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January is nearly here, often regarded as the most disheartening month of the year.

Why not escape the UK for one of these seven amazing destinations, all within a four-hour flight from the UK, with very budget-friendly airfare?

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona reflected in a pond.Reach Barcelona in just two hours, with flights starting at only £14.99. A narrow pedestrian street with shops, balconies, and a decorative street clock.Baden-Baden in Germany features hot spring spas and the country’s steepest funicular railway.Credit: Alamy

Barcelona, Spain

A trip to Barcelona is always a good idea.

This city combines stunning beaches with a layout that is both flat and easy to navigate on foot.

There are numerous cultural attractions, including iconic sites such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

Be sure to visit a former hospital that has been transformed into a historical site, located just minutes from the famous cathedral in the city center, yet is often overlooked.

Our Travel Reporter highly recommends La Rambla – the iconic street spanning 1.5 km filled with market stalls.

Some of her favorite spots include Casa Beethoven – essentially Ollivanders, but for sheet music instead of wands, and La Boqueria market.

You can fly to Barcelona for as little as £14.99 if you depart from London Stansted on January 25, 2026.

Baden-Baden, Germany

While you won't find January sun here, Baden-Baden in the southwest is an excellent choice for a city getaway.

This spa town is nestled in the Black Forest near the French border and is renowned for its thermal baths, especially after that memorable summer in 2006 when England’s WAGS were just as celebrated as their footballer husbands during the World Cup.

Baden-Baden is built above natural mineral-rich hot springs that bubble up from deep underground, and you can experience them at the Caracalla Spa or the Friedrichsbad Spa.

Outdoor dining area of a restaurant in the Old Town of Poznań, Poland.Poznan is one of the largest cities in Poland.Credit: Getty

At both spas, you can relax, explore the saunas, steam baths, and treatment rooms.

For those seeking adventure, take a stroll through Lichtentaler Allee park, visit the casino, or ride Germany’s steepest funicular railway up Merkur Mountain.

You can fly from London Stansted to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden for £15 on January 30, 2026, with Ryanair.

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, the fifth largest city in Poland, is situated along the Warta River and features a charming, colorful Old Town.

Upon arrival, bundle up and take a leisurely walk around the city, starting at the Old Market Square, also known as Stary Rynek.

At noon, make your way to the town hall where mechanical Billy Goats emerge from the clock tower and butt heads.

Ostrów Tumski is a significant cathedral that provides insight into the region's history in Poznań.

It also has some quirky attractions, such as a croissant museum that is worth a visit.

While you're there, be sure to try a Penerskie, which is a local delicacy.

With Wizz Air, you can fly to Poznan for £14.97, departing on January 19, 2026.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria, at sunset.The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a must-visit in Sofia.Credit: Alamy

Sofia, Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria is located in the west of the country and boasts incredible landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Rotunda of St. George.

Take time to explore the city, relax on Vitosha Boulevard, which is lined with shops and cafes, or embark on a hiking trail up Vitosha Mountain.

The city is just over three hours from the UK, making it a popular choice. One traveler even enjoyed a day exploring the city after securing a return flight for just £43.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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