Although this is traditionally the time to start thinking about summer holidays, thousands are likely to have another target in mind as long-haul operators unveil bargains in the first three months of the year.
Virgin Holidays threw down the gauntlet with its Megadeals, priced from £339 for a week in Orlando, Florida, and £419 for a week's New Hampshire skiing.
With long-haul short breaks expected to be a fast growing sector, Megadeals include four-night breaks in Havana, Cuba, from £559, including return flights.
India is likely to offer great bargains. Goaway's flights to Goa from Gatwick and Manchester start at £199 and the same operator offers packages with B&B in Goa and Kerala in January to March from £399.
Indian Ocean destinations also look good. African Safari has trimmed 13 nights' full board in four-star beachside accommodation north of Mombasa to start at £534, saving £365, on January 21 departures.
