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The best holidays to book for January 2025, from trails in Tenerife to France’s snow-covered slopes

Simon Calder’s Travel

Kick off the year in style by getting away, especially if you’ve had a hectic time over the Christmas holidays.

If you want to escape winter for a while, relax on the sandy beaches of the Gambia, or try a two-centre holiday in Cuba. If you’re feeling more energetic, explore some of Tenerife’s most exhilarating hiking trails.

January is usually one of the best times to hit the slopes, when prices go down after New Year’s Eve and before the half-term crowds of February descend on family favourites in France.

If you want to stay closer to home, discover the quiet side of Devon and clear the cobwebs with walks on the Dorset coast.

Whatever sort of holiday you’re planning for January, you’ll find some inspiration here.

Read more: Where is hot in January? Best holiday destinations for winter sun

The Gambia

Bathe in the Atlantic on the coast of Serekunda

Bathe in the Atlantic on the coast of Serekunda (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The soft sands of Kotu Beach are within stumbling distance at Kombo Beach Hotel, which was renovated last year. Unwind by the pool or the beach, and dine by the Atlantic Ocean in the waterside restaurant. The Gambia Experience has a week’s B&B in a premium sea-view room from £948pp, a saving of £326pp, and includes flights and transfers for a 7 January departure.

France

Take to the slopes from the charming village of Châtel

Take to the slopes from the charming village of Châtel (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Get to know the massive Portes du Soleil ski domain by staying in one of its most charming villages, Châtel. Its own ski area is excellent, and you can easily ski across the Swiss border to Morgins as well as other Portes du Soleil resorts. Les Fermes de Châtel makes an appealing base: it’s right by the Super-Châtel cable car as well as many of the village’s shops and restaurants, and it has an indoor pool and spa for post-ski pampering. Peak Retreats has seven nights’ self-catering in a one-bedroom apartment from £1,185, which includes a Le Shuttle crossing with a free FlexiPlus upgrade, for a 4 January departure.

Read more: Off-piste in Val Thorens – exploring the Three Valleys backcountry through ski touring

Devon

Walk off the festivities in Lynmouth, Devon

Walk off the festivities in Lynmouth, Devon (Getty Images)

Enjoy views of the Bristol Channel when you stay at Ferndale House, a three-bedroom apartment in Lynmouth. This part of the North…

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