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AJ Handley-Rowe - 10th November 2021

10 places you can fly to from Manchester for last-minute winter sun, from just £30 return

Daisy Jackson 10 places you can fly to from Manchester for last-minute winter sun, from just £30 return

Manchester Airport has done the hard work of planning your escape a little easier again, sharing a list of 10 places you can fly to for a bit of last-minute winter sun.

The airport has selected destinations that involve plenty of vitamin D, beaches, and warm seas, even at this time of year.

And the best bit is that return flights start from just £30 per person.

The list of 10 winter sun escapes from Manchester covers everything from classic holiday destinations like the Canary islands, as well as more far-flung adventures.

There’s even a brand-new route to Thailand on the cards.

So here are 10 last-minute winter sun escapes from Manchester Airport to help you beat those January blues.

Tenerife

It’s one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations, thanks to its reliable sunshine year-round and family-friendly attractions like the gigantic Siam Park water park.

In January and February, temperatures sit around the low- to mid-twenties, which feels practically roasting compared to the UK, and there’s not a lot of rain to worry about either.

Younger travellers might want to head to Playa de las Americas for the nightlife, but there’s bags of things to do for families and for those looking for a quieter winter holiday too.

Fly with Ryanair from only £30pp*.

Fuerteventura

All the climate wins of Tenerife, but generally a little quieter, Fuerteventura is another great place to jet off to for some winter sun.

The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so if you love nature and outdoors adventures, you’ll love it here.

It’s a paradise for marine and desert habitats – and outstanding beaches to unwind on once you’re done exploring too.

Fly with Ryanair from only £32pp*.

Paphos

Cyprus has a very Brit-friendly climate in the off-season, with temperatures in the high teens but with plenty of sunshine.

It’s much quieter (and cheaper) now than it is in the heat of the summer months, but the slightly cooler weather makes it the perfect time to explore the island’s great outdoors and historic sites.

Visit the ruins of Ancient Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings, then refuel on souvlaki and seafood.

Fly with Ryanair from only £38pp*.

Agadir

This has become a hotspot for tourists visiting Morocco, thanks to its pleasant year-round climate, wide beach, and seafront strips of restaurants and cafes.

In January, temperatures reach about 22 degrees, but it gets a little warmer than that as we head into February and March – you might just manage a day on the beach.

There’s also the Museum of Arts, which explores the surrounding region’s Berber heritage, and a visit to the Souk El Had market will let you practice your haggling skills.

Fly with Ryanair from only £49pp*.

Sal

Cape Verde is another firm favourite for winter sun from Manchester, with a similar climate to the Canary Islands (it’s just a little south of them).

Sal is an island that’s part of the African nation, but almost has a Caribbean vibe.

Expect colonial architecture, waterfront barbecues, and palm tree-lined beaches.

Fly with easyJet from only £134pp*.

Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh is the most famous and popular resort of Egypt’s bustling Red Sea coastline, and January is a great month to visit.

There’s comfortable temperatures around the low- to mid-twenties, blazing winter sun, and clear skies (though it does get chilly in the evening, it’s nothing like the Manchester weather).

This place is paradise for scuba diving and snorkelling too, with incredible diverse reefs just off the shore.

Fly with easyJet from only £237pp*.

Montego Bay

Now we’re getting serious about our winter sun suggestions, and getting a long way from Manchester.

Montego Bay is Jamaica’s most-loved beach resort, with year-round temperatures of around 30 degrees and a gorgeous Caribbean atmosphere.

It’s the dry season right now, which means you can make the most of those white sands, turquoise waters, and mouthwatering food.

Fly with TUI from only £363pp*.

Cancun

Previously tarnished as being a Spring Break destination for American students seeking a wild party, Cancun has developed a more family-orientated reputation in recent years.

There are more than 60 miles of golden sands in the surrounding Riviera Maya, plus water parks, historic sites like Chichen Itza, and amazing natural landscapes.

As for the weather – temperatures in January and February are similar to what you’d find in the Mediterranean in the height of summer. Toasty.

Fly with TUI from only £433pp*.

Bangkok

This is a brand-new direct route for Manchester Airport, with flights whizzing passengers straight to Bangkok for some winter sun.

We’re now linked to the world’s most-visited city, which is a vibrant and busy hub with great food and cultural wonders.

But it also acts as a gateway to the islands and beaches of Southern Thailand, including Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Samui.

Fly with Norse from only £598pp*.

Dubai

It’s a lot of people’s dream destination (and a lot of people’s worst nightmare), but you can’t deny the weather in Dubai is pretty tempting at this time of year.

The impressive high-rise city also has some amazing white-sand beaches, and temperatures in the mid-twenties in January and February.

You can also escape into the nearby desert for a day in a 4×4 safari.

Fly with Emirates from only £615pp*.

Featured image: Unsplash, David Emrich

Viral Korean street food brand Bunsik is coming to the Trafford Centre

Daisy Jackson Viral Korean street food brand Bunsik is coming to the Trafford Centre

Korean street food brand Bunsik is branching out, with a brand-new restaurant confirmed for the Trafford Centre.

Set to open later this year, the London-born brand will be bringing its viral Korean corn dogs – with cheese pulls that stretch as far as your arms will go – to the huge shopping centre.

As well as that, Bunsik is famed for classic Korean street food dishes like ttekbokki, crispy fried chicken, and kimbap.

The Korean favourite already has a popular site over in Manchester city centre, opening up on Piccadilly Gardens back in 2023.

Bunsik is set to open in the Trafford Centre’s The Orient food hall in June, taking over the old Shere Khan unit.

It joins other recent openings like Joe & The Juice, Jerk Junction, and the brand-new Eastern Garden dining area which is home to Blanchflower, Chit n Chaat, and Hello Oriental.

Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Bunsik to Trafford Centre this summer.

“It’s a brand that brings something fresh, fun and exciting to our food lineup, and we know our visitors are going to love it.”

The existing Bunsik at Piccadilly Gardens — Korean corn dogs from Bunsik

Jae Cho, founder of Bunsik, said: “We have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible love and support Manchester has shown us since we opened at Piccadilly Gardens.

“Seeing so many people enjoy our food every day gave us the confidence to believe that Bunsik could truly become a nationwide brand.

“It confirmed that the UK’s love for Korean street food is even stronger than we imagined.

“With that same energy and confidence, we are now thrilled to bring Bunsik to the iconic Trafford Centre. We hope our new home becomes just as beloved a spot for everyone in Manchester and the surrounding areas. We can’t wait to welcome you all very soon!”

Featured image: The Manc Group