January is a particularly busy time for forward bookings from holidaymakers seeking summer sun and an escape from the grey and dreary British winter.
This coming Monday, the third of the month, has been coined ‘Blue Monday’ by the travel industry for its noticeable peak in activity – more than 630,000 travellers searched for a flight from Manchester on the corresponding Monday last year, according to data from price comparison site Skyscanner.
The Northern Hub is expecting a busy January for bookings this year and has revealed its most popular destinations by capacity for summer 2023, with many thousands of seats available over the travel industry’s summer season.
A number of airlines also have deals available on Blue Monday and throughout January, with flights to some major holiday hotspots available from under £60pp return.
All prices correct at the time of writing, but may be subject to change. Prices quoted are for flights only and may not include hold baggage.
1. Top summer holiday destinations
Are you planning a sunshine break at one of these fabulous locations? Photo: MA
2. Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic islands, is also the top destination for those departing from Manchester for some sunshine this summer. More than 300,000 are set to travel from the Northern hub, and it’s easy to see why – Mallorca caters to all tastes, from the party scene of Magaluf to tranquil national parks and wide expanses of spotless golden beaches. For those wanting to try something a little different, the spectacular Caves of Drach, formed up to 20 million years ago, extend for over 4km under the east coast of the island. Visit Mallorca with flights from only £136pp return pp return with Jet2.com (3rd – 10th July). You can also reach this holiday hotspot with Tui, easyJet and Ryanair. Photo: MA
3. Ibiza
For generations of partygoers, Ibiza has been a firm fixture on the bucket list, with some of the most exclusive nightclubs and entertainment venues on the planet. Scratch beneath the surface, though, and you’ll find an island seeking to diversify its image and its offering for visitors. Ibiza boasts everything from a quaint Old Town to a vibrant food and drink scene and a plethora of yoga retreats. You can travel to Ibiza from just £166pp return from Manchester with Jet2.com (7th – 14th July). You can also reach the Balearic island with Tui, easyJet and Ryanair. Photo: MA
4. Barcelona
A bustling beachfront destination, Barcelona is great for a weekend break but can easily become a longer stay. The Catalan city offers no fewer than nine beaches, from vibrant city centre spots to more secluded shorelines. Barcelona’s food is a particular highlight and visitors can also take a tour of Camp Nou, one of the world’s largest stadia and home to the globally renowned FC Barcelona. You can reach Catalonia’s capital from only £69.98pp return with Ryanair (flying out 25th June and returning 28th June) or alternatively, you can travel with easyJet, Jet2.com and Vueling. Photo: MA
5. Alicante
Alicante is the heart of the Costa Blanca, or ‘White Coast’ – so named for its pristine white sand beaches, stretching over 120 miles of Spanish coastline. If you’ve had your fill of sunbathing and want to do some sightseeing, check out the historic Castillo de Santa Bárbara, an imposing medieval fortress which sits atop Mount Benacantil. Tour the ruins, and take in the sweeping Mediterranean views from the old keep tower. Book from £59.89pp return with Ryanair (leaving Manchester on 11th April, returning 21st April). Alicante is also served by easyJet, Jet2.com and Tui. Photo: MA
6. Dalaman
Dalaman has grown exponentially in popularity over recent years. It is a gateway to over 100km of Turkish Aegean coastline, dotted with charming resort towns and numerous attractions, both natural and historic. The eye-catching Kumburnu beach extends like a pier into a deep blue lagoon, and is a great spot for snorkelling, whilst nearby Babadag mountain is a world-renowned launch site for paragliding. Once finished, visit the port town of Fethiye for its lively markets and outstanding local cuisine. You can join more than 200,000 flying from Manchester to Dalaman this summer, from only £296pp return (Jet2.com, 30th June – 7th July). You can also reach Dalaman with easyJet, Tui, Corendon Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Sun Express. Photo: MA