If you're unsure where to go to escape the British winter, take a look at our quick guide to the best January destinations.
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For the New Year sales: |
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Milan is a shopper’s paradise with an enormous choice of designer boutiques and huge department stores. And if you fancy a change, there is plenty more to see in and around the city, especially as the Italian ski slopes are but an hour or two away.
New York
Bloomingdales, Macys, Barneys and Saks! Need we say any more? Browse Manhattan’s flagship stores for everything you need (and more). And if you haven’t had enough, there’s even a huge outlet mall just outside town for more bargains!
Edinburgh
From department stores bursting with designer labels to stylish boutiques and even the famous Harvey Nichols and Jenners stores - you'll find them right here.
Manchester
You’re sure to find a bargain amongst the many shops within Manchester’s city centre. Head for the large chain stores within the Arndale Centre or for a more upmarket experience, head for the boutiques in King Street or Harvey Nichols in the Triangle. Not too far away, you’ll find the shopping mecca which is the Trafford Centre, dominated by John Lewis, Selfridges and Debenhams. |
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For family ski-ing: |
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Flaine, France
Designed to be a safe environment for children, Flaine boasts a compact and pedestrianised town centre, wide nursery slopes and plenty of family friendly activities. More importantly, there are dedicated children’s ski lessons at each of the resort’s ski schools; the Ecole du Ski Francaise and the Ski Ecole International
Morzine, France
 Committed to the “Famille Plus” label, going the extra mile to providing family-friendly facilities and activities. There are gentle nursery slopes and 3 local ski schools to choose from.
Whistler, Canada
The pedestrianised town centre is a huge plus point for families - and there is even a free village shuttle bus to help you get about the resort when little legs get tired. The resort offers plenty of restaurants, bars and shops with something to suit all budgets and tastes. There is also a great choice of accommodation and another advantage to bringing the family to North America is that most of the hotels here offer rooms with 2 double beds, sleeping 4.
The Whistler Kids Ski and Snowboard School offers a range of lessons and programmes for 3 - 17 year olds as well as creche facilities for those not quite ready to don their skis yet. |
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For lively après-ski: |
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Soldeu, Andorra
The lively resort of Soldeu has a youthful feel with a good choice of bars and restaurants.
Verbier, Swizerland
This is a resort that appears to have it all – fantastic pistes with a strong snow record, a lively nightlife, amazing restaurants and a cosmopolitan atmosphere – all proving to be a winning combination which draws the crowds back year after year. In fact, the après ski and nightlife is as legendary as the slopes and the village offers over 100 bars and restaurants.
Courchevel, France
 As well as a huge variety of well groomed pistes to choose from, Courcheval also offers an astounding range of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. 1850 is particularly lively with a good selection of shops and designer boutiques too.
Val d’Isere, France
A high altitude resort with a strong snow record, Val d’Isere offers a lively holiday with a fantastic choice of restaurants and bars. Don’t be surprised if the après-ski lasts well into the early hours.
Cervinia, Italy
One of Italy’s highest resorts, Cervinia is lively in nature with excellent après-ski opportunities. There is a good choice of bars and cafes which are open till late as well as a nearby casino (St Vincent) |
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For a touring holiday: |
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New Zealand
It’s no wonder New Zealand is rapidly becoming one of the most revered travel destinations in the world - thanks to its untarnished, colourful and amazing landscapes, fantastic cities and endless range of activities.
 A fly/drive holiday is the only way to take in New Zealand’s various provinces, which is aided by the fact that the country prides itself on having some of the best roads and tourist friendly signposting on the planet to aid its many independent visitors.
Australia
In such a vast country, it’s difficult to know where to head first. Many consider the drive along Australia’s East Coast from Sydney to Cairns as the greatest self-drive holiday on Earth - from the Harbour Bridge and Opera House of Sydney, through the stunning Blue Mountains and along fantastic Gold Coast beaches, before the headline act of The Great Barrier Reef. |
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For adventure |
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Morocco
A pleasant year-round climate combined with expansive beaches, dramatic mountains and intriguing cities are fast making Morocco a popular destination with many independent travellers.
Whilst you’ll need something warm to wrap around your shoulders each evening, Marrakech enjoys an average winter temperature of 21ºC and Agadir, situated on the Atlantic coast, enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year with a minimum of 7 hours of sunshine during the winter and pleasant temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius.
South Africa
In general the weather in South Africa is sunny and hot in the summer months (from December to April). This is also the dry season in Kruger National Park – the weather is warm and pleasant with clear skies and the animals tend to converge on permanent water sources, making them easier to spot.
This is also a good time to combine a Kruger safari with a Cape Town beach holiday. |
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For beaches and relaxation: |
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The Maldives
This is probably one of the best beach holiday locations in the world!
 With temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius and low levels of humidity, January and February are two of the best months to visit the small islands of the Maldives. This is the ultimate relaxation holiday and barring the odd fishing trip, sunset sail or dolphin cruise, there is nothing to do here but chill out, settle yourself down on a pristine beach or take a dip in the turquoise waters amongst the colourful reef fish. This is an ideal honeymoon spot – most islands offer stunning water villas, luxury spas and, of course, white sand beaches with few other people in sight!
Dubai
The period between December and March is considered one of the best times to visit Dubai, when the temperature cools down to a more comfortable level. This is an ideal place to laze by the pool and take things easy but if you want a spot more activity, take a trip to the souks and shopping malls or even a desert safari and enjoy a night under the stars!
Fuerteventura
The Canary Islands have long been a popular winter sunshine destination and if you’re looking to relax on the beach, Fuerteventura is a good choice. There are more than 150 beaches here, offering something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a deserted spot to escape the crowds or somewhere to catch a wave.
Florida
Although Florida is synonymous with lively theme parks and non-stop fun, there is another side to the Sunshine State and winter is one of the best times to enjoy the many beaches along its coasts. Between December and March, the coast here enjoys pleasant warm temperatures and low levels of humidity – no wonder the Canadians head south for the winter! |
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