12 best places to visit for a holiday in January

January, 2024 - New year, new destinations, and new travel goals!

Thank you for starting yet another year with Headout! Personally, I’m super stoked about what 2024 has in store for me, travel and otherwise. But you’re not here to know about my resolutions, nope! You are here to learn about the best travel destinations to travel to in January! The guide below is an eclectic mix of beaches, historical sites, cultural festivals & events, and so much more!

12. Rajasthan, India

🌡️ Temperature in January: 24℃ high; 8℃ low
❄️ Season: Winter

Rajasthan, the ‘Land of Kings’, is the largest state in India (by area). Located in the north-west part of the country, Rajasthan features magnificent palaces, majestic forts, and street markets. The cultural and architectural landscape of the city has been shaped by the reign of numerous kingdoms in the past.

Things to do:

• Explore the magnificent forts and palaces such as Amber Fort and The City Palace in Jaipur.
• Catch a folk dance and puppet show at Bagore ki Haveli in Udaipur.
• Embark on a Thar desert camel safari and you could even book a Jaisalmer Desert Camp, sitting around a campfire, indulging in the flavors of Rajasthani cuisine.
• Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, an artificial lake in Udaipur. We highly recommend catching the sunset from here.
• Festivals are a must-attend when in Rajasthan. January hosts quite a few of them - camel festival in Bikaner, kite festival, and desert festival.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur | Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur | Mihir Garh, Rohat

• Economical stay: Tiger Machan, Pushkar Heritage, Desert Heritage, Jaisalmer, Ranakpur Safari Resort

• Budget stay:Tiger Moon Resort, Ranthambore, Zostel, Jaipur, Zostel, Jodhpur

11. Budapest, Hungary

🌡️ Temperature in January: 3℃ high; -2℃ low
❄️ Season: Winter

Located in the heart of Europe is Hungary’s capital - Budapest. Known for its stunning architecture such as the Király Baths which dates back to 1565 and more recently the Hungarian Parliament Building which took 17 years to construct, rich history, and thermal baths. A unique blend of old-world charm with museums, extraordinary caves, and a castle district with modern attractions such as the city’s iconic ruin pubs and modern cafes fizzing with youthful energy, Budapest is a must-visit destination with a surprise at every corner.

Things to do:

• Soaking in a thermal bath is a quintessential Budapest experience to do. These baths are therapeutic and beneficial for the body due to the high mineral content in the spring fed water. Depending on which thermal bath you choose, most offer a full range of treatment including massages.
• Visit the landmark of Budapest - Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits atop the Várhegy hill, offering an aerial view of the city. The castle had a turbulent history but today it is home to cultural institutes including two museums - The Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest Historical Museum.
• If architecture led you to Budapest, a visit to the Hungarian Parliament Building is a must. A fine example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, this building attracts nearly 700,000 visitors every year.
• Experience Hungarian culture by trying out traditional dishes like goulash, a meat and vegetable stew seasoned with spices and chimney cake, the official dessert of Budapest.
• If you enjoy shopping, head to the Central Market, one of Budapest’s largest markets, where you can find things that are vital to Hungarian culture - meat, spices, fresh fruits & vegetables, trinkets, memorabilia, and more. On the upper floors there are restaurants serving up traditional Hungarian dishes.
• Visit the House of Terror, the only one of its kind museum, which was reconstructed in the memory of all the victims who were captivated, tortured, and killed in this building during the Nazi and Communist rule.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Corinthia Budapest

• Economical stay: B&B Hotel, Hotel Astoria, Hotel NH Budapest

• Budget stay: Hotel Classic, Casa Nora, Attila Hotel

10. Southern Thailand

🌡️ Temperature in January: 34℃ high; 22℃ low
❄️ Season: Cool

Imagine a holiday where you lay out on the beachside, basking in tropical warmth. Home to beautiful beaches and lush landscapes, Southern Thailand is a dream destination in January. However, that said, January can get crowded with travelers flocking in from the colder regions of the globe. As a traveler, whether you’re a beach bum, an adrenaline junkie, or an ardent foodie, Southern Thailand has something for each, and at an affordable price too.

Things to do:

• Beach! Beach! Beach! Lined with so many pristine beaches, we highly recommend soaking up some sun. Here are a few beach recommendations - Tonsai beach, Chaweng beach, Freedom beach, and Phra Nang beach.
• Head to Phi Phi Islands (an archipelago) to explore pristine beaches (Bamboo Island and Loh Dalum Bay), hidden lagoons (PiLeh Lagoon) with emerald green waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs covered in lush greenery.
• Go hiking in Khao Sok National Park which covers 285 square miles. The hikes vary from moderate to difficult so it is recommended that you have a basic level of fitness - strength, flexibility, and aerobic conditioning. A few recommended hike trails include: Khao Sok Main Trail, Orchid Trail, Sip Et Chan Trail, and Bang Man Cave Trail.
• One of my favorite things to do in Thailand is taking a Thai cooking class, preparing traditional dishes with local ingredients.
• The adventures don’t end at hikes. If you’re curious about the underwater, try diving/snorkeling to explore the coral reefs which support 4000 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and thousands of plants and animals.
• Well, I haven’t forgotten about the party-goers to Thailand! The country has earned itself the reputation for drunken full moon parties and red light districts, although there are many sophisticated small bars, craft beer refuges, and beachside shacks that have come up.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: The Slate, Centara Reserve, Santiburi Koh Samui

• Economical stay: Hotel Clover Patong, Amata Patong, Sunset Beach

• Budget stay: Khao Sok River & Jungle Resort, Pearl of Samui, KAIF

9. Antarctica

🌡️ Temperature in January: -10℃-0℃ high; -60℃ low
☀️ Season: Summer

The Southernmost continent in the world, Antarctica is a pristine location, like no other. Traveling to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and January is an ideal time because it is the warmest month here, with temperatures reaching 0℃. While you can’t get to do typical touristy activities like sunbathing and pub hopping, you most definitely can enjoy surreal views like vast icebergs, towering glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife.

Things to do:

• Do the polar plunge - a challenge which involves jumping into the freezing sea and swimming around for as long as you can bear the sting of the cold water.
• Capture a selfie with the wildlife here - seals and penguins. An important thing to note here would be: don’t approach the animal, allow them to come to you.
• If photography is your thing, there’s no better subject than the landscapes of Antarctica - untouched, overwhelming, and surreal.
• Whale watch while kayaking. The most common species of whales visible in Antarctica are - humpbacks, orcas, blue, and sperm whales.
• Send out a postcard to your loved one from the Penguin Post Office at Port Lockroy.
• If you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder, the slopes of Antarctica could possibly be your hardest challenge. Try it!
• If you’re part of an expedition, you can visit one of the many active research stations and gain an insight into the work they are doing and what life on Antarctica is like. Fun fact - Vernadsky Research Station discovered a hole in the ozone layer.

Places to stay:

While places to stay in Antarctica cannot be categorized based on budget, here are a few handpicked stays that you can consider:

• Whichaway Camp: An eco luxury lodge on the edge of the continent with a view of the Ross Ice Shelf (largest ice shelf of Antarctica). This lodge is reachable only by a private jet.
• White Continent Lodge: With eight comfortable guest rooms, this luxury eco lodge is located on the South Shetland Islands. The hotel emphasizes sustainable practices and uses solar panels and wind turbines to generate electricity.
• Ocean Nova: This is a comfortable stay on an expedition ship with 38 staterooms, each with their own private facilities and massive windows to look outside.
• Gould Bay Camp: Ditch the luxurious lodges and book a stay at Gould Bay Camp. Tented camps in the middle of the peninsular continent, surrounded by mighty glaciers and snow-capped mountains.

8. Barbados, Caribbean

🌡️ Temperature in January: 29℃ high; 23℃ low
☀️ Season: Dry

Read Barbados and think of year-round sunshine and pristine beaches! If you arrive on the island seeking an authentic ‘Barbados experience’, you’ll find it in the beaches, surrounded by idyllic scenery, in culinary delights, and the friendly Barbadians. However, there’s more to this island - if you’re a thrill seeker, a foodie, or a culture vulture, the island has something for everyone. Let’s dive right into it!

Things to do:

• While at Barbados, visiting the beach is a must-do. Head to Crane beach for its epic landscapes (read eighty-foot cliffs overlooking the beach), Mullins beach for water sports, and Bathsheba beach for surfing (many notable surfers come here for its world-class waves).
• If you’re traveling with kids, head to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve for them to enjoy a close-up encounter with the island’s species such as green monkeys, iguanas, and tortoises.
• Visit the Animal Flower Cave, located in the northerly point of Barbados. The name comes from the sea anemones found in the pools of the caves. This can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
• Book an island safari which takes approximately three hours. This tour doesn’t cover the entire island but it gives you an introduction to the island’s geography, history and culture.
• Visit the capital of Barbados - Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re a history buff, there’s so much to learn and explore - 300 years of British rule, historical buildings, museums, and landmarks.
• Yet another popular tourist attraction is Harrison’s Cave, a limestone cave characterized by flowing streams, deep pools of crystal clear water and towering columns. I’d suggest you take a guided tour of the cave for a wholesome experience.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: The Sandpiper , The Crane Resort, Sugar Bay

• Economical stay: Beach View, Eco Lifestyle & Lodge, Southern Palms

• Budget stay: Beach Vue, Melbourne Inn, BLR Beach Villas

7. Istanbul, Turkey

🌡️ Temperature in January: 9℃ high; 3℃ low
❄️ Season: Winter

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is a mix of ancient and modern. The old and new layer each other seamlessly - vibrant nightlife and prominent mosques; cutting-edge technology and generational restaurants, Istanbul is guaranteed to keep a piece of your heart. Since January is still winter, visiting during this time is an advantage because the crowds have thinned down, giving you more time and space to explore.

Things to do:

• Go hopping across the many beautiful landmarks in this city. Hagia Sophia mosque, one of Istanbul’s biggest attractions, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed three times in the same location, this masterpiece has an incredible history and architecture. Located a short walk away is the Basilica Cistern, an underground cistern which takes 15 minutes to tour.
• Visit a Hamam/Turkish bath for a cultural experience that originated from the Ottoman Empire. What makes the experience unique is that hammams are really more than just bathhouses – they use a combination of heat, water and massage to achieve both physical healing and spiritual rehabilitation.
• Pick out souvenirs for your loved ones from Grand Bazar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with 21 entry gates. Yes, 21! And the market has 64 streets and smaller alleyways with roughly 4000 stores. Jewelry, antiques, fashion, and food - everything is here.
• Take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait to enjoy Istanbul’s breathtaking skyline, on both the European and Asian sides. Book a tour so you can learn about Istanbul’s rich history and culture, enjoy Turkish music and dance, and savor some fine seafood and local delicacies.
• Saving the best for the last - Turkish cuisine. From delicious kebabs to sweet baklava and Balik Ekmek (fish bread) to Turkish coffee, Turkish cuisine is definitely one of the best in the world. Experience culture through food.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: Four Seasons, The Ritz Carlton, Ciragan Palace Kempinski

• Economical stay: Radisson Hotel, Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton

• Budget stay: Cheers Lighthouse, Sanat Hostel Taksim, Hostel Le Banc

6. Switzerland

🌡️ Temperature in January: 4℃ high; -2℃ low
❄️ Season: Mid-winter

Alpine scenery with snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear waters, lush meadows, Switzerland is a location straight out of a fairytale. As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Switzerland in winter is downright magical. Another reason to visit Switzerland in January is because it’s still festive with Christmas markets and pop-up stores.

Things to do:

• One of the best ways to enjoy the magic of winter in Switzerland is to take train rides, from town to town. Catch the Glacier Express, one of the world’s most famous train journeys which connects two of Switzerland’s biggest ski resorts (Zermatt and St. Moritz). The train also traverses some of the most beautiful sites in the central Swiss Alps.
• Explore the beautiful city of Lucerne, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. A 45-minute train ride from Zurich (largest city in Switzerland), Lucerne is also known for its relaxing small-town vibe, great food, easygoing locals, and CHEESE!
• Feeling adventurous? Head to Interlaken, the unofficial adventure capital of Switzerland. You can go skiing, snowshoeing, paragliding, skydiving, kayaking, or try your hand at curling.
• Switzerland is synonymous with chocolates. So book yourself a tour to one of the local factories or to a museum. Some of the museums even have workshops, especially around the holiday seasons like Christmas and Easter.
• In late 2017, Switzerland made headlines for opening the world’s steepest funicular railway in the alpine resort of Stoos. The train ascends/descends the 2400 feet (743m) incline with a 110% gradient.
• Is a trip to Switzerland even complete without the mention of ski resorts? Since winter is ski season and can get very crowded, head to Davos, Europe’s official highest town at more than 5000 feet. It’s popular for skiing but far less crowded than the other resorts.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: The Chedi Andermatt, Park Hotel Vitznau, 7132 Hotels

• Economical stay: Hotel Alexander Zurich, Hotel Kipling Manotel, Hotel Delfino Lugano

• Budget stay: Geneva Hostel, Valley Hostel, B&B Hotel

5. Salt Lake City, Utah

🌡️ Temperature in January: 4℃ high; -3℃ low
❄️ Season: Winter

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is a popular winter destination to visit thanks to the world-class ski resorts, twinkling festive lights, and crisp mountain air. Yes, the climate is very cold but that also means you can wear your big furry coats and cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate, as you enjoy the stunning mountain views!

Things to do:

• With all the snow, snow-based activities are a must! Skiing and snowboarding are one of the main reasons people travel to Salt Lake City. It’s said, Utah has the ‘greatest snow on earth’.
• Try your hand at snow tubing in Woodward Park City, Utah’s newest adventure destination. Snow tubing is for when you want to hit the slopes but without putting in much work. It’s simply sliding downhill on an inflated inner tube.
• Visit the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Home to: Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island State Park, are both a popular destination for boating, swimming, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. And for the locals, the lake ecosystem is great for bison-spotting and bird-watching.
• If art interests you, you should check out Dreamscapes in The Shops at South Town, an immersive experience created by over 100 artists, builders, and audio-visual experts. Built using reclaimed and upcycled materials, this colorful labyrinth is a must-see.
• Attend an Utah Symphony performance, a magical experience. From Beethiven’s symphony to music from recent Disney movies, the symphony is transformative, breathing new life into every performance. Check out their January schedule here.
• Visit Chinatown Market, Utah’s largest Asian market, open seven days a week. Try out traditional Asian cuisines (Cantonese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese) and sample over 6000 products, unique to Asian market shelves.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: Le Meridien, Hyatt Regency, Element

• Economical stay: Hilton, Sheraton, evo Hotel

• Budget stay: Avenues Hostel, Econo Lodge, Metropolitan Inn

4. Rwanda, Africa

🌡️ Temperature in January: 26℃ high; 15℃ low
☀️ Season: Short dry season

Rolling green hills, foggy mornings, and mountain gorillas, giraffes, and zebras - Rwanda in East Africa!
Known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda is an exciting destination for nature lovers and thrill seekers, sprinkled with fascinating cultural experiences. One of the biggest tourist attractions in Rwanda is gorilla trekking and the dry season of January offers good hiking conditions and the risk of malaria is much lower.

Wondering what gorilla trekking is? Find out in the ‘things to do’ section.

Things to do:

• Rwanda is one of the best destinations in the world for gorilla trekking, set against the backdrop of green rolling hills and soaring mountainsides. Gorilla trekking is a trek through the forested slopes of Rwanda in search of the world’s largest population of wild mountain gorillas. Exciting? Don’t miss it!
• Plan a canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The forest is home to a small population of chimpanzees and 12 other species of primates.
• Plan a visit to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, which houses the first craft distillery - 1000 Hills. The distillery produces classic liqueurs (rum, gin, vodka, and whiskey) and a few unique ones which can be sampled.
• Gisakura Tea Estate welcomes tourists to experience the life of a tea picker (for a few hours), where they’ll let you wear the baskets and teach you the delicate technique of picking tea leaves with just three fingers.
• For a history buff, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial would be both hearbreaking and insightful. Built to mark the tragic event that changed the course of history, killing 800,000 people in just 100 days, the museum, through photographs and artifacts, explains the build up to the genocide in Rwanda.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: The Retreat, Radisson Blu, Kigali Marriott

• Economical stay: Lemigo Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton,, Onomo Hotel

• Budget stay: 2000 Hotel, Park Inn, Novotel

3. Sydney, Australia

🌡️ Temperature in January: 26℃ high; 19℃ low
☀️ Season: Summer

Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales in Australia, is a VIBE! With over 100 beaches, people enjoy living a beach/outdoor lifestyle. It’s also a well-planned metropolitan city, so if you’re more of an indoors person, there’s a bunch of activities for you too - from landmarks and museums to nightclubs and some of the best instagrammable cafes!

Things to do:

• Sticking to the cliche recommendations, let’s start off with the Sydney Opera House. Arguably one of the youngest World Heritage Sites, the opera house is an architectural marvel, with exceptional engineering and technological construction achievements (note: it’s sail-like structures and usage of precast concrete shells). As one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world, I’d recommend you book tickets to catch a show or book a guided tour of the opera house.
• Just across the opera house is an even bigger landmark - Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can - walk across it (for free), climb the Pylon Lookout (for a small change), or opt for a BrideClimb (expensive but a bucket-list experience).
• On the other side of the opera house is one of the entrances to the Royal Botanic Gardens, yet another landmark. An oasis of greenery (30 hectares in the heart of the city!), it's a great place to decompress after a long day. Find a shaded place to sit down or if you’re up for it, download the garden app on your phone for a self-guided tour or book an organized tour.
• Now to the beaches! Head to Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches. Catch some sunshine or take a dip in the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean. You can also take a walk from Bondi to Coogee beach, along the coastline. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can learn to surf. Experience? Not required.
• For the party-goers, here are some of the best nightlife venues around the city - The Ivy on George Street (open late) and The Chinese Laundry for underground dance music. Alternatively, head to Newtown, a bohemian neighborhood with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: InterContinental, Shangri-La, Park Hyatt

• Economical stay: The Pacific House, The Ultimo, Potts Point

• Budget stay: The Palms Hotel, ibis, The Alison Randwick

2. San Diego, California

🌡️ Temperature in January: 18℃ high; 11℃ low
❄️ Season: Winter

Endless blue skies, expansive beaches, sunny California weather, and with a ton of outdoor activities, San Diego is a great January destination. Located on the coast of South California, San Diego has plenty to offer to every visitor - to unwind and relax and for adventure and explorations! Below are a couple of things you can do on your January trip to San Diego.

Things to do:

• Relax on the sandy beaches of San Diego - La Jolla, Pacific Beach, or Coronado Island.
• Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo which houses more than 3500 animals representing 650 different species. I’d recommend a day-trip but even half-day is enjoyable! It’s a great visit for all age groups.
• Book a whale watching experience where you can watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat - feeding, socializing, and playing. January is a great time to whale watch in San Diego because most whales are headed south to Baja California in Mexico. Pack binoculars (or rent them on the boat).
• No, San Diego isn’t all nature and adventure. There are clubs, dive bars, and cocktail lounges in Gaslamp Quarter. You can even ride a trolley, eat a steak, visit the Gaslamp Museum, or catch a show at the American Comedy Co., a local favorite spot for years.
• Hike up the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, one of San Diego’s most popular State Parks. A suitable hike for all fitness levels, this reserve is dedicated to preserving the Torrey Pine tree and other indigenous wildlife, in its native environment.
• And this one’s for the foodies! Hailed as one of the ‘best new foodie cities in America’, San Diego’s culinary scene is a mix of locally inspired flavors. There’s also some influence of Mexico owing to its close proximity to the city.

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: The US Grant, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Manchester Grand Hyatt

• Economical stay: Wyndham Garden, Ocean Villa Inn, The Beach Cottages

• Budget stay: Samesun Ocean Beach, Gaslamp Hostel , Stay Classy Hostel

1. Porto, Portugal

🌡️ Temperature in January: 14℃ high; 6℃ low
❄️ Season: Winter

Located in the northern part of Portugal is Porto, a charming city, world-renowned for its port wine. Set between the Douro river and the seaside, this ancient city is filled with limitless possibilities when it comes to history, culture, and cuisine. Let’s jump right into some amazing things you can do during your January stay in Porto.

Things to do:

• An unexpected one - pay a visit to Livraria Lello, the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Rumored to be the inspiration for Hogwarts, with its winding wooden staircase, towering bookshelves, and stained glass skylight. There is an admission fee which can be discounted in the purchase of any book.
• Book a wine tasting tour of the famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. There are different tour packages so pick one (with chocolate and cheese pairings or with a tour of an interactive museum) which is most interesting to you. There are also walking and wine tours that you can book.
• Enjoy a day and sail on a traditional boat along the Douro river and through the Douro valley with its vineyards and wine farms. If you’re feeling up for it, book a day trip to the Douro valley - complete with several wine tastings and a river cruise.
• Aaah! Enough with the wine already? Head to São Bento Railway Station, said to be the most beautiful train station in Portugal. Within the station, step into the atrium which is decorated with twenty thousand tiles, each hand-illustrated with scenes of important, historical Portuguese events. Even if you are not planning to take the train, I highly recommend you visit the station.
• Eat natas and lots of it! Natas are Portuguese custard tarts made with a baked cream and egg yolk custard center, a buttery puff pastry shell and a golden, caramelized top. I already said it but here’s a reminder again - Eat many natas!
• Speaking of being historically significant, visit the Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with winding medieval streets and small cobblestone alleyways. As it sits on the riverfront of the Rio Douro, it is scenic and has numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants - to take in the view and enjoy good food!

Places to stay:

• Luxury stay: Torel Avantgarde, Crowne Plaza, Vila Foz

• Economical stay: Ceuta Terrace, Gallery Townhouse, Laranjais

• Budget stay: Catalonia Porto, Eurostars Oporto, Spot Hostel

Best places to visit in the World - Month on month