There are tons of people who never really travel in January. You don’t have to be one of them. Truth is, there is no better way to beat the post-December blues than with a beautiful destination vacation to start off the year. The great part is that airfare is cheaper at this time of the year, destinations are less crowded, and there are ample places with warm sunshine. If you’re wondering where to go this January, then check out our list of handpicked places to visit.
1. Canary Islands
Why go: Great weather, cheaper prices at this time of year, and beautiful beaches.
Key attractions: Gran Canaria, Teide National Park, El Medano, and Roque Nublo.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Why go: Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, warm weather, quieter beaches, better hotel rates.
Key attractions: Tanah Lot, Seminyak, Ubud, Mount Batur.
3. Nicaragua
Why go: Stunning beaches, calmer waves, ideal surf conditions, tropical forests, and volcanic cliffs.
Key attractions: San Juan del Sur, Ometepe Island, Corn Islands, Apoyo Lagoon, Granada, and Leon.
4. Hokkaido, Japan
Why go: Best time of the year for skiing! Visit the Niseko resort and end your day with a soak in a traditional Japanese onsen.
Key attractions: Noboribetsu Onsen, seafood from Otaru, sea of clouds at Unkai Terrace, and Blue Pond in Furano.
5. India
Why go: Beautiful culture, delicious food, colorful festivals, religious temples, and markets.
Key attractions: Jaipur Literary Festival, Taj Mahal, and beaches in Goa.
6. Cambodia
Why go: Pleasant warm weather, serene beaches, beautiful landscapes, and endless temples.
Key attractions: Siem Riep, Virachey National Kampot, and Kratie.
7. Phuket
Why go: Golden beaches, bustling markets, lots of water sports, and amazing nightlife.
Key attractions: Soi Bangla Road, Patong Beach, Phi Phi, Kata Noi Beach, and James Bond. Island.
8. Sri Lanka
Why go: Beautiful beaches, lots of nature and wildlife, and endless heritage monuments.
Key attractions: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Yala National Park, and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
9. Maldives
Why go: Many islands to explore, crystal blue waters, fascinating reefs, and marine life.
Key attractions: Ithaa underwater aquarium restaurant, water bungalows, diving, snorkeling, and fishing cruises.
10. Dubai
Why go: World class amusement parks, souks, picture perfect beaches, and best shopping malls.
Key attractions: Desert safari, Jumeirah Beach, and Underwater Zoo.
11. Morocco
Why go: Vibrant city, colorful markets, mosques, and the highest mountain in North Africa.
Key attractions: Majorelle Gardens, Menara Gardens, Atlas Mountains, and Souks.
12. Seychelles
Why go: Serene islands, and beautiful beaches.
Key attractions: Vallee de Mai, island hopping, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
13. Bruges
Why go: Beautiful canals, colonial structures, and the century-old city buildings.
Key attractions: Lake of Love, canal cruises, and vintage horse carriages.
14. Costa Rica
Why go: Lush rainforest, gorgeous coastlines, forest trails, and sparkling waterfalls,
Key attractions: Nicoya Peninsula trek, Arenal Hanging Bridges Ecological reserve, Irazu Volcano, and the Monteverde cloud forest hike.
15. Australia
Why go: Excellent hiking trails, and great wildlife.
Key attractions: Gold Coast, Sydney, and the Great Barrier Reef.