Where to go in January in the sun?

The end-of-year holidays are over, the presents have been opened for a long time... Here is January, this long winter month without parties and therefore without welcome distractions. European spring is still far away and the need for light and warmth is becoming urgent. Why not go out into the sun to experience a real break from everyday life, enjoy less crowded beaches, discover different cultures in a pleasant climate? \n\nBut where to go? How to choose the ideal destination? Everyone has their own preferences and budget! Here are some ideas for dreaming of discoveries and exoticism, taking into account the distance, and therefore the time it takes to reach dream vacation accommodation. \n

Less than 3 hours by flight or train: go to Europe in January

\nOf course, winter reigns throughout Europe, but some shores benefit from mild weather. In addition to proximity, southern European destinations align the advantages: no passport controls, ease of payments in euros, which avoids exchange problems, no vaccines, and even 4G access fees or 5G identical to those in France. \n\nIt is possible to leave on a whim or read the local weather, to find yourself by the sea, in a t-shirt and sunglasses. \n

European destinations to go in January in the sun

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Spain, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic

\nJust a few hours from the French border, Spain offers gourmet cuisine, delicious wines and sunny beaches. Added to this are artists both familiar and exotic, such as Salvador Dali, who left his mark on the village of Cadaqués. Renting a villa in Cadaqués allows you to get closer to the genius while enjoying the sun on the terrace and the heated swimming pool. \n\nIn Andalusia, the Costa del Sol lives up to its name. Cities like Malaga and Marbella boast an average of 5 to 6 hours of daily sunshine, and pride themselves on having invented paella. \n\nTo really find the sun, however, you will have to take a plane to land off the African coast at one of the airports of the Canary Islands. In January, it is between 18°C ​​and 22°C. All that remains is to choose between Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, and choose between climbing volcanic landscapes or relaxing on a beach. \n

Portugal and Madeira, the island of flowers

\nIn addition to a long Atlantic coast, Portugal has a jewel where a microclimate helped cure Empress Sissi of her lung problems: Madeira. No beaches here, but superb views of the sea, tasty cuisine and flowers, flowers, flowers… \n

Going to France by skipping an ocean: the Antilles

\nThe tropical climate of the French West Indies allows you to enjoy temperatures between 22°C and 30°C from January onwards. The weather is very sunny at this time without any risk of cyclones, and only rare showers interrupt the tan. The beginning of the year is also the ideal time to observe whales and dolphins. From the Guadeloupe to the Martinique passing through Saint-Bartholomew And Saint-Martin, it is indeed France, which facilitates both communication and travel. Of course, this privilege has a price, and more restricted budgets can opt for the neighboring ones, Saint-Domingo And Cuba. \n

4 to 7 hours of flight to appreciate all the charms of the desert

\nIt's too hot, really too hot in summer! Egypt, Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula offer summer temperatures, sunshine and blue skies in winter, without excess. \n\nDo you like culture? Opt for Luxor in Egypt or for a cruise to Aswan, unless you prefer a discovery of the Jordanian desert around the monuments of Petra. Furthermore, in Egypt as in Jordan, the practice of diving attracts as many sportsmen as lovers of relaxation on the shores of the Red Sea. \n\nDubai became the hub of the countries of the Arabian Peninsula, around the Persian Gulf, which opened up other destinations like Muscat Or Abu Dhabi to travelers in search of winter sun. The great comfort of the hotels and the promotional prices appeal to lovers of a change of scenery and comfort on the beach. \n

More than 10 hours of flight and stopovers to reach the exotic beaches of the distant Orient

\nThe islands of the Indian Ocean seduce with their crystal clear waters and the beauty of the landscapes. The favorite spot for lovers of Creole atmosphere is theMAURITIUS. It takes an 11-hour flight, of course, but with a time difference of only 3 hours, the joy of discovering Mauritian culture and a host of water sports quickly erases the rigors of the trip. \n\nFurther, really further, the beaches of the south of the Thailand as Koh Samui Or Phuket add to their beaches and coconut trees the appeal of daily life where everything is accessible at low cost. However, you must prepare for a 14 to 18 hour flight, with at least one stopover. \n

Go to the sun without wasting time: Africa, to the southern tip

\nThe advantage of staying in the same time zone: no need to move your watch forward or backward, for more or less exotic destinations. The Maghreb is very accessible, especially because many residents there speak French, but you have to go to the desert to find generous sunshine, as well as mild temperatures, at least during the day. \n\nAs soon as you cross the equator, summer returns! The choices are numerous: Senegal offers beaches, safaris and a rich French-speaking culture. Those who like safaris can choose the Kenya or the Tanzania, but also the Kruger Park of South Africa. The 11-hour flight to Cape Town is made easier by a total absence of jet lag. \n\nHas the dream taken shape? To make it a reality, we now need to think about the budget. The earlier you book, the more attractive the prices become…\n