Top tips from our travel experts to help you book a bargain holiday this January
If you’re feeling the financial hangover of Christmas and dreaming about your next holiday - you’re not alone. January (and the following couple of months) is a peak travel time, with millions of Brits booking their escape from the gloomy weather and the dreaded return to work…
The good news? Airlines and travel companies know this, and famously slash their prices in the New Year, making January the ultimate month to make massive savings on flights, accommodation, and airport services. Read our travel experts’ top tips on how to get the best January sales deals and book a cheap holiday this January.
As travel experts, we know you can technically go anywhere on a budget with enough time and careful planning. But to bag a bargain holiday abroad this January, choose a less mainstream destination. You can still get great deals for places like Paris, New York and Rome, but they’re hugely popular, and you’ll get more bang for your buck if you choose somewhere slightly off the beaten track.
Sightseeing can be expensive, but you don’t need to visit the main tourist traps just because you’re on holiday abroad. Live more like a local when you’re away, and not only will you save money, but you’re more likely to stumble upon those interesting, authentic places you wouldn’t necessarily find in a guidebook.
The ‘January Sales’ don’t just mean the High Street and queuing outside shops on Boxing Day. Airlines know people are feeling the pinch after Christmas, and so they typically cut their prices most aggressively in January to help make holiday sales, so you’re guaranteed some great discounts if you fly this month.
It’s not just airlines that give you money for booking in advance - don’t forget to book your parking space now to avoid the higher prices when you book last-minute. Why not make the most of the January Sale for FastTrack and Lounges, too? FastTrack lets you use the express lane to speed up going through Security and Passport Control, and our Escape Lounge helps you escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and calm before your flight, for an even smoother airport experience.
If you can be flexible, aim to arrive on a Sunday. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but hotel rates are usually at their lowest on a Sunday night, so use this inside tip to your advantage to save extra money on a city break.
Even if you don’t want to go on holiday this month, you can still make the most of January discounts by booking your holiday now for later in the year. And don’t forget, this goes for airport services too - so book your Parking, FastTrack tickets or Lounge access now for the best January sales deals.
You might be at the checkout in a supermarket abroad, or in a restaurant getting the bill, and you’re asked whether you’d like to pay in local currency or sterling. If you’re like most people, you won’t know which one you should choose - but always go choose local currency. If you pay in sterling you’ll pay an additional 5% for a ‘dynamic currency conversion, so paying in local currency helps keep the cost down.
A direct flight might be ideal, but sometimes you can save money by splitting your journey and stretching your legs between two flights. Some airlines offer free stopovers, so you can extend your trip and see another destination on your holiday, getting even more bang for your buck in the January Sales.
Make the most of London Stansted Airport’s advance booking deals and secure your Parking, FastTrack and Lounge access today.
Save time and use the express lane at Security and Passport Control
Accessible parking, close to every terminal
Travel in style and relax at our exclusive airport lounge
Take to the slopes this winter, with direct flights from London Stansted Airport
Top travel tips for booking your holiday escape this January
Turn your travel dreams into a reality, with unmissable January discounts