January doesn’t have to be all grey skies and New Year guilt. Whether you're dreaming of sun, snow, or just somewhere new, we’ve rounded up the best destinations you can fly to directly from Liverpool or Manchester.

From sun-drenched beaches to magical winter cities, here's where to go, what to do, and how much you'll spend on that all-important pint 🍻

☀️ Tenerife, Canary Islands – For Winter Sun & Volcano Vibes

**Flights from:** Liverpool or Manchester ✈️ (~4.5 hours)
**Avg. Temp:** 20–22°C
**Pint:** ~€2.50 / £2.10
**Meal Out (mid-range):** ~€12–15 / £10–£13
**Vibe:** Chill / Beach / Nature

Why Go:
If January’s got you dreaming of sunshine, Tenerife’s calling. Think golden beaches, tapas bars, and epic volcanic hikes — all without breaking the bank.

Top Things To Do:
🌋 Hike (or cable car!) up Mount Teide
🏖 Chill at Playa de las Teresitas
🐬 Go whale watching in Los Cristianos
🍷 Eat and drink your way around La Laguna’s old town

🏙 Budapest, Hungary – For Steamy Spas & Fairytale Streets

**Flights from:** Manchester ✈️ (~2.5 hours)
**Avg. Temp:** 1–4°C
**Pint:** ~€1.50 / £1.30
**Meal Out:** ~€10 / £8.50
**Vibe:** City / Culture / Cosy

Why Go:
Budapest in winter = actual magic. Thermal baths, stunning architecture, and those prices? Yes, please.

Top Things To Do:
🛁 Soak in Széchenyi Baths (steam + snow = bliss)
🏰 Walk across the Chain Bridge to Buda Castle
🍲 Warm up with goulash in a ruin bar
🚢 Do a night river cruise for next-level views

🎿 Salzburg, Austria – For Snow, Ski & Storybook Streets

**Flights from:** Manchester ✈️ (~2.5 hours)
**Avg. Temp:** -2 to 3°C
**Pint:** ~€4 / £3.40
**Meal Out:** ~€15 / £13
**Vibe:** Alpine / City & Ski / Romantic

Why Go:
Snow-covered rooftops, mulled wine markets, and world-class skiing just a short drive away — Salzburg is a dreamy January getaway.

Top Things To Do:
⛷ Day trip to ski resorts like Zell am See
🎶 Take a Sound of Music tour
🎨 Visit Mozart’s house
🌃 Enjoy the twinkling Old Town streets with a hot chocolate (or schnapps)

🏖 Dubai, UAE – For Long-Haul Heat & Luxe Adventures

**Flights from:** Manchester ✈️ (~7 hours, direct)
**Avg. Temp:** 24–26°C
**Pint:** ~£10 (yes, really)
**Meal Out:** ~£15–20
**Vibe:** Glam / Beach / Desert

Why Go:
Want proper heat? Dubai has sunshine, skyscrapers, souks, and sand dunes. Plus, it’s surprisingly family-friendly and full of wow moments.

Top Things To Do:
🏙 Zip up the Burj Khalifa
🐪 Go dune bashing or ride a camel in the desert
🏖 Chill at JBR Beach or try watersports
🛍 Visit the gold & spice souks for a cultural fix

❄️ Kraków, Poland – For Budget Beauty & Cosy Culture

**Flights from:** Liverpool or Manchester ✈️ (~2.5 hours)
**Avg. Temp:** -3 to 2°C
**Pint:** ~£1.50
**Meal Out:** ~£8
**Vibe:** Historic / Budget / Low-key lovely

Flights from: Liverpool or Manchester ✈️ (~2.5 hours)
Avg. Temp: -3 to 2°C
Pint: ~£1.50
Meal Out: ~£8
Vibe: Historic / Budget / Low-key lovely

Why Go:
Kraków is seriously underrated — beautiful, affordable, and rich in culture. Plus, you’ll spend less on an entire weekend than you would on one night out at home.

Top Things To Do:
🏰 Explore Wawel Castle & the Old Town
🥟 Eat all the pierogi at a traditional milk bar
🕯 Visit Auschwitz (a powerful and moving day trip)
🌌 Head underground to the incredible Wieliczka Salt Mines

💡 Quick Tips for January Travel

✅ Travel mid-Jan for the best deals
✅ Layers are key – even sunny places get chilly at night
✅ Look out for winter sales on Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair & TUI
✅ Off-peak = less crowds and cheaper hotels – win-win

So… where’s your January escape taking you? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your snowy slopes, sun-soaked beaches, or spa selfies! 🌍💬

☃️ Jet-Set January: Beach, City, or Ski?