Best vacation places for january
The winter season may be in full-swing but there’s no reason why you can’t still enjoy a getaway. These are the best vacation places for january – guaranteed to take your mind off the cold and into the warmth of Caribbean climes.
It is the month of January and everyone is at work. I know this because I am sitting at my desk, weary of having to answer the same questions regarding email not being delivered, posts not showing up in my sidebar, and more. So instead of answering questions for people all day, I have decided to write about places you should vacation this month!
January is a great time to use a vacation planner. With this blog post, I will tell you: why you should use one, which top vacation planning apps are and how you can get the best value out of it.
The best vacation places for January are:
- Maui, Hawaii
- Bali, Indonesia
- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- New Orleans, Louisiana
January is the perfect time to take a vacation. You can get away from the cold and snow, relax, and feel refreshed when you come home.
So where should you go? Here are some of our favorite destinations for January vacations.
The Caribbean: The Caribbean is beautiful all year round, but especially so in January. The temperatures are warm enough to swim in the ocean, but not too hot to be uncomfortable. The weather is usually very sunny and clear, so you can enjoy going out on the water or just lying by the pool. The islands have great restaurants and shopping centers with local souvenirs that make great gifts for family members back home.
Hawaii: Hawaii is another popular destination for January vacations because it’s warm year-round, but especially so during this time of year. The beaches are beautiful and there are lots of activities available for people who want something more than just sitting on the beach or swimming in the ocean all day long—everything from hiking through lush rainforests to learning about native plants at botanical gardens and farms.
Courtesy Secret BayDominicaNicknamed the “Nature Island,” Dominica is a rare Caribbean country that’s as attractive to adrenaline junkies as it is to beach bums. For a distinctly Dominican experience, head to the natural hot springs around the village of Wotten Waven, heated by underground volcanoes, or snorkel the aptly named Champagne Reef, filled with tiny bubbles pushed up from geothermal vents in the ocean floor.You don’t have to break a sweat to enjoy this island nation, though. Unwind at one of the Ti-Fèy cottages at Secret Bay resort, each almost 1,400 square feet in size and perched on a hillside overlooking the Caribbean sea. With their private plunge pools and outdoor showers—not to mention the Gommier Spa just steps away—these villas are tailor-made for relaxing, idyllic getaways.
GettyThe Dolomites, ItalyThe Dolomites are the cozy cousin to the Alps’ glitzy ski towns. The area’s powdery slopes can be accessed via the 86-mile Great Dolomites Road, one of the world’s most beautiful alpine drives—and a perfect day trip from Venice. Aside from the perfect skiing conditions, flights to this part of Italy are much cheaper in January than during other winter months. You can easily find round-trip tickets from New York to Venice for around $400, letting you save your money for ski passes and luxe hotels.For both skiing and great stays, head to Cortina d’Ampezzo in the valley of the Boite river. The historic town is part of the massive Dolomiti Superski resort, connecting visitors to 750 miles of slopes and Europe’s largest network of cross-country trails. It also is home to Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, a lavish Belle Époque hotel with a massive spa, lively piano bar, and stunning views of the mountains from every guest room.ADVERTISEMENT
Courtesy Kokomo Private Island FijiFijiFiji’s borders reopened to fully vaccinated Americans on December 1—just in time to welcome winter-weary travelers looking for some sunshine. The destination is known for its turquoise waters and lush rainforests, and you can find adventure on pretty much every island. Hike through the Waisali Rainforest Reserve on Savusavu, swim under cascading waterfalls on Taveuni, then dive among underground coral gardens off the Yasawa Islands.Fiji also has a couple of hotels we’re particularly excited about right now. Kokomo Private Island is the ultimate secluded retreat, accessible via helicopter or seaplane ride from Nadi International Airport. Each of the 21 villas comes with a private pool, walled tropical garden, and direct beach access, and guests are invited to participate in marine biologist-led manta snorkel excursions and sunset cruises. Another private island property, VOMO Island Fiji recently unveiled two new luxury beachfront residences that are basically their own micro-resorts. Both houses come with king-size bedrooms, butler service, infinity pools, and access to daily resort activities like tennis and snorkeling.
WATCHA Day in Dubai
Courtesy MarriottPark City, UtahPark City—along with the adjacent tony town of Deer Valley—is undeniably one of the country’s top winter sports destinations, with ample opportunities for skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. After a day spent on Utah’s famous powder, ski right into town to throw back whiskey at a saloon or go shopping for the perfect cowboy hat. And don’t forget about the Sundance Film Festival (Jan. 20–30, 2022), which draws filmmakers and film enthusiasts every year to screen the year’s upcoming indie flicks.The St. Regis Deer Valley is exclusive and impressive any time of year, but the ski-in, ski-out hotel glows even brighter in the winter months. You can get full après service at the “ski beach,” a 3,000-square-foot terrace with chaise lounges and fire pits, then cozy up in the library or gaze at the stellar Wasatch Range from your room.
GettyBaja California, MexicoWhale spotting is why Baja California makes our list for the best places to travel in January, as humpbacks and grays migrate down to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez this month to mate and give birth. Instead of hitting well-known Cabo San Lucas, consider making the eastern tip of the peninsula your base: It’s wilder and far less manicured than the five-star hideaway to the south, with dirt roads, a slower pace, and superb beaches and fishing.The region, known as the East Cape, has recently started to put an emphasis on high-end accommodation. One of the best new properties is the Four Seasons Costas Palmas, which debuted in 2020. The hotel feels like an undiscovered secret, surrounded by miles of secluded beaches and palm trees. All 141 rooms have Sea of Cortez views and feature custom-designed furniture and blankets made in Mexico City—some ground floor rooms even have private plunge pools.
GettyGhanaThanks to a slew of local tourism initiatives and new nonstop flights from D.C. to Accra, visiting Ghana has never been easier. The small West African country has landscapes ranging from beaches along the coast to the savannah in the north, but our attention right now is more focused on Accra, its buzzing capital city. (Although Accra does have beaches, too, if that’s what you’re really after.) Sample some incredible Ghanaian cooking at places like Fulani Kitchen and The Mix Restaurant, then shop around town for custom-made clothing and artwork.There are plenty of high-end hotels in Accra (Marriott and Kempinski both have outposts here), but consider heading to the Safari Valley Resort ecolodge in nearby Aburi to stay in a spacious cabin with views of Ghana’s verdant Okere District. (You might even get to spot some giraffes and zebras in their natural habitat.) The resort is fully devoted to sustainability with its solar panels, bio-digesters, and waste water recycling plants, and its goal is to eventually be completely powered by renewable energy.