Vacation In January
If 2016 was the year of blogging, then 2017 is the year of blogging, being a freelancer and taking your business to the next level. One of the questions I’m frequently asked is “is it ok to take holidays in January?” Here are the pros and cons of taking a vacation in January – without taking any time off!
I have always wanted to have my vacation on January. Early in the year, after the holidays, when all the fuss is over and I can relax. Well, last Sunday was the first Sunday of January and I am already looking forward to my next holiday. January is a boring time for me. I have a lot of work to do during this time as it is only three weeks before our company will be hosting a conference. People make plans for vacation so I can’t go anywhere, chances are there won’t be anyone left in the office with me to even talk to or ask questions, and so on…I got home late on Saturday evening, took a shower and went straight to bed. What is it my friend says? You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone I guess.
It’s the beginning of a new month and we are all looking for new things to do around town. But wait! Haven’t you heard? This year, why not consider taking advantage of the January blues by treating yourself to a vacation on a budget? The long holiday is right around the corner (more than enough reason to look forward to February!) and it’s one length of time that you shouldn’t spend cooped up in your house or apartment.
Vacation In January
In January of 2010, I decided that I was going to take a vacation—away from everyday life. This may not seem like much to you, but it is huge. Most people who know me see me as an adventurer and a risk-taker, someone who attacks each new day with enthusiasm and determination. While this is true, I have always struggled with rest and relaxation.
anuary is often considered one of the bleakest months of the year. The excitement of the holidays has worn off, it’s unbearably cold (for most of us), restrictive New Year resolution diets have begun, and there’s nothing ahead but a long, interminable winter. All this makes it an ideal time to plan a getaway, especially more so since most travelers have already done their trips during the holidays so there are less crowds to contend with. Whether you’re in pursuit of sun or snow, here are a few ideas for your first trip of 2022.
MORE: Where to Go for Christmas
Yosemite National Park, California
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Winter may not be the most popular time to visit Yosemite National Park but it may be one of the most beautiful. There are certain road closures to navigate around but sections of the park (as well as hiking trails) remain open in January. Vistas of glistening landmarks and landscapes dusted with snow—which, with far fewer crowds, can be enjoyed in near solitude—are hard to resist. For winter sports enthusiasts, there is also the option of snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, and snowboarding. After an adventurous day in the cold, the warm, cozy, and romantic Château du Sureau at the gateway to the park beckons with old world charm, a fabulous spa, 9 acres of picturesque rolling hills, and all the topnotch food and service expected of a Relais & Châteaux property.
READ REVIEWSChâteau du Sureau
Turks & Caicos
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Crystal clear turquoise waters and sand as smooth as silk make Turks & Caicos especially alluring come winter. Nestled in a secluded spot along the pristine shores of Grace Bay is Wymara, a luxe resort that underwent an extensive renovation just last year during which the property remodeled rooms and added new villas. With minimalist, bougainvillea-laced design and a 7,000-square-foot mosaic-lined infinity pool, is there a better way to recharge and relax ahead of a brand new year?
READ REVIEWSWymara Resort & Villas
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Nevis
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The birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, the small Leeward island of Nevis epitomizes everything a Caribbean island should be: that off-the-grid feel, laid-back charm, and plenty of lush landscapes and tropical beaches. It’s also home to the 11-room Golden Rock Inn. The hidden gem, owned by the artists Brice and Helen Marden, is a foodie paradise that offers visitors a uniquely bohemian experience. Prefer something more beachy? Book one of the guest rooms at the Four Seasons Nevis facing the sugar-soft sand of Pinney’s Beach.
READ REVIEWSGolden Rock Inn
READ REVIEWSFour Seasons Resort Nevis
Alta, Utah
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Located just 28 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Alta is a veritable skiers’ paradise. Snowboarding is banned here and it enjoys a fraction of visitors as its neighbor Park City (Alta gets about 500,000 visitors a year, while Park City gets more than 3 million). Stay at one of the newer hotels on the block, Snowpine Lodge, which underwent a $50-million renovation in 2019 to become a fully ski-in/ski-out hotel, the area’s first. The après-ski amenities at the 68-room hotel include Alta’s first full service spa, slope-side hot tubs and heated pool, an oxygen bar, fire pits, and heated ski lockers.
READ REVIEWSSnowpine Lodge
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Big Island, Hawaii
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With daily highs around 83 degrees and lows around 79, January is one of the best months for a trip to the Big Island—especially with such stunning attractions like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and ‘Akaka Falls, not to mention all the outdoor activities to be enjoyed such as rainforest hikes, stargazing, snorkeling, golf, surfing, and hot springs. For the ultimate New Year splurge, book one of the five private bungalows at the Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resort. At 4,000 square feet, they will more than comfortably sleep a group of 6 and provide seamless indoor-outdoor living (think private chefs, outdoor rain showers, a pool).
READ REVIEWSMauna Lani, an Auberge Resort
Blue Mountains, Jamaica
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Located 3,100 feet above sea level, Strawberry Hill offers a different kind of Jamaican vacation. You’ll trade sea for mountains (the panoramic Blue Mountains, in this case) and sweltering sun for a misty, cool breeze. Owner Chris Blackwell (who is also the mastermind behind the iconic Goldeneye, just two hours away) often entertained his music friends—Bob Marley, Mick Jagger, and Willie Nelson—at the 12-cottage property back in the ’70s. Along with all the hiking, flora, and authentic Jamaican cuisine, there is one other major reason to pay a visit to this region: the fabulous coffee.