Best Places to Travel in January 2025 :
Looking for a good destination to travel to in January to start the year off right? We believe that there is no better way to start 2025 than by taking a plane and discovering new places. This way you will recharge your batteries to face a year full of optimism. January is not one of the most touristic months of the year, so there are a lot of interesting options. In this post we tell you the 15 best places to travel in January 2025.
No matter which destination you choose, don’t forget to take out travel insurance. You will have coverage for accidents that require medical assistance or even the return home, as well as unforeseen travel events such as theft or transportation cancellations. We travel insured by Iati and we offer you a 5% discount on all their travel insurance.
15 Best Places to Travel in January 2025
1. New Zealand, our favourite destination to travel to in January
Spending more than a day on a trip to get to know New Zealand is always a great idea. It’s tiring, but once you get there, there are plenty of surprises waiting for you. We always say that New Zealand is our favourite country and January is probably the most pleasant month to visit this oceanic country.
In New Zealand, the seasons of the year go the opposite way to ours. So in January, they are in the middle of summer. If you like walking, swimming in lakes and enjoying nature to the fullest, January is the perfect month to get to know New Zealand in all its splendour. And that is precisely what this country has the best to offer, its outdoor activities.
However, it also has its drawbacks. Locals enjoy their holidays, there are more people everywhere and accommodation prices are higher.
We advise visiting New Zealand during the first part of January to avoid coinciding with the Chinese New Year. It is a very popular destination for the Chinese and it is very difficult to find accommodation, especially on the South Island. So if you think that New Zealand will be your destination to travel to in January, book your hotels well in advance.
2. Harbin (China) and the spectacular Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival
China is a spectacular destination. We were there for 30 days and we left behind a lot of interesting places. However, touring China during the first month of the year is not the best idea. Basically because it is the coldest month of the year and all the attractions will be covered in snow and ice.
And that is the main reason to visit Harbin! This city located 2 hours by plane from Beijing hosts one of the most impressive festivals in the world.
The Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival is held every year from the end of December to the end of February. Various artists build a lot of sculptures and other constructions made entirely of ice. It is incredible!
Of course, you must be prepared to endure average temperatures of -20ºC. Even so, we believe that it is one of the best destinations to travel to in January. You have to see this once in your life!
3. Oman, one of the jewels of the Middle East
Oman is a country that is becoming more and more fashionable. And it has a lot of treasures! Although its climate favors the arrival of tourists throughout the year (except for the stifling summer months), Oman can be a very interesting destination to travel to in January. It is probably the best month to discover this country.
Temperatures range between 17ºC and 25ºC. And despite being the rainiest month of the year, there are only 2 days of precipitation. So rain is unlikely to ruin your vacation!
February is also a good month but it is much more popular because some of the most important festivals of the year are celebrated. So it is much better to visit it during the month of January.
4. Budapest (Hungary), one of the best destinations to travel to in January in Europe
Budapest is one of the most interesting cities in Europe. And a very cheap destination to travel to in January! Especially because due to its cold temperatures (an average of -2ºC) it is an unpopular destination at this time.
But if you are cold, in Budapest you have it easy. There is nothing better than warming up in the Schezeny spa, the most famous in the city, eating a good goulash and ending the day enjoying a drink in a ruin bar.
5. Siem Reap (Cambodia) and the wonderful temples of Angkor, one of the best destinations to travel to in January
The city of Siem Reap is the heart of the historic Angkor region in Cambodia. Around the city there are hundreds of temples that were an essential part of the great Khmer civilization. The most famous and largest is Angkor Wat, but it is worth spending three or four days exploring the area and discovering other gems such as the Bayon Temple or Pre Rup.
January is a fantastic month to get lost among the temples. You’ll be in the middle of the dry season and temperatures will range between 20ºC and 30ºC. So you’ll have a better chance of seeing a splendid sunrise at Angkor Wat, one of the must-do things to do in Siem Reap.
And if you have the chance, we recommend visiting Phnom Penh. It’s not the most interesting city to see in Cambodia, but it is the most interesting. Also, January 7th commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge genocide and it’s a very exciting day for locals.
6. Chamonix (France), a skier’s paradise at the foot of Mont Blanc
Chamonix is ​​one of the most beautiful villages in France. You only have to look at the Alpine mountains that surround it. This picturesque town is located right at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.
From Chamonix you can visit several lakes, glaciers and viewing points such as l’Aguille du Midi, at 3,777 metres above sea level. But above all we believe that Chamonix is ​​one of the best destinations to travel to in January for skiing.
7. Atacama Desert (Chile)
January is the best month to visit Atacama, one of the driest places in the world. There are some areas where it has not rained for centuries! Its location between two mountain ranges is responsible for the extreme aridity of the terrain.
The landscapes will make you feel like you are on another planet: fascinating rock formations, geysers, salt lakes with greenish tones… Without a doubt, Atacama is one of the best destinations in America to travel to in January.
Also Read : Best Places to Travel in November for Unforgettable Experiences
You can set up your base in San Pedro de Atacama, where most of the hotels and restaurants are concentrated. During the day there are plenty of possible excursions. Don’t think that the magic ends when the sun goes down, on the contrary!
The Atacama Desert is a privileged place for stargazing. The sky looks like a work of art, especially in January because it is so clear. Remember to bring warm clothes! There is a great temperature oscillation: during the day it is about 25º, while at night the thermometers drop to 5º.
8. Phuket (Thailand), a perfect destination to travel to in January in search of sun and partying
Thailand is a country that we would visit every month of the year. But if you want to make the most of the beaches in the south of the country, January is a great time. The climate is dry and the temperatures are very warm, reaching 30ºC. Phuket is the most famous island in Thailand because it has no shortage of things to do. It has a perfect combination of beaches, cultural attractions and partying.
You can visit the best beaches in Phuket, but the truth is that they did not impress us too much. We think those on the Krabi peninsula and the famous Phi Phi islands are much better.
It’s very easy to get from Phuket to Phi Phi, so you have no excuse not to take a dip in its turquoise waters.
Phuket is a perfect destination for young people who want to party. It has a very lively atmosphere, especially at night. If you like going out at night, you can’t miss the Full Moon Parties or the bars in Patong.
9. Seville (Spain), a smart choice to visit in winter
Seville is one of the best places to travel to in January 2025 .Seville has a special colour during all months of the year and is one of the most beautiful cities to see in Spain. But in summer the heat is stifling! And at more than 40ºC its attractions are not enjoyed as much. Winters in Seville are very pleasant, which is why many rate it as one of the best destinations to travel to in winter.
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Temperatures range between 7ºC and 17ºC on average, much higher than in the rest of Spain and the continent, and the days are quite sunny. So you’ll have a great opportunity to enjoy its gastronomy and visit the Royal Alcazar of Seville, a treasure that the Arabs left in Spain and which is our favourite place in the city.
10. Tromso (Norway) and the Arctic Light Festival, a very special place to travel in January
If you dare to face the extreme temperatures of the Nordic winter, you’ll have great rewards. Tromso is the Arctic capital of Norway and offers a lot of unforgettable experiences. The city is surrounded by natural settings that are out of this world. You can discover unique fauna, such as Arctic wolves, take a cruise through the fjords or walk in the snow. As there are many hours of darkness in January, it’s easy to see the wonderful Northern Lights.
As if all this natural beauty weren’t enough, the last week of January is very special in Tromso. The Arctic Light Festival is held, a musical event with performances by artists of various styles. Another fantastic way to get closer to the local culture is by visiting the fishing villages. But be prepared for sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall – a great winter adventure!
11. Dubai (United Arab Emirates), a superlative city
If you only like seeing snow in photographs, Dubai will surely seem like an excellent destination to travel to in January. The capital of the United Arab Emirates has an enviable climate. It practically doesn’t rain and the temperatures are warm all year round. In January the thermometer is around 20º, so you won’t suffer as much heat as the rest of the year.
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The urban atmosphere is amazing, its skyscrapers will leave you speechless. You can go up to the viewing platform of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. In addition, in Dubai there are many luxury hotels for a relaxing trip like a king. Although it is not so impressive, you cannot miss the traditional area of ​​the city with its souks.
You can also enjoy the sun tanning on its beaches or walking barefoot on the desert dunes, just a few kilometres from the city. Going on a desert safari is a great experience. We also recommend taking a trip to Abu Dhabi to see the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is probably the most beautiful building we have ever seen.
12. Bagan (Myanmar), a perfect destination to travel to in winter in search of magical sunrises
Bagan is the one of the best places to travel in January 2025 . It was the ancient capital of the Pagan Empire in the 9th century and at that time had 10,000 temples. After various earthquakes, only about 2,000 remain, enough to leave you speechless.
Going up in a hot air balloon at sunrise is the most famous way to contemplate this sea of ​​stupas and temples. Due to weather conditions, balloons only fly from October to March. It is a special activity but quite expensive. The low-cost version is to rent an electric motorcycle to travel around the plains of Bagan in search of temples. We had a great time! If you want more comfort, you can book a car tour in Spanish.
January is a great month to visit Bagan because most days are sunny. During the day it is quite hot, but when the sun is not hot it is advisable to bring a jacket. We recommend getting up very early to see the sunrise, resting in the hotel at midday (when it is warmer) and going out again to enjoy the sunset.
13. Athens (Greece) and its archaeological treasures
It is always a good time to visit the capital of Greece. But if you want to avoid crowds, visiting it in January can be a great option. Winters are mild with temperatures between 7ºC and 13ºC. So you can visit the Acropolis and its main monuments without the stifling summer heat or the crowds of the large cruise ships.
Keep in mind that many tourists visit Greece along with the Greek islands. And January is not a good month to visit Mykonos or Santorini as many hotels and restaurants are closed because during the winter there is a lot of rain and wind.
If you have several days in Athens, you can always take a trip to Meteora or visit other sites in mainland Greece such as Delphi or Corinth. We tell you about the best excursions from Athens, one of the best destinations to travel to in January.
14. Panama, a great little country one of the best places to travel to in january
The virgin beaches with crystal-clear waters are the most striking face of Panama. With many kilometers of coastline, both in the Caribbean and the Pacific, it is a great country for diving lovers. Bocas del Toro is one of the most popular destinations to see coral reefs, but there are many other places where you can swim accompanied by marine creatures. Don’t miss the Caribbean beaches to experience a bohemian and relaxed atmosphere. Inland there is also no shortage of first-class natural settings, such as cloud forests full of fauna that you can fly over on a canopy tour.
The country’s capital is also a must-see. Many compare Panama City to Miami for its skyscrapers, but it also has a historic center with colonial buildings. Of course, you can’t miss the Panama Canal, a great work of engineering.
It is also an excellent destination on a cultural level. In Panama there are various indigenous communities that you can visit to learn about their way of life. In short, Panama is a small country where great adventures await you.
15. Hallstatt (Austria), a charming and very attractive town for winter sports lovers
Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful towns to see in Austria and Europe. It seems straight out of a fairy tale! And under the snow it has an even more magical air. It is very photogenic! Temperatures range between 2ºC and -4ºC. It is not the most pleasant climate, but when your eyes see those snowy landscapes, the cold will go away. Especially from Skywalk, its viewing point par excellence.
Also, if you like skiing or snowboarding, you can enjoy good slopes. Without a doubt, one of the best places to travel in January.
