The 7 Best Destinations To Travel To In January
Planning your next adventure for January? What better way to start the new year than by exploring an Icelandic glacier, trekking through Tanzanian wilderness, or dipping your toes into the Pacific Ocean’s warm waters?
Here’s a quick look at the perfect spots to travel in January for your next big adventure.
Vietnam
Why visit? Outdoor adventures and scenic beaches
Weather Conditions: Winter
Although it’s winter, Vietnam offers a break from the cold.
Every turn of your journey here is a feast for the senses, from the vibrant markets overflowing with fresh produce to the towering limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, and the endless stretches of rice paddies.
Vietnam is a lively burst of colour and warmth, ideal for kicking off the new year.
India
Why visit? Dry, sunny weather for perfect exploration
Weather Conditions: Winter
In January, India offers sunny beach days in the south, perfect trekking conditions in the north, and dry weather for wandering through the lively cities of Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi.
Words like diverse, spiritual, colourful, and historic come to mind when thinking of India, but to those who have experienced it, it’s simply wonderful and unforgettable.
Whether you choose to climb mountains, relax on beaches, or explore ancient cities, India is ready and waiting.
Australia
Why visit? Summer sun at its peak
Weather Conditions: Summer
For me in the UK, January is a cold winter month, but Australia is basking in the height of summer.
Northern Australia may be experiencing its wet season, but the rest of the country is enjoying perfect weather.
On the East Coast, Sydney sparkles, the Great Barrier Reef flourishes, and the beaches are endless. In the west, the friendly quokkas of Rottnest Island charm visitors, while Tasmania down south offers a nature lover’s paradise.
East Africa
Why visit? Ideal conditions for wildlife spotting
Weather Conditions: Hot and dry
Start the year with a safari in the Serengeti, where you can keep a lookout for the Big Five, among the hundreds of other species that call the region home.
East Africa is an adventurer’s dream, and January’s weather is perfect for exploring its magnificent landscapes, from the Usambara Mountains to the Ngorongoro Crater.
With opportunities to meet Maasai warriors and witness extraordinary wildlife, it’s hard to think of a more memorable way to begin the year.
Iceland
Why visit? Wintery landscapes and the northern lights
Weather Conditions: Winter
After exploring Iceland’s magnificent glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic beaches, you can turn your eyes skyward, hoping to witness the magical Northern Lights.
The long nights and chilly January temperatures increase your odds of seeing the spectacle of the aurora borealis, and even if the lights remain elusive, Iceland’s otherworldly beauty won’t leave you disappointed.
Galapagos Islands
Why visit? Sea turtles and warm waters
Weather Conditions: Warm and wet
The Galapagos Islands in January might just be one for your bucket list.
Swim with sea lions, snorkel over coral reefs, and explore the unique wildlife that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Whether you’re hiking volcanoes or watching sea turtles nest on the beaches, the Galapagos offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Egypt
Why visit? Cooler weather for exploring ancient wonders
Weather Conditions: Winter
January is one of the best times to visit Egypt, as the weather is cooler but still sunny, making it ideal for exploring ancient sites.
While the famous landmarks can get busy, a trip down the Nile on a traditional felucca offers a peaceful escape and a chance to experience local Nubian culture in a way few others do.
So, if you’ve been dreaming of stepping inside ancient pyramids and wandering the lands of the pharaohs but want to avoid the scorching heat, Egypt in January is the perfect answer.
