The Best Places to Visit in January

Walk the breathtaking cliffs and beaches of Nusa Penida on your solo trip to Bali
Walk the breathtaking cliffs and beaches of Nusa Penida on your solo trip to Bali | © R.M. Nunes / Alamy Stock Photo

The festive season is in the rearview mirror – a brand new year awaits, bringing with it a sense of optimism, opportunity and a blank canvas from which you can etch out your travel fantasies for the next 12 months. January is the perfect time for an adventure, and we’ve chosen our top destinations to hit the ground running this year.

Bali, for a serene start to the year

Natural Feature

Bali, for a serene start to the year
© Anastasiia Shavshyna / Getty Images
This real life tropical paradise is a place to escape, so drop off your mental baggage at the airport and unwind in blissful Bali. With average January temperatures at a dreamy 26C (78F) – glorious sunshine will be interrupted by the odd tropical downpour – you can leave your Vitamin D tablets behind, too. The beauty of Bali is that you can enjoy ultimate relaxation or hair-raising adventure, or perhaps a healthy balance of both. 

Mexico, for adventures of every kind

Architectural Landmark

Mexico, for adventures of every kind
Sailingstone Travel / Shutterstock
January might just be the perfect time to visit Mexico. It’s in the thick of dry season, with average temperatures in the mid-20s (C), but also avoids the busier school vacation months of December and February. So whether you want to chill on the pristine beaches of the Yucatán, explore ancient Mayan ruins or dive deep into the country’s many vibrant towns and cities, this is the time to do it.

Northern Thailand, for off-the-beaten-path fun

Natural Feature

Northern Thailand, for off-the-beaten-path fun
Jack FotoVerse / Shutterstock
The Chiang Mai region of northwest Thailand is a place of extraordinary beauty. Picture cascading waterfalls that reveal themselves from deep within the overgrown shrubbery of tropical jungles. Imagine canyons, mountains, incredible sunsets and elephants playing in the water. That’s Northern Thailand. A place of natural splendour just waiting to be explored – and in the middle of dry season, January is the perfect time to do it.

Morocco, where vibrant culture meets natural phenomena

Architectural Landmark,Natural Feature

Morocco, where vibrant culture meets natural phenomena
Sample a little bit of everything with the ever-changing landscapes of North Africa this January. In Morocco you can go from the bustling hive of energy that is Marrakech, with its mazy alleyways and sensory stimulating markets, to the otherworldly expanses of the Atlas Mountains and the dusty vastness of the Sahara desert. There’s always something new to discover here, and with so much to see, do, taste and smell, we think Morocco should be right at the top of your bucket list this year.

Belize and Guatemala, for sunny shores and laid-back living

Natural Feature

Belize and Guatemala, for sunny shores and laid-back living
© Karen Brodie / Getty Images
This pair combines Central America’s fascinating cultures with a laid-back Caribbean spirit – perfect for a little January detox. In Guatemala, you can expect the quaint beauty of colourful old colonial towns and the striking majesty of volcanic landscapes. Meanwhile, Belize offers coastal heaven, with pristine Caribbean beaches, vibrant wildlife and gorgeous, temperate waters for swimming and snorkelling.
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