Where to Travel in January: 10 Amazing International Destinations to Kick Off the Year
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The holidays are over, the decorations are packed away, and suddenly… January feels a little blah. But what if you could trade the post-holiday slump for a tropical beach, a snow-dusted adventure, or a sun-soaked city halfway around the world?
Whether you’re craving warmth, winter wonderlands, or just a change of scenery, January is actually one of the best times to travel internationally. It’s shoulder season in some places, peak season in others, but with a little planning, you can escape the cold (or embrace it!) and start your year off with an unforgettable trip.
From rainforest treks in Costa Rica to dreamy desert nights in Morocco, here are 10 of the best international vacation destinations to consider for a January getaway.
Costa Rica
January marks the start of Costa Rica’s dry season, making it one of the best times to visit for sunshine, jungle adventures, and pristine beaches. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, spotting sloths, or surfing Pacific waves, Costa Rica delivers all the warm-weather magic you need to kick off the new year.
Highlights
- Arenal for volcano views, natural hot springs, and ziplining through the rainforest.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest for misty trails and wildlife sightings.
- Manuel Antonio for white-sand beaches backed by lush jungle and playful monkeys.
- Tamarindo & Santa Teresa for laid-back surf towns and killer sunsets.
Thailand
January is one of the absolute best months to visit Thailand, it’s the sweet spot of cool, dry weather across most of the country. That means ideal beach days in the south, comfortable sightseeing in the cities, and dreamy golden hours at temples and night markets. Whether you’re into vibrant street food scenes or lazy island life, Thailand delivers.
Highlights
- Bangkok for buzzing markets, rooftop bars, and glimmering temples.
- Chiang Mai for lantern-lit Old Town vibes, temple-hopping, and mountain views.
- Phuket, Krabi & Koh Lanta for palm-fringed beaches and island-hopping adventures.
- Pai for a chill, hippie-style escape in the hills.
South Africa (Cape Town & Beyond)
January is summertime in South Africa, and Cape Town is in full swing, with warm, sunny days, clear skies, and endless opportunities to explore beaches, vineyards, and mountains. It’s the kind of place where you can go from hiking a rugged peak to sipping world-class wine by sunset. And if you’re up for a safari, January also brings lush, green landscapes and newborn wildlife in places like Kruger National Park.
Highlights
- Cape Town for beaches, Table Mountain, and a thriving food scene.
- The Winelands (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek) for scenic sipping and countryside charm.
- The Garden Route for a road trip full of coastal cliffs, forests, and lagoons.
- Kruger National Park for epic Big Five safari adventures.
Australia (Sydney, Melbourne & Beyond)
It’s peak summer in Australia, and January brings sunshine, festivals, and beach days. Whether you’re ringing in the new year in Sydney or road-tripping along the coast, this is the time to experience the best of Aussie life—surf, sun, city, and nature all wrapped into one epic adventure.
Highlights
- Sydney for iconic harbor views, Bondi Beach, and vibrant nightlife.
- Melbourne for artsy laneways, great coffee, and cool culture.
- The Great Ocean Road for a legendary coastal drive past cliffs and rock formations.
- Queensland for the Great Barrier Reef and tropical islands.
Japan
January in Japan is all about snow-covered temples, steamy onsen baths, and powder-perfect ski slopes. It’s one of the best times to experience the country’s winter charm—especially if you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or just cozying up with a bowl of ramen in a quaint mountain town.
In the cities, the pace is slower during the first week of the month, as many businesses close for the New Year holidays and locals spend time with family. After that, things pick up again, but it’s still a quieter time to explore the cities compared to Japan’s busier spring and fall travel seasons.
Highlights
- Hokkaido for world-class skiing and snow festivals.
- Tokyo for city thrills, shopping, and Michelin-star eats.
- Kyoto for snow-dusted shrines and traditional tea houses.
- Hakone & Nagano for mountain scenery and hot springs.
Morocco
Morocco in January offers mild weather and is pretty much crowd-free, which is ideal for exploring colorful souks, ancient medinas, and sweeping desert landscapes without the scorching heat. It’s the perfect time to wander through maze-like alleys, sip mint tea on rooftop terraces, and take in the golden glow of the Sahara. You’ll get cooler temps in the mountains and pleasantly warm days in the desert and cities.
Highlights
- Marrakech for vibrant souks, spice-scented air, and riad hideaways.
- Fes for deep culture, history, and traditional crafts.
- The Sahara for camel rides and starry desert skies.
- Chefchaouen for dreamy blue-washed streets in the Rif Mountains.
Argentina
January is summer in Argentina, and it’s the perfect time to explore the country’s wild beauty and electric energy. You can hike through the windswept landscapes of Patagonia, sip Malbec in the vineyards of Mendoza, or dance your way through sultry nights in Buenos Aires. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of destination—with sunshine pretty much guaranteed.
Highlights
- Buenos Aires for European flair, tango, and steak dinners that last all night.
- Patagonia for glaciers, mountain hikes, and dramatic scenery.
- Mendoza for wine country vibes under the Andes.
- Bariloche for lakeside relaxation and chocolate shops galore.
Vietnam
January is one of the best times to visit Vietnam, especially in the southern and central regions, where the weather is dry, sunny, and comfortably warm. It’s ideal for everything from beach lounging to street food binges to cruising through limestone cliffs. Whether you’re into ancient towns or tropical islands, Vietnam packs a lot of variety into one long, skinny country.
Highlights
- Hoi An for lantern-lit nights, tailor-made fashion, and charming old streets.
- Ho Chi Minh City for buzzing energy, history, and epic food stalls.
- Mekong Delta for floating markets and riverside life.
- Phu Quoc Island for beach days and snorkeling.
- Hanoi (cooler but still vibrant) for culture and classic northern cuisine.
Tanzania & Zanzibar
January falls during Tanzania’s short dry season, making it a top time for both safaris and island escapes. Picture this: spotting lions and elephants on the Serengeti, then flying off to white-sand beaches and turquoise water in Zanzibar. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a beach lover, or both, this trip hits all the high notes.
Highlights
- Serengeti National Park for iconic Big Five safaris.
- Ngorongoro Crater for jaw-dropping wildlife in a collapsed volcano.
- Zanzibar for beaches, spice tours, and Swahili charm.
- Stone Town for history, culture, and a dash of exotic intrigue.
Canary Islands, Spain
If you’re craving warmth but don’t want to fly all the way to the tropics, the Canary Islands are your January escape. Located off the coast of northwest Africa, this Spanish archipelago enjoys spring-like weather year-round. think sunny days, mild temps, and beaches you can actually lie on in winter. Add in dramatic volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and delicious food, and you’ve got a low-key gem.
Highlights
- Tenerife for black-sand beaches, Teide volcano hikes, and lively resort towns.
- Gran Canaria for golden dunes, hiking trails, and cute mountain villages.
- Lanzarote for surreal volcanic scenery and artful architecture.
- La Palma for stargazing and lush forests.
Final Thoughts
January doesn’t have to be all gray skies and winter coats—unless you want it to be. Whether you’re chasing the sun, hitting the slopes, or just looking for a fresh start somewhere new, the world is full of incredible places to explore this month.
From tropical beaches in Thailand and Zanzibar to snowy temples in Japan and glaciers in Patagonia, there’s a destination for every travel style. So go ahead. Book the trip, pack the bags, and start your year with a story worth telling.
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