For those who’re beginning to really feel the itch to plan a getaway within the new year, January might be the proper month to embark on a brand new journey. Whether or not you are trying to escape the chilly winter climate, expertise distinctive cultural festivals or just discover a brand new vacation spot, there are numerous choices to fulfill your journey cravings.
For individuals who desire to embrace the chilly and snowy circumstances, there are locations famend for his or her winter sports and beautiful icy landscapes. Think about bundling up in cozy layers, gliding down powdery slopes or sipping sizzling cocoa by a roaring hearth. It is a winter wonderland ready to be explored.
On the flip facet, in case you’re desperate to commerce snowflakes for sunshine, loads of warm-weather havens provide lovely seashores, lush landscapes and vibrant native cultures. Image your self lounging on sandy shores, exploring tropical rainforests or immersing your self in full of life road festivals — the proper antidote to the winter blues.
It doesn’t matter what journey you search, January’s various journey choices provide one thing for everybody.
However the place must you go? Listed here are the ten greatest locations to journey in January.
Bonaire
A Dutch island municipality off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire gives 80-degree days in January and a few of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Plus, Carnival season kicks off in January and is the island’s most vibrant time of yr. Begin at Washington Slagbaai National Park for climbing and secluded seashores, then snorkel at 1,000 Steps (don’t be concerned, it is extra like 67 steps) to see turtles and vibrant coral. Windsurfing at Lac Bay is a should, even in case you’re a beginner — it is shallow and breezy. Do not miss the pink salt flats for jaw-dropping pictures, and end the day sipping a tropical cocktail at Karel’s Beach Bar.
JetBlue is making it simpler to get to Bonaire with new twice-weekly nonstop flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK) to Flamingo Worldwide (BON).
TPG tip: You will not discover factors resorts on Bonaire, however there are nonetheless offers available even throughout excessive season. Keep at The Bellafonte, a boutique oceanfront resort, beginning at $912 for a minimal three-night keep this January. The resort features a personal pier, plunge pool and rooms that may depart you questioning why you’d ever depart.
Alaska
Alaska is pure magic this time of yr, with the northern lights portray the sky like Mom Nature’s laser present. Make Fairbanks your base for aurora chasing — do not miss the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs, the place you may sip an appletini in an ice glass earlier than soaking in these well-known sizzling springs. Attempt canine sledding with Black Spruce Dog Sledding or snowmobiling in Cantwell for an adrenaline rush. Feeling even bolder? Head to Matanuska Glacier for guided mountaineering or trekking on historic blue ice. Add in Denali’s serene snowy trails, and you will have a winter journey straight out of a postcard.
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TPG tip: Keep on the Bridgewater Hotel by Wyndham in Fairbanks. In January, charges common round $175 per night time or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards factors per night time.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Head to Mexico’s Pacific coast to get pleasure from sunshine, tacos and journey in Puerto Vallarta. Stroll the Malecon Boardwalk for ocean views, wild sculptures and road performers who would possibly simply outshine the surroundings. Dive into Los Arcos Marine Park for snorkeling with tropical fish or kayaking round epic rock arches. For those who’re hungry, hit up Mariscos 8 Tostadas for ceviche that is so recent that it mainly waves hi there. To loosen up, Playa Las Gemelas has turquoise water and comfortable sand that’ll make you neglect winter exists. Bonus: it is whale-watching season so the probabilities of recognizing humpbacks flipping prefer it’s their very own dance-off are excessive.
TPG tip: Keep on the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and revel in luxurious rooms, an infinity pool, various eating places and a few much-deserved R&R within the resort’s world-class spa. Charges begin at $270 or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time in January.
Kangaroo Island, Australia
Go to Australia’s wild facet on Kangaroo Island. January is summer season right here, so there might be sunny skies and heat days, and nature might be in full swing. At Seal Bay, stroll amongst sea lions basking on the seashore prefer it’s their private resort. Discover Flinders Chase Nationwide Park, the place the long-lasting Outstanding Rocks and Admirals Arch provide beautiful coastal views. Sip award-winning gin at Kangaroo Island Spirits for a style of the island. And head to Vivonne Bay, usually known as certainly one of Australia’s greatest seashores, for comfortable sand and turquoise water, ideally suited for kayaking or picnicking.
TPG tip: Kangaroo’s Southern Ocean Lodge reopened in late 2023 after being destroyed by bushfires in 2019-2020. The luxurious all-inclusive is definitely a splurge beginning at $2,780 per night time this January, however stays embody glorious regionally sourced meals and wine in addition to spectacular views.
Dubai
Dubai gives the final word mixture of luxurious and journey, and winter brings ideally suited climate with gentle temperatures within the 70s and 80s. Head as much as the commentary decks on the Burj Khalifa, the place clear January days imply unbeatable skyline views as much as 154 tales above road degree. Dune bash within the Al Marmoom Desert or cool off at Ski Dubai (snowboarding within the desert is simply the correct of additional). Discover the Al Fahidi Historical District or wander the Souk Madinat Jumeirah for a style of outdated Dubai.
TPG tip: The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is centrally positioned beside the Dubai Water Canal and has 1,608 rooms and over 12 eating places. Room charges begin at $209 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this January.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe transforms right into a snowy playground throughout winter, with crystal-clear skies and slopes begging to be conquered. Hit Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe for epic ski runs and lake views from the gondola. Even in case you’re not a skier, it is effective. You’ll be able to snowshoe via the serene trails of Emerald Bay State Park or strive sledding at Granlibakken Tahoe, the place even grown-ups scream like youngsters. After the journey, cozy up with a craft cocktail at The Idle Hour on the lake’s southern shore.
TPG tip: Keep on the Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe, throughout the highway from Heavenly and simply two miles from South Lake Tahoe’s shorefront, eating places and buying district. Room charges begin at $144 or 71,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time this January.
Maui, Hawaii
Winter will really feel like a distant reminiscence on Maui. Plus, the Hawaiian island made TPG’s list of the top destinations to go in 2025, as locals in Maui are able to welcome again vacationers following a devastating 2023 hearth.
January is peak whale season, so heading out from Kaanapali or Wailea to identify humpbacks is a should. On the opposite facet of the island, drive the Road to Hana to see waterfalls and the black sand seashores of Waianapanapa State Park. Catch the dawn at Haleakala National Park — the early wake-up pays off, however it’s essential to make a reservation. Finish your day with a recent poke from Tamura’s Market or a mai tai at Mama’s Fish House whereas soaking in these ocean views.
TPG tip: Keep on the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, a newly renovated property that spent over $350 million updating its visitor rooms and eating places. The brand new Kilolani Spa is the most important in Hawaii. Charges begin at $728 or 110,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time in January.
Antarctica
Antarctica is the final word bucket-list journey; summer season is the one time you may go. For a lot of the yr, the frozen continent is off-limits, however throughout prime season, it comes alive with 24-hour daylight and epic wildlife sightings. Cruise past towering icebergs, kayak alongside curious seals and go to bustling penguin colonies at locations like Port Lockroy. Many expeditions cease at Deception Island, the place you may hike an lively volcano or dip into its geothermally heated waters. It is also prime time for recognizing whales migrating via the icy waters.
TPG tip: You’ll be able to skip the notorious Drake Passage and nonetheless expertise Antarctica by reserving an 8-day cruise with Lindblad Expeditions. The journey begins with a flight over the Drake, touchdown instantly in Antarctica to board the ship, maximizing your time exploring the continent. Costs begin at round $11,000 per particular person, making it a once-in-a-lifetime journey with out seasickness.
Panama
January is a good time to go to Panama as the world continues to be in its dry season, and vacationers can count on loads of sunshine, making it the proper seashore vacation spot. The climate is nice and ideally suited for outside actions such because the Feria de las Flores y del Cafe (Flower and Espresso Competition), one of many world’s grandest celebrations of flowers. From Jan. 8 to 19, vacationers can get pleasure from lush flower arrangements, meals stands, reside music, amusement rides and handicrafts cubicles.
TPG tip: Opened below The Unbound Assortment by Hyatt in 2022, Hotel La Compania gives vacationers the possibility to expertise three completely different eras of Panama historical past in its historic buildings. E book for round 20,000 World of Hyatt factors or $437 an evening in January.
Khao Yai, Thailand
For those who’re contemplating visiting Thailand, the perfect time to take action is January, when the climate is cooler and fewer wet. (And earlier than the crowds will in all probability descend later within the yr following the discharge of “White Lotus” season three, set in Thailand.)
When you land in Bangkok, enterprise about three hours to Khao Yai National Park. Established as Thailand’s first, and presently certainly one of its largest, nationwide parks, Khao Yai is a serene panorama of forest and grassland that gives an escape from the surface world.
As one of many richest conservation areas in Thailand, the UNESCO-protected protect encompasses miles of climbing and biking trails, picturesque waterfalls and nature in its purest type. You could encounter diversified wildlife — from wandering elephants and hornbills to gibbons and bears.
TPG tip: The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort transports friends again to the golden age of rail journey, taking historic inspiration from King Rama V’s reign within the late 1800s. Rooms can be found for round $190 or 37,000 IHG One Rewards factors per night time in January.
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