Where to go in January

There’s no better cure for the January blues than a holiday. Whether you’re looking for some winter sun or simply want to get out of your hometown for a few days, the world is your oyster. If you’re not sure where to go in January, check out our recommendations.

Best for Sunseekers

Swap our dreary British winter for a scorching hot Aussie summer. You won’t be short on choice here, either. This is a huge country, and with a flight time of around 23 hours, taking a few weeks’ holiday here is recommended since you’re travelling to the other side of the globe.

Those looking to do a long trip might want to travel down the East Coast, following the popular route from Cairns to Sydney, stopping off at some of the major tourist spots along the way.

For beach lovers, highlights include the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, Byron Bay and Fraser Island. Here you’ll discover some of the world’s most picture-perfect sunsets and an array of unique marine life.

Adrenaline junkies looking for a thrill along the way can experience extreme sports such as bungee jumping in Cairns, surfing along the Gold Coast, or climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

If you don’t have time for an extended stay, then visiting one of the major cities will still give you plenty to see and do. You can even head off the beaten track to surrounding islands such as Tasmania to experience local arts and culture.

Temperatures across Australia are in the mid- to high-twenties in January, and rarely drop below 19 degrees Celsius, so you’re sure to top up your tan wherever you choose to visit.

Best for Skiers

Make the most of the winter weather by heading to the Alps for a skiing adventure. As the most extensive mountain range in Europe, it spans across eight different countries including France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

Not only does this give you a vast amount of choice in terms of ski resorts, but it also provides stunning scenic views wherever you choose to visit. Whether you’re an experienced skier or you’re trying it for the first time, you can hit the slopes in any of these Alpine countries and enjoy all the other traditions that come with it.
We recommend staying in a ski chalet with an open log fire. This is the perfect way to warm yourself up after a long day on the slopes. In the evenings, you can head out to some of the cafes and bars to indulge in some delicious raclette or Glühwein and experience the local Après ski nightlife.

And if skiing isn’t your thing, there’s so much more to see and do. You can take a journey along Jungfraujoch, the highest railway in Europe. You’ll be able to travel between the two peaks, Jungfrau and Mönch, and travel all the way to the glacier saddle, where you can experience breathtaking views. This is the place to visit if you want to experience being on top of the world.

Best for Backpackers

It’s high season for Thailand in January. With gorgeous weather and a plethora of islands to hop around, it’s a backpackers heaven. Bustling Bangkok is like a whole other world with delicious street food and night markets, whereas the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Pha-ngan, Ko Samui and the Province of Phuket are home to some of the most beautiful beaches and rainforests in Thailand.

Temperatures can soar to highs of 32 degrees Celsius in January, but if you want to do more than just lie on a beach, there’s plenty of adventure to be had. Try one of the treetop ziplines through the rainforest or head to an elephant sanctuary where you can feed and wash elephants to help rehabilitate them into the wild.
North of Bangkok is one of the most popular cities in Thailand. Chiang Mai is full of culture and history, with hundreds of Buddhist Temples to explore and a beautiful Old City which still has the remains of its walls and moats.

Chang Mai is also known for its beautifully handcrafted umbrellas. In January, you can experience the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, dedicated to celebrating the creativity of the talented locals.

This colourful arts festival takes place on the third weekend in January every year, and is filled with fantastic parades, live music and dancing. We recommend checking it out in the afternoon to see the umbrellas illuminate like lanterns as the sun goes down.

South East Asia may seem like a long way to travel, but once there, the exchange rate is great, and you can experience travelling like a king on a budget. On average, you can stay in a five-star hotel for around 3,000 Bhat, which is equivalent to £70, and enjoy an authentic Thai meal for as little as 40 Bhat – that’s just 94p.

Ready to find out more or book your next trip? Give us a call – we’ll sort you out.