To start the year off on the right foot, there's nothing like a little getaway or a big trip! But where to go in January? Here are a few travel ideas to help you keep your spirits up, even in the depths of winter.
Where to go in January in the sun?
Going on vacation just after celebrating New Year's Eve is a good alternative if you want to escape the wintry temperatures at the start of the year.
If you want to get away from it all in the sunshine, Mexico is the place to be in January. We recommend the country's Pacific Coast. Breathtakingly beautiful, it benefits from a warm, sunny tropical climate that makes it the perfect place for lazing around; in addition to the pleasures of the beach, it's also a favorite spot for wave enthusiasts. There are a number of renowned surf spots. But the coast is also home to tropical forests and mangroves. All along this fringe of the Pacific Ocean, the seaside resorts of Puerto Vallarta or Acapulco are not far from beaches with small traditional wooden buildings and little-visited virgin areas: for all these reasons, Mexico is one of the best destinations to visit at the start of the year.
In Asia, Malaysia is also an excellent idea for warming up in other latitudes! The undeniable asset of this country is its landscapes, shaped by nature over thousands of years: fascinating jungles, impressive tropical forests, the island of Borneo, home to the famous orangutans, not forgetting the paradise island of Sipadan... There are also other destinations in South-East Asia and the Indian Ocean where you can go on vacation in January, such as Reunion Island, Mauritius and Vietnam.
Cape Verde, a paradise lost in the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, is also a great January sun destination. Among the must-sees and must-do's on the island, we recommend you set off to discover its ten wild and mysterious islands, all different from one another and generally sun-drenched. And the good news is that Cape Verde's beaches, whether black or white sand, are often superb and unspoilt, thanks to the limited number of tourists. So why not consider Cape Verde for your next vacation?
Where to go in January in France?
Affectionately known as "Courch" by its regulars, Courchevel is an upmarket ski resort that combines refinement with a warm atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Trois Vallées, it offers a vast and almost unique ski area, as well as a nightlife offering with lively bars, nightclubs, and even night skiing thanks to the Verdons gondola. With the added bonus of refined shopping brands, this is a resort worth discovering in January when the crowds are not so great.
Martinique, nicknamed "l'île aux Fleurs" (the Island of Flowers), enchants visitors first and foremost with its heavenly beaches of infinite shades of white or black sand, accessible all year round thanks to generous sunshine. Places to visit include Anse Noire, Céron, Trabeau, Cap Macré and Les Salines. Inland, you can also enjoy hiking the Montagne Pelée volcano, kayaking in the mangrove swamps of Trois-Îlets, or canyoning in the Piton du Carbet massif. And don't forget the island's rich cultural heritage, with its museums, distilleries, gardens and Creole dwellings, between a zouk lesson, a plate of Antillean black pudding and a ti-punch.
Where to go in January in Europe?
At the northernmost tip of the European continent, southeast of Greenland, Norway is a sparsely populated Nordic land. Mountains, forests, lakes, waterfalls, sandy beaches, glaciers and windswept deserts make up the country's grandiose landscapes. Renowned the world over for their treks, the fjords and their heights are breathtaking and a must-see excursion; those in the west of the country are a Unesco World Heritage Site. The north offers the spectacle of the northern lights in winter, or the midnight sun in summer, thanks to the Arctic Circle... A little paradise for lovers of nature and wooden houses.
Ischgl, an Austrian village, is remarkable for its unique geographical location, surrounded by majestic mountains and crossed by the Silvretta road. It is one of Tyrol's most prestigious ski resorts, widely recognized for its vast ski area and well-developed hotel facilities. It' s one of the country's trendiest resorts, welcoming hundreds of thousands of winter sports enthusiasts every season. Every effort is made to ensure an exceptional stay for these visitors. With hundreds of kilometers of slopes, live music and a lively nightlife, Ischgl is undoubtedly the country's must-see destination for ski enthusiasts.
Where to go in January for less?
Miles of turquoise beaches in Punta Cana, the charm of Santo Domingo's colonial center, upscale hotels, meticulously manicured golf courses, Michelin-starred restaurants... These are the idyllic images that come to mind when exploring a Dominican Republic travel guide, but the island of Hispaniola abounds in many other wonders. Don't hesitate to climb Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean, located in the heart of the country. Admire the spellbinding spectacle of humpback whales as they dance in love in Samana. Ecotourism is on the rise, showcasing magnificent, unspoilt regions such as the Southwest and Central regions. Another of the Dominican Republic's strengths lies in its ability to offer all-inclusive holidays, making idleness a dream come true on the other side of the world!
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Eastern Europe. Among the city's emblematic gems are the Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, the famous Golden Lane with its miniature houses, and the romantic Mala Strana district. Prague's historic center is a Unesco World Heritage Site, showcasing a variety of architectural influences, blending Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau to form an exceptional ensemble. For night owls, there are plenty of nightclubs. Finally, it's worth noting that, in addition to the typical taverns serving traditional Czech cuisine, Prague now boasts some of the world's finest gourmet restaurants, complete with top-quality wine cellars. What's more, Prague remains a very affordable destination for tourists from Western Europe.
Where to go in January for winter sports?
Majestic and grandiose, the Alps serve as a natural border between France and its Swiss and Italian neighbors. Spanning nine départements, the French Alps, which rise to 4,809 m with Mont-Blanc, offer a multitude of tourist activities, and it's always a joy to glide on their snow in the middle of January, outside the school vacations!
Have you already visited all the ski resorts and slopes in the Alps? This year, for a real change of scenery, we're inviting you to go sliding on powder snow abroad. The principality of Andorra, renowned for its cheap shopping, is less well known for its ski resorts, yet it's a real bargain. Ski passes are cheaper, but so are meals and accommodation! So head for the 300 kilometers of slopes at Vallnor and Grandvalira resorts for a low-cost snow vacation. You should even have a bit of pocket money left over to raid a few stores.
Another budget ski destination: Romania! We recommend the Poiana Brasov resort in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania, ideal for skiing as it offers beautiful slopes equipped with snow cannons, guaranteeing good snow cover. It's no coincidence that this region is nicknamed the "Romanian Alps".
Where to go in January for a change of scenery on a city trip?
To fill up on culture in January, head for Rijeka in Croatia. Situated on the Bay of Kvarner, Rijeka boasts a rich heritage, including a beautiful town square, 18th-century Austro-Hungarian villas and Gothic and Baroque churches. It also boasts a number of interesting museums, including a fine museum of contemporary art.
If you're looking for a bargain shopping weekend, head for the UK! Of course, London attracts designers from all over the world, and a weekend trip there in January, for example, is particularly worthwhile. The winter sales start on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. The British capital is abuzz with activity from the moment the sale kicks off, usually at the prestigious Harrod's department store. Shoppers flock to the stores to snap up bargains at 50% or even 80% off. These sales are in full swing from the end of December to the end of January.
In France, Bordeaux is also a great idea for a weekend getaway from it all. Capital of the Bordeaux region and the South-West, port city on the Gironde estuary, university town and cultural center, it's a major tourist destination to visit. This prestigious city boasts a Unesco World Heritage site and architectural jewels such as Saint-André Cathedral and the Grand Théâtre. The Cité du Vin totem pole, with its incredible architecture, showcases the world's wine riches through an innovative museography.
Where to go in January with your family?
Going away as a family can require a great deal of organization and anticipation if you want to make the most of these special moments with your children. Looking for low-cost packages and dealing with red tape can put the brakes on your desire to get away from it all. Nevertheless, there are many ideal destinations for a family trip. The further in advance you plan, the more competitive the prices. If you don't want to take too long a trip and your teenagers love hiking, choose southern Europe and fly to the Azores or Madeira.
Temperatures there are milder, but above all there's more sunshine than in France, enough to get you back into shape before February. For those looking for more exotic family vacations in the sun. In January, head for Egypt and its many treasures , such as Luxor. Although January is part of Egypt's high tourist season, it's a good compromise for combining family vacations and discovery. There are excursions and outings to be enjoyed by the whole family. What's more, if you don't want to organize your itinerary from A to Z, there are many "all-inclusive" packages available at very competitive prices.
Now that you're ready to leave in January, all you have to do is book. Still not sure when and where to go? Don't panic! Our partner Easyvoyage's "FlightDeal" tool, which compares flights by "opportunity", offers you the best deals by analyzing price history over the last 3 years, flight quality, destination weather and calendar.
Are you planning to travel this winter? Check out our tips on where to go in February!
