If you are beginning to really feel the itch to plan a getaway within the new yr, January might be the right month to embark on a brand new journey. Whether you are trying to escape the chilly winter climate, expertise distinctive cultural festivals or just discover a brand new vacation spot, there are lots of choices to fulfill your journey cravings.
For those that desire to embrace the chilly and snowy situations, there are locations famend for his or her winter sports activities and beautiful icy landscapes. Imagine bundling up in cozy layers, gliding down powdery slopes or sipping sizzling cocoa by a roaring fireplace. It’s 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 stunning seashores, lush landscapes and vibrant native cultures. Picture your self lounging on sandy shores, exploring tropical rainforests or immersing your self in full of life road festivals — the right antidote to the winter blues.
No matter what journey you search, January’s numerous journey choices provide one thing for everybody.
But the place must you go? Here are the ten finest locations to journey in January.
Bonaire
Carnival season begins in January on the Caribbean island of Bonaire. CIRCLEYES/GETTY IMAGES
A Dutch island municipality off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire gives 80-degree days in January and a few of the finest seashores within the Caribbean. Plus, Carnival season kicks off in January and is the island’s most vibrant time of yr. Start at Washington Slagbaai National Park for mountaineering 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. Don’t miss the pink salt flats for jaw-dropping images, 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 International Airport (JFK) to Flamingo International (BON).
TPG tip: You will not discover factors inns on Bonaire, however there are nonetheless offers available even throughout excessive season. Stay at The Bellafonte, a boutique oceanfront lodge, beginning at $912 for a minimal three-night keep this January. The resort features a non-public pier, plunge pool and rooms that may depart you questioning why you’d ever depart.
AlaskaAurora blasts over Denali Lakeview Inn in Healy, Alaska. GARY QIAN/GETTY IMAGES
Alaska is pure magic this time of yr, with the northern lights portray the sky like Mother 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’ll be able to sip an appletini in an ice glass earlier than soaking in these well-known sizzling springs. Try canine sledding with Black Spruce Dog Sledding or snowmobiling in Cantwell for an adrenaline rush. Feeling even bolder? Head to Matanuska Glacier for guided mountain climbing 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: Stay on the Bridgewater Hotel by Wyndham in Fairbanks. In January, charges common round $175 per evening or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards factors per evening.
Puerto Vallarta, MexicoThe view from Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa. EDGARDO CONTRERAS/MARRIOTT PUERTO VALLARTA RESORT AND SPA/FACEBOOK
Head to Mexico’s Pacific coast to take pleasure in 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. If you are hungry, hit up Mariscos 8 Tostadas for ceviche that is so contemporary that it principally waves hey. To chill out, Playa Las Gemelas has turquoise water and tender 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: Stay on the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and luxuriate in luxurious rooms, an infinity pool, numerous eating places and a few much-deserved R&R within the resort’s world-class spa. Rates begin at $270 or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening in January.
Kangaroo Island, AustraliaInside the Great Room at Southern Ocean Lodge. SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE, KANGAROO ISLAND/FACEBOOK
Visit Australia’s wild facet on Kangaroo Island. January is summer time 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. Explore Flinders Chase National Park, the place the long-lasting Remarkable 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, typically referred to as considered one of Australia’s finest seashores, for tender sand and turquoise water, ultimate 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 evening this January, however stays embrace wonderful domestically sourced meals and wine in addition to spectacular views.
DubaiDubai could also be a giant metropolis, nevertheless it’s additionally a seashore vacation spot. JORG GREUEL/GETTY IMAGES
Dubai gives the last word mixture of luxurious and journey, and winter brings ultimate climate with delicate temperatures within the 70s and 80s. Head as much as the remark 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 proper of additional). Explore 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 situated 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 evening this January.
Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaThe view of Lake Tahoe from Heavenly Ski Resort. BX PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES
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 fantastic. You can snowshoe by the serene trails of Emerald Bay State Park or strive sledding at Granlibakken Tahoe, the place even grown-ups scream like children. After the journey, cozy up with a craft cocktail at The Idle Hour on the lake’s southern shore.
TPG tip: Stay on the Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe, throughout the street from Heavenly and simply two miles from South Lake Tahoe’s shorefront, eating places and purchasing district. Room charges begin at $144 or 71,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening this January.
Maui, HawaiiM SWIET PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES
Winter will really feel like a distant reminiscence on Maui. Plus, the Hawaiian island made TPG’s listing of the highest locations to go in 2025, as locals in Maui are able to welcome again vacationers following a devastating 2023 fireplace.
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 you should make a reservation. End your day with a contemporary poke from Tamura’s Market or a mai tai at Mama’s Fish House whereas soaking in these ocean views.
TPG tip: Stay 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 new Kilolani Spa is the most important in Hawaii. Rates begin at $728 or 110,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening in January.
Antarctica Gentoo penguins on Danko Island on the Antarctic Peninsula. STEVEALLENPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Antarctica is the last word bucket-list journey; summer time is the one time you’ll be able to 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 previous 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’ll be able to hike an lively volcano or dip into its geothermally heated waters. It’s additionally prime time for recognizing whales migrating by the icy waters.
TPG tip: You can 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 immediately in Antarctica to board the ship, maximizing your time exploring the continent. Prices begin at round $11,000 per particular person, making it a once-in-a-lifetime journey with out seasickness.
PanamaThe outdated city space often called Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama. L. TOSHIO KISHIYAMA/GETTY IMAGES
January is a good time to go to Panama as the world remains to be in its dry season, and vacationers can anticipate loads of sunshine, making it the right seashore vacation spot. The climate is nice and ultimate for outside actions such because the Feria de las Flores y del Cafe (Flower and Coffee Festival), one of many world’s grandest celebrations of flowers. From Jan. 8 to 19, vacationers can take pleasure in lush floral arrangements, meals stands, dwell music, amusement rides and handicrafts cubicles.
TPG tip: Opened beneath The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in 2022, Hotel La Compania gives vacationers the possibility to expertise three totally different eras of Panama historical past in its historic buildings. Book for round 20,000 World of Hyatt factors or $437 an evening in January.
Khao Yai, ThailandSAM SPICER/GETTY IMAGES
If you are contemplating visiting Thailand, the very best time to take action is January, when the climate is cooler and fewer wet. (And earlier than the crowds will most likely descend later within the yr following the discharge of “White Lotus” season three, set in Thailand.)
Once you land in Bangkok, enterprise about three hours to Khao Yai National Park. Established as Thailand’s first, and at present considered one of its largest, nationwide parks, Khao Yai is a serene panorama of forest and grassland that provides an escape from the skin world.
As one of many richest conservation areas in Thailand, the UNESCO-protected protect encompasses miles of mountaineering and biking trails, picturesque waterfalls and nature in its purest type. You could encounter various wildlife — from wandering elephants and hornbills to gibbons and bears.
TPG tip: The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort transports visitors 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 evening in January.
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