January – pack your suitcase and travel! With half of winter still ahead of us, sometimes you just want to get away to warmer climes for a while. For all those who don’t want to spend their January vacation at home, we’ve compiled a list of locations that look especially attractive at the beginning of the year.
1. Thailand
Bangkok, where most travelers who want to explore Thailand first arrive, is definitely not the kind of city that can become a simple transfer point. It is worth staying in the Thai capital for at least a couple of days to see with your own eyes the Royal Palace (built in the XVIII century, the former residence of Thai kings) and the Temple of Emerald Buddha, which houses a statue of the deity made of solid jade.
Choosing your next destination will directly depend on how you envision your vacation to be. The popular resorts of Pattaya and Phuket are world famous for their party atmosphere. In addition to beautiful beaches, there is entertainment for every taste: many nightclubs, exotic shows, points for active recreation.
If you are looking for privacy, it is worth paying attention to islands such as Samui, Pangan and Tao. Travelers love them for their cozy beaches and untouched nature. Living on an island is a very special pleasure, which is worth experiencing at least once in your life. Just imagine: living surrounded by big water, crossing the island every day on a scooter, walking along the beaches, buying fresh fruit at the farmers’ market, getting to know the islanders and learning their traditions, and occasionally jumping on a ferry to go to a neighboring island. A total reboot during such a vacation is simply inevitable!
January is one of the best months to visit resorts in Thailand. Firstly, the weather in this month is set as comfortable as possible: the water near the coast is invariably warm, like pale milk, but the air temperature is not as high as, for example, in the summer and fall months. Secondly, by January the rainy season is over in all Thai regions. The skies are clear, rainfall is low, and nature, saturated with moisture during the rainy season, begins to blossom. If you want to see colorful flowers and lush tropical greenery in all its glory, come in January.
Another interesting destination is the north of Thailand. Here there is no access to the sea, there are fewer travelers, and accommodation prices are noticeably lower than in the resorts. Trekking enthusiasts enjoy coming here: there are many mountains and scenic hiking trails in the north of Thailand. If you want to explore this region, pay attention to Chiang Mai. It is quite a large city with developed infrastructure, well-maintained parks, delicious cafes and beautiful old Buddhist temples.
Chiang Mai is surrounded by hills and peaks that offer spectacular views. Doi Suthep, a mountain within the city limits, is home to an ancient Buddhist temple and an observation deck overlooking the surrounding area. A three-hour drive from Chiang Mai is the cozy town of Pai, which travelers love for its warm springs gushing from the ground and daily markets with delicious street food.
If northern Thailand interests you, it’s hard to think of a better month to travel than January. It’s not just the comfortable weather. A little later, from February to April, the region experiences the so-called burning season every year, when local farmers set fire to old grass in the fields. So much smog rises into the air during this time that it is difficult to breathe. Doctors recommend that people spend less time outdoors during this time.
2. India
January is one of the best months to visit Indian resorts. It is the peak of the so-called high season. There is little rainfall at this time, the heat subsides and the temperature is very comfortable for beach vacations.
Goa is an Indian state on the coast of the Arabian Sea and one of the most popular resorts in the country. The high season here lasts from November to March. During this period, travelers from all over the world come to Goa to enjoy the beaches and nature. The reason is that it is in these months that the heat and heat usual for this part of India subsides, and a comfortable temperature of +25…+27°C is established.
The sea remains warm and gentle. And although the high season starts on average in mid-November, the most pleasant weather for beach vacations is observed in January. In this month Goa has almost no precipitation, the sky is mostly clear and the sea is calm. In the state there are many cozy beaches for every taste: there are quite noisy with a lot of entertainment and coastal cafes, there are also quite wild – for those who want to stay alone with nature.
Goa is also one of those Indian regions that have been heavily influenced by Western culture. Up until the second half of the 20th century, this state belonged to Portugal, which had an impact on local traditions. Christian Christmas and Western New Year are actively celebrated in Goa. Therefore, coming here in January, be sure: everywhere will be held holidays, parties, festivals. The resort is famous for its party atmosphere and will definitely appeal to those who like to have a fun and loud vacation.
Another, less popular, but definitely not less interesting Indian resort is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is an archipelago of more than 500 islands, only 30 of which are inhabited. For centuries, ancient tribes lived here, and many of the islands are still inhabited by them. These tribes retain their traditional way of life and have no contact with the outside world.
If you come to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in January, you can, first of all, enjoy the first-class beaches: white sand, sprawling palm trees, warm sea, as well as the most beautiful underwater world. The islands have a lot of corals, often there are strange tropical fish and sea turtles, so fans of diving come to these islands with pleasure.
In addition, it is in January that one of the most important cultural events of the region, the Andaman Festival, begins. Numerous parades, concerts, shows, and fairs take place in the state capital of Port Blair and on the islands to introduce travelers to the culture and traditions that have been prevalent in this land for centuries. An amazing opportunity to experience an exotic world that is strikingly different from the rest of the world.
3. Vietnam
There are places in Vietnam that are exceptionally pleasant for a January vacation. But it is important to know exactly where to go. In the north of Vietnam, the weather is wintry by local standards: temperatures drop to an average of +15°C, there is a lot of precipitation, and dense fogs are not uncommon. You should be prepared for this if you fly to Hanoi, which is located in the northern part of the country.
If not the warmest weather does not scare you and you are ready to put an extra sweater and raincoat in your vacation suitcase, stop in Hanoi at least for a day to see the local sights. The local old quarter with its cozy narrow streets and bustling market where you can buy authentic souvenirs and eat Vietnamese street food is very popular among travelers.
Then head south: in January, the resorts of central and southern Vietnam, washed by the waters of the South China Sea, enjoy clear and warm (but not exhaustingly hot) weather. One of the most popular resorts is Nha Trang. It is quite a large city with everything you need: there are a lot of cafes and restaurants of both Vietnamese and European cuisine, various stores and cozy hotels. Along the coast sandy spit stretches beaches. Nha Trang is one of the rare places in Vietnam, favored by fans of surfing. Here rise really high waves, sometimes they reach three meters. There are surf schools in the resort, where you can learn the art of riding the waves on a board from scratch.
There are cozy islands scattered in the sea near the coast of Nha Trang. The sea near their shores is usually calmer. It is safe to relax with children and learn to swim here. Hong Che Island can be seen directly from Nha Trang city beach, and you can get here by cable car. It will take you to the island in 10 minutes, during which time you can enjoy marvelous sea views and verdant uplands.
Hon Che itself is known not only for its picturesque beaches, but also for its diverse entertainment: there is an oceanarium, a water park and an amusement park. Families often come to the island because there is always something to do for both children and adults. Other islands near Nha Trang are reached by boat. The islands of Hon Mun and Hon Mot are famous for their crystal-clear water, with a variety of corals, fish, mollusks and sea snakes near the coast.
Another popular resort is Phu Quoc. This largest island of Vietnam is located in the Gulf of Thailand not far from the Cambodian sea border. In January it is also at the height of the high season. The island is famous for its white sandy beaches and the purest clear water. Half of Phu Quoc Island is occupied by the National Park – a real paradise for wildlife lovers. Here you will find dense jungles, mangrove forests and mountain trails.
4. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination every year. The country closely monitors the preservation of local flora and fauna, so you can enjoy the pristine nature in all its diversity. In addition, Sri Lanka is famous for its tea plantations, in local national reserves you can watch wild elephants in their natural habitat, and in the resorts to take a sea safari – to go into the open sea to see with your own eyes how around swim fierce dolphins and majestic whales with powerful backs.
January is the high season in southwestern Sri Lanka. The air in this month warms up to +30-32°C, and the sea near the coast – at least to +27°C! Swimming in this water is pure pleasure. For a beach vacation, travelers go to cities such as Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Galle.
Bentota is a small city with a well-developed infrastructure, which is only an hour and a half drive from Colombo airport. It is an optimal choice for those who expect comfort and bright impressions from their vacation. On the one hand, there are many modern hotels of different price categories in Bentota, on the other hand, it is easy to hide from the city noise and feel like a savage for a while.
Local beaches are cozy strips of white sand surrounded by green palm thickets. Turquoise water, huge boulders scattered near the shore, impressive sunsets – the views here are very romantic. This is also why Bentota has become one of the most popular wedding destinations in recent years.
The resort of Hikkaduwa offers many interesting opportunities for fans of active water recreation. Surfing schools operate here. The sea in Hikkaduva area is recognized by many as one of the best places for snorkeling and diving: there is a lot of coral near the shore, you can watch sea turtles. In addition, Hikkaduwa can boast a vibrant nightlife: there are many clubs and bars in the city, music in which does not subside until dawn.
Those who want to explore the cultural attractions of the area during their vacation should pay attention to the town of Galle. In addition to cozy beaches and luxurious hotels, it is famous for historical monuments. In the past, these lands were actively colonized by Portugal and Holland. Narrow streets with preserved old architecture in European style still remind about the times of colonization. The hallmark of Halle is the granite fort of the XVII century, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fort is adorned with a white lighthouse, the oldest in the whole of Sri Lanka.
5. Egypt
Egypt beckons with ancient sights and impressive nature. But the African summer is not a test for everyone. The local heat can be very exhausting. That is why winter is an excellent time for traveling. In January, the weather here is very comfortable. The mark on thermometers rarely rises above +25°C. Egypt is washed by two seas – the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The water near the coast in January warms up to comfortable for bathing +23°C.
Such resorts of Egypt as, for example, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada are perfect for a quality January vacation. Sharm el-Sheikh is characterized by a favorable location. The resort is located on the Sinai Peninsula. It is protected by mountains, which makes the weather very comfortable. It is full of high-level hotels with a popular concept of “all-inclusive”, and cozy beaches have the opportunity to try a variety of entertainment. Snorkeling, kitesurfing, jet skiing, transparent boats and submarines!
Hurghada boasts a similar range of benefits. Families often come to this resort: there are many safe beaches, entertainment for children (the local aquarium is especially popular), and there are regular excursions from here to Giftun National Park, an entire island known for its stunning coral reefs and clear coastal waters.
There is an opinion that Egyptian resorts are too popular, and therefore you should not expect quiet and seclusion from the local beaches. It is not quite so. Marsa Alam resort is one of those places where travelers go not for hotels, restaurants and entertainment, but for untouched nature. There are many unspoiled beaches, and the local Abu Dabab Bay is often home to exotic marine life: rare fish, turtles, and even dugongs (large marine mammals resembling manatees or walruses).
6. Mexico
Tropical beaches, bright sunshine, ancient culture and very tasty food. Mexico offers travelers a cocktail of vibrant experiences.
In January, the local resorts stay consistently warm, so this destination is a win-win for those who want to escape the snow and cold for a while. It is easy to do so in such popular Mexican resorts as Acapulco and Cancun.
Acapulco is no longer just a resort, but a real brand. In the 1960-70’s, this port city on the Pacific coast was often visited by such celebrities as, for example, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra. And Elvis Presley even dedicated a song to this paradise place. In January the air here warms up to +30°C, and the water – up to +28°C.
Travelers appreciate Acapulco for its very picturesque curved coastline. Among the local beaches there are ideal options for both lovers of privacy and fans of active recreation. There are some great surfing spots here. For example, Revolcadero Beach, which has quite high waves. Acapulco is also a Mecca for those who love noisy parties. Nightlife in the resort is very intense.
The city of Cancun is located on the Yucatan Peninsula and its shores are washed by the Caribbean Sea, where the water is always very warm. Its temperature does not fall below +26°C. The city is conditionally divided into two parts: there is a zone with numerous hotels and beaches and an urban zone with traditional markets and restaurants of Mexican cuisine. The peculiarity of the local beaches is that the sand on them consists of crushed coral chips. Such sand not only has a very beautiful white color, but also does not get very hot, even when the scorching sun is at its zenith.
In addition, near Cancun there are famous archaeological areas, such as Tulum and Coba – the ruins of the cities of the Mayan civilization. And history buffs will surely enjoy the Mayan Museum, located within the city limits. Here you can see a variety of artifacts (dishes, household items, musical instruments) used by representatives of the ancient civilization.
7. Cuba
In January, the weather forecast for Liberty Island looks the same from year to year. At this time in Cuba, the season is dry, the sky is clear, and very rare and short rains bring pleasant freshness and do not annoy vacationers at all. The air temperature is comfortable – +25-27°C. The same mark on average reaches the water temperature. So if in January you dream of almost not getting out of the gentle sea, it is worth paying attention to this country of Latin America.
The capital of Cuba, Havana, is located on the Atlantic Ocean coast. Although it is not the best place for beach vacations and swimming (there is a lot of coral and sharp stones under the water), it is worth staying here at least for a couple of days to see the local sights. The city’s calling card is the Malecon promenade, which is more than seven kilometers long. From here you can enjoy fantastic views of the ocean, and in the evenings street musicians and artists gather here. Near Havana is the Varaicacos National Park, where you can see one of the largest cacti in the world, which is five centuries old, and caves with ancient rock paintings.
Varadero resort is located only 140 kilometers from Havana. Along the coastline here stretch well-groomed beaches with snow-white sand and developed infrastructure, and for a comfortable vacation there is everything you need: a variety of cafes, points for renting equipment for swimming and diving, beach entertainment. Most of the hotels here work on an “all-inclusive” system. The resort is perfect for family vacations: there is something to do here for both adults and children.
For seclusion and closeness to nature, head to the protected island of Cayo Coco. Here you can see whole colonies of wild flamingos, and in the mangrove forests you can easily meet exotic iguanas and birds. Popular entertainment on the island is yachting and kayaking. Not far from Cayo Coco is the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world.
Conclusion
The perfect trip is not only the right location, but also the best time to see a new place in all its glory. We hope our selection will help you decide on a place for January vacation. And to make this vacation unforgettable will help excursions from local guides: they know exactly where to go for the brightest impressions. Search for excursions on the Tripster website and app.
