Winter is in full swing and with it comes dark, cold and wet days. While Christmas can bring some cheer into these gloomy months, we still have a long way to go until the spring arrives.

Many will already be dreaming of their summer holiday destination but if you can’t wait until then, there are plenty of places not too far from the UK that can give you that sunshine you are craving. January can actually be the perfect time to travel as destinations offer affordable prices that help you kickstart your new year with a bang. A travel expert has recommended four places you can head to from the UK for “winter sun on a January budget”.

TikTok travel expert, Robonthebeach, has laid out four of his top personal recommendations Brits can flock to in the new year. He offered destinations that are both hot and cheap.

Rob explained: “January is one of my favourite months to book a holiday. Everyone’s skint, everyone’s cold, flights are quiet and the prices in a lot of destinations drop way lower than you’d expect.” He looked at January weather, booking reports and pricing to come up with his list for a “warm, good value holiday next month.”

Madeira

First on Rob’s recommendations is the Portugese islands of Madeira. The four islands sit off the northwest coast of Africa and is best known for its wine, warmth and subtropical climate.

Rob explained that while it isn’t roasting in January, you can expect warm and sunny weather at 19C to 20C. He labelled it “one of the most gorgeous coastlines in Europe” and even found a deal for £330 per person from Dublin for flights and bed and breakfast.

Tenerife

The largest of the Canary Islands provides very reliable hot weather even in January, coming in at 22C to 23C and sun every day. Rob proved the destination is affordable as he found a deal for self catering accomodation for seven nigths from Liverpool for £260 per person.

He personally recommended staying in Costa Adeje as it is “sheltered, warm and loads going on”. 

Sharm El Sheikh

The resort city in Egypt is known for its sandy beaches and clear waters. Rob said: “If you want actual summer in January, this is it. You’re looking at 24C to 27C here, blue sky every single day and water that’s like a bath.”

He found a deal for an all inclusive seven night stay including flights from Luton for £225 per person. “If you want heat for cheap, this is the one,” he said.

Miami

Rob admitted this suggestion is his “wildcard” but with the right deal, it can still be a cheap winter break. He found seven nights at a hotel on Miami Beach with indirect flights from Heathrow for £605 per person.

The expert quipped: “For Miami beach in January, peak sunshine season, that’s pretty nuts.” Weather in Miami sits at a nice 25C to 27C.