearby marina. The island is packed full of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Siam Park, voted the world’s best (and biggest) water park 6 years in a row, boasts heated pools, a white sand beach and stunning waterfall. Prices start from £119.48pp return with Ryanair (departing 30th April, arriving back 11th May). easyJet, Jet2.com and Tui also serve Tenerife. Photo: MA
8. Lanzarote
Beaches are, without doubt, the main draw to Lanzarote, another Canary Island. From the Papagayo Beach that lies hidden between the mountains of Ajaches, to the golden fine sanded beach of Playa Grande, the choices for sunbathing spots and swimming in calm seas are endless. Lanzarote’s other highlight is its remarkable volcanic landscape, which is best experienced in the other-worldly Parque Natural de los Volcanes (no prizes for translating this one!). Camel treks across its ashen plateau are available. Flight prices start from £198 pp return with Tui, for a 7-night trip departing 19th March. Ryanair, Jet2.com and easyJet also serve Lanzarote from Manchester. Photo: MA
9. Malaga
Malaga sits on the southern coast of Spain, offering guaranteed hot summer weather and vast expanses of sandy shoreline. Its cultural gems are often overlooked – the city was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and has a museum dedicated to his memory, housing many of his famous works. Malaga also has a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and some of Spain’s best seafood. Fly to the Costa del Sol from £151pp return with Jet2.com (19th – 26th June). You can also reach Malaga from Manchester with Tui, easyJet and Ryanair. Photo: MA
10. Gran Canaria
The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands is lush, green and mountainous, ringed with golden beaches, making for a spectacularly scenic summer holiday destination, perfect for sunshine relaxation. Gran Canaria is also a hotspot for active holidays. The east coast’s choppy waves make it a popular spot for water sports, and Roque Nublo, a rocky outcrop at the heart of the island’s interior mountain range, is a big draw for climbers, from experts to novices. You can get to Gran Canaria from £73.48pp return with Ryanair (departing on 13th April and returning 25th April). You can also reach the island with easyJet, Jet2.com and Tui. Photo: MA
11. Dubrovnik
Nestled between the Dalmatian mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik has become synonymous with Game of Thrones in recent years but has a long and storied past, with its imposing 800-year-old city walls encircling a warren of characterful streets filled with historic architecture and monuments. The city makes a great base to explore the wider Dalmatia region, with breath-taking scenery, crystal-clear waters and unspoilt shale beaches. Flights start from £177pp with Tui (for an 11-night trip departing 14th May) and you can also fly to Dubrovnik with easyJet and Jet2.com from Manchester. Photo: MA
12. Mykonos
Among the most-visited of Greece’s 6,000 islands, Mykonos is particularly popular with a younger crowd, combining Greek culture, food, striking architecture and sunshine with a vibrant nightlife scene. Mykonos’ ‘Little Venice’, in the town of Chora, is a popular day trip spot, with the balconies of its whitewashed buildings suspended over the sea. Jet2.com will take you to Mykonos from Manchester for £187pp return (10th – 17th August), and you can also travel with easyJet. Photo: MA