The best holidays to book for January, from Cuban winter sun to ski breaks in the French alps

January is the classic time to think about booking your summer holiday, but what if you need a break long before then? A post-Christmas holiday in January could be just the thing to take your mind off winter – or, if you prefer, celebrate the cold weather wholeheartedly in the majesty of snow-covered mountains.

Skiers have been enjoying fabulous conditions in the Alps, so get your snow fix in Les 3 Vallées after the Christmas and New Year crowds have gone. On the hunt for some tropical heat and long hours of sunshine? Head east to Sri Lanka or Vietnam, or go west to the Caribbean for some Cuban warmth. If you want to stay closer to home, you can explore the quintessentially English countryside of the Cotswolds or the dramatic North Devon coast. Wherever you want to go on holiday in January, let these ideas inspire you.

Vietnam

If you’ve always hankered after Vietnam but didn’t know where to start, this Highlights of Vietnam Group Tour by Regent Holidays offers an excellent introduction. You’ll visit Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, cruise in Halong Bay and take a boat along the Huong River. Departing 17 January, this 10-day holiday costs from £1,985pp and includes all flights and transfers, breakfast, two lunches, one dinner, tours and entrance fees.

France

With lots of early-season snow falling on Val Thorens, it’s a good bet that the highest resort in Les 3 Vallées will have decent snow in January. You’ll have wonderful views of the resort when you stay in one of the apartments in Les Balcons de Val Thorens, which include an indoor pool and spa – and it’s right on the slopes. Peak Retreats has a week’s self-catering starting 6 January from £768pp, including Le Shuttle crossing and a free FlexiPlus upgrade.

Sri Lanka

A blast of sun and stupendous sunsets over the Indian Ocean make an appealing combination in the depths of a British winter. The golden sands of Kalutara Beach are just a few seconds from the Royal Palms Beach Hotel and its tropical gardens and outdoor pool. In between chilling out on the beach and around the pool, hop on the train to visit the beautiful Kalutara Buddhist temple just to…