MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry warns shoppers about finding true deals in the January sales – and what could be a scam
Whether you’re desperate for some time away after being the person covering work over Christmas, or you need some ‘you time’ after the hectic family comings and goings, a short January break can be the reset you need.
Budget holidays are a great way to restore your mental wellbeing, but going away in January can also mean there is very little budget to do it with. If you have saved money for a getaway, try these locations for quick trips that will put you into a positive mindset for 2026.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovinia
This definitely isn’t a destination that springs to mind immediately when thinking of a getaway – and that’s exactly why it’s worth looking into.
Gavin Byron Harris, a freelance travel journalist, says: “Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is cheaper than other more popular Balkan destinations in countries like Croatia and Slovenia.”
Budget tips
Gavin also notes that travel to and around the capital city is cheap. “Ryanair offers direct flights to Sarajevo from London Stansted from just £14.99 and getting around the city is also cheap. Taxis are about half the price of the UK and the tram running from one end of the city to the other is less than £2 for as many stops as you want.”
Even the cuisine is affordable, with plenty of local and international options to choose from. Gavin says: “For a cheap, delicious take away meal, try Burgo in ‘Pigeon Square’ in Baščaršija, aka Old Town, the charming Ottoman area of the city.”
Prague, Czech Republic
One of the most popular weekend or midweek short break cities, Prague offers great value for money in the early months of the year. Flights are notoriously cheap (starting from around £45) and you can fly from London, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh airports direct which can cut down a lot on UK travel costs, too.
While the weather and climate is similar to that of the UK, many of the attractions like the castle are under cover. If you’re out and about, keep warm by taking a walking tour around the city.
Budget tips
Group tours start from as little as five euros, while tailored private tours can cost above forty euros for a few hours. You can also get around on the metro and local bus routes for very little as around £5 for a 1-day ticket (or less for specific trips). Just remember to validate your ticket when you enter the station or bus otherwise you could face a big fine.
Eating in restaurants is also very inexpensive, especially if you wander away from the main tourist square near the Astronomical Clock. Hotels are inexpensive especially if you are happy to walk ten minutes to the city centre, while there are also hostels for the true budget option.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
If you want some dependable sunshine to stave off the January blues, the Canary Islands are always a good choice. It’s easy to think they will be out of your budget, but in January you can get flights from as little as £50 direct from Manchester, with direct flights from 11 UK airports meaning very little door-to-door transport is needed to get you to the airport, too.
The weather is around 20-22 degrees Celsius at the start of the year, so you’ll need a light jacket for the evenings but can be (almost) guaranteed sunshine through the day.
Budget tips
A package holiday is perfect for these sunny getaways, which can be from as little as around £200 per person for four nights including flights from London. Remember that if you opt for a package holiday it’s still worth buying your own travel insurance to cover yourself for wider eventualities than the standard package, which might come with high excesses or stringent eligibility requirements.
Iceland
Iceland in January might sound like a nightmare to some, but for others it is bliss. While there are limited daylight hours, this comes with a huge bonus: more dark hours to see the Northern Lights. While the aurora isn’t ever guaranteed, Iceland is one of the best places to see it – and we’re in a peak solar cycle right now, meaning incredible displays. Try to go during a dark period of the month such as the first two weeks of January, when the moon is less full.
A package to a city break costs around £250 per person for a long weekend. But, if you can, consider heading to the other side of the island to Akureyri for a stunning city that has a bunch of attractions and is quieter than capital Reykjavik.
Budget tips
A huge tip for anyone who has their heart set on going to the Blue Lagoon but has a budget to consider is simply to attend a local hot spring bath instead. There are many around Iceland, but if you are in the north near Akueryri, try Mývatn Nature Baths also known as Earth Lagoon. This unassuming leisure centre on the side of a mountain reveals a stunning view over the entire frozen lake and mountain range. It’s much cheaper and a lot quieter than the Blue Lagoon, too.
Getting around Iceland is most suitable for those who can drive and rent a car. In January, most of the inner roads of the island are closed but you can travel the infamous Ring Road the entire way around the country in under a week. Packages are available but it often works out cheaper to book separately. Dining is notoriously expensive in Iceland, so make the most of supermarkets and self-catered accommodation.
Neath Port Talbot
If you want to stay closer to home to avoid the hassle of international travel, check out Neath Port Talbot. From stunning landscapes to seaside views, there is plenty to see and do in this beautiful part of Wales.
Gavin Byron Harris says: “The region is a bit cheaper than busier Welsh alternatives like Gower, Pembrokeshire and Eryri (formerly known as Snowdonia), with accommodation and activity prices that are generally a bit lower. Fewer visitors also mean a quieter, less crowded experience as well”.
Budget tips
For delicious dinners, he recommends a curry house called Zafran Indian Restaurant in Skewen just outside Neath, which has a “very reasonably priced, super tasty all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet for £11.95.”
For cheap things to do, there is a wealth of choice of nature walks, such as Aberavon Beach, Gnoll Estate, and Aran Forest Park. But if the weather in January is a little too chilly for a whole weekend outside, check out the Miner’s Museum or one of the many estates and houses run by the National Trust.
UK staycations with your pet
One thing that stops many people from booking a last-minute getaway is the logistics of finding care for their pets. Kennels, boarders, and sitters also add a significant extra cost to the budget of even a short trip. That’s why it’s always worth looking at trips where you can take your pet with you.
Look for pet-friendly hotels or self-catered accommodation to make sure you have peace of mind travelling with your furry friend. While you can look for them on popular booking sites, search filters can be vague and accommodation isn’t always checked for its real dog-friendly credentials.
So, it’s better to go via a specialist website like Pets Pyjamas to book a getaway that’s not only inclusive but fully tailored to dogs. For example, Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa in West Sussex near Climping Beach has 30 acres of private parkland and includes dog beds, bowls, and treats to offer a fully inclusive spa hotel getaway including your canine friend.
It’s not only dogs that you can travel with, either. If you own a horse, holidays might seem out of reach. So make sure you check out Harry Hall’s free guide to the best staycations with your horse which include accommodation and stabling recommendations so you can ride the best paths with your equine companion for your January getaway.
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