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• The post-Christmas slump is real; and nothing seems more appealing at this time of year than running off to somewhere warm and sun-drenched Pampanga
  
  At this time of year it’s much easier to get out and discover the Sahara Desert – unbearably scorching in summer – with clear skies and less dust making January a prime month for stargazing Pampanga
  
  Hit up laid-back, beachy Essaouira or culture-packed Marrakech for days spent exploring with little chance of rain and fewer crowds than in peak season Pampanga
  
  SCMore aboutMexicoBaliMauritiusWinter sunJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesComments 1/109 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sun 9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunBali has wild rural landscapes, as well as pristine beaches Getty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunA cenote on Mexico’s Caribbean coastGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunChamarel Waterfalls, MauritiusGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunQuy Nhon beach on the island of Phu QuocGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunCheck out the city of Essaouira in MoroccoGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunThe small, rugged island of La Gomera in the Canaries Getty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunDhow Harbour in Doha BayGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunHurghada has plentiful beach resortsGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunA Sri Lanka tea plantationGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunA beach in Mexico, captured from aboveGetty Images/iStockphoto ✕Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this articleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today Pampanga
  
  For reclining on white sand beaches and paddling in bath-warm, turquoise waves, head to Phu Quoc, a formerly sleepy tropical island turned resort hotspot Pampanga
  
  SCSri LankaRecommendedHow this couple avoided the cost of living crisis and made a profitThe best holiday deals to book on Sunshine SaturdayThe best destinations to travel to in 2023A Sri Lanka tea plantation (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The tourism industry in this beautiful, teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean has suffered dreadfully as political and economic strife continues Pampanga
  
  Luxor (average January high 23C) and Aswan on the Nile are the optimum locations for proximity to antiquity Pampanga
  
  truncatedName}}Log in / Register {{#items}}{{#stampSmall}}{{/stampSmall}}{{#stampClimate}}{{/stampClimate}}{{#stampPremium}}{{/stampPremium}}{{title}}{{#desc}}{{desc}}{{/desc}}{{#children}}{{title}}{{/children}}{{/items}}Indy100Crosswords & PuzzlesMost CommentedNewslettersAsk Me AnythingVirtual EventsCoursesVouchersCompare✕Log inEmail addressPasswordEmail and password don't matchSubmitForgotten your password?New to The Independent?RegisterOr if you would prefer:SIGN IN WITH GOOGLEWant an ad-free experience?View offersThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy notice and Terms of service apply Pampanga
  
  The islands are known for their lunar-esque volcanic landscapes, with black and white sand beaches Pampanga
  
  Water temperatures are around 19C for pleasant sea swims, and only around 1mm of rain falls during the entire month, while sunny skies are still fairly common Pampanga
  
  com discount code for NHSIndy / CompareCompare UK Broadband DealsCompare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for youCheap Broadband Deals 2023Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your areaFibre Broadband Deals January 2023All you need to know about fibre broadbandBest Apple iPhone Deals in the UK January 2023Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this JanuaryCompare Mobile Phone DealsCompare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands Get in touchContact usJobs Our ProductsSubscribeRegisterNewslettersInstall our appArchiveOther publicationsInternational editionsIndependent en EspañolIndependent ArabiaIndependent TurkishIndependent PersianIndependent UrduEvening StandardNovaya GazetaExtrasPuzzlesAll topicsVoucher codesCompareIndependent AdvertisingSyndicationWorking at The IndependentLegalCode of conduct and complaintsContributorsCookie policyPrivacy noticeUser policiesModern Slavery Act Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inCloseUK EditionChangeUS EditionAsia EditionEdición en EspañolSubscribe{{indy Pampanga
  
  Must-dos for itchy-footed adventurers include the Mayan temples at Chichen Itza, Coba or Tulum; visits to cities such as pretty Merida; plunging into a cenote, one of the area’s natural swimming holes; and swimming with whale sharks on a boat trip off the east coast Pampanga
  
  LTVietnamQuy Nhon beach on the island of Phu Quoc (Getty Images/iStockphoto)With winning flavours, beautiful cities and countryside, sobering history and idyllic beach resorts, Vietnam is a stellar holiday spot even without the added bonus of winter warmth Pampanga
  
  Some truly cool hotels top off the experience – try adults-only SALT for a high-style boutique number built around buying from local suppliers and engaging with local creatives Pampanga
  
  fullName}}My Independent Premium Account details Help centre Logout @keyframes spin{0%{transform:rotate(0)}to{transform:rotate(1turn)}} Pampanga
  
  The temperatures in the latter will be cooler, but this time of year is also typically drier and sunnier than monsoon season Pampanga
  
  Don’t believe the headlines about Bali being spoilt by tourism, but do embark on some research and planning to ensure you’re going to the most naturally beautiful and least generic areas Pampanga
  
  Yet causes for optimism remain that this winter could see a revival of tourism Pampanga
  
  The main cultural attraction in the capital, Doha, is the stunning new National Museum, telling the Qatar story from pre-history to untold wealth from oil Pampanga
  
  Hire a guide for at least one day off the beach to see some of the island’s natural wonders: giant lilypads at Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, say, or head-spinning views of its raw beauty from a hike up Le Morne Brabant peak Pampanga
  
  Helen CoffeyMoroccoCheck out the city of Essaouira in Morocco (Getty Images/iStockphoto)This north African nation is slightly cooler than heading for southeast Asia, but it still enjoys much milder weather in January than the UK, with average daily highs of 19C Pampanga
  
  HCQatarDhow Harbour in Doha Bay (Getty Images/iStockphoto)This extraordinarily rich Gulf emirate may have some regrets about, er, persuading Fifa to allow it to host the World Cup 2022: Qatar’s human rights have been as much in the spotlight as its shiny new stadiums Pampanga
  
  Got time for more? Fly back via Mexico City, one of the coolest food and art capitals in the world Pampanga
  
  LT MauritiusChamarel Waterfalls, Mauritius (Getty Images/iStockphoto)For pristine white beaches and aquamarine lagoons your eyes almost can’t believe are real, the Maldives and Seychelles are near-universally agreed upon as the most brochure-perfect winter destinations Pampanga
  
  And you can better your chances of upping the heat by picking destinations that are further south Pampanga
  
  BaliBali has wild rural landscapes, as well as pristine beaches (Getty Images/iStockphoto)RecommendedHow this couple avoided the cost of living crisis and made a profitThe best holiday deals to book on Sunshine SaturdayThe best destinations to travel to in 2023This Indonesian isle is the thinking person’s Southeast Asia holiday Pampanga
  
  Most of the island’s places of interest are in the southwest quadrant Pampanga
  
  All of which spells winter sun bargains Pampanga
  
  HCCanary IslandsThe small, rugged island of La Gomera in the Canaries (Getty Images/iStockphoto)This Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic, off the coast of Africa, is a British favourite when it comes to winter sun Pampanga
  
  January sees average daily temperatures of around 27C, though you will get the odd tropical downpour Pampanga
  
  Don’t miss Ubud, its cultural and mystic capital towards the centre, and a crossroads for interesting digital nomads from all over the globe Pampanga
  
  This is the sort of place you can have lobster and champagne in bougie beach club restaurants, but see a gang of happy local kids playing football on the sand in front of you Pampanga
  
  And it’s worth it to soak up the capital’s centuries-old architecture, complete with French and Chinese influences, plus explore its ancient temples and chaotic Old Quarter Pampanga
  
  In the far southeast of Qatar, close to the Saudi border, the Khor Al-Adaid area – also known as the “Inland Sea” – comprises the nation’s biggest nature reserve Pampanga
  
  And once the final whistle blows on 18 December, the nation will have an absurd number of hotel rooms to fill – almost as many as Dubai, but with far less connectivity and profile Pampanga
  
  I am still waiting to witness the entire Tutankhamun collection within a spectacular new structure, but meanwhile Egypt remains the most reliable location for guaranteed winter sun – with astonishing archaeology for those who seek an extra dimension to their trip Pampanga
  
  January is the coolest month in Qatar, but the average high is still 18C Pampanga
  
  The Museum of Islamic Art is also spectacular and well worth a visit Pampanga
  
  The capital, Colombo, the beaches of the southwest and the city of Galle are all on the tourism circuit, as are the handsome hill towns of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Pampanga
  
  But we like Mauritius, their southerly Indian Ocean cousin, for blinding-white beaches with a side of great local cuisine, live music and inland adventure – and it’s just as balmy, with 27-28C daily highs in midwinter Pampanga
  
  The islands are warm, rather than scorching; expect average highs of 20C and average lows of 15 in January Pampanga
  
  And Tenerife even has its own active volcano, Mt Pampanga
  
  Hi {{indy Pampanga
  
  Back on the mainland, it’s worth checking out the nation’s two biggest cities: Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) to the south, Hanoi to the north Pampanga
  
  The lower temps also make for a better experience when trekking in the Atlas Mountains – just be sure to go with an experienced guide Pampanga
  
  A key exhibit is the vast 18th-century Baroda Carpet, embroidered with gems Pampanga
  
  Packed into its 5,780 square kilometres are not only golden, wave-lapped beaches (with some frisky surf for board riders), but also tranquil, unspoiled temples, mountainous hikes, coffee plantations, healers, dozens of takes on fried rice, and some of the best spa culture on the planet Pampanga
  
  Head to its Caribbean coast, around the Yucatan Peninsula, to find white and golden sandy beaches and bright turquoise shallows bathed in tropical sunshine, as well as palm trees and colourful hippie villages among the swathes of mega-resorts Pampanga
  
  Tenerife is the biggest island, but there’s also Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma and tiny La Gomera and El Hierro to pick from Pampanga
  
  Reports from recent returnees say hotel occupancy is still extremely low, even though the Foreign Office lifted its warning against all but essential travel at the end of August 2022 Pampanga
  
  Most British visitors, though, will be found on the Red Sea shores: either around Hurghada on the western side, or in the resort strip of Sharm el Sheikh (22C in January) on the Sinai Peninsula Pampanga
  
  Simon CalderEgyptHurghada has plentiful beach resorts (Getty Images/iStockphoto)For several new years I have made a note to travel to Egypt the moment the Grand Egyptian Museum opens in new location close to the pyramids in Giza Pampanga
  
  SubscribeAlready subscribed? Log inMost PopularPopular videos Sponsored FeaturesVoucher CodesTravelodge Discount Code5% off all bookings - Travelodge discount codeTUI Discount CodeSave £200 on 2023 holidays with this TUI discount codeBarcelo Discount Code12% off the exclusive Torre de Madrid - Barcelo promo codeNational Trust Discount CodeFamily memberships from just £83 Pampanga
  
  Thankfully, it also has this in abundance: the average daily temperature is 26C Pampanga
  
  Lucy ThackrayMexicoA cenote on Mexico’s Caribbean coast (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Central America’s big-hitter is great for couples or families who don’t agree on the best way to spend a holiday: there are equal opportunities for beach lounging and intrepid exploration Pampanga
  
  As the clouds gather and the temperature drops – and there seems little to look forward to until spring – what could be better than swapping the UK for somewhere brighter, whether for a few days or a few weeks?Here’s The Independent travel team’s top picks for places where you can get some last-minute winter sun this January Pampanga
  
  Teide, plus an astronomical observatory Pampanga
  
  40 a year at National TrustHotels Com Discount CodeExtra 10% off travel with this Hotels Pampanga
  
  On arrival, beaches are abundant Pampanga
  
  Parts of the west coast and upper east coast are incredibly wild; in fact, the further north you go, the more locals and fewest tourists you’ll encounter (the airport is right in the south of the island) Pampanga
  
  
  
  Yet causes for optimism remain that this winter could see a revival of tourism Pampanga
  
  Luxor (average January high 23C) and Aswan on the Nile are the optimum locations for proximity to antiquity Pampanga
  
  The islands are known for their lunar-esque volcanic landscapes, with black and white sand beaches Pampanga
  
  HCQatarDhow Harbour in Doha Bay (Getty Images/iStockphoto)This extraordinarily rich Gulf emirate may have some regrets about, er, persuading Fifa to allow it to host the World Cup 2022: Qatar’s human rights have been as much in the spotlight as its shiny new stadiums Pampanga
  
  Most of the island’s places of interest are in the southwest quadrant Pampanga
  
  SCMore aboutMexicoBaliMauritiusWinter sunJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesComments 1/109 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sun 9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunBali has wild rural landscapes, as well as pristine beaches Getty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunA cenote on Mexico’s Caribbean coastGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunChamarel Waterfalls, MauritiusGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunQuy Nhon beach on the island of Phu QuocGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunCheck out the city of Essaouira in MoroccoGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunThe small, rugged island of La Gomera in the Canaries Getty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunDhow Harbour in Doha BayGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunHurghada has plentiful beach resortsGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunA Sri Lanka tea plantationGetty Images/iStockphoto9 best last-minute winter holiday destinations for January sunA beach in Mexico, captured from aboveGetty Images/iStockphoto ✕Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this articleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today Pampanga
  
  In the far southeast of Qatar, close to the Saudi border, the Khor Al-Adaid area – also known as the “Inland Sea” – comprises the nation’s biggest nature reserve Pampanga
  
  Packed into its 5,780 square kilometres are not only golden, wave-lapped beaches (with some frisky surf for board riders), but also tranquil, unspoiled temples, mountainous hikes, coffee plantations, healers, dozens of takes on fried rice, and some of the best spa culture on the planet Pampanga
  
  This is the sort of place you can have lobster and champagne in bougie beach club restaurants, but see a gang of happy local kids playing football on the sand in front of you Pampanga
  
  Got time for more? Fly back via Mexico City, one of the coolest food and art capitals in the world Pampanga
  
  January sees average daily temperatures of around 27C, though you will get the odd tropical downpour Pampanga
  
  Some truly cool hotels top off the experience – try adults-only SALT for a high-style boutique number built around buying from local suppliers and engaging with local creatives Pampanga
  
  BaliBali has wild rural landscapes, as well as pristine beaches (Getty Images/iStockphoto)RecommendedHow this couple avoided the cost of living crisis and made a profitThe best holiday deals to book on Sunshine SaturdayThe best destinations to travel to in 2023This Indonesian isle is the thinking person’s Southeast Asia holiday Pampanga
  
  Parts of the west coast and upper east coast are incredibly wild; in fact, the further north you go, the more locals and fewest tourists you’ll encounter (the airport is right in the south of the island) Pampanga
  
  Lucy ThackrayMexicoA cenote on Mexico’s Caribbean coast (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Central America’s big-hitter is great for couples or families who don’t agree on the best way to spend a holiday: there are equal opportunities for beach lounging and intrepid exploration Pampanga
  
  SCSri LankaRecommendedHow this couple avoided the cost of living crisis and made a profitThe best holiday deals to book on Sunshine SaturdayThe best destinations to travel to in 2023A Sri Lanka tea plantation (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The tourism industry in this beautiful, teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean has suffered dreadfully as political and economic strife continues Pampanga
  
  Water temperatures are around 19C for pleasant sea swims, and only around 1mm of rain falls during the entire month, while sunny skies are still fairly common Pampanga
  
  LT MauritiusChamarel Waterfalls, Mauritius (Getty Images/iStockphoto)For pristine white beaches and aquamarine lagoons your eyes almost can’t believe are real, the Maldives and Seychelles are near-universally agreed upon as the most brochure-perfect winter destinations Pampanga
  
  Hit up laid-back, beachy Essaouira or culture-packed Marrakech for days spent exploring with little chance of rain and fewer crowds than in peak season Pampanga
  
  As the clouds gather and the temperature drops – and there seems little to look forward to until spring – what could be better than swapping the UK for somewhere brighter, whether for a few days or a few weeks?Here’s The Independent travel team’s top picks for places where you can get some last-minute winter sun this January Pampanga
  
  Head to its Caribbean coast, around the Yucatan Peninsula, to find white and golden sandy beaches and bright turquoise shallows bathed in tropical sunshine, as well as palm trees and colourful hippie villages among the swathes of mega-resorts Pampanga
  
  LTVietnamQuy Nhon beach on the island of Phu Quoc (Getty Images/iStockphoto)With winning flavours, beautiful cities and countryside, sobering history and idyllic beach resorts, Vietnam is a stellar holiday spot even without the added bonus of winter warmth Pampanga
  
  truncatedName}}Log in / Register {{#items}}{{#stampSmall}}{{/stampSmall}}{{#stampClimate}}{{/stampClimate}}{{#stampPremium}}{{/stampPremium}}{{title}}{{#desc}}{{desc}}{{/desc}}{{#children}}{{title}}{{/children}}{{/items}}Indy100Crosswords & PuzzlesMost CommentedNewslettersAsk Me AnythingVirtual EventsCoursesVouchersCompare✕Log inEmail addressPasswordEmail and password don't matchSubmitForgotten your password?New to The Independent?RegisterOr if you would prefer:SIGN IN WITH GOOGLEWant an ad-free experience?View offersThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy notice and Terms of service apply Pampanga
  
  Don’t believe the headlines about Bali being spoilt by tourism, but do embark on some research and planning to ensure you’re going to the most naturally beautiful and least generic areas Pampanga
  
  At this time of year it’s much easier to get out and discover the Sahara Desert – unbearably scorching in summer – with clear skies and less dust making January a prime month for stargazing Pampanga
  
  com discount code for NHSIndy / CompareCompare UK Broadband DealsCompare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for youCheap Broadband Deals 2023Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your areaFibre Broadband Deals January 2023All you need to know about fibre broadbandBest Apple iPhone Deals in the UK January 2023Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this JanuaryCompare Mobile Phone DealsCompare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands Get in touchContact usJobs Our ProductsSubscribeRegisterNewslettersInstall our appArchiveOther publicationsInternational editionsIndependent en EspañolIndependent ArabiaIndependent TurkishIndependent PersianIndependent UrduEvening StandardNovaya GazetaExtrasPuzzlesAll topicsVoucher codesCompareIndependent AdvertisingSyndicationWorking at The IndependentLegalCode of conduct and complaintsContributorsCookie policyPrivacy noticeUser policiesModern Slavery Act Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inCloseUK EditionChangeUS EditionAsia EditionEdición en EspañolSubscribe{{indy Pampanga
  
  The temperatures in the latter will be cooler, but this time of year is also typically drier and sunnier than monsoon season Pampanga
  
  Hire a guide for at least one day off the beach to see some of the island’s natural wonders: giant lilypads at Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, say, or head-spinning views of its raw beauty from a hike up Le Morne Brabant peak Pampanga
  
  And once the final whistle blows on 18 December, the nation will have an absurd number of hotel rooms to fill – almost as many as Dubai, but with far less connectivity and profile Pampanga
  
  But we like Mauritius, their southerly Indian Ocean cousin, for blinding-white beaches with a side of great local cuisine, live music and inland adventure – and it’s just as balmy, with 27-28C daily highs in midwinter Pampanga
  
  Must-dos for itchy-footed adventurers include the Mayan temples at Chichen Itza, Coba or Tulum; visits to cities such as pretty Merida; plunging into a cenote, one of the area’s natural swimming holes; and swimming with whale sharks on a boat trip off the east coast Pampanga
  
  On arrival, beaches are abundant Pampanga
  
  Thankfully, it also has this in abundance: the average daily temperature is 26C Pampanga
  
  The lower temps also make for a better experience when trekking in the Atlas Mountains – just be sure to go with an experienced guide Pampanga
  
  The Museum of Islamic Art is also spectacular and well worth a visit Pampanga
  
  fullName}}My Independent Premium Account details Help centre Logout @keyframes spin{0%{transform:rotate(0)}to{transform:rotate(1turn)}} Pampanga
  
  And Tenerife even has its own active volcano, Mt Pampanga
  
  HCCanary IslandsThe small, rugged island of La Gomera in the Canaries (Getty Images/iStockphoto)This Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic, off the coast of Africa, is a British favourite when it comes to winter sun Pampanga
  
  SubscribeAlready subscribed? Log inMost PopularPopular videos Sponsored FeaturesVoucher CodesTravelodge Discount Code5% off all bookings - Travelodge discount codeTUI Discount CodeSave £200 on 2023 holidays with this TUI discount codeBarcelo Discount Code12% off the exclusive Torre de Madrid - Barcelo promo codeNational Trust Discount CodeFamily memberships from just £83 Pampanga
  
  A key exhibit is the vast 18th-century Baroda Carpet, embroidered with gems Pampanga
  
  For reclining on white sand beaches and paddling in bath-warm, turquoise waves, head to Phu Quoc, a formerly sleepy tropical island turned resort hotspot Pampanga
  
  Teide, plus an astronomical observatory Pampanga
  
  And it’s worth it to soak up the capital’s centuries-old architecture, complete with French and Chinese influences, plus explore its ancient temples and chaotic Old Quarter Pampanga
  
  Back on the mainland, it’s worth checking out the nation’s two biggest cities: Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) to the south, Hanoi to the north Pampanga
  
  The islands are warm, rather than scorching; expect average highs of 20C and average lows of 15 in January Pampanga
  
  January is the coolest month in Qatar, but the average high is still 18C Pampanga
  
  I am still waiting to witness the entire Tutankhamun collection within a spectacular new structure, but meanwhile Egypt remains the most reliable location for guaranteed winter sun – with astonishing archaeology for those who seek an extra dimension to their trip Pampanga
  
  Simon CalderEgyptHurghada has plentiful beach resorts (Getty Images/iStockphoto)For several new years I have made a note to travel to Egypt the moment the Grand Egyptian Museum opens in new location close to the pyramids in Giza Pampanga
  
  The capital, Colombo, the beaches of the southwest and the city of Galle are all on the tourism circuit, as are the handsome hill towns of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Pampanga
  
  Don’t miss Ubud, its cultural and mystic capital towards the centre, and a crossroads for interesting digital nomads from all over the globe Pampanga
  
  40 a year at National TrustHotels Com Discount CodeExtra 10% off travel with this Hotels Pampanga
  
  And you can better your chances of upping the heat by picking destinations that are further south Pampanga
  
  Reports from recent returnees say hotel occupancy is still extremely low, even though the Foreign Office lifted its warning against all but essential travel at the end of August 2022 Pampanga
  
  Tenerife is the biggest island, but there’s also Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma and tiny La Gomera and El Hierro to pick from Pampanga
  
  The post-Christmas slump is real; and nothing seems more appealing at this time of year than running off to somewhere warm and sun-drenched Pampanga
  
  The main cultural attraction in the capital, Doha, is the stunning new National Museum, telling the Qatar story from pre-history to untold wealth from oil Pampanga
  
  Helen CoffeyMoroccoCheck out the city of Essaouira in Morocco (Getty Images/iStockphoto)This north African nation is slightly cooler than heading for southeast Asia, but it still enjoys much milder weather in January than the UK, with average daily highs of 19C Pampanga
  
  Most British visitors, though, will be found on the Red Sea shores: either around Hurghada on the western side, or in the resort strip of Sharm el Sheikh (22C in January) on the Sinai Peninsula Pampanga
  
  Hi {{indy Pampanga
  
  All of which spells winter sun bargains Pampanga