Top 10 Destinations to Visit in January

Whether you're eager for ski season or dreaming of a warm getaway to kick off 2024, we have some great suggestions for you. If you're chasing sunshine, consider traveling to Panama, the Maldives, or the Caribbean. Snow enthusiasts can enjoy Vail or the slopes of Switzerland. Those looking for off-season bargains might explore Monaco or Savannah, Georgia, while travelers seeking history and beauty closer to home could visit Alabama. 

No matter where January takes you, may it mark the start of a year filled with adventures to new and beloved destinations. Here are ten of the top places to travel in January, both in the U.S. and beyond. 

Top January Travel Destinations in the United States

Alabama

Known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama serves as an uplifting destination during the month honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Montgomery, you can visit significant sites like the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. King delivered his sermons, along with the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Civil Rights Memorial created by Maya Lin. While staying in Montgomery, consider a trip south to Alabama’s beaches, where winter weather remains enjoyable. The Gulf Shores region lies along the Mississippi Flyway migration route, attracting birdwatchers to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail to observe rare species.

Recommended Accommodation: Consider the conveniently situated luxury boutique Trilogy Autograph Collection Hotel in Montgomery. 

Vail, Colorado

Winter is the ideal time to explore Colorado, and Vail is a prime destination for skiing. The charming town, designed like a Bavarian village, features pedestrian-friendly streets filled with top-tier restaurants, shops, cafés, and upscale hotels. Vail attracts both avid skiers, with its nearly 200 trails, and those who prefer aprés-ski activities without stepping into the snow. The town boasts a public art collection featuring paintings, sculptures, and murals, making for an enjoyable walk. After a day on the slopes, unwind at one of the luxurious spas located in the high-end hotels. You can either fly into Denver and drive approximately two hours to Vail, or land at the nearby Eagle County Regional Airport.

Recommended Accommodations: Prime options for staying in Vail include Grand Hyatt Vail, The Arrabelle, The Lodge at Vail, Antlers at Vail, and The Sebastian-Vail.

Temecula, California

Located about 90 miles south of Los Angeles and 60 miles from San Diego, Temecula Valley is a renowned Southern California wine region featuring nearly 50 award-winning wineries. Visitors can enjoy hot air balloon rides, hiking, horseback riding, and golfing. Wine tasting, along with visits to local breweries and distilleries, are popular activities. Old Town Temecula offers a historic ambiance, complete with a community theater that hosts comedy shows, tribute bands, jazz concerts, and more. 

Recommended Places to Stay: Options include hotels, vacation rentals, and Pechanga Resort & Casino. For a truly distinctive experience, consider Europa Village, where you can soak in the vibes of Spain, France, or Italy without needing a passport. Here, you’ll find casitas and suites that offer convenient access to wine tasting. 

Savannah, Georgia

Take advantage of off-peak rates by planning a trip to Savannah in January. The crowds at popular attractions are likely to be smaller — this month is typically the coldest in Savannah, though temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees and can often reach the 60s. There’s no shortage of things to do in Savannah, from museum tours to dining at popular restaurants. Stroll along the riverfront, explore unique shops, and find a place serving delicious fresh seafood. 

Recommended Places to Stay: For a riverside stay, consider the elegant Thompson Savannah, located in the Eastern Wharf area. Alternatively, choose the Perry Lane Hotel right in the heart of historic downtown Savannah. For a unique experience, check out Cohen’s Retreat, housed in a beautifully restored century-old building that features a restaurant, bar, live music, and a boutique showcasing local artists' work. You can even book a stay in one of their nearby cottages. 

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Top Destinations to Visit in January Worldwide 

Monaco

With summer crowds dissipated and temperatures in the 50s making swimming or sunbathing unlikely, Monaco still offers plenty to enjoy this season. Explore the historic Old Town, where you can admire the 13th-century Prince’s Palace and the Baroque 17th-century Museum of the Chapel of the Visitation. Stroll through Monte Carlo, where the same streets host the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix. From January 19-28, don’t miss the 46th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, featuring thousands of international circus acts. Plus, many hotels offer appealing rates during the off-season. 

Recommended Accommodations: For a luxurious stay, consider Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, or Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, all part of The Leading Hotels of the World.

The Maldives

In January, this island nation, comprising over a thousand islands—about 200 of which are inhabited—enjoys dry and warm weather. Its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life make it a top choice for divers and snorkelers. The enchanting overwater bungalows and secluded location also make it a popular honeymoon spot. Regardless of your purpose for visiting, the stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery are a must-see. Many resorts accommodate families, groups, and solo adventurers alike. 

Accommodations: Options range from all-inclusive resorts to budget hotels, guesthouses, and liveaboards. For those seeking a wellness experience, Joali Being and Velaa Private Island with its Wellbeing Village are excellent choices. Family-friendly resorts such as Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru, and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands provide activities for kids. 

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

This volcanic archipelago is renowned for its incredible wildlife, featuring numerous species that can only be found here. January offers a prime opportunity to witness land birds nesting and sea turtles laying eggs along the shores. The waters are generally calm this month, and the pleasant temperatures make swimming enjoyable, although some rain may occur as the wet season begins. Most travelers explore the islands via cruise, with operators like Hurtigruten Expeditions, Ecoventura, and Integrity Luxury Yacht among the available options. 

Where to Stay: Alternatively, you can opt for land accommodations at Pikaia Lodge, Relais & Châteaux, situated on Santa Cruz Island. This luxurious property offers both land excursions and yacht day cruises, allowing guests to enjoy the lodge's comforts while engaging in hiking, diving, fishing, and wildlife watching.  

Panama

January brings warm and dry weather to Panama, with average temperatures reaching the high 80s, except in the cooler highlands. This makes Panama an ideal destination at this time of year. With its diverse landscapes, you can choose from bustling cities, arid deserts, lush rainforests, stunning islands, and beautiful beaches along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Wildlife lovers might explore the national parks, while others can learn about the remarkable engineering of the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Visitors Center, just outside Panama City. For music enthusiasts, the mid-January Panama Jazz Festival is a must-see. Plus, you can savor some of the world’s finest coffee during your visit to Panama.

Where to Stay: If your travels take you to Panama City, consider The Santa Maria, the venue for the 2024 Latin American Amateur Golf Championships in January, or Hotel La Compañia, a former 17th-century convent and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also noteworthy are Buenaventura Resort, located on the beach in Riviera Pacifica, and Isla Palenque, a resort situated on a private island.

Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two groups of islands featuring eight major islands, with Providenciales being the most populated. This island is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, luxury resorts, and vacation villas, along with Providenciales International Airport, which is convenient for air travelers. Cruise visitors typically dock at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. You can enjoy days of relaxation on the beaches, partake in fishing, boating, and windsurfing, or venture inland to explore nature reserves and observe local wildlife. As the sun sets, unwind at local bars where you can experience the vibrant music scene and nightlife of the islands.

Where to Stay: Turks and Caicos offers numerous beachfront accommodations. On the stunning Grace Bay Beach, consider staying at The Palms, The Somerset, or Grace Bay Club. For a more boutique experience, options like Rock House, Wymara Resort & Villas, or The Shore Club are also available.

Switzerland

As January ushers in the ski season in Switzerland, winter sports enthusiasts will find a wealth of activities. Epic Pass holders can enjoy the slopes at Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, renowned for its charming mountain village, abundant powder, and challenging runs. Alternatively, experience the breathtaking Alps without skis by taking a trip on the Jungfrau Railways, culminating at Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station at 11,332 feet. For a different perspective of the stunning scenery, hop on a 10-passenger aerial gondola from the picturesque town of Grindelwald. Don’t miss exploring Bern, the historic capital of Switzerland, where the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in the 12th century, awaits.

Where to Stay: For a luxurious experience near Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, consider The Chedi Andermatt, which features a tranquil spa, indoor pool, and heated outdoor pool. Ski at Zermatt and revel in Matterhorn views from accommodations like Mont Cervin Palace or Hotel Schweizerhof. In Bern, opt for Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa for its elegant spa and timeless ambiance.