With Christmas now over and 2026 in full swing, many are looking to make the most of the year ahead. Travel is often high on the agenda, with many seeking an escape from the dreary winter weather and January blues.
However, after the financial strain of the festive season and amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, finding affordable holiday options can be a challenge. Social media platforms are buzzing with suggestions, tips and recommendations from seasoned travellers and novices alike.
One person took to Reddit in search of a feasible option for a month-long trip with their girlfriend. The couple plan to spend between 30-35 days abroad, with a budget of approximately £2,600 to £3,000, excluding flight costs. This budget would solely cover their expenses for "accommodation, food, transport, activities, etc".
Hailing from the Baltics, they would be departing from either Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia and were open to any destination - be it Asia, South America, Africa, Europe or any island. Their primary requirements included "good weather (ideally warm/sunny in Jan); a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation; a destination that's good value for money over a full month of travel;" as well as opportunities for "adventure", such as "hiking, wildlife, or just exploring new places".
They sought advice from those who had embarked on similar journeys or had "any suggestions on where to go".
Thankfully, fellow Reddit users were eager to share their insights and recommendations. So here's what they had to say...
If you're looking for an easy direct flight from Liverpool - that still offers plenty of sunshine, culture and relaxation - then Turkey is probably your best bet.
One commenter shared: "Northern Turkey is fabulous with all its ancient sites from Roman and Greek eras especially on western side.
"The lodging and food is very inexpensive. The wine is excellent. Istanbul area is also great. Also greatly enjoyed Athens Greece with all its history. Food and drink was fabulous. Ate at one restaurant which gave us unlimited after dinner wine."
You can book direct flights from Liverpool Airport for as little as £25 with easyJet.
Liverpool Airport offers direct flights to Greek islands including Corfu, Crete (Heraklion), Kos, Rhodes and Zakynthos.
The islands are famous for their crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning beaches, ranging from sandy stretches to dramatic rocky coves.
While they aren't hot in January, they are much more pleasant than the bitter British winter we'll be experiencing at home. Sunny spells are common and you can go outside without a thick coat on.
A globe-trotter recommended a trip to Northern Thailand, specifically Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, followed by five days in Bangkok and two weeks on the Southern Thai islands of Koh Lipe and Koh Phanang.
Another holidaymaker replied with a glowing recommendation for Koh Lipe, which is a beautiful Thai island in the Andaman Sea.
You can book flights from Liverpool to Bangkok for less than £300 if you're prepared to have a couple of stopovers along the way. Qatar Airways is one of the airlines that offers flights to the destination.
Some travel fans recommended New Zealand. And while it's a pain to get to from Liverpool, it is well worth the extra effort.
The country isn't just famous because of Lord of the Rings, it really is like seeing a fantasy landscape in real life. There are snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, rolling hills, fjords (like Milford Sound), and geothermal areas to explore.
The wildlife, food and wine are pretty spectacular too. So what's not to like?!
Tanzania was also put forward as a potential destination - especially the beautiful island of Zanzibar, which is known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural history.
If you're planning on visiting, we'd recommend flying out from Manchester Airport as there are way more options available for flights.
You can book a spot on the plane from as little as £300. The flight time is around 13 hours - including a stopover - and you can travel with airlines like KLM, Air France and Qatar.