Vacation In January Warm
You’re reading this article because it’s available free online; otherwise you’d be reading a print version. And you probably have an e-reader. Maybe you have a smartphone, tablet or laptop computer–all of which can show you more than just what’s in front of your face. It’s likely that you got on the Internet in the first place to get vacation ideas. I’m going to help you out there. It helps if your escape is warm so here are 40 good reasons to vacation in January:
I’ve always wondered why the death month. I can understand that, the idea of turning twenty-six and dying a lot in one year. But growing up in a small town north of Guelph, I always felt something different, something real. Growing up here, we lived through both January cold and January warm.
As I type this, I am somewhere over the Atlantic en route to Barcelona for a week’s vacation. My coworkers think I’m crazy for going on vacation in January. But the weather in Barcelona, along with my preferred winter getaway destination of Costa Rica, are enough for me to risk the “crazy” label.
Have you ever changed developer, delayed a project or changed your mind about the color of your website? These are all things I’ve done and could possibly have to do again in the future. If you have read the previous post about some of my stories you saw that I love telling stories. This is not one of those stories; instead it is a hint on where I will be going and what I will be up to.
Vacation In January Warm
January 1 may usher in a new year full of excitement and possibilities, but a few weeks in, that positive attitude quickly fades as the snow piles up. You start to find that snow angels aren’t that amusing after all, and your favorite hot cocoa would taster better if it were a piña colada and you were drinking it on a luxurious beach somewhere. As the temperatures continue to dip, you find yourself constantly staring out the window and fantasizing about going somewhere warm.
The good news is that January is a great month to travel. With the holiday rush in the rearview mirror, rates begin to drop, ushering in the ideal time to jet off to greener (and sunnier) pastures. While it’s hard to tell what travel might look like then—vaccinations are on the rise, but so are instances of the Delta variant—if you’re dreaming of a winter getaway someday (or simply need some inspo to get you through the frosty month), here are 13 warm places to travel in January.
Editor’s note: Please remember to mask up and follow social distancing protocols while traveling and be sure to check up on the destination’s health and safety guidelines before you go.
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1. Cartagena, Colombia
Average daily temperature in January: 87°F
Cartagena is the epitome of a steamy escape. January delivers tropical temperatures, minimal humidity and the lowest chance of precipitation. You’ll certainly appreciate the gentle breeze while walking around this picturesque port. This UNESCO-listed old town is an Insta-worthy maze of cobblestone lanes, Spanish colonial buildings with balconies covered in bougainvillea and glorious churches that dominate the tree-lined plazas. When it comes to tasty eats, find your way to a palettas, a fruity and refreshing mid-afternoon snack. You gotta try pescado frito (fried fish) with green plantains and coconut rice. For the best beaches in the area, book a day trip the magical Islas del Rosario, which just reopened.
Where to stay:
- Apartamento de Lujo Edificio (4 guests): $70/night
- Murano Elite Luxury Waterfront Apartment (4 guests): $52/night
- Sea View Apartment (4 guests): $113/night
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2. Aruba
Average daily temperature in January: 86°F
Aruba, the happy island 48 miles west of Curaçao, welcomes hordes of repeat travelers—especially in the winter when consistently warm weather, endless sunshine and cooling trade winds sure beat the forecast in most of the U.S. Due to COVID-19, however, the country is being a bit more stringent with their entrance permissions. U.S. travelers to Aruba are required to show negative COVID tests in order to enter. The country will not accept proof of vaccination alone. Once you have that sorted, take a load off on Aruba’s famed sandy beaches with copious amounts of rum punch that add to the carefree vacation vibe.
Where to stay:
- Tuscan Key West Style Villa (12 guests): $343/night
- Villa Chuchubi (6 guests): $285/night
- Amazing Top Floor Oceanview Condo (4 guests): $220/night
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3. Palm Springs, California
Average daily temperature in January: 71°F
Sunshine. Highs in the low 70s. Yeah, January in Palm Springs is total perfection. The hip Sonoran Desert oasis is known for its mid-century design cred, iconic architecture and salacious tales from Tinseltown’s golden age. That raises the question of where you’re going to stay. Whether you’re a fan of retro glamor or contemporary aesthetics, stylish hotels abound. We also love the idea of renting a fabulous house erected by a famous architect. Of course, a pool and jacuzzi are non-negotiables regardless of where you shack up. Round out your itinerary by doing a historical walking tour to see where the Rat Pack used to party, snapping (mandatory) pics under luscious palm trees, indulging in spa treatments, shopping for vintage treasures and communing with nature on a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park.
Where to stay:
- Modern Ranch Heaven (4 guests): $265/night
- Upscale Condo with Mountain Views (2 guests): $99/night
- Lima Modern Movie Colony (4 guests): $234/night
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4. Cancun, Mexico
Average daily temperature in January: 82°F
It’s all about sun and fun in Cancun. While this south-of-the-border hot spot truly has something for everyone—from hard-partying college students and bachelorette parties to honeymooners and families—expect some restrictions due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, you’ll undoubtedly spend the bulk of your trip on the beach (hello, Playa Delfines). For a dose of culture, head over to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and if you’re on the market for some adventure, take up some whale shark snorkeling courtesy of Ocean Tours. Have a hankering for authentic Mexican food? TripAdvisor reviewers rave about El Rinconcito de Puebla and Los Caporales.
Where to stay:
- Renovated Ocean Front Condo (4 guests): $150/night
- Hopelchen Beach Getaway (6 guests): $64/night
- Amazing Villa on the Beach (10 guests): $750/night
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5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Average daily temperature in January: 85°F
Dubbed the “Rose of the North,” Chiang Mai is a continual reminder that there’s more to Thailand than the islands of Phuket (though we’ll get to that later) and Koh Samui. The capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom charms tourists with its relaxed pace and rich culture. The city boasts hundreds of opulent Buddhist temples including the gilded Wat Phra Singh as well as lush rainforests, majestic mountains and elephant sanctuaries within driving distance. Since Chiang Mai has a slightly cooler climate than Bangkok, you can clock more sightseeing hours without sweating through your gauzy printed pants. Let’s be honest, it’ll still feel quite balmy.
Where to stay:
- Private House Near Airport (7 guests): $142/night
- Lanna Style Large Condo (4 guests): $32/night
- Amazing Town House at Wat Phra Sing (4 guests): $89/night