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.
13. Antalya
Antalya is the most popular spot in Turkey for visitors from Manchester and offers a blend of incredible beaches, a picturesque Ottoman harbour, amazing food and world-class museums. The area around Antalya has been a cultural hotspot since antiquity and visitors can admire Greek and Roman ruins, including the monumental ancient city of Perge and the 2,000-year-old Hardian’s Gate, which still stands guard at the entrance to Antalya’s Old Town. Jet2.com will fly you to Antalya from £301pp return (26th June – 3rd July), and easyJet, Corendon Airlines, Tui, Pegasus Airlines and Sun Express also connect Manchester to the Turquoise Coast. Photo: MA
14. Faro
The main hub for Portugal’s Algarve, Faro itself boasts a quaint and characterful Old Town with cobbled streets, a 13th Century Cathedral and an attractive marina, dotted with restaurants and bars. It is flanked by a string of coastal resorts with some of Europe’s very best sandy beaches. Albufeira is home to the Algarve’s party scene and is a short trip from Faro. Fly with Ryanair this summer from only £65.89pp return (depart on 19th June and arrive back on 27th June), and you can also travel to Faro with easyJet, Tui and Jet2.com. Photo: MA