January Holiday: The Very Best Destinations in the World Now

Are you already glancing beyond the gloomy, short, grey winter days and envisioning your escape from the Christmas chaos?

If so, you have come to the right place. This article offers you the absolute best options for your January holiday, going the extra mile by categorizing them based on your preferences.

Whether you’re longing for a brief weekend getaway, a luxurious break, or a budget-friendly adventure, we’ve got you covered. With all the options at your fingertips, the only decision left for you is to choose the holiday that best suits your preferences.

You’ve already waited long enough getting through the winter, so let’s waste no time. Your epic January holiday awaits you now!

In our opinion the following list make for the best January holiday destinations.

January Holiday: January Holiday in the Sun

Costa Rica: January is the dry season in Costa Rica, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking in the rainforest or enjoying the pristine beaches.

Morocco: Discover the rich culture and history of Morocco. January provides milder temperatures, making it a comfortable time to explore cities like Marrakech and Fes.

Maui, Hawaii: Experience the beauty of Maui in January with its pleasant weather. Enjoy the beaches, explore volcanic landscapes, and participate in water activities.

The Canary Islands, Spain: Visit destinations like Tenerife or Gran Canaria to experience mild temperatures, beautiful beaches, and diverse landscapes.

Sun setting over boat April/ January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Right Now Happy Irish Wanderers
January Holiday: Spain

Malta: Enjoy the Mediterranean charm, historical sites, and sunny weather in Malta during January.

Cyprus: Experience the warmth and cultural richness of Cyprus, where January temperatures are relatively mild, and you can explore archaeological sites and beautiful coastlines.

Greece (Crete, Rhodes): Greek islands like Crete and Rhodes can offer pleasant weather in January, allowing you to enjoy the scenic landscapes and cultural attractions.

January Holiday: January Holiday City Break

Dublin, Ireland: Visit Dublin in January for a quieter, more authentic experience, with fewer tourists. Discover some of Irelands’ best attractions by visiting the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Jail, the Book of Kells, and the Jameson Distillery.

Just under an hour’s drive from Dublin, you can explore Newgrange, one of Ireland’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This incredible structure is older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. (How does Ireland only have two UNESCO sites??) Afterward, there’s nothing quite like cozying up in a local Irish pub with a fire blazing and candles flickering, while listening to some traditional Irish music – A truly authentic Irish experience!

Check out some of Dublin’s best attractions by clicking the link below.

Valencia, Spain: This coastal city in Spain enjoys relatively mild weather in January, allowing you to explore its architecture, parks, and vibrant culture.

Sicily, Italy: Discover the rich history, delicious food, and sunny beaches of Sicily in January, where temperatures are milder compared to other parts of Italy.

Madeira, Portugal: Known for its lush landscapes, botanical gardens, and pleasant climate, Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean that offers a sunny escape in January.

Tallinn, Estonia: Tallinn, a city we voted as the Most Beautiful City in Europe. Explore Tallinn in January for a serene ambiance, reduced tourist numbers, potential winter sales discount, and the chance to appreciate the city’s historical sites, charming Old Town, and cultural offerings without the usual crowds.

January Holiday: Luxury January Holiday

Northern Lights in Norway, Sweden, and Iceland: January is an excellent time to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.

Winter sports in the Alps: If you love skiing or snowboarding, the Alps in countries like Switzerland, France, Austria, or Italy offer fantastic winter sports opportunities.

Safari in South Africa: January is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, making it an ideal time for a safari in South Africa. You can explore national parks like Kruger and enjoy the warm weather. If time permits, we would recommend a visit to the beautiful Cape Town for the ultimate South Africa trip.

  • Kruger Park The Very Best January Holiday Destinations In The World Now Happy Irish Wanderers
  • The Very Best January Holiday Destinations In The World Now Happy Irish Wanderers
  • Table Mountain views in Cape Town February/ January/May Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Now Happy Irish Wanderers
  • Table Mountain views in Cape Town February/ January/May Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Now Happy Irish Wanderers
  • Table Mountain views in Cape Town February/ January/May Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Now Happy Irish Wanderers

New Year’s celebrations in Sydney, Australia: After experiencing the New Year’s fireworks in Sydney, Australia go and explore the many attractions Australia has on offer. January is summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, so you can also enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.

Dubai, UAE: January offers cooler temperatures in Dubai, making it a comfortable time to explore the city’s modern architecture, desert safaris, and lots of shopping malls.

Kevin in Dubai April/February/January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Right Now Happy Irish Wanderers
January Holiday: Dubai

Japan: Explore the winter beauty of Japan, particularly places like Hokkaido, where you can experience winter festivals, hot springs, and snow-covered landscapes.

January Holiday: Cheap January Holiday

Cambodia: Explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. January offers cooler and drier weather for a more comfortable visit to this historical site.

Cambodia Siem Reap May/April/March/ January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Right Now Happy Irish Wanderers
January Holiday: Cambodia

Sri Lanka: Visit Sri Lanka for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. January is an excellent time to explore the beaches, national parks, and historic sites.

Sri Lanka The Very Best January Holiday Destinations In The World Now Happy Irish Wanderers
January Holiday: Sri Lanka

Vietnam: Discover the diverse culture, delicious cuisine, and picturesque landscapes of Vietnam. January offers favorable weather for exploring cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Hanoi streets May/March/ January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Right Now Happy Irish Wanderers
January Holiday: Hanoi

Thailand: At the time of writing, we have visited Thailand eight times and absolutely love the country. The weather in Thailand is pleasant in January before the hot weather starts around March. Explore the beautiful beaches, vibrant cities like Bangkok, or cultural sites in Chiang Mai.

Check out our ultimate Thailand Itinerary.

India: Visit cultural and historical sites in India, such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, or vibrant cities like Jaipur and Delhi. January offers milder temperatures for travel. We have visited India twice, and although the country may seem overwhelming it is one of our favourite countries in the world to visit!

Elephant in India April /March/ January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Right Now Happy Irish Wanderers
January Holiday: India

Indonesia: Indonesia is one of the cheapest countries in the world we have ever visited. And if you visit in January like we did, in the low season, it is even cheaper! Indonesia is brimming with incredible places to discover.

Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures on Java, unwinding on the stunning Gili Islands, or soaking up the vibrant culture and beauty of Bali, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy.

Check out below to find out how much we spent in a week:

January Holiday: Java

January Holiday: January Holiday Festivals

New Orleans, USA: Experience the lively atmosphere of Mardi Gras if you visit New Orleans in January. The city is known for its rich culture, music, and delicious cuisine.

Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, Scotland: Start the year with the famous New Year Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh. Enjoy the city’s historic sites, winter markets, and cultural events.

Thailand: Join the lively celebrations of the Thai New Year, known as Songkran, in January. It’s a water festival with street parties, parades, and traditional ceremonies. Read all about Thai Festivals and Celebrations so you don’t miss out on any festivities during your trip.

Sydney Festival in Australia: Experience the Sydney Festival, a major cultural event featuring arts, performances, and music, held annually in January.

International Balloon Festival in Switzerland: Attend the International Balloon Festival in Château-d’Oex, where hot air balloons from around the world gather for a spectacular display.

January Holiday: January Cruises

Nile River Cruises in Egypt. Discover the ancient wonders of Egypt on a Nile River cruise. January provides milder temperatures for exploring historic sites like Luxor and Aswan.

Caribbean Cruises: Escape the winter chill by embarking on a cruise to the Caribbean. Explore islands like Barbados, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas, enjoying warm temperatures and beautiful beaches.

Australia and New Zealand Cruises: January is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, making it an ideal time for cruises around Australia and New Zealand. Explore cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and enjoy the stunning landscapes.

  • Australian cruise Royal Caribbean April/March/February/ January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Now Happy Irish Wanderers
  • Australian cruise Royal Caribbean April/March/February/ January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Now Happy Irish Wanderers
  • Australian cruise Royal Caribbean April/March/February/ January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Now Happy Irish Wanderers
  • Australian cruise Royal Caribbean April/March/February/ January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Now Happy Irish Wanderers
  • Australian cruise Royal Caribbean April/March/February/ January Holidays - Best Destinations in the World Now Happy Irish Wanderers

Southeast Asia Cruises: Discover the rich cultures and beautiful landscapes of Southeast Asia. Cruises often visit destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, providing a mix of cultural experiences and scenic beauty.

South America Cruises: Explore South American destinations like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. January offers summer weather in the Southern Hemisphere, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant culture and natural wonders.

Hawaiian Cruises: Experience the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands with a cruise that takes you to ports like Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai. January offers milder weather, making it a pleasant time to explore.

Antarctica Cruises: For adventure seekers, January is a prime time for cruises to Antarctica. Experience breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and 24-hour daylight during the Antarctic summer.

Enjoy Your January Holiday!

Beat those January blues and start the new year in the most epic way possible – A new adventure on your January holiday.

With all these fantastic options at your fingertips, it’s time to take the next step! Click the link below to start planning your flights and embark on an unforgettable journey. Don’t wait, your next adventure awaits!

We would love to hear your thoughts and which option you went with for your January holiday.

Please feel free to leave us a message below if you have any questions, or contact us through our socials.

Slán go fóil

Happy Irish Wanderers
Full Time Travel Couple
Happy Irish Wanderers
Full Time Travel Couple

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