Special sales go hand in hand with trips for every budget

The antidote for the post-Christmas budget crunch is available in the form of winter sales. This year, in addition to helping us with items on our wish list that the Three Kings and Santa Claus were unable to get to, the winter sales will take us on a trip. Between the 8th and the 31st of January, save up to 25% off the original price of hotel reservations, and join the loyalty programs to receive exclusive perks (free Wi-Fi, late check-out, welcome mini-bar or a voucher for the value of 5% of your booking). To get you to these destinations, airlines, trains and buses have put together their best deals so you may travel thanks to the 2018 winter sales.

There are no excuses. Iberia.com has domestic flights for between €50 and €80, to European cities from €80, and to the other side of the Atlantic for as little as €470. Ryanair and Norwegian are also kicking off the year with unbeatable prices. The Irish airline has flights to the paradise of Lanzarote for €70 and to Rome for €50, while the Scandinavian low-cost carrier has tickets to the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands for as low as €35. January deals are also available for travel by train or bus: Renfe is selling "thousands" of AVE and long-distance train tickets for up to 70% off the original price, and Avanzabus has a #PrettyDays special offer to travel with a 50% discount.

The port of Huelva is the place from which Christopher Columbus set out on his expedition to the New World, although this historic event may not be as renowned as the natural landscapes and impressive coasts of this region bathed by the Atlantic.

Huelva’s beaches bring thousands of tourists each year to the region that stretches from Costa de la Luz—lined with coves and small towns, dunes and pine groves—, through Punta Umbría and its protected areas (the Odiel Marshes Biosphere Reserve, El Portil Lagoon Nature Reserve and Enebrales Park), to the region of Ayamonte along Costa de la Luz, where the beaches Isla Canela and Isla Cristina stand out.

The portion of the Almería coastline that houses Cabo de Gata is protected as a Natural Park. Since there are only a few villages along this part of the coast where construction is restricted, it has become a leading ecotourism destination. Cabo de Gata is so genuine that it is difficult to forget. Between the vast beaches, charming towns, excellent local food and some of the best landscapes in all of Spain and Europe, a relaxing and fun getaway is guaranteed.

This cape is the only place in the continent with a desert climate and it has inspired various authors and film makers of the Western genre, in addition to everyone who has visited the area. Mónsul, Los Genoveses, El Playazo and San Miguel are some of the most famous beaches as well as the setting of several legendary images from Western movies.

Cádiz is a place with so much to offer that a comprehensive description is difficult to define. For example, its wide beaches with white sand and peaceful waters are great for families. Its historic quarter features traditional buildings, and the local cuisine wins over travelers from all over the world.

Here, the top priority is to spend some quality time. This philosophy is present throughout Costa de la Luz, where the popular Costa Ballena is the perfect destination for people who want to enjoy the sea, the endless beaches of Cádiz and the golf courses where they can work on their swing.

Málaga’s residents are experts in enjoyment, from the amazing art in its museums—which are some of the best in Spain—to the bustling activity of its fair and the relaxation of its beaches. The capital is home to monuments inherited from Phoenicians, Romans and Byzantines, located alongside recently-built, vanguard buildings.

Aside from being one of the oldest cities in Europe, Málaga is also the birthplace of artists such as Pablo Picasso, beaches with more than 300 days of sunshine each year, coastal cities bursting with glamour like that of Málaga’s “golden mile”, and a casual atmosphere that will welcome you with open arms and alternatives for everyone.

Seville is one of the most important cities in Spain as well as the location of the Seville Fair, which takes place in April, and of emblematic monuments like the Giralda and the Torre del Oro. It combines a glorious past with the modernity of buildings, museums and art galleries. Some of the city’s top sightseeing spots are the Plaza de España square and its thousands of tiles, the Royal Tobacco Factory, the General Archive of the Indies and the Palace of San Telmo. The excellent weather will help you make the most of each day as you explore the streets filled with history and discover the cultural and culinary options along the riverbank. By the time you leave, you will be Sevillian at heart.

It’s no secret that Ibiza is the most popular beach destination in the world for celebrities, and it’s easy to understand why: idyllic landscapes, charming towns, 130 miles of coastline and an amazing nightlife. Taking in the party scene and relaxing are perfectly compatible on this island that is spotted with outdoor markets and traditional towns like San Juan, Mediterranean restaurants, beaches such as Cala Sardina, and countless leisure alternatives. Ibiza’s lifestyle conveys its hippy spirit to everyone; visiting this island is much more than just a vacation.

Menorca is pure Mediterranean essence. Like its Balearic neighbors, this island also features beaches with turquoise water and silky white sand, but its authenticity makes it a genuine destination where the remains of the Talaiotic culture and traditions like the celebration of San Juan in Ciutadella coexist harmoniously with tourism. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, the island is a pioneer in its environmental conservation and a top ecotourism destination.

The Balearic Islands are without a doubt an ideal vacation destination. Majorca can also boast that it has everything visitors want (and need): gorgeous beaches, green landscapes that are perfect for hiking, bustling alternatives for shopping and leisure, historic monuments and an enticing climate. The island uniquely combines the pleasant relaxation of the Mediterranean and urban accommodations that are bursting with culture and activity.

The second-largest island of the Canary Islands was named a Biosphere Reserve in 2009 thanks to its varied ecosystems and valuable species. Fuerteventura is perfect for people who love sports and relaxation in natural landscapes, endless beaches with crystal-clear water, and the coolest thermal treatments. An original way to explore the island is by trekking along the trails of Betancuria Rural Park and Mount Tindaya.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, the island of Tenerife has a fantastic climate, a unique cuisine and incredible contrasting landscapes. With its famous Carnival as the flagship, the largest of the Canary Islands features natural pools created by volcanic eruptions—like the ones in Garachico—, vast beaches and Mount Teide National Park. This geological monument—one of the most impressive in the world—is made of lava flows and volcanic cones, topped with Teide’s imposing peak as the main focus.

With its unique cultural, culinary and leisure offering, Madrid has countless monuments and sightseeing spots that shouldn’t be missed: Puerta de Alcalá, Buen Retiro Park, Cibeles, San Miguel Market (which has maintained its original iron structure dating back the early 20th century), the photogenic El Capricho Park and more. The Spanish capital is filled with architectural charm, and Puerta del Sol is the epicenter. From this square, visitors can walk along Gran Vía to a symbol of the Madrid skyline: Torre de Madrid, which was at one time Europe’s largest skyscraper for many years.

Rome is without a doubt one of the cities with the most history and charm in the world. The Italian capital’s legacy is combined with a modern perspective that is open to innovations and is a pioneer of creative ideas. Its past as the cradle of the Roman Empire is the reason behind universal monuments such as the Colosseum, the Fountain of Trevi and the Ancient Forum. It also houses the Vatican and jewels like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. In addition to this legacy, which is also present in the cuisine, Rome has evolved to become a major international business hub.