Where Britons are heading on holiday this month - with highs of 19°C and flights from £13

Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 11/01/2026

- 04:00

Save money and enjoy some winter sun with a last-minute January trip

Britons are ready to jet off this January, and winter sun escapes are the most popular holiday choice.

Those booking last-minute getaways this month are setting their sights firmly on Egypt and Morocco, with Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marrakech topping the list for beach-hungry travellers.


January has secured its spot as one of the three most popular departure periods for those craving sandy shores and warm weather, according to new data.

The figures, gathered by loveholidays during a recent peak booking window, show UK households remain keen on holidays despite being value-conscious.

Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt

Hurghada is the most popular destination in January, according to new data

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GETTY

Egypt and Morocco are great options for affordable trips that likely have sun and warm weather, even in the winter months.

January flights to Hurghada start from £14 from the UK, with Edinburgh offering the cheapest one-way tickets.

Sharm El Sheikh tickets can be booked for as little as £40 one-way this month, and Marrakesh has the cheapest January flights of the three - at £13 direct from London. Here, temperatures can hit highs of 19°C to 20°C in January.

Albania has emerged as a surprise star, with bookings surging by a remarkable 224 per cent compared to the same period last year, as Britons are hunting for alternative beach spots that won't break the bank.

Meanwhile, spring has become the ideal time for savvy travellers. April and May 2026 are now the two most sought-after departure months for beach breaks, with holidaymakers deliberately timing their trips to dodge the summer rush and get better deals.

The Canary Islands continue to reign supreme, accounting for 19 per cent of all bookings, followed by mainland Spain at 12 per cent and Egypt at 11 per cent.

CEO of loveholidays, Donat Rétif, said: "We are seeing customers focus on quality, all-inclusive value and travelling at different times of year that offer better choice and flexibility.

"For many UK households, holidays remain a top priority, even if how and when they travel is evolving." The travel company expects to see more bookings to key destinations such as the Canaries, mainland Spain and Egypt, as well as emerging hotspots like Albania.

People at rooftop restaurant in the Medina, Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh had the cheapest flights, available for £13 this month

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GETTY

When it comes to accommodation, Britons are not willing to compromise on quality - nearly half of all beach holidays booked are four-star, while more than a quarter of travellers are splashing out on five-star stays.

That means three-quarters of holidaymakers are opting for higher-end hotels, showing little appetite for downgrading their digs.

All-inclusive packages remain the go-to choice, with more than half of beach holidaymakers selecting this option.

It is a trend that reflects how much people love simplicity and having their costs covered up front.

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