January Escapes: Start the year with sunshine and a promise to travel more

A brand new year and a brand new adventure.

If your New Year’s resolution is to travel more, live brighter, and finally book that dream escape, then January is the perfect time to begin. The Christmas decorations are packed away, the weather is gloomy, and let’s be honest, we all need something to look forward to.

So why not trade grey skies for golden sunsets? Picture yourself stepping off a plane into warm air, the sound of the sea nearby, and that unmistakable feeling of freedom that only comes from being on holiday.

Here are some of my favourite destinations to start the year with sunshine, relaxation, and a little inspiration for your next adventure.

Maldives

Average temperature: 27°C

Flight time: Around 10½ hours

The Maldives is as close to paradise as you can get. Think turquoise lagoons, soft white sands and wooden villas perched above the water. It is peaceful, beautiful and completely unspoilt.

January is one of the best times to visit. The skies are clear, the sea is calm and the weather is perfection. You can spend your mornings snorkelling among colourful fish, your afternoons by your private pool and your evenings enjoying dinner under a sky filled with stars.

The Maldives is made for rest and reconnection. It is where you switch off, slow down and let the world drift by.

Stay at: Soneva Jani

This resort is pure luxury. You can enjoy your own private lagoon, personal butler service, an open-air cinema, and even a chocolate room. Every detail is designed to make you feel special.

Barbados

Average temperature: 26°C

Flight time: Around 8½ hours

Barbados has that wonderful Caribbean charm that instantly puts you at ease. It is lively yet laid back, elegant yet friendly. January is a perfect time to visit, with long sunny days and warm seas that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Spend your mornings walking along the Platinum Coast, your afternoons exploring colourful Bridgetown and your evenings sipping rum punch while the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. If you want to experience true island life, join a local fish fry at Oistins and dance the night away.

Stay at: Coral Reef Club

A beautiful family-run hotel surrounded by tropical gardens. It has an award-winning spa, excellent dining, and a lovely beach setting. Everything about it feels relaxed, refined, and perfectly Bajan.

Antigua

Average temperature: 24°C

Flight time: Around 8½ hours

Antigua has one beach for every day of the year and each one is as inviting as the last. The island is small enough to explore but big enough to offer something new every day.

You can spend your mornings sailing along the coastline, stopping at secret coves and jumping into the crystal-clear sea, then head up to Shirley Heights for the most spectacular sunset view you will ever see. The island’s warmth comes not only from the sunshine but also from the people, who are always ready with a smile.

Stay at: Jumby Bay Island

This private island retreat is peaceful, elegant and all-inclusive. You can snorkel, enjoy beach barbecues and experience some of the finest dining in the Caribbean. It is a true escape from the everyday.

Tenerife

Average temperature: 22°C

Flight time: Around 3½ hours

If you want sunshine without the long flight, Tenerife is the answer. It is an island of variety, from volcanic landscapes and mountain views to lively coastal resorts and beautiful beaches.

In January the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring or relaxing by the pool. You can take a cable car to the top of Mount Teide for breathtaking views, wander through charming villages or enjoy local tapas by the sea.

Stay at: Bahia del Duque

This stunning resort feels like a fairytale village with pastel-coloured buildings, lush gardens, and a beachfront location. The spa is one of the best in Europe and the service is second to none.

Dubai

Average temperature: 26°C

Flight time: Around 7 hours

Dubai is the ultimate winter sun destination. In January the weather is warm but not too hot, making it perfect for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing by the beach.

It is a city that combines old and new, with glittering skyscrapers, golden deserts and traditional souks filled with colour and fragrance. You can spend your mornings exploring, your afternoons on Jumeirah Beach and your evenings dining under the stars with views of the famous skyline.

Stay at: Atlantis The Palm

A world-famous resort that has everything you could ever want. Enjoy the waterpark, the aquarium, and an incredible choice of restaurants by top chefs. It is ideal for families, couples and anyone who loves a little glamour.

Mauritius

Average temperature: 28°C

Flight time: Around 12 hours

Mauritius is one of those destinations that instantly makes you feel calm. It is an island full of colour, culture and charm, where lush forests meet turquoise seas.

You can explore waterfalls, wander through spice gardens or snorkel in lagoons teeming with marine life. The food is delicious, with a mix of Creole, Indian and French flavours that reflect the island’s diverse heritage.

Mauritius is perfect for couples, families and anyone looking for a blend of adventure and relaxation.

Stay at: Shangri-La Le Touessrok

This beautiful resort sits on a private beach surrounded by clear water. You can enjoy butler service, spa treatments, and fine dining. It is peaceful, elegant, and completely luxurious.

Ras Al Khaimah

Average temperature: 20°C

Flight time: Around 7 hours 20 minutes

Ras Al Khaimah, often known as RAK, is Dubai’s quieter and more authentic neighbour. It offers year-round sunshine, desert adventures and a fascinating glimpse into Emirati culture.

In January the weather is warm and perfect for exploring. You can go ziplining through the Jebel Jais mountains, visit historic forts or simply relax on long golden beaches. The sunsets are unforgettable and the atmosphere is calm and unhurried.

Stay at: Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort

Opened in 2024, this luxurious beachfront hotel offers French elegance and warm hospitality. Enjoy fine dining, a Clarins spa and the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Australia

Average temperature: 30°C

Flight time: Around 17 hours

While we are wrapping up in scarves, Australia is in the middle of summer. January is a brilliant time to visit, especially Western Australia where the beaches are pristine and the wine is world class.

Start in Perth to enjoy city life by the water, then travel down to Margaret River for a few days of wine tasting, food and countryside charm. The drive to Esperance is filled with white-sand beaches and turquoise coves that look like they belong in a magazine.

Stay at: COMO The Treasury in Perth

A beautifully restored heritage building turned into a stylish boutique hotel. It has elegant rooms, a superb restaurant, and easy access to everything the city has to offer.

Ready to make your New Year’s resolution happen?

Whether you are dreaming of a romantic escape in the Maldives, cocktails in the Caribbean or desert sunsets in Ras Al Khaimah, I can help you find your perfect winter getaway.

Let’s make 2026 the year you travel more, stress less, and finally tick off those dream destinations.

Every holiday with NC Travel is tailor-made, fully ABTA bonded and ATOL protected, giving you complete peace of mind. And of course, I am with you every step of the way.

Ready to start your year with sunshine? Get in touch today for the latest offers and let’s plan your perfect start to 2026.