Travel to the 10 best destinations in January
There are many options to satisfy your travel cravings, whether you want to escape the cold winter weather, experience unique cultural festivals or simply explore a new destination. There are many ways to satisfy your travel desires, whether you want to escape the chilly weather of winter, explore unique cultural festivals, or just discover a new place. Imagine bundled up in layers and gliding down powdery ski slopes while sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fire. Imagine yourself relaxing on sandy beaches, exploring tropical rainforests, or taking part in vibrant street festivals. It is the perfect antidote to winter blues. Imagine yourself relaxing on sandy beaches, exploring tropical rain forests, or taking part in vibrant street festivals. It’s the perfect way to beat the winter blues. Here are the 10 best places to travel in January.
Bonaire
Carnival season begins in January on the Caribbean island of Bonaire. CIRCLEYES/GETTYIMAGES
A Dutch Island municipality off the coast Venezuela, Bonaire has some of the Caribbean’s best beaches and 80-degree temperatures in January. Carnival season begins in January, and it’s the most exciting time of year on the island. Washington Slagbaai National Park is a great place to start for hiking, secluded beaches and snorkeling. Even if you are a beginner, windsurfing in Lac Bay will be a great experience. It’s a shallow area with a breeze. JetBlue has launched nonstop flights twice weekly from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Flamingo International Airport in Bonaire. The Bellafonte is a boutique hotel on the oceanfront that offers a three-night minimum stay starting at $912. The resort includes a private pier, plunge pool and rooms that will leave you wondering why you’d ever leave.
Alaska
Aurora blasts over Denali Lakeview Inn in Healy, Alaska. GARY QIAN/GETTY IMAGES
Alaska at this time of the year is pure magic, with the northern light show painting the sky. Fairbanks is the perfect base to chase auroras. Don’t miss out on the Aurora Ice Museum, located at Chena Hot Springs. You can enjoy an appletini served in an ice-filled glass before you soak in these famous hot springs. For an adrenaline rush, try dog sledding at Black Spruce Dog Sledding and snowmobiling in Cantwell. Feeling even bolder? Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts. Add in Denali’s serene snowy trails, and you’ll have a winter adventure straight out of a postcard.
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TPG tip: Stay at the Bridgewater Hotel by Wyndham in Fairbanks. In January, the average rate is $175 or 30,000 Wyndham Reward points per night. EDGARDO CONTRERAS/MARRIOTT PUERTO VALLARTA RESORT AND SPA/FACEBOOK
Head to Mexico’s Pacific coast to enjoy sunshine, tacos and adventure in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy the Malecon Boardwalk’s ocean views, sculptures and street performances. Los Arcos Marine Park offers snorkeling with tropical species or kayaking through rock arches. Mariscos 8 Tostadas has ceviche so fresh it’s like a wave. Playa Las Gemelas’ turquoise water and soft sand will make you forget that winter is even here. It’s whale watching season, so chances of seeing humpbacks dancing are good. Rates start at $270 or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in January.
Kangaroo Island, Australia
Inside the Great Room at Southern Ocean Lodge. SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE, KANGAROO ISLAND/FACEBOOK
Visit Australia’s wild side on Kangaroo Island. Here, January is the summer, which means that there will be warm, sunny days and plenty of nature. Seal Bay is a great place to walk amongst sea lions that are basking on the beach as if it were their own personal resort. Flinders Chase National Park offers stunning views of the coast from Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and other landmarks. Kangaroo Island Spirits offers award-winning gin to give you a taste of this island. And head to Vivonne Bay, often called one of Australia’s best beaches, for soft sand and turquoise water, ideal 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 certainly a splurge starting at $2,780 per night this January, but stays include excellent locally sourced food and wine as well as spectacular views.
Dubai
Dubai may be a big city, but it’s also a beach destination. JORG GREUEL/GETTY IMAGES
Dubai is the perfect mix of luxury, adventure and mild weather in winter. Temperatures are usually between 70 and 80 degrees. Visit the Burj Khalifa’s observation decks for a spectacular view of the city skyline from 154 floors above street level. Ski Dubai is the perfect place to cool down after a dune bash. Visit the Al Fahidi Historical District, or the Souk Madinat Jumeirah to get a feel for old Dubai. Room rates start at $209 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night this January.
Lake Tahoe, California
The view of Lake Tahoe from Heavenly Ski Resort. BX PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES
Lake Tahoe is transformed into a snowy paradise during the winter months, with clear skies and slopes that beg to be conquered. Heavenly Ski Resort, in South Lake Tahoe, offers epic ski runs with lake views. It’s okay if you aren’t a skier. Even adults can scream with delight when sledding in Granlibakken Tahoe. The Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe is located across the street from Heavenly, and only two miles away from South Lake Tahoe’s restaurants, shopping and shorefront. Room rates start at $144 or 71,000 Hilton Honors points per night this January.
Maui, Hawaii
M SWIET PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES
Winter will feel like a distant memory on Maui. Maui was also included in TPG’s top 2025 destinations list, with locals eager to welcome travelers back after a devastating fire in 2023. Drive the Road to Hana on the opposite side of the island to see the waterfalls and black sand beach of Waianapanapa State Park. You must reserve a spot to see the sunrise in Haleakala National Park. Enjoy a Mai Tai at Mama’s Fish House or a freshly made poke at Tamura’s Market to end your day. The Kilolani Spa in Hawaii is the largest. Rates start at $728 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night in January.
Antarctica
Gentoo penguins on Danko Island on the Antarctic Peninsula. STEVEALLENPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Antarctica is the ultimate bucket-list adventure; summer is the only time you can go. During the summer, Antarctica is open to all, with 24 hour daylight and incredible wildlife. Port Lockroy is a great place to cruise past icebergs. You can kayak with curious seals or visit busy penguin colonies. Deception Island is a popular stop for many expeditions. You can hike the active volcano and dip in its geothermally heated water. The best time to see whales is when they migrate through the icy water. It begins with a flight that crosses the Drake Passage, landing in Antarctica directly to board the ship. This allows you to maximize your time on the continent. Prices start at around $11,000 per person, making it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure without seasickness.
Panama
The old town area known as Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama. L. TOSHIO KISHIYAMA/GETTY IMAGES
January is a great time to visit Panama as the area is still in its dry season, and travelers can expect plenty of sunshine, making it the perfect beach destination. The climate is ideal for outdoor activities, such as the Feria de las Flores y del Cafe. This festival of flowers is one of the largest in the world. Hotel La Compania, which will be opened under The Unbound collection by Hyatt, in 2022, offers travelers the opportunity to experience three different eras in Panama’s history. Booking in January will cost you around 20,000 World of Hyatt Points or $437 per night. The best time to visit Thailand is January, when the weather is cooler and less rainy. After landing in Bangkok, drive about three hours north to Khao Yai National Park. Khao Yai, Thailand’s largest and oldest national park, is a tranquil landscape of grassland and forest. It offers a peaceful escape from the world. There are many different species of wildlife to see, from gibbons and elephants to hornbills. Rooms are available for around $190 or 37,000 IHG One Rewards points per night in January.
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