Trying to decide where to travel in January? I’ve got plenty of ideas for your next vacation!
January is a fantastic month to travel. It’s the perfect time of year where you can escape winter by heading south, experience iconic cities like Florence without the crowds, or enjoy a cozy snow filled trip!
From relaxing in the Maldives to exploring in Patagonia or skiing in Utah, January destinations have so much to offer!
As a luxury travel advisor who has visited these destinations firsthand, I’m here to share my favorite places to travel in January!
In this post, I’ve rounded up my favorite destinations to visit in January based on our own experiences including things we’d do differently. I will be sharing tips on the best things to do, must-see spots, and where we stayed in each place (or recommended stays because so many hotels are on my bucket list!).
I hope to help you you get inspired and plan your dream January getaway whether it’s a honeymoon, family vacation or just because. And if you need help planning your trip, I’m a travel advisor and would so happy to help!
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Here are my favorite destinations in January:
Let’s get started with all of the places I have personally been and I will end with a couple that are on my bucket list, but perfect for January!
1. Costa Rica
If you’re looking for a warm weather escape in January, Costa Rica is one of the places I’d have on my list. I visited Costa Rica for a long weekend with my husband for a couples getaway in January one year and the weather could not have been better for what we wanted. It was warm without feeling oppressively hot, there was a nice breeze coming off the water, and both the air and water temperatures were ideal for spending most of the day outside.
We stayed along the coast in the Guanacaste region, which is especially easy to get to from the US. Flying into Liberia made the trip feel surprisingly simple, with about a one hour drive from the airport to our hotel. Fair warning, customs took us forever when we arrived, but once we were through, the rest of the journey was easy.
And there is plenty to do once you get there. We spent our days doing a little bit of everything: watching the sunset from a sailboat, taking a surf lesson (something that had been on my bucket list for years!), paddle boarding, relaxing by the pool, spotting monkeys and eating really good food. We also loved that we could have an active morning and then spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing.
For me, that is what made Costa Rica such a great January destination. It gave us that warm, tropical getaway I was craving in the middle of winter, but we never felt like we had to fill every minute of the trip. You can make a Costa Rica trip as adventurous or as relaxing as you want, whether that means spending your days surfing and exploring the jungle or barely leaving your hotel pool.
READ: Best times to visit Costa Rica
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
We stayed at Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas and I really cannot recommend it enough for a couples trip. The rooms are individual, freestanding villas, each with its own private plunge pool, which made the whole stay feel incredibly private and romantic. And the sunsets over the Pacific here are truly amazing.
Costa Rica also has some fantastic options if you want a different type of trip. I love Nayara Tented Camp for a jungle experience, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica for a more traditional luxury resort experience.
There are also plenty of beautiful hotels throughout the country, so I would choose your hotel based on whether you want your January trip to be more about the beach, the jungle or a little of both! As a travel advisor, I’d be glad to match you to the right property and get you VIP perks with your stay! Just email me: lindsey@leisurelytravelco.com
2. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is another January destination I would absolutely consider if you want warm weather without leaving the US. I actually visited Puerto Rico for my bachelorette party with a group of girlfriends, and even though it was a girls trip, I remember thinking almost immediately that it would be such a fun place to come back to with my husband. There is a really nice balance of beautiful beaches, great food, culture, nightlife and outdoor adventures, so you can make the trip as relaxing or as active as you want.
January is also a great time to visit because the weather was warm and comfortable without being too hot. We spent plenty of time outside enjoying the pools and beaches, and it felt like exactly the kind of winter escape I would want. Another big perk is how easy Puerto Rico is for US travelers. You do not need a passport, the US dollar is used, and there are no international currency logistics to worry about.
We packed a lot into our trip. We explored El Yunque National Forest, took a sunset sail through San Juan Bay, spent time on the white sand beaches and by the pool, and ate at some really great restaurants serving local Puerto Rican food. We also went salsa dancing and enjoyed the nightlife in San Juan, which made the trip feel lively without needing to plan every minute. You read my full San Juan, Puerto Rico Itinerary here.
And if you enjoy rum, there are several distilleries you can visit around the island. We also had piña coladas at the Caribe Hilton, which is credited as the birthplace of the piña colada. It felt like one of those touristy things that is actually worth doing when you’re in the right place!
January can also be a particularly fun time to experience Puerto Rico because there are festivals and cultural events happening throughout the month. The San Sebastián Festival happened to coincide with my trip, and it was such a fun experience. The streets were lively and full of music, dancing and people celebrating, and it gave us a chance to experience a side of Puerto Rico that we would not have gotten from simply staying at the resort.
And there is still so much more I would love to do on a return trip. Bioluminescent bays, snorkeling excursions, more time exploring San Juan and, of course, more beach time are all on my list. This is one of those destinations where you could easily come for a long weekend or stretch it into a full week. See my round up of the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico
For my girls trip, we stayed at Condado Ocean Club, which worked really well for our group and was in a great location near Old San Juan. We also spent time at Condado Vanderbilt, including its pool and restaurants, and I loved the more upscale, full service feel of the property. These two are side by side hotels!
If I were going back with my husband, I would love to stay at the new Four Seasons to have that beautiful beach setting and a true luxury resort experience. I would also seriously consider Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, which is an incredible option if you want a more secluded luxury resort stay.
As a travel advisor, I can add VIP perks to your stay including free upgrades, daily breakfast complimentary, $100-200 in hotel credit and more! Inquire here for my FREE hotel only booking service! I’m compensated by the hotel partners at no extra cost to you, so it’s the same rate (or better) you’d book alone, but with my added support!
3. Patagonia, Chile or Argentina
Hear me out on this one! Even if you aren’t the most adventurous traveler, I have a luxury way to experience Patagonia too. I visited in March, but January is actually peak summer in Patagonia and one of the best times to go if you want the best possible conditions for hiking and exploring. The weather is warmer, so you don’t have to layer up quite as much, although they say you can experience all four seasons in one day in Patagonia, and we definitely did! I would still pack layers for Patagonia and a good rain jacket.
We explored Chilean Patagonia and spent our time in and around Torres del Paine National Park. We did the hike to Mirador Las Torres, which was definitely challenging, but doable. I am not an avid hiker by any means and I was fine…mostly! We also did some much more low key hikes, saw incredible waterfalls, hiked out to Grey Glacier and spent time exploring the park by 4×4 while looking for wildlife and the elusive pumas. See our full 5 day Patagonia itinerary for more!
The scale of Patagonia is what really stuck with me. Everything feels so vast and untouched, from the mountains and glaciers to the lakes, waterfalls and wide open landscapes. It is one of those places where you can spend an entire day exploring and still feel like you have only seen a tiny piece of the region.
And you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to experience it. In fact, I think Patagonia is an incredible honeymoon destination or a trip to consider for a milestone birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. Or honestly, just go because you want to! You can have the adventure during the day and come back to a beautiful lodge, a hot tub and a really good meal at night.
Where to Stay in Patagonia
We stayed at Awasi Patagonia, and it was truly one of the most special hotels I have experienced. It is an upscale, adventurous home base with just a handful of freestanding villas, so the experience feels incredibly private. It is also all inclusive, which makes the logistics of a Patagonia trip so much easier. You’re in the middle of nowehere so it kind of needs to be!
One of my favorite parts is that your stay includes a private driver and 4×4 vehicle. Once you arrive, the team helps you plan your days based on what you want to see and how active you want to be. That meant we could have a big hiking day when we wanted one, but we could also choose something slower and more relaxed without having to figure out the logistics ourselves. They also track the weather and suggested the best days to what for best weather, clarity, etc! Our guide Tomas was incredible. He always carried food and waters for us and setup amazing picnics, cheese and champagne, etc!
Back at the lodge, you can book a massage, soak in a wood burning hot tub and enjoy an incredible meal. Awasi Patagonia is also a Relais & Châteaux property and so the food was some of the best we had on the trip.
Patagonia is one of those destinations I find myself continuing to recommend to luxury travelers. It feels like a true bucket list trip, but staying somewhere like Awasi means you don’t have to choose between adventure and comfort.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
I was honestly so surprised by how much I loved Mexico City. We visited for a long weekend in December and had such a great trip, and January has very similar weather, making it another month I would happily recommend. It was comfortable enough for walking around all day in jeans and a lighter sweater or shirt, which felt like a nice change from winter at home.
Mexico City is such a fun city for a long weekend because there is so much to do without feeling like you need a packed itinerary. We ate really well, shopped, wandered through different neighborhoods and spent time exploring some of the city’s incredible sights. One of my favorite places was Chapultepec Park, which is absolutely enormous and feels like a destination in itself. You could easily spend a few hours exploring the park and its museums. We toured the castle here which was truly INCREDIBLE and the view over the city were amazing. You can also read our 4 day Mexico City itinerary here.
And then there is the food. We had so many memorable meals, including dinner at Pujol, which I can confirm is worth the hype. Mexico City has an incredible food scene, from high end restaurants to casual spots, bakeries, markets and everything in between. I would definitely come hungry. See my guide to the best restaurant in Mexico City here.
If you have more than a long weekend, there are also some great ways to add on to a Mexico City trip. You can take day trips for mezcal tastings, visit nearby archaeological sites or even take a hot air balloon ride over the ruins at Teotihuacán. For an even longer trip, I would pair Mexico City with San Miguel de Allende, a beautiful colonial town that is regularly included on lists of the world’s best cities. The two destinations feel very different, which makes them a fun combination.
I felt comfortable and safe in the areas we explored, but I would definitely recommend being thoughtful about where you stay and sticking with reputable hotels and transportation. For me, that made the city feel very easy to navigate and enjoy.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
We stayed at Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City and really loved it. The location was excellent for a long weekend, especially because we could walk to so many places, and it sits right by Chapultepec Park. The hotel also has several great restaurants and bars, so it was easy to come back after a day of exploring and still have somewhere good to eat or grab a drink.
Next time, I would love to try Casa Polanco. It is a much more intimate, boutique style property in Polanco, one of the city’s upscale neighborhoods, and has so much character. It would be a completely different experience from the Four Seasons but one I think I would really enjoy.
If you add San Miguel de Allende to the trip, I would look at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende or Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada. Both give you that beautiful colonial Mexico experience while still feeling luxurious and special.
5. Anguilla
If your idea of a January trip is putting your toes in the sand and doing as little as possible, let me introduce you to Anguilla. January is one of the best times of year to visit the Caribbean and Anguilla is an island I have been wanting to experience for a while. We are actually headed there in November with our little kids, and I cannot wait. I’ll updated this with feedback after of course!! I am calling it our “fly & flop” vacation, because after a busy season of travel, I am very much looking forward to parking ourselves on a beautiful beach and relaxing.
Anguilla is known for its pristine white sand beaches and incredibly clear, calm water, and I think it is especially appealing if your idea of a Caribbean vacation is more about beautiful beaches, great hotels and slow days than a packed itinerary. We are planning to spend plenty of time at the beach and pool, enjoy some incredible resorts, eat lots of local food and hopefully get out on the water for a boat cruise.
That said, you can absolutely do more than just sit on the beach. Explore the main town, visit some of the island’s historic churches, try local rum and spend some time discovering the different beaches and restaurants around the island. But I think the beauty of Anguilla is that you don’t have to. Sometimes the best January destination is one where the itinerary can simply be: beach, lunch, pool, repeat.
It is also a destination I would keep in mind for a honeymoon or couples trip. Anguilla has some truly special luxury resorts and the island feels much more focused on beautiful beaches, good food and relaxed resort time than nightlife or nonstop activities. If you are looking for a romantic Caribbean escape where the hotel and beach are a big part of the experience, this is one I would put on your list.
Where to Stay in Anguilla
We are staying at Belmond Cap Juluca on our upcoming trip, which is a bucket list hotel for me. It sits on what is considered one of the island’s best beaches and I cannot wait to experience it for myself. Based on everything I have seen and heard, this is the kind of property I would especially consider for a honeymoon, anniversary or couples trip where you want the hotel itself to feel like part of the experience.
We are also planning to stay a few nights at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla while we are there. I am particularly excited to see it from a family travel perspective, since it has multiple pools, a kids club and more programming geared toward younger travelers. It is a property I would keep in mind if you want a beautiful luxury Caribbean resort but are bringing little ones along.
Already have your destination picked? I can help with the hotel. Inquire here and I can send you my recommendations and help you book with any available perks.
6. Deer Valley, Utah
If you are looking for a winter destination or a great place to travel in January for a ski trip, I would put Deer Valley on your list. We did a winter getaway here one year and really enjoyed it, especially because Deer Valley has a more intimate, resort focused feel than some of the larger ski destinations.
One thing I especially love about Deer Valley is that it is ski only. If you are traveling with little kids who are just learning to ski, or you are not an expert skier yourself (like me!), I think there is something really nice about being in a ski only environment. The mountain is well suited to a range of abilities and you don’t have to worry about navigating snowboard traffic on the slopes.
Deer Valley is just outside Park City, so you can easily spend time there too. But personally, I love staying right in Deer Valley because the hotels are so convenient for skiing, with many offering true ski in, ski out access. It feels a little quieter and more tucked away, which is exactly what I want from a winter vacation.
We actually visited right before Christmas one year, so the whole area was decorated and incredibly festive. It was beautiful, but I will say that January is probably the time I would choose for a ski trip. You generally have better pricing after the holidays and you are further into the ski season. We were lucky to have snow during our pre Christmas trip, so I would definitely rather plan for January if skiing is the priority!
And if you want to make the trip about more than skiing, there is plenty of cozy winter fun to enjoy too. Think fireside drinks, spa time, great meals and relaxing at the hotel after a day outside. For me, that is what makes a ski trip feel like a vacation rather than just a few days spent on the mountain.
Where to Stay in Deer Valley
We stayed at the Golden Hirsch, and I really enjoyed the experience. One of the things that makes the hotel unique is that it has the original Bavarian style rooms, which are spacious and have this charming European feel. Staying there almost felt like we had been transported to Austria for a few days! There is also a newer building with more modern rooms if that is more your style.
We actually paired our Deer Valley stay with a few nights at The Lodge at Blue Sky, which made for such a cozy winter getaway. It is a little outside the ski resort experience, but the combination gave us both the classic mountain ski trip and a more relaxed luxury ranch feel.
For a January ski trip, I would also look at the other ski in, ski out resorts around Deer Valley like Montage Deer Valley depending on whether you are traveling as a couple, with kids or with a larger group. The convenience of being able to walk out of your hotel and onto the mountain is hard to beat. If you need help picking a ski resort, I would love to help! Inquire here to get started!
7. Telluride, Colorado
On the same note, Telluride is another place I would consider for a January mountain getaway. My husband has skied Telluride several times and says you really cannot beat the skiing, and after visiting myself in the summer, I can absolutely see why he loves it.
Telluride has that charming mountain town feel that I really love. It feels intimate and tucked away, but there is still enough going on to make it feel like a proper vacation, with great restaurants, shopping, cozy places to grab a drink and, of course, the skiing. I also love that you can walk around town and don’t need to spend your entire trip in a car!
January is a great time to visit if you want a true winter ski vacation, with the town and surrounding mountains looking especially beautiful covered in snow. And while skiing is the main attraction, I think Telluride works particularly well for couples or families where everyone may not want to spend every day on the slopes. You can ski in the morning, wander around town, enjoy a long lunch or spend an afternoon relaxing at the hotel.
Where to Stay in Telluride
The Madeline Hotel & Residences is the property I would look at first for a luxury Telluride stay. It is right in Mountain Village, making it especially convenient for skiing, while still giving you easy access to the gondola and the rest of the area.
And there is another exciting option coming soon: a new Four Seasons is planned for Telluride. That will be one I am watching closely for future trips, especially if you are looking for a higher end resort experience in this incredible mountain destination.
8. The Bahamas
When I think about where to go in January for a warm beach vacation, I immediately think of the Caribbean. There are so many great options, from Turks and Caicos to St. Barth and St. Lucia, but I wanted to include the Bahamas because it is one of the easiest Caribbean escapes for many US travelers to reach.
If you want a beach and boat vacation, I would look at the Abacos. This is the kind of trip where I would rent a beautiful vacation home, bring a group of friends or family and spend the days out on the water exploring the islands. You can hop from one little island to the next, stop for lunch, find quiet beaches and swim in that incredibly clear Bahamian water. It feels much more like an adventure than simply checking into a resort for the week. You can read my guide from our trip to Elbow Cay here!
For something a little more resort focused, head to Harbour Island. It is known for its famous pink sand beach and has such a charming, laid back feel. This would be a great option if you want beautiful beaches and a little more of a village atmosphere, with restaurants and places to explore beyond your hotel.
And of course, you can always go the full luxury resort route. The Bahamas has some incredible properties, and there are even more exciting options coming. Montage Cay is set to open in 2027, which will be one I am watching closely.
January is a particularly appealing time for a Bahamas trip because you can escape the cold at home without having to spend an entire day traveling to get there. If you want clear water, beautiful beaches, boating and a relatively easy warm weather getaway, I would definitely keep the Bahamas on your list.
Where to Stay in the Bahamas
For Harbour Island, I love the idea of staying at Coral Sands, which is such a cute little hotel right on the famous pink sand beach. The Dunmore is another beautiful option if you want something with a more private, residential feel.
For the Abacos, I would actually consider renting a villa or vacation home (check VRBO) rather than staying at a traditional resort. Having your own space makes so much sense for this type of trip, especially if you are traveling with family or friends and plan to spend your days out on the boat. I can also help you find an incredible villa through my network as a travel advisor if you want some else to do the research! Email me lindsey@leisurelytravelco.com to get started.
Looking ahead, Montage Cay is another property I would keep an eye on for a luxury Bahamas trip once it opens in 2027.
9. Kyoto, Japan (or ski Japan!)
Japan is another great place to travel in January, especially if you want a trip that feels completely different from a typical winter getaway. You could head north for some of Japan’s incredible skiing, or spend your trip in Kyoto exploring temples, historic neighborhoods and incredible restaurants before the crowds and cherry blossom season arrive in spring.
I loved our trip to Tokyo and Kyoto so much, but Kyoto really stole my heart. It has this peaceful, historic charm that feels completely different from the energy of Tokyo. We spent our days walking around the city, eating really well and exploring without feeling like we had to rush from one thing to the next. We somehow walked close to 30,000 steps a day without even realizing it! Read our 5 day Kyoto Itinerary here!
Here are a few Kyoto experiences I would not skip. Kiyomizudera was one of my favorite stops and really stole my heart. We also visited a lesser known Bamboo Forest near Arashiyama and walked through the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. We had dinner at Monk, a tiny restaurant that was featured on Chef’s Table, which was such a memorable meal. Kyoto is also just an amazing food city, so I would leave plenty of room in your itinerary for restaurants, coffee shops and little spots you find along the way.
January will be cooler in Kyoto, so this is definitely not the warm weather kind of January destination you’ll find elsewhere on this list. You’ll want a warm coat and comfortable shoes, but I actually think winter could be a really lovely time to experience the city. You can spend your days exploring and then duck into a cozy restaurant or tea shop to warm up.
I also like that you are visiting before the famous spring cherry blossom season. Kyoto can get very crowded (and pricey!!) during peak blossom season, so if seeing the flowers isn’t a must for you, January gives you a chance to experience the city in a quieter season.
And don’t assume Kyoto is only for couples. We visited Japan with our toddler who was 18 months old and found it to be a really fun family destination. Our daughter was treated so sweetly by the staff at our hotel, which made such a difference, and I loved that we could spend our days walking around and exploring at our own pace. Every Japanese person stopped to wave and say hi to her! It was so cute and made us feel so welcome.
Where to Stay in Kyoto
We stayed at The Shinmonzen and adored it. It is a small, intimate hotel in Gion, and the location made it easy to walk to restaurants, shops and many of the historic sights we wanted to see. It has only 8 rooms, but is ultra luxury with tradition ryokan style accommodations which gave us a real sense of place! Plus the Michelin star restaurant and terrace dining along the canal was amazing! The staff were wonderful with our daughter, too, which made the stay feel especially welcoming as a family.
A few other luxury Kyoto hotels I would consider:
- The Shinmonzen: Where we stayed and one of my favorite hotels from our Japan trip. It has a small, intimate feel and a beautiful location in Gion.
- Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto: A beautiful luxury option with a more traditional Japanese feel, and a great choice if you want to be close to Nijo Castle and explore a different part of Kyoto.
- Six Senses Kyoto: A beautiful option if you want modern luxury with Japanese design and a strong wellness focus.
- Aman Kyoto: We almost booked it for our trip and I would love to experience it someday. It is tucked into a peaceful, wooded setting and feels very removed from the city. If we went as a couple, we might have stayed here part of the trip.
- Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto: A classic luxury option with a beautiful setting and a convenient location for exploring.
- Capella Kyoto: A newer luxury hotel that I would love to check out on a future trip.
🇯🇵 Japan is a trip I would definitely consider planning with an advisor. Between deciding how many nights to spend in Tokyo and Kyoto, choosing the right hotels, figuring out transportation and building out your days, there is a lot that goes into making the trip flow well. If Japan is on your list, I can help with the full itinerary, from hotels and experiences to the little details in between. Inquire on my website here.
10. Dubai, UAE
January is such a great time to visit Dubai because you get that ideal weather without the extreme heat that Dubai is known for during the summer. Its about 75F during the day which is about as cool as Dubai gets! My husband and I spent part of our honeymoon in Dubai and I really loved it. It is such a cool, futuristic city, and honestly, there is nowhere quite like it.
We loved getting a mix of everything Dubai has to offer. We did an eco friendly Dubai desert safari, which was one of my favorite experiences, then spent plenty of time relaxing at our hotel on the beach and by the pool overlooking the Arabian Sea. We ate at some amazing restaurants, explored the souks and wandered through Old Dubai, which gave us a completely different perspective of the city. You could also add a fun boat day if you want some time on the water.
One of the things I loved most about Dubai was how different each day could feel. You can spend the morning exploring the old souks, have an incredible lunch, relax by the beach in the afternoon and then head out for dinner somewhere completely over the top. It is a great January destination if you want warm weather but also want plenty to do beyond sitting on the beach. See my list of the best things to do in Dubai for couples.
Dubai is also a fun place to pair with another destination. We combined our Dubai trip with the Seychelles, which made for such a fun honeymoon. You could also pair Dubai with the Maldives if you want to combine a city experience with a beautiful beach escape.
Read: My 4 Day Dubai Itinerary from our own trip!
Where to Stay in Dubai
We stayed at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and it is honestly one of the best Four Seasons hotels I have stayed at. The service was incredible, everything felt so pristine and I loved having a beautiful beach and pool to come back to after exploring the city. For a luxury trip to Dubai, I would absolutely put this one on your list.
If you are looking for a place to travel in January that has great weather, incredible hotels, amazing food and a completely different feel from anywhere else, Dubai is a really unique one to consider!
11. Cairo, Egypt
January is a great time to visit Cairo because the weather is much more comfortable for sightseeing. Egypt is a desert, and it was really hot when we went, so if I were planning the trip again, I would definitely choose a cooler time of year. January gives you much nicer weather for being outside and exploring all day.
We spent three days in Cairo and packed a lot into our time there. We visited the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, took a felucca ride on the Nile, wandered the Egyptian Museum, explored Islamic Cairo and wandered through Khan el Khalili. There is so much to see in Cairo that I honestly wish we had stayed longer.
One thing I would definitely recommend for a Cairo trip is hiring a great guide. We had an amazing guide who took us everywhere and helped us make the most of our time, and I think having someone who knows the city makes such a difference here. There is a lot to see and so much history behind it all, so having someone to explain what you are looking at made the experience even more meaningful.
Visiting Egypt was something I had dreamed about for so long, and I still can’t believe I actually stood next to and touched the pyramids! It was one of those travel moments that felt almost surreal. And while we loved our time in Cairo, I definitely wish we had stayed longer to see more of Egypt. Luxor and Aswan are both high on my list for a return trip and there is so much more to explore beyond Cairo.
Where to Stay in Cairo
We stayed at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza and had an amazing experience. Our room had incredible views of the Nile, and after busy days exploring Cairo, it was so nice to come back to a comfortable luxury hotel. I also appreciated feeling very secure there, which gave us peace of mind during our first trip to Egypt.
If Egypt has been on your bucket list, January is a great time to plan a trip. The cooler weather makes sightseeing much more enjoyable, and there is something pretty incredible about finally seeing places you have dreamed about for years in person! I still can’t get over it!
Planning Egypt? This is a trip where I would love to help. There is so much to see beyond Cairo, and figuring out how to combine Cairo with places like Luxor and Aswan, choose the right hotels and arrange guides and transportation can feel overwhelming when you are planning it all on your own. I offer full itinerary planning for trips like this, so if Egypt is on your bucket list, reach out to me here and we can start putting it together.
12. Italy (Rome or Florence)
I think January is such an underrated time to visit Italy, especially if you want to explore iconic cities like Rome or Florence without the crowds and heat you get in spring and summer. Italy is incredibly popular during the warmer months, but summer can be really hot and crowded. I actually didn’t love Florence when we visited in the summer because the crowds took away from the experience in a big way. There were massive tour groups everywhere and guides holding flags trying to keep their groups together. I would love to go back in winter and experience Florence at a much slower pace.
Rome is a great place to travel in January if you want to spend your days sightseeing without melting in the summer heat. You can visit the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, wander through the different neighborhoods and spend plenty of time eating your way through the city. Florence is wonderful for Renaissance history, with incredible museums and galleries, Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. And don’t miss the wine windows! They are such a fun little part of Florence that you can stumble upon while exploring.
January also gives you the option to turn your Italy trip into more than just a city getaway. If you want a winter escape, you could head north to the Dolomites for skiing, cozy mountain hotels and beautiful snowy scenery. I love the idea of pairing a few days in Rome or Florence with a completely different experience in the mountains.
If you have been dreaming about Italy but don’t love the idea of battling the crowds, I would seriously consider a winter trip. You’ll need a coat and should expect cooler weather, but you can spend your days exploring museums, eating long lunches and ducking into cozy wine bars without dealing with the peak summer crowds and chaos!
Where to Stay in Italy
Florence: We stayed at Collegio alla Querce and absolutely loved it for our trip. It is a beautiful option if you want something that feels special and gives you a more relaxed place to come back to after exploring Florence.
Rome: I would look at Six Senses Rome, Palazzo Manfredi or JK Place Roma for a luxury stay. We stayed at The Hoxton Rome when we did Rome and the Amalfi Coast and really enjoyed it. It is a great option if you want something more budget friendly without giving up a great hotel experience or location.
Dolomites: For a special winter getaway, I would look at Forestis or Aman Rosa Alpina. Both would be incredible if you want to make the hotel part of the experience and enjoy the mountains in a more luxurious way.
13. Charleston, South Carolina
Okay, you know I am always telling you guys to visit Charleston, SC, my hometown! January is actually a really incredible month to explore downtown Charleston and its historic streets. You can usually expect temperatures around the mid 60s, but the weather can honestly go either way. You could have a 30 degree day or a sunny 75 degree day. If you are a happy traveler who is good either way and just happy to be here, Charleston can be such a fun January destination.
This past January was especially beautiful weather wise, and we took our daughter out to Sullivan’s Island almost every weekend. She would play on the beach and then we would grab brunch at The Obstinate Daughter, which is actually much easier to get into in January when you don’t have to fight for a reservation! It was such a simple Charleston weekend and honestly one of my favorite ways to spend a winter day here. You’d be surprised how many people are walking along the beach in January!
Downtown Charleston is also wonderful this time of year. You can wander the historic streets without the summer heat/crowds, take a walking tour, visit a museum, shop along King Street or explore one of the area’s beautiful plantation homes and gardens. And of course, we have an incredible food scene, so you could easily build an entire weekend around where you are going to eat in Charleston.
If you are looking for a charming weekend getaway in January and don’t mind packing for a little bit of everything, I really love Charleston in winter. You won’t have the warm beach weather every day, but you can have a sunny afternoon that feels like spring and the cooler days are perfect for exploring the city.
Where to Stay in Charleston
The Dewberry: My pick for couples and anyone who loves great design. It has a beautiful location downtown and is one of my favorite Charleston hotels.
Hotel Bennett: I love this one for girls trips, special occasions and anyone looking for a more glamorous stay. The location on King Street is also hard to beat.
Charleston Place: A great choice for first time visitors, families and anyone who wants to be right in the middle of downtown. It is also one of the hotels I recommend most often to clients because it works really well for so many different types of trips.
The Cooper: Charleston’s newest luxury hotel, which opened in 2026, right along the waterfront. January could be a particularly good time to check it out and you may find better rates than during Charleston’s busier seasons.
If you want help picking a Charleston hotel, please inquire here and I would be glad to help you choose the best for your trip and book you with my VIP perks! You can also browse my client portal to book on your own (just request access first then your in to book hotels 24/7 with my perks at thousands of hotels!)
14. Australia
Australia is one of those bucket list trips I wanted to include because January is actually summer there! While we are bundling up in the Northern Hemisphere, Australia is in the middle of its warmest season, making it a great time to explore the beaches, Great Barrier Reef and more.
I have not made it to Australia yet, but it is very high on my list. January would be such a fun time to plan a bigger trip and really take advantage of the summer weather. You could spend time exploring Sydney, head up to the Great Barrier Reef or build a trip around some of Australia’s incredible beaches and natural beauty.
There are so many directions you could take an Australia trip, which is part of what makes it so appealing to me. I would love to combine a city like Sydney with some time somewhere more remote and tropical. Lizard Island is especially high on my list for a luxury beach escape and Great Barrier Reef experience.
If you have been dreaming about Australia, January is definitely a month I would consider. It is a long way to travel, so I would make it a longer trip and give yourself plenty of time to experience more than one part of the country.
Where to Stay in Australia
Sydney: There are so many beautiful luxury hotels in Sydney and I would build the hotel choice around what you want to see and do in the city.
Lizard Island: Lizard Island is high on my list for a future Australia trip. The remote location, beautiful beaches and access to the Great Barrier Reef make it exactly the type of place I would want to experience on a bucket list trip.
15. Antarctica
If you want to explore one of the most remote places on earth, Antarctica is about as bucket list as it gets. I have not made it there yet, but January is one of the best times of year to experience the continent because you are visiting during the heart of the Antarctic summer.
This is the trip for seeing penguins, massive icebergs, glaciers and those incredible blue rivers of ice that make Antarctica feel like another planet. You can also travel farther south toward the South Pole if you want to take your adventure even further.
There are some incredible expedition companies offering very special experiences in Antarctica, from luxury expedition ships to more adventurous ways to explore the continent. It is definitely not your typical January trip, but if you have always dreamed of seeing Antarctica, this is the time of year I would look at.
I have not been yet, but it is absolutely on my bucket list. And if Antarctica is on yours too, this is one of those trips I would love to help you plan. There are a lot of moving pieces and some really unique ways to experience it, so having an advisor help you figure out the right expedition can be especially helpful.
Where to Stay in Antarctica
This is more of an expedition trip than a traditional hotel stay, so I would focus on finding the right expedition company and ship for the experience you want. There are some incredible luxury operators offering Antarctica journeys, and I can help you find the right fit.
16. Hawaii
Hawaii is another great place to travel in January if you are looking for warm weather and want a little bit of everything, not just sitting on a beach. January is whale watching season, so you can get out on the water to see humpback whales, while still having plenty of time for beaches, hiking, exploring and relaxing at the hotel.
There is so much more to Hawaii than just sitting on the beach, too. You can hike through lush landscapes, explore waterfalls, visit volcanoes and spend the day driving around the islands and stopping wherever looks interesting. January is also a nice time to get outside and explore without dealing with the heat you can get during the summer months.
For a first trip, I would look at Maui or the Big Island depending on what you want to experience. Maui is wonderful for beaches, whale watching and a bit of adventure, while the Big Island gives you the chance to explore volcanoes and see a completely different side of Hawaii.
Hawaii is also one of those places where I think the hotel really matters. I love the idea of having a beautiful resort as your home base, then getting out for a few adventures and coming back to the pool or beach at the end of the day.
Where to Stay in Hawaii
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: One of my favorite options on Maui for a luxury beach vacation, with beautiful pools, great service and easy access to everything you want to do on the island.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: A beautiful option on the Big Island if you want a more resort focused trip with plenty to do onsite. It is also a great home base for exploring the island.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort: A really special option on the Big Island if you want something that feels more secluded and connected to the destination. The setting and sense of place are a big part of the appeal.
If you want a January destination where you can truly do as much or as little as you want, Hawaii is a great one to have on your list. You can spend one day whale watching or hiking and the next doing absolutely nothing but sitting by the ocean!
17. Maldives
January is one of the best times to visit the Maldives, with peak dry season bringing sunny skies, warm weather and calmer seas. If you are dreaming of a truly remote beach escape, this is one of those places that feels almost too beautiful to be real!
The Maldives is especially amazing for a honeymoon or special occasion. Think overwater villas, white sand beaches, crystal clear water and days spent snorkeling, boating, swimming and doing very little at all. You can spend the morning out on the water, have lunch barefoot by the beach and then watch the sunset from your villa. It is a very easy place to settle into vacation mode.
It is also a great January destination if you are looking to escape winter completely. The journey is long from the US, so I would make it part of a bigger trip or plan to stay for at least a week. You could even pair it with a stop in Dubai or another destination in the region, like we did with our honeymoon.
Where to Stay in the Maldives
Six Senses Laamu: One of the hotels I would look at if you want a more remote, barefoot luxury experience with incredible beaches, snorkeling and a strong sense of place.
The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands: A beautiful option for a more polished luxury resort experience, with gorgeous villas and plenty to do on the water.
One&Only Reethi Rah: A longtime favorite for a reason, with a beautiful island setting, incredible beaches and plenty of space to spread out. This would be such a special choice for a honeymoon or milestone trip.
If a January beach escape is what you are after, the Maldives is hard to overlook. It is remote, beautiful and truly feels like you have left the rest of the world behind.
If the Maldives is calling your name, I can help with the hotel. I can recommend the resorts I think are worth considering for your trip and book it for you with any available partner perks. Get in touch here!
18. South Africa
January is peak summer in South Africa, making it such a fun time to explore Cape Town, the surrounding Cape Winelands and the gorgeous Garden Route. You get warm, sunny weather and that really good summer energy that makes you want to be outside all day!
I have not made it to South Africa yet, although we actually had a trip planned that we unfortunately had to cancel, so it is still very high on my list. Cape Town is one of those places I have wanted to experience for years after hearing my friends talk about it. You can hike Table Mountain, explore the city’s neighborhoods and restaurants, spend a day in the Winelands or head down the coast to see the adorable penguins at Boulders Beach. I love that you can have a really active day and then end it with a great dinner and a glass of South African wine! Right up my alley!
If you have more time, I would add the Garden Route or a safari. South Africa has some incredible Big Five safari experiences, including options in the Eastern Cape, so you could easily build a trip that combines city, wine country, beach and wildlife all in one vacation.
For a longer trip, you could also pair Cape Town with a safari somewhere else in Africa. Tanzania would be an especially interesting option if you want a more remote safari experience and want to make the trip feel like a true bucket list adventure. It is newborn season so you could get the chance to see some baby animals and what could be cuter?!
Where to Stay in South Africa
One&Only Cape Town: This would be my pick for a luxury stay in Cape Town. It has a great location for exploring the city and would give you a beautiful home base after busy days of sightseeing.
Ellerman House: If you want something smaller and more intimate, Ellerman House is another Cape Town hotel I love! It is a beautiful luxury property with incredible ocean views and a more private feel.
Tintswalo Atlantic: I would also love to stay here. It is outside the city in a more secluded setting right on the coast, so it would give you a completely different experience from staying in the heart of Cape Town.
Babylonstoren: For the Winelands, Babylonstoren is very high on my list. It is a beautiful historic farm with gardens, incredible food and wine, and would be such a special place to slow down for a few nights.
If you have been dreaming about South Africa, January is a really appealing time to go. You can take advantage of summer in Cape Town and the Winelands, then add a safari for the wildlife experience that makes a trip here feel so memorable.
This is one trip where you really should work with a travel advisor so they can make sure you’re in really good hands with on the ground support in Africa! If you’re thinking about safari, we have some great partners that we can work with in Africa to create you a personalized itinerary. Inquire here!
In My Opinion: Where to Travel in January
Honestly, there are so many good places to go in January depending on what you are looking for! This list includes places I have personally been and loved, along with a few that are still high on my personal bucket list.
And this is definitely not an exhaustive list. There are so many more January destinations worth considering, from the Caribbean to Bangkok and beyond. If you want more inspiration, also check out my post for where to go in February or my top winter getaways!
If you are thinking about a January trip and would like some help planning it, I would be thrilled to help! Feel free to email me or inquire here to get the conversation started and learn more about how we can work together.
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