Whether you’re looking forward to ski season or looking to escape to warmer weather for the start of 2024, we’ve got ideas for you. Sun-seekers may travel to Panama, the Maldives, or the Caribbean, while snowsports fans can find fun in Vail and Switzerland. Travelers who prefer off-season deals might consider Monaco or Georgia’s Savannah. If you want to learn more about the state’s history and beauty, consider a trip to Alabama.
Wherever January takes you, we hope it marks the beginning of a year of travel to new destinations and favorite places. Here are the 10 best places to travel in January in the United States and around the world.
Best places to travel in January in the US
Alabama
Steven Poff/Alabama Department of Tourism
Alabama, the birthplace of the civil rights movement, is an inspirational destination during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday month. In Montgomery, you can visit landmarks such as the Dexter Street King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached his message, the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Maya Lin-designed Civil Rights Monument. Stay in Montgomery and head south to the beaches of Alabama if you have time. There it is comfortable to spend time outdoors even in winter. The Gulf Shores area is located along the Mississippi Flyway’s migratory route, and birdwatchers flock to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail to view rarely seen species.
Where to stay: Stay at Trilogy, an Autograph Collection Hotel, a luxury boutique conveniently located in Montgomery.
Vail, Colorado
Miralex/Getty Images
Ski season is a great time to visit Colorado, and Vail is a great place to hit the slopes. This quaint town is modeled after a Bavarian village and is lined with pedestrian streets, world-class restaurants, shops, cafes, and luxury hotels. Vail is perfect for skiers who enjoy its nearly 200 trails, as well as non-skiers who enjoy an après-ski activity without venturing out into the snow. Vail’s public art collection includes paintings, sculptures, and murals, perfect for a pleasant stroll through the city. After a long day on the slopes, he recommends checking into one of the luxury spas found in many luxury hotels. You can fly into Denver and drive about two hours to Vail, or you can fly to nearby Eagle County Regional Airport.
Where to stay: Popular accommodations in Vail include Grand Hyatt Vail, The Arabel, The Lodge at Vail, Antlers at Vail, and The Sebastian Vail.
Temecula, California
Scodonnell/Getty Images
Approximately 90 miles south of Los Angeles and 90 miles from San Diego, Temecula Valley is home to approximately 50 award-winning wineries and is a popular wine destination in Southern California. Hot air ballooning, hiking, horseback riding and golf are great local activities. You can also go wine tasting and visit local breweries and distilleries. Old Town Temecula has a historic feel and a community theater that hosts comedy shows, tribute bands, jazz concerts, and more.
Where to stay: Places to stay include hotels, vacation rentals, and Pechanga Resort & Casino. For a particularly unique experience, stay at Europa Village. Enjoy the atmosphere of Spain, France and Italy without collecting dust on your passport. Accommodation options include casitas and suites with easy access to wine tasting.
Related: 12 of Temecula Valley’s best wineries
Savannah, Georgia
Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images
Book your trip to Savannah in January and take advantage of off-season rates. The city’s tourist attractions will likely be less crowded. This month is usually the coldest on the savannah, although temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees and often reach 60 degrees. There’s plenty to do in Savannah, from visiting museums to dining at popular dining spots. Stroll along the river, browse unique shops, and find one serving fresh seafood.
Where to stay: If you want to stay by the river, consider the sophisticated Thompson Savannah in the Eastern Wharf area. Or choose the Perry Lane Hotel, located in the heart of historic downtown Savannah. For a unique Savannah experience, visit Cohen’s Retreat, housed in a restored 100-year-old building. It now features a restaurant, bar, live music nights, and a boutique displaying the work of local artists. You can also stay in a nearby cottage.
T+L Backpack Quiz
Best places in the world to travel in January
monaco
Maria Avvakmova/Getty Images
Although the summer crowds are gone and temperatures are in the 50s, swimming and sunbathing are no longer possible, there’s still plenty to enjoy in Monaco this time of year. In addition to exploring the Old Town, home to the 13th-century Prince’s Palace of Monaco and his 17th-century Baroque Visitor’s Chapel Museum, you can also shop and stroll through Monte Carlo, on the same streets where Formula 1 cars run. Speed at the famous Monaco Grand Prix. From January 19th to 28th, the 46th Monte Carlo International Cirque Festival will be held in Monaco, featuring thousands of international circus performances. A variety of hotels offer attractive prices even during the off-season.
Where to stay: Consider a luxurious stay at one of The Leading Hotels of the World’s hotels: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, or Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo.
maldives
Graphicxel/Getty Images
In this country of more than a thousand islands, of which around 200 are inhabited, the weather in January is dry and warm. Its crystal clear waters, coral formations and marine life make it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, and its overwater bungalows and secluded location make it a honeymoon paradise. Whatever your reason for visiting, you’ll want to experience the beaches and beautiful scenery. Many resorts cater to families, groups, and solo travelers.
Where to stay: Accommodation options include all-inclusive resorts, budget hotels, guesthouses, and liveaboards. For a wellness-focused visit, consider Velar Private Island, home to Joari Being and Wellbeing Village. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dawa Ihuru, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Fari Islands offer activities for children and are perfect for families.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Didier Marti/Getty Images
This volcanic archipelago is known for its fascinating wildlife, including many species endemic to the islands. January is a great time to see land birds nesting and sea turtles laying eggs on the beach. The sea in January is relatively calm and the water temperature is comfortable for swimming, but with the onset of the rainy season it can rain. Most tourists tour the island by cruise. Operators include cruise lines such as Hurtigruten Expeditions, Ecoventura and Integrity Luxury Yachts.
Where to stay: You also have the option of staying on land at Pikaia Lodge, Relais & Châteaux on Santa Cruz Island. This luxury property offers both land tours and day cruises by yacht, so guests enjoy a comfortable lodge with opportunities for hiking, diving, fishing, wildlife viewing, and more .
Panama
Pavel Trzynski/Getty Images
Panama is warm and dry in January, with average temperatures in the low 80s (except in the highlands, where the climate is cooler). Panama is the perfect destination during this time. Thanks to the country’s diverse landscapes, you can choose from cities, deserts, rainforests, islands, and beaches in the Pacific and Caribbean. Wildlife lovers may visit Panama’s national parks. You might also want to visit the Miraflores Visitor Center on the outskirts of Panama City to learn about the Panama Canal, a feat of engineering. Music fans may want to plan their trip to coincide with the annual Panama Jazz Festival, held in mid-January. A visit to Panama will also give you the opportunity to enjoy some of the best coffee in the world.
Where to stay: If you’re staying in Panama City, consider Santa María, where the 2024 Latin American Amateur Golf Championship will be held in January, or Hotel La Compañia, a former 17th-century monastery and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site please. . There’s also Buenaventura Resort on the beachside Riviera Pacifica and Isla Palenque, a resort on a private island.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Matt Anderson Photography/Getty Images
The Turks and Caicos Islands are made up of two island groups consisting of eight major islands. Most people stay on Providenciales, the most populous island. Providenciales is home to beautiful beaches, resorts, and vacation homes, and the best way to fly is through Providenciales International Airport. (Cruise passengers typically arrive at the Grand Turk Cruise Center). Spend the day lounging on the beach, fishing, boating, or windsurfing, or head over the coast and hike through nature preserves to spot local wildlife. At the end of your day in the sun, hit up a local bar and enjoy the destination’s music scene and nightlife.
Where to stay: Turks and Caicos Islands is full of beachfront retreats. On beautiful Grace Bay Beach, stay at The Palms, The Somerset, Grace Bay Club, or choose from boutique properties such as Rock House, Weimara Resort & Villas, and The Shore Club.
Switzerland
Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure
Ski season starts in January in Switzerland, so winter sports fans have plenty to do. Epic Pass holders can ski Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis. It offers traditional mountain villages, deep powder snow, and steep slopes. Alternatively, you can experience the Alps without the skis by booking a tour on the Jungfrau Railway, which ends at Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 11,332 meters. Another way to enjoy the snowy landscape is to take a thrilling ride in a 10-person aerial gondola from the mountain resort city of Grindelwald. And in Switzerland’s historic capital, Bern, you can explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 12th century.
Where to stay: Andermatt Sedrun Disentis at The Chedi Stay near Andermatt and indulge in a relaxing spa, indoor pool, and heated outdoor pool. Ski in Zermatt and enjoy views of the Matterhorn by staying at Mont Cervain Palace or Hotel Schweizerhof. In Bern, enjoy a luxurious spa and classic atmosphere at Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa.
