The festive season is over, and January can feel long. However, January travel is one of the smartest ways to beat the gloom. Flights are cheaper, crowds are thin and many places are at their most relaxed.

Therefore, we have picked eight destinations for January travel in 2027. First, we look at why each one works in winter. Then we share the typical January return fare from London. In addition, we can organise four of them as bespoke trips.

Morocco: January Travel with Souks, Snow and Sahara Sunsets

Morocco comes first because it does so much in one trip. Days in Marrakech are mild, while the High Atlas is often covered in snow. As a result, you can bargain in a souk one day and ski the next. See our Morocco skiing experience or our Mini Sahara experience.

Typical January fare from London: the cheapest return we found was £61.

Andalusia: January Travel with Tapas and Flamenco

Southern Spain is lovely in winter. The air is mild, and the big sights are far quieter than in summer. Moreover, evenings are perfect for long tapas dinners. Our Iberian Lynx experience runs in December and January, and it adds a wild-cat search to Seville.

Typical January fare from London: around £88 return.

Madeira: A Green Island with Spring-Like January Travel*

Madeira is often called the island of eternal spring. Indeed, January brings mild weather, flowers and green walking trails. Meanwhile, the levada paths are quiet and lovely. We can organise this one as a bespoke trip.

Typical January fare from London: around £111 return.

Malta: History Without the Crowds*

Malta packs thousands of years of history into a tiny island. In January, the weather is cool but gentle. Consequently, you can explore Valletta, Mdina and the temples at an easy pace. Again, we can organise this as a bespoke trip.

Typical January fare from London: around £121 return.

Sicily: January Travel for Food, Citrus and a Volcano

Sicily is a feast in winter. Citrus is in season, markets are lively and Mount Etna often wears a cap of snow. Also, the sightseeing is far more peaceful than in summer. Our Sicily experience centres on food and wine, and we can talk you through dates.

Typical January fare from London: around £97 return.

Tunisia: Whitewashed Villages and Roman Ruins*

Tunisia is close to Europe but feels a world away. Sidi Bou Said is a joy of blue doors and sea views. Furthermore, Carthage and the Roman sites are best seen in cooler weather. This destination can also be a bespoke trip.

Typical January fare from London: around £147 return.

Portugal: Lisbon Trams and Atlantic Light*

Portugal is a classic for January travel. Lisbon is bright, walkable and full of good food. Meanwhile, the Algarve is quiet and calm. Like several others on this list, it works well as a bespoke trip.

Typical January fare from London: January is the cheapest month to fly, and fares across Portugal average around £66 return.

Transylvania: Snow, Huskies and Wolf Tracking

Finally, if you want proper winter, head to Transylvania. Snow covers the villages and forests, and the pace is wonderfully slow. For example, our Grey Wolf experience runs from January to March. Also, our Winter Transylvania experience adds husky sledding.

Typical January fare from London (to Bucharest): around £73 return.

Start Your January Travel Planning Today

Fares here are typical January return prices from London, which we found on comparison sites in early November 2026. They change daily, so please treat them as a guide. We can organise the destinations marked * as bespoke trips.

Keep an eye on your inbox, too, because we may be planning a Black Friday deal. In the meantime, browse our small group trips or read about Morocco in winter for more ideas.

Written by James Chisnall