Let’s be honest, hardly anyone loves January. Holidays are over, we are still tormented by the New Year hangover and absolutely do not want to go to work. You have two options for how to spend this not the most pleasant month. You can try to throw off the pounds you have gained over the holidays and feel sad about getting used to the routine again. Or you can go on a trip. January is not a tourist season. So fly somewhere at this time, firstly – cheap. And secondly, you can safely buy tickets anywhere in the world.
Here We List 20 Ideal Travel Destinations
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
It is no secret that winters in the Canaries are warm and sunny. If you decide to spend your January here – do not rush to go to the popular resorts of the eastern Canar. Drive to the western islands. Most of the landscape facilities here are built by local architect Cesar Manrique. The islands are obliged to him for their main attractions: a park of cacti and a house that the architect built for himself. However, the main thing that is worth admiring here is nature. In particular, volcanoes. Timanfaya National Park is known for its colorful hills of volcanic soil. If you are reluctant to climb mountains – dive with an aqualung into the underwater world.
Silver Lake, Los Angeles
The area of California Venice every year is becoming steeper. Now, this is definitely the place to come to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and rest from the chic of Los Angeles. There are no beaches here, but the spirit of measured rest soars: houses on the slopes of green hills and palm trees along the boulevards with vintage T-shirts and vinyl records. Silver Lake has many farmers markets and shops for surfers, graffiti and eateries. There are eternal summer, hip-hop, and fun (even in January).
Barbados
“Beach, food, alcohol and dancing” – so sang Rihanna about her perfect day in Barbados. The relaxed atmosphere of the Caribbean islands will take over you as soon as you arrive here. Holidays on the glamorous west coast is luxurious and draws on all five stars. But the more to the south – the more local flavor is felt: cozy restaurants, fresh seafood and the sounds of reggae coming from everywhere. If you are a fan of more measured rest – the east coast is for you. You can also come here for the sake of steep surfers and white sand beaches. In January, the rainy season ends in Barbados, which means that you can fully enjoy the warmth and sunshine.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a small cluster of volcanic islands almost a thousand kilometers from Senegal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. But believe me, you should come here: kilometers of ivory beaches, perfect surfing waves and incredible landscapes. Although Cape Verde is close to the equator, in January the average temperature here is 25˚C. And another great advantage of the ever-green island is the presence of eco-hotels that can compete with both budget and high-class hotels. They are fully powered by renewable energy. So if you want not only to have a good rest, but also to help preserve nature, then Cape Verde is the perfect option. Keep reading Top 10 ways to save on your Caribbean travel experience
Montreal, Canada
If a party outside at minus temperatures sounds attractive to you – come to Montreal. The annual street festival Igloofest gathers all fans to dance (and freeze) to the songs of the coolest performers. In addition, the French-style snow-capped buildings in Montreal look fascinating. To fully enjoy the beauty of the city, you can climb the mountain of Mont-Royal. If you miss the hipsters who stayed in the 2000s, in Montreal there is a reminder of their culture: hot smoked meat sandwiches and bagels (they are even more delicious than New York). And you can also try Putin – national Quebec fast food made from french fries (and not what you thought).
China
In January, there are almost no tourists in China – at this time strong cold winds blow here. So you will have a great opportunity to calmly see the main sights: the Terracotta Army and the Great Chinese Scene. By the way, covered with snow, they look even more fascinating. In January, hotel prices are much lower than usual. Therefore, you can spend the money saved on restaurants of national cuisine. For example, try boozy – local dumplings with broth inside. In January, China hosts the Harbin Festival of Ice and Snow, which entered the Guinness Book of Records as the longest. At night, ice sculptures highlight what looks very impressive. If you decide to look at it, do not forget to dress warmly. The temperature can reach -24˚C.
Panama
If you need a gorgeous photo from the beach, the easiest way to do it is in Panama. Yes, this resort is not as promoted as neighboring Colombia and Costa Rica. But there are many beautiful beaches, as it is a small country: a thin strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Near Panama are many islands. For example, the archipelago of San Blas. Unlike many resort islands, designed exclusively for tourists, on the San Blas next to you will live the indigenous tribe, Kuna. There are no luxury villas, but there are bungalows with thatched roofs, like the locals.
Val D’isere
In mid-January, all New Year’s holidays are over and no school holidays are foreseen. So you can safely go to the European ski resorts. In particular, on Val d’Isere. And not just for the best slopes in the whole continent. But also for the sake of the realization that this ski resort is located in sunny St. Tropez. Over the past five years, many hotels have appeared in the city: from hotels with ordinary rooms to hotels with chalets. Near most of them there is a cable car, so you can easily climb into the mountains to ride.
Porto, Portugal
No doubt Portugal is a terrific country. The record 20 million tourists who visited it last year will most likely confirm this. In January, you should not go to Portugal for a beach holiday, you are unlikely to tan. But you can enjoy the mild and warm winter. Moreover, the prices at this time are lower than usual. Porto, once a typical small European city, has revived dramatically over the past few years. The once quiet medieval streets were filled with cafes. Old buildings are now renovated and equipped by local designers for hotels.
Paddington, Australia
If you like the relaxed cosmopolitanism of Sindh, but it is too modern for you, then Paddington is the perfect place for your holiday. This beautiful city is as noisy and fun as in Sydney. And as cozy as in small towns with colorful houses in the Victorian style. Paddington’s main pedestrian street, Oxford Street, is no different from other similar streets: there are many cafes, pubs, and shops. But if you turn off from Oxford, then in the alleys you will find exhibitions of local artists and studios of Australian designers. In January, Australia has great weather (as at any other time of the year). But only in January, the International Arts Festival is held in Sydney, which is worth a visit at least once in a lifetime.
Nicaragua
This Central American country has it all: rainforests and pristine beaches, volcanoes and unusual eco-hotels. And although Nicaragua is truly a heavenly place, it also has a rainy season. That is why it is worth coming here in January because at this time there is almost no rain. Just be careful. You may not want to return back to Nicaragua.
Brazil
Mark the New Year in Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo and drive to the coast for a couple of weeks. Even if you spend all your annual savings on this trip, it will be worth it. Here everything is exactly as you imagined. A few kilometers of deserted beaches with golden sand, palm trees, and turquoise waves. It’s best to enjoy it in the small coastal town of Transocean or on the islands of Biopeba and Tinhar, where there is peace and no cars.
Myanmar
Myanmar seems magical at any time of the year. But especially here it is good in January (not much rain, a lot of sun and heat). Myanmar fascinates with its pagodas and temples in the middle of the foggy Himalayas and enchants untouched tropical islands.
Gold Coast, Australia
If you want to start the year brightly – you need to Australia. First, in Sydney, where the best New Year’s parties, and then go on a journey along the east coast. It is beautiful: Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Byron Bay. In January, there is no heat and annoying tourists. So you can fully enjoy the gorgeous beaches, delicious food, and beautiful private islands.
Belize
It is hot, humid and has a lot of rain. Moreover, Belize often has hurricanes and tropical storms. But we hope that this information did not embarrass you much. In fact, Belize is a Caribbean paradise in the middle of the jungle with stunning beaches. If you get tired of sunbathing, take a look at the Mayan ruins. It is best to come to Belize in January or February. At this time it is not too hot and humid here.
Thailand
This heavenly place is especially beautiful in January. Yes, at this time there are a lot of tourists here, but not so much as during the New Year holidays. In Thailand, it is worth visiting both the capital and the islands along the Andaman coast: Phi Phi, Phuket and Koh Lanta. If you want to go to the eastern islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Tau – it’s better to wait until March, because of the rainy season in January they will not be able to sunbathe.
South Africa
We can name dozens of reasons why you should visit South Africa. But in short: delicious food and wine, beaches, the ocean, and hotels. Stunning landscapes: from the Garden Route and the Western Caribbean Province to the Karoo. But the main impression of your trip will be meeting with wildlife on a safari.
Bruges, Belgium
This small Belgian town is one of those rare places that is charming at any time of the year. It can be described in the words of the hero of the film “To the bottom in Bruges”: “damn tale” It is worth going here for French fries, beer, and snowy winter. In addition, snow and frost – a great reason to linger in some bar with a Belgian beer or in an antique store. Bruges has many beautiful hotels built along canals and atmospheric restaurants where you can dine by candlelight. Be sure to try the multi-fruit (the local dish of mussels and French fries). In Bruges enough to spend a few days. But during this time you will have time to enjoy the charm of the city and gain a few extra pounds.
Mexico
In the Mexican winter, there is everything that ours lacks: warmth, a riot of colors and an abundance of exotic. Parties on the beach, yoga in the shade of trees, swimming in the cenotes. Most likely, you, like us, will fall in love with the spirit of Tulum and the small island Holbosch, where everyone is walking tramp. In Mexico, you can relax in different ways. If you want to enjoy the colonial architecture – go to Merida. And if you want to lie on the beach, then Sayulita is best suited for this. In any case, the weather on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts is wonderful: warm and almost cloudless.
Rajasthan, India
In the Indian state of rajah also worth going in January. At this time there are warm and not too many tourists. So that you can fully enjoy the unusual architecture, similar to the scenery for Bollywood films. Do not forget to visit the main treasures of India: Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Leave space on your phone for some of the forgotten sights: the Jal Mahal Palace or the lost city of Bhangra. It’s worth going to Rajasthan in January because this time is ideal for an Arabian night safari in Jaisalmer (this city is in the middle of the desert). There you can ride camels and, like a real Bedouin, spend the night under the open sky.
