Where to travel in january?

Where to travel in January?

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Best countries to visit in January

Let’s face it, January is not usually the month we prefer in Europe. It’s cold outside, we are sometimes a bit hangover after new year eve, and we are often starting new restrictive resolutions that we will keep only few weeks 😅. More of that, we generally come back to work after Christmas holiday, and even if it’s a new year, there isn’t anything new at work 😬. So best things to do to fight that mood is to start the new year with a new place to discover!  Moreover, it’s low season so the prices are more affordable. Hence, it could be the best time to enjoy a memorable trip under the sun, in a heavenly spot in Asia or in the Caribbean for example. You could also enjoy the ski resorts of Europe or the amazing landscapes of Southern Africa.

Which destination to choose to enjoy a wonderful trip in January? Let me give you my opinion on the best countries to travel in the world in January with of course photos, information and advice. First, let’s break this answer down by continent, then by city according to the weather and finally according to my own experience.

Where to travel in Asia in January?

In the south of Asia, the beginning of the year is perfect for discovery, because the temperatures are pleasant and the tourist influx is reduced. You can enjoy for example a sunbath on an idyllic beach in Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Philippines or in Southern China. You can also visit beautiful historical towns in India, Cambodia or Laos. On the contrary, note that the North of Asia can be icy during this period. Towns like Beijing or Uhlan Bator can be really cold at that moment of the year. 

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple in Ayutthaya is where to travel in January in Asia

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Where to travel in Europe in January?

In Europe, the season does not encourage discovery at the beginning of the year. Between cold, rain and short periods of sunshine, travels are less common except for mountain destinations. The ski resorts, in the Alps and the Pyrenees, are popular in January. This is particularly the case for France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Spain. As we talk about Spain, Andalusia still attracts travelers during this period thanks to a respectable sunshine. Finally, If you are looking for amazing snow landscapes, I advice you to travel in Iceland.

Alps Mountains in France

Alps Mountains in France

Where to travel in Africa in January?

In Africa, many destinations can be discovered. The freshness covers the North at the beginning of the year, so the moment is ideal to discover the Sahara, but less favorable for seaside activities. Further in the south of the continent, in countries like Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa, the beginning of the year is favorable to travel despite a risk of high temperature, mainly on the east coast.

Giraffle in South Africa is where to travel in January in Africa

Safari in South Africa

Where to travel in America in January?

In America, the most suggested destinations at the beginning of the year remain Central and South America: Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile… An escapade in the paradisiacal islands of the Caribbean is also a good idea to enjoy the sun in an idyllic spot. The United States and Canada are in a winter period, so the drop of temperature may be an obstacle for some people to discover these countries.

Rio De Janeiro Ipanema beach in Brazil

Ipanema beach in Rio De Janeiro

In Oceania, the climate is very varied. Australia (Sidney, Canberra, Melbourne), New Zealand or Tasmania are good destinations to visit in January for travelers looking for picturesque scenery and total escape.

 

Finally, at the contrary, some popular destinations should be avoided in January because of the rainy season or a high risk of cyclones: Indonesia, Seychelles, Polynesia and the islands of the Indian Ocean (Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius) for example.

Map of the countries where to travel in January

Best destinations to go in January?

Good places to visit in January

This list of destinations by continent below is done mainly depending on the quality of the weather in January. It doesn’t really take into account all the local celebrations, or the tourist influx. For each places, you will find the average maximum and minimum temperatures, and the average number of rainy days in January.

My favorite destinations in January

Trinidad in Cuba

Trinidad, an ancient colonial city, is probably one of the best preserved cities in Cuba. Its historic district has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. In addition to this, if you are looking for a festive atmosphere, dancing and partying, you should be completely satisfied in Trinidad.

Trinidad is also known for its picturesque landscapes around the city. For those looking for relaxation and seaside activities, Ancon Beach is not to be missed, with its turquoise water and white sand beach. The island of Cayo Blanco is also a good place for lovers of scuba diving or snorkelling, because you can discover superb coral reefs.

Also near Trinidad, the Topes de Collantes Natural Park is a paradise for lovers of natural discoveries: exceptional flora and fauna, breathtaking waterfalls, natural pools and panoramic views. For other green places, you can also take an excursion to Los Ingenios valley, which covers 225 km2 east of Trinidad. It was at the heart of Cuban sugar activity in the 19th century.

Church of the Holy Trinity inTrinidad in Cuba

Church of the Holy Trinity

Ancon beach near Trinidad is where to go in January

Ancon beach

Old streets and old car of Trinidad in Cuba

Old street of Trinidad

Agra in India

Agra is a city located in the north of India in Uttar Pradesh state. This town is the third largest city in Uttar Pradesh with around 1,700,000 inhabitants. It is relatively close to New Dehli so if you are around, you should definetely visit Agra. This is truly a destination of choice for lovers of discoveries and Indian history. There are many amazing monuments to visit, including the iconic Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal emperor Shâh Jahân in memory of his wife. Don’t also miss the Fort of Agra, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, with its surrounding walls, red sandstone, 21 meters high. Close to the fort, you should visit one of the largest mosques in India: Jama Masjid, and the mausoleums of Itimâd-ud-Daulâ and Akbar the Great.

Finally, 40 kilometers west of Agra, I also advise you to stop at Fatehpur-Sikri to discover the palace of Jodha Bai, as well as other beautiful mosques or mausoleums. This city is on the road between Agra and Jaipur, so it’s a nice stop to do if you make the circuit of the “Golden Triangle”: New Delhi – Agra – Jaipur. I think this tour was probably the most interesting that I did in India.

The beautiful mosque of Fatehpur Sikri in India

Jama Masjid mosque

Agra in India  is where to travel in January

Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah

Taj mahal in Agra india

The one and only Taj Mahal

Jökulsárlón in Iceland

Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon located in the south-east of Iceland, very close to the Vatnajökull National Park. It is a magical place at any time of the year where you can admire large icebergs from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which are slowly drifting (“wave after wave…” ♫😅) towards the Atlantic Ocean. More of that, you will also surely have the opportunity to see seals swimming in its peaceful and fishy waters.

Not far from there, a few hundred meters away, on the other side of the N1 circular road, do not miss a stroll on Diamond beach. It is a beautiful black sand beach with blue and white icebergs of all shapes and sizes.
Finally, 10 km west of Jökulsárlón, also go to Fjallsárlón, a 4 km² lake, where you can take boat trips to see floating icebergs from very close.

Diamond beach in Iceland

Diamond beach

Jökulsárlón in Iceland

Icebergs drifting in Jökulsárlón lagoon

Sunset at Fjallsárlón is where to travel in January

Sunset at Fjallsárlón

Cape Town in South Africa

Cape Town is a seaside town located on the southwestern coast of South Africa. When we talk about Cape Town, we immediately think about the far side of the world: the Cape of Good Hope, but there is much more to discover.

There are many sites to visit if you like beautiful natural landscapes, such as the Table Mountain and its panoramic view, the rocky peak of Lion’s Head, the beautiful white sand Camps Bay beach, with in its background the 12 apostles mountains. Also, do not miss the spectacular Boulders Beach and its penguin colony.

In the city I advise you to see in particular the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap and the lively district of waterfront where you will have plenty of options to eat and do shopping. Finally, while in Cape Town, you may want to learn more about an important part of South Africa History going to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

The Twelve Apostles Mountain

One of the most scenic coast: twelve Apostles Mountain

The Twelve Apostles Mountain

Boulders Beach with its cute penguin colony

The colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap in Cap Town

The colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap

Bangkok in Thailand

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. This city is known for its richly decorated shrines and its lively streets. The city is vast so visiting Bangkok can be tiring indeed but reserves many surprises.
First, you should see the Grand Palace and its sacred temple Wat Phra Kaeo. Not to far, take also a look to Wat Pho and its huge reclining Buddha. On the other side of the river, visit Wat Arun with its steep stairs and its Khmer-style spire.

Other places are also worth to be visited as the Silom district and its Lumpini park, the Indian neighborhood of Pahurat, and the night markets to savor the Thai culinary specialties. Another advice, taking a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River is also a nice way to discover the city. If you like shopping, discover Chatuchak Market, one of the largest markets in the world, or you can go to Siam Paragon mall or MBK center for instance. Thailand in general is really a good country where to travel in January.

Wat Phra temple in Bangkok is where to travel in January

Grand Palace in Bangkok

Pagoda at wat pho temple in Bangkok

Pagoda at Wat Pho temple

Reclining Buddha at wat pho temple in Bangkok

The famous 45 meters long reclining Buddha

Accra in Ghana

Accra, capital of Ghana, is located by the seaside in the south of the country. To discover an important part of the history of the country, visit the Mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah who was the first president of Ghana and great actor of independence from the country. You will also discover its pretty memorial park and its small but interesting museum. To learn more about the country’s history, visit the national museum that celebrates Ghanaian culture or Fort Crèvecœur, a 17th century Dutch fortress that tells the story of slavery in Ghana.

Do not miss the Independence Square with its superb Independence Arch, the Black Star Gate or the Liberation Day Monument. For a little shopping, there are a few shopping centers in Accra but for more authenticity, go to Makola market which is the big colorful bazaar of the city. Finally, to enjoy the ocean a little, you can go to the beaches of Labadi or Kokrobite.

Black Star Gate on the Independence Square of Accra in Ghana

Black Star Gate

Sunset on Labadi beach in Accra in Ghana is where to go in January

Sunset on Labadi beach

Mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah in Accra in Ghana

Mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah

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