A fierce winter storm named Goretti has triggered the biggest holiday departure day of the year for British travellers desperate to escape the country's deep freeze. The UK has been gripped by icy temperatures and widespread snow, prompting a surge in last-minute bookings for warmer climates.
Met Office Issues Warnings as Snow Blankets Britain
The Met Office has issued six separate yellow and amber weather warnings across vast swathes of the country. These cover the South West and North of England, the Midlands, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Forecasters predict that the Home Counties could see up to eight inches of snow from Monday, January 8, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain.
New figures suggest that Tuesday, January 9, is on course to be the busiest day in 2026 for flights leaving Britain, a direct reaction to the grim headlines surrounding Storm Goretti. Package holiday specialist On the Beach reported a significant influx in bookings since the new year began, as Brits swap woolly hats for sun cream.
Top Winter Sun Destinations for Frosty Brits
Travel data reveals a clear trend towards reliably warm destinations. The Canary Islands are dominating bookings, with Tenerife proving the most popular choice. Temperatures there are forecast to reach a pleasant 21°C, a stark contrast to the UK's single-digit lows.
Benidorm ranks as the second most sought-after spot, expecting highs of around 15°C this weekend. It is closely followed by Lanzarote (20°C) and Gran Canaria (21°C). Further afield, Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt is also attracting holidaymakers, with Sunday temperatures predicted to hit 24°C – compared to just 6°C in London.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, commented: 'The moment the temperature dropped and the storm warnings rolled in, we saw bookings take off. Brits are many things, but patient in the cold isn't one of them.'
Affordable Alternatives for Winter Sun
For those seeking good-value options, travel experts point to destinations like Valletta in Malta. Maria Hughes from Good To Go Travel Insurance named it her top pick, noting its average highs of 15°C during the cooler months and rich historical appeal.
According to Skyscanner, return flights to Malta can be found for as little as £35 in February. Accommodation remains affordable, with hotel rooms for two available from £178 for a short January break.
Another standout long-haul recommendation is Cape Town in South Africa, which enjoys summer averages of 27°C in January and February, guaranteeing dry and sunny weather for visitors.
The mass departure underscores a familiar British response to severe winter weather: when the mercury plummets, the search for reliable sunshine begins in earnest.
