January holiday destinations
If you're looking to escape the depressing British weather, January is the perfect time to plan a holiday. Whether you're seeking sun and sandy beaches or the thrill of hitting the slopes, there are plenty of destinations around the world that offer the best of both worlds. In this blog post, you'll find a list of some of the top travel destinations for January for all budgets, from the stunning beaches of the Caribbean to the snowy peaks of the world's best ski resorts. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Thailand
Temperature: 32°C high; 22°C low
Travel time from UK: 12 hours
Time difference: GMT +7
Thailand is a top destination to visit in January due to the dry season weather, which brings sunny days with little rain. This is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities such as visiting the country's beautiful beaches, national parks, and ancient temples.
The country is rich in history and culture, with the Grand Palace in Bangkok being a must-see for travellers. The Thai people are known for their friendly and hospitable nature, making it easy for visitors to feel at home in the country. Additionally, Thailand is an affordable destination, with low prices for accommodation, food, and transportation.
Overall, Thailand is a great choice for a January vacation, offering a variety of activities, cultural experiences, and budget-friendly options.
Porto, Portugal
Temperature: 14°C high; 6°C low
Travel time from UK: 2 hours 20 minutes
Time difference: GMT +0
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a fantastic destination to visit in January for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the weather in Porto during January is mild and temperate making it the perfect time to explore the city's many outdoor attractions, such as the historic Ribeira neighbourhood, the Porto Cathedral, and the Clérigos Tower.
Another reason to visit Porto in January is the city's rich cultural heritage. Porto is known for its distinctive architecture, which ranges from medieval buildings to Art Deco structures. The city is also home to a number of museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions, such as the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art and the Casa da Música.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Porto is also famous for its food and drink. The city is known for its delicious port wine, which is produced in the surrounding Douro Valley. Visitors can take a tour of one of the many port wine cellars in the area and sample some of the local vintages. Porto is also home to a number of traditional Portuguese restaurants, serving dishes such as francesinha (a sandwich with meat, cheese, and a fried egg) and caldo verde (a soup made with potatoes, kale, and sausage).
Norway
Temperature: 1°C high; -7°C low
Travel time from UK: 2 hours
Time difference: GMT +1
Norway is a stunning destination to visit in January, particularly for those interested in experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights. January is one of the best months to see the aurora borealis in Norway, as the long, dark nights provide the perfect conditions for viewing this natural wonder. There are many locations in Norway that offer excellent opportunities to see the Northern Lights, such as Tromsø, Alta, and Svalbard.
In addition to the Northern Lights, Norway is also a great place to visit in January for its stunning natural beauty. The country is home to a number of national parks, such as Jotunheimen National Park and Rondane National Park, which offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Norway is also home to a number of breathtaking fjords, such as the Sognefjord and the Geirangerfjord, which are worth a visit for their beauty.
Los Angeles
Temperature: 22°C high; 10°C low
Travel time from UK: 11 hours
Time difference: GMT -8
Los Angeles is a great destination to visit in January for a number of reasons. One reason is the weather. January is the middle of winter in Los Angeles, but the temperatures are still relatively mild. This makes it the perfect time to explore the city's many outdoor attractions, such as Griffith Park, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Another reason to visit Los Angeles in January is the city's vibrant arts and culture scene. Los Angeles is home to a number of world-class museums, such as the Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which offer a wide range of exhibits and events. The city is also home to a number of performing arts venues, such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Dolby Theatre, which host a variety of concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
Jamaica
Temperature: 30°C high; 19°C low
Travel time from UK: 9 hours 45 minutes
Time difference: GMT -5
The winter is the dry season in Jamaica, which means that you can expect mostly sunny days with little rain. This makes it the perfect time to escape British weather and enjoy the country's many outdoor attractions, such as its beautiful beaches, national parks, and waterfalls.
Jamaica has a vibrant culture and music scene throughout the year. Jamaica is known for its reggae music, which is deeply ingrained in the country's culture and history. Visitors can experience this culture firsthand by attending a live music performance or visiting one of the many reggae festivals that take place throughout the year.
Canary Islands
Temperature: 20°C high; 15°C low
Travel time from UK: 4 hours
Time difference: No time difference from UK
The Canary Islands are located off the northwest coast of Africa and have a subtropical climate, which means that they are warm and sunny throughout the year. There are many popular tourist destinations in the Canary Islands such as:
Tenerife: The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, and its vibrant nightlife. The island is also home to the Teide National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which is one of the largest carnivals in the world.
Gran Canaria: Centrally located, Gran Canaria is known for its varied landscapes, ranging from sandy beaches to pine forests. The island is home to the Maspalomas Dunes, a protected natural area, and the Roque Nublo, a towering rock formation.
Fuerteventura: The second largest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is known for its long, sandy beaches and its charming capital, Puerto del Rosario. The island is also home to the Castillo de San José, a castle built in the 18th century.
Lanzarote: Located in the eastern part of the archipelago, Lanzarote is known for its volcanic landscapes and its beautiful beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Playa de Papagayo. The island is home to the Timanfaya National Park, which features a number of active volcanoes.
Swiss Alps
Temperature: -5°C high; -12°C low
Travel time from UK: 9 hours 45 minutes
Time difference: GMT -5
The Swiss Alps are a world-renowned destination for skiing, offering some of the best ski resorts in the world. The Swiss Alps are located in central Switzerland and are home to a number of ski resorts, including Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Davos.
One of the main reasons to ski in the Swiss Alps is the high-quality of the ski resorts. The resorts in the Swiss Alps offer a wide range of ski runs, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The resorts also offer a variety of amenities, such as ski schools, rental equipment, and après-ski activities.
Another reason to ski in the Swiss Alps is the stunning natural beauty of the region. The Swiss Alps are home to some of the highest peaks in Europe, including the Matterhorn and the Jungfrau, and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Swiss Alps are also home to a number of picturesque villages, such as Grindelwald and Wengen, which offer a charming atmosphere and a variety of dining and shopping options.
Tallinn, Estonia
Temperature: -1°C high; -7 °C low
Travel time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes
Time difference: GMT +2
Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia, located on the northern coast of the country on the Gulf of Finland. The city has a rich history, with origins dating back to the medieval period, and is known for its well-preserved Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of the main attractions in Tallinn is the Old Town, which is a popular destination for tourists. The Old Town is home to a number of historic sites, such as the Town Hall Square, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Toompea Castle, which offer a glimpse into the city's past. The Old Town is also home to a number of charming cobblestone streets, quaint cafes and restaurants, and a variety of shops and markets.
I visited Tallinn in 2019 and have written a handy guide on how to spend 48 hours in Estonia's capital city.
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