10 Best Places To Travel In January - Perfect Spots For Every Traveler
January is the ideal time to travel! Check out our expert-recommended places for an unforgettable vacation filled with adventure and relaxation.
Author:Velma BattleReviewer:Michael RachalNov 05, 202469 Shares13.8K Views
January is often a time for planning and booking trips for the upcoming year rather than embarking on one. However, there are significant benefits to traveling during the first month. Besides taking advantage of affordable flight deals, you can also shake off the dreaded January blues before they even start.
Whether you're seeking a short break, a cultural experience, or a wildlifewonder that's unique to the start of the year, or if you plan to spend the entire month diving deep into a new destination, we've rounded up some of the best places to travel in January.
Laos
With minimal rainfall and warm, pleasant days, January is an ideal time to visit Laos. The cultural hub of Luang Prabang enjoys temperatures around 24°C during this month.
Exploring the Parisian-like charms of the capital, Vientiane, is highly recommended, as well as spending ample time in Luang Prabang. This city boasts over 33 temples, endless night market stalls, and even Mount Phou Si to climb.
Travelers ready for more can cruise along the Mekong River to explore southern Laos. Sunseekers should note that the southern regions experience higher temperatures in January, nearing 30°C.
On the journey south, one will pass through Si Phan Don, where the magnificent Khon Phapheng Falls, known as the 'Niagara of Asia', can be witnessed. Pakse, Laos' second-largest city, is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers. It is rich in colonial architecture, vibrant with culture, and home to one of the country's most significant temples, Wat Luang.
Malé, The Maldives
Malé serves as an excellent base for those looking to explore the entire archipelago. Transfers to the Atolls are straightforward, allowing for scuba diving, water sports, and opportunities to witness some of the Maldives’ most intriguing marine life, such as reef sharks, hammerheads, dolphins, manta rays, and on-land turtles.
Naturally, you won't be the only one enjoying everything Malé and the Maldives have to offer. January marks the start of the dry, sunny season, which is the best time to visit weather-wise, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 31°C. Following a tropical rainy season from May to November, it’s no surprise that both locals and travelers will be eager to enjoy the sun and clear skies.
Porto, Portugal
There's no denying it, Portugal is experiencing a surge in popularity. Although the country's mild winters aren't blazing hot, they are quieter and more budget-friendly than usual, in a destination already celebrated for its affordability. Porto, often seen as Lisbon's little sister, has undergone a creative transformation.
Once-dilapidated medieval streets are now alive with sidewalk cafés and refurbished townhouses, converted into chic hotels by local designers.
The culinary scene is vibrant, offering much more than just sandwich shops and port wine tastings, ranging from Michelin-starred menus to relaxed, wine-centric dining. Additionally, the terraced port vineyards of the Douro Valley, located 100km inland, are a must-visit.
Traveling to Portugal by train is a surprisingly great idea and takes only 24 hours. Start by taking the Eurostar from Londonto Paris, then the high-speed TGV to Irun in Spain’s BasqueCountry, and finally the overnight Sud Express to Lisbon, which features sleeper cabins with private showers and a café/bar. After an elegant night on the rails, numerous direct trains to Porto await.
Barbados
Between December and April, Barbados sparkles with clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures reaching up to 30°C. If you visit in January, you won't be hitting the peak tourist season, but this winter sun destination is still a popular choice.
While Barbados' beachesare stunning, the island offers much more. For instance, Barbados Sailing Week occurs in mid to late January, initiating a series of sailing events throughout the Caribbean. If you visit at the end of the month, you can catch the Barbados Horticultural Society’s annual Flower and Garden Show. Barbados often wins gold at the UK's Chelsea Flower Show, so expect to see rare flowers, as well as demonstrations and crafts.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
The Canary Islandsare well-known for their reliable winter sun, but there’s more to Lanzarote than meets the eye. Bypassing the east coast’s flashy mega-hotels reveals a more sophisticated side of the island.
Much of Lanzarote’s unique built environment is influenced by local architect César Manrique, who designed several must-see attractions, including the Jardín de Cactus, a magical cactus amphitheater, and his own home, which features cave-like rooms carved into lava bubbles, now the Fundacíon César Manrique.
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape is a natural masterpiece. Timanfaya National Park showcases a stunning patchwork of rainbow-colored earth. For those seeking adventure, there’s more than just hiking. Dive into the underwater art park, Museo Atlántico, or surf at Famara Beach, a dramatic stretch located in the north.
Rwanda, Africa
There are numerous reasons to visit Rwanda. The lively city of Kigali radiates positivity, thanks to its extraordinarily resilient inhabitants. In Akagera National Park, which is still under the radar in the safari world, lions and black rhinos have been reintroduced. You’ll also see elephants, giraffes, and zebras roaming the savannah, without the crowd of other safari tourists.
Explore ancient rainforests and listen to the chatter of monkeys such as colobus, baboons, and chimpanzees. However, the main attraction in Rwanda is the mountain gorillas.
Less than 100 people per day are allowed to trek with trackers into the Virunga cloud forest in Volcanoes National Park to have a close encounter with these critically endangered animals - a profound, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Trekking is possible year-round, whenever you can obtain a permit, but January, as the start of the dry season, is one of the best months for this activity. The revenue from responsible tourism supports the conservation of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Vietnam
Vietnam, like its neighbor Laos, is a great choice in January. The weather is equally pleasant, dry, and sunny, with minor variations between the northern and southern regions. Post-Christmas crowds haven't arrived yet, giving you the chance to explore this popular destination in relative tranquility.
On an extended trip, you can explore the entire country. Vietnam's diverse cities, including Hoi An, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue, offer endless fascination, with Hue being particularly ideal for cycling enthusiasts.
Vietnam also boasts natural beauty at every turn. Halong Bay and the lesser-known Lan Ha Bay are accessible from Cat Ba Island. You can explore Hang Son Doong, one of the world's largest caves, or look for the rare golden-haired langur. Spotting this elusive primate is a challenging yet rewarding experience for seasoned wildlife watchers, as only about 100 remain in Cat Ba National Park.
The Japanese Alps
Most tourists overlook Honshu’s mountainous Nagano Prefecture, which offers unique experiences to the more adventurous traveler in this always-surprising region. This area boasts the dramatic and forested beauty of the Japanese Alps, and the Nakasendo Way, which winds through the Kiso Valley and Kiso Mountain peaks, covered in snow during January.
In Joshinetsu National Park, the ski resort of Shiga Kogen is expansive, with 51 lifts and numerous hotels. Despite its size, it remains relatively unknown to international visitors, keeping its slopes uncrowded. Apres-ski activities include indulging in sushi feasts and soaking in natural onsen baths. At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, visitors can even enjoy the sight of scarlet-faced macaques warming themselves in the steaming pools.
Panama
Another Central American gem, Panama boasts ideal weather in January. The first must-see is the Panama Canal, an 82km man-made waterway connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, constructed over a century ago.
To truly appreciate this engineering marvel, visit one of its accessible locks, such as Miraflores in Panama City. The canal also has a wild side, surrounded by untouched jungle.
Panama City offers more than just the canal. Explore the UNESCO-listed areas of Casco Viejo and Panamá Viejo, with their cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and trendy restaurants. Don’t miss La Catedral Metropolitana, the country’s most important Catholic church.
Beyond the city, the possibilities are vast. For those seeking adventure, there are over 378 San Blas Islands to explore. Coffee enthusiasts can trek through the Chiriquí Highlands in western Panama. Wildlife lovers should head to the UNESCO-protected Coiba National Park, where they can encounter Tito the Crocodile, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and whales.
Slovenia
Slovenia may not be an obvious choice for a winter getaway. It's neither sunny nor known for the Northern Lights, but it offers a unique winter experience in a country typically explored in summer.
First stop: Lake Bled. This iconic spot looks enchanting when frosted over and benefits from fewer visitors. It's usually difficult to experience Bled without crowds, so take advantage of the off-peak season to explore the lake, its island, and the surrounding town.
Next, there's skiing. In January, Slovenia's national parks become a haven for ski enthusiasts. The top destination is Kranjska Gora, but there are plenty of other options. Vogel in Triglav National Park offers stunning views of Lake Bohinj, and Krvavec, Slovenia's second-largest ski resort, is just 25 minutes from the capital, Ljubljana. After a day on the slopes, relax in a spa for a perfect end to the day.
If Slovenia isn’t appealing, the Balkan region and its neighbors are also great for affordable skiing. Sarajevo in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kopaonik in Serbia both provide a variety of winter sports activities.
FAQs About Best Places To Travel In January
Where Is The Nicest Weather In January?
Some of the best warm destinations in January are right on our doorstep - think the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Or, for a more far-flung escape, look to the tropical white shores of Indonesia or the extraordinary Galapagos Islands.
Is January A Good Time To Travel?
So for lovers of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping, these shoulder seasons are the perfect time to make the trip. After the excitement of Christmas, things are much quieter across the country in January.
Should I Visit Europe In January?
Overtourism is a real issue facing many popular destinations, but visiting during winter is one way to avoid the ever-present crowds (and the hiked-up prices). I recently spent a month in Europe during December and January with my family and we were surprised at how few tourists we saw.
Conclusion
No matter your travelstyle, January presents an array of destinations that cater to every preference. From sun-drenched islands to charming winter wonderlands, the best places to travel in January ensure that your first trip of the year is filled with memorable moments. Embrace the spirit of adventure and discover the perfect spot to kick off a year of exploration and discovery.
Velma Battle
Author
Travelling Expert
Michael Rachal
Reviewer
Travelling Expert
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