Take a beautiful getaway this winter with these wonderful places to visit in January! Save this list for planning your next vacation.
The new year brings a fresh start, and January is the best time to travel after the holidays. You'll find more time on your hands and fewer crowds of tourists. Plus, you can enjoy all of these destinations at great prices.
For those who dread the cold weather approaching, a sunny escape might be calling your name. Or if you’re looking to enjoy the snow and all its winter fun, a cozy getaway might be just what you need.
I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite places to visit in January for some sunshine and warmth or some exciting winter activities. So, pack your bags and head out for that much-needed vacation!
Table of Contents:
Best Places to Vacation in January in the USA
Best Places to Vacation in January around the World
Where Should You Visit First in January?
Best Places to Vacation in January in the USA
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona is a great place to travel to in January for a wellness retreat and a fresh start. It’s known for its high concentration of art galleries, as well as for being a tourist destination. Take a self-guided driving tour and see all the best spots.
Sedona is brimming with natural beauty and wellness opportunities, which can be experienced no matter the season. During winter, visitors can go to the Arizona Hot Spring for some relaxation. Just keep in mind that it’s a three mile hike to get there!
Sedona also has a must-experience food scene at affordable prices. This city offers everything from fine dining options with views overlooking red rock formations to casual eateries serving up burgers made from locally sourced ingredients straight from their garden.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
If you’re planning on visiting the city of sin in January, there are plenty of things to do during your stay. You can take advantage of the many concerts that take place during this month—including some of your favorite artists performing at casinos or other venues around town.
Or you can hit the town and shop at the many clothing and retail stores the city as to offer. There’s also a gondola ride that gives visitors an up-close look at some of the most famous landmarks in Las Vegas, such as The Bellagio and Paris Las Vegas hotels. And don’t forget to book a table at Top of the World on the 106th floor of the Stratosphere Tower for panoramic views of the city and great food.
3. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah is an excellent option if you love outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and biking. Take a guided backcountry skiing tour and experience a favorite Utah pastime.
The city also hosts the annual Sundance Film Festival every January. If you're into film festivals or just want some inspiration, then you might want to add this to your Utah bucket list.
4. San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California, is a great place to visit in January. One of the largest celebrations in the world is Chinese New Year at the end of January. In San Francisco, you can enjoy plenty of food and drinks with your friends and family during this time.
If you're looking for something different to do when you visit San Francisco, then check out The Exploratorium and see the Giant Dome Theater and SeaPerch underwater robotics lab. Or stroll through Golden Gate Park, where you can see many types of trees, plants, and animals. If there's nothing else going on in the park during winter months, you can go horseback riding or rent bikes if it's warm enough outside.
5. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a great place to visit in January. Although it may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of wintertime travel, Atlanta's mild winter weather means you can get out and enjoy yourself without having to worry about being cold.
Not only does this city have more than enough excitement for those who love shopping and dining out, but it also offers plenty of cultural activities as well.
If you're visiting Atlanta during MLK Day weekend (January 19-21), there will be lots of activities taking place around town that celebrate Dr. King's legacy and achievements in civil rights activism—a perfect way to spend your trip! You can also take a Black History and Civil Rights Tour around the city.
6. Pasadena, California
Pasadena is one of the best places to visit in January because it's home to the Rose Bowl football game and parade, which take place every New Year's Day. The Rose Bowl is also a great place to watch a college football game with friends or family. Pasadena has many things going on throughout the year, but January is especially busy with fun events and activities, including:
Foodie Fest: Eat your way through downtown Pasadena at this annual culinary event held in early January.
Art Walk: Experience art from local artists at this free event, held every first Thursday of each month (January through August).
Rose Parade: Watch floats, marching bands, and more parade down Colorado Boulevard during Pasadena’s famous New Year’s Day parade.
Use this City Highlights Exploration Game to make sure you don’t miss a thing on your visit!
7. Helen, Georgia
Helen is a small town in the North Georgia Mountains that's home to many festivals and attractions. It's a popular winter vacation spot because of its proximity to Atlanta (about a 90-minute drive), but it's also home to several resorts with ski slopes and casinos. It is an adorable mountain town that will give you a taste of Europe within the United States!
The best time to visit is during one of the festivals that occur from January through March, like HelenFest or Stroll Into Spring.
Best Places to Vacation in January around the World
8. Guatemala
Explore beautiful scenery, immerse in local culture, and get a taste of everything Guatemala has to offer with this Central America adventure. Whether you are enjoying lake views in Lake Atitlan, trekking a volcano, or trying a private dinner cooked by volcanic lava, Guatemala is an awesome place to visit in January.
9. Australia
Australia is a big country with different climates and tons to explore. January in Australia is peak summertime. With its diverse range of landscapes and attractions, Australia has something for everyone. Here's our list of places to visit in January if you're planning on going there:
Sydney Opera House: This famous piece of architecture was built in 1973 and serves as both an opera house and concert hall. It also houses many restaurants and art galleries that showcase some fantastic pieces of art!
The Great Barrier Reef: This world heritage site stretches over 344 miles (550 km) along Queensland's coast, making it one of the largest coral reefs in existence today. There are over 3000 species found here, including sea turtles which come here every year during mating season, so be sure not to miss out on seeing them! Just note that January is wet season in Queensland, so even though its summer, you have a high chance of getting caught in the rain.
10. People’s Republic of Laos
The capital of Laos, Vientiane, is a great place to start your trip in the country. It’s a quiet city with lots of history and culture, and it’s also very walkable if you want some exercise after sitting on a plane for hours. You can visit the Patuxai Arch and stroll through the city’s parks, markets, temples, and museums.
Make time to visit Luang Prabang while you're in Laos! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of my favorite places ever—it's a major tourist destination but still feels more authentic than other Southeast Asian cities like Bangkok or Singapore. It's very picturesque with its French colonial architecture and lots of waterfalls nearby. There are many outdoor activities available such as hiking, biking, or kayaking through beautiful forests filled with birds.
11. Belize
One of the best places to visit in January is Belize. The dry season has started, which means it’s not as hot and humid, but still warm enough for some great beach days.
The town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is a great place to go if you want to relax and enjoy downtime. It’s also home to several restaurants and bars where you can spend time with friends or family after a day at the beach or snorkeling with fish like barracudas!
If you are looking for a bit of adventure, you can go cave tubing in San Ignacio or go snorkeling around the island.
12. Taiwan
Taiwan is a fascinating place to visit at any time of year, but it’s especially nice to visit in January because the weather is mild, and you can experience the best of its cultural attractions without fighting crowds or breaking a sweat.
One of my favorite places in Taiwan is Taroko National Park near Hualien. The park has many different hiking trails that take you through some amazing landscapes filled with beautiful waterfalls and other natural landmarks.
In addition to hiking in Taroko National Park itself, there are also several good day hikes outside of the park that allow you to enjoy nature without having to camp out overnight (or even rent a hotel room). If you prefer taking things easy on your travels, there are plenty of fun activities closer to civilization as well!
The cities of Taipei, Jiufen (a small town near Keelung), Taichung (in central Taiwan), Tainan (on Taiwan's south coast), and Hualien all have something special about them: they're great places for foodies and culture buffs alike! You can take a day trip from Taipei to the Beitou Hot Springs. And you'll find plenty of delicious street food everywhere— keep an eye out for stands advertising “xiaolongbao” or “dumplings” and make sure not to miss out on some truly authentic local cuisine during your stay here!
Where should you visit first in January?
Whether you're looking for somewhere new to visit or want to escape the cold weather at home, there is something here for everyone. The new year is an exciting time, filled with new adventures and goals. Start the new year off right with a bucket list destination and some designated self-care time.
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