If there was ever a time of the year where a holiday would be well deserved, it’s January- The month where we are all miserable, a few pounds heavier and nursing a Christmas hangover. Whether you want to hit up a sun-soaked beach, cruise around in style or head to a winter wonderland, there’s a destination for you. We’ve picked our 12 favourites, so let’s take a look at them.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife has become one of the main ‘beach holiday’ destinations over the years. Although it is part of Spain, it’s proximity to West Africa means it has good weather all year round, making it the ideal destination for any time of year. In January, you can expect the temperature to be in the mid-20’s during the day with it cooling down a little at night. Plus, visiting at this time of year, you will get to see the ‘Feast of the Three Kings’ fiesta, a very important public holiday.
How to get there: Your winter sun holiday is just a four hour flight away! Check Monarch for regular flights.
Local’s tip: Avoid seeing whales in captivity and go to see them in their natural environment with a whale watching excursion.
The Gambia, Africa
Africa’s smallest country is becoming more of a popular destination for European travellers as it is a relatively short flight and is very affordable. If you visit in January, anticipate temperatures ranging from 24-31 degrees, plus a solid nine hours of sunshine per day- a little different to going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark, as you do in the UK at that time of year!
How to get there: Thomas Cook Airlines operates a few flights a week to The Gambia.
Local’s tip: Crocodiles are seen as a symbol of fertility, so visit the Kachikally crocodile pool to see over 78 fully grown and smaller Nile crocodiles. You may even see local women praying and bathing, hoping to be blessed with a child.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’ thanks to it’s stunning vistas, tropical gardens and agreeable climate. In January, the temperature will be around 18 degrees and you can take part in the annual walking festival to burn off those Christmas calories.
How to get there: Easyjet offers flights to Madeira.
Local’s tip: Madeira is perfect as an activity destination. If you like fishing, you could catch a world-record sized fish here!
Cape Verde, Africa
Perhaps Africa’s most Westernized country, Cape Verde has transformed into a celebrity hotspot recently. It’s hardly surprising as there’s something for everyone: music clubs, hiking or unspoiled beaches. In January, the average temperature is around 24 degrees and you’ll find a great choice of hotels.
How to get there: Thomson Holidays can arrange a full package holiday to Cape Verde for you.
Local’s tip: For unique souvenirs, head to ARTESANATO, an African gift shop with souvenirs all handcrafted by locals.
Hawaii, USA
Surfing. Cocktails. Leis. You’ve seen Hawaii in the movies, so experience the real place this January. Life in Hawaii is lived outside, so explore the island, go surfing or head out for a picnic with your ‘ohana’ (family and friends).
How to get there: You may have to stopover en route, but Virgin can help you plan your holiday to Hawaii.
Local’s tip: For the more adventurous, why not kayak to an uninhabited island?
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
European travellers have been flocking to this Caribbean treasure for a while now, with Americans slowly catching up. Punta Cana is an ideal resort for a January holiday, with guaranteed great weather and lots of family friendly hotels to enjoy.
How to get there: Another layover destination, so plan any accommodation with Laterooms.
Local’s tip: If you like rum, try ‘Dominican Gasoline’- you’ll struggle to find anything more alcoholic!
Miami, USA
‘Party in the city where the heat is on, all night on the beach ’til the break of dawn, welcome to Miami!’ said Will Smith in his song ‘Miami’ and that’s what you can find when you go there! Experience the luxurious Florida sunshine where entertainment and attractions are available all year round. Expect temperatures of over 20 degrees.
How to get there: American Airlines has direct flights to Miami from London Heathrow.
Local’s tip: South Beach, aka SoBe, is the city’s district for ‘all things naughty and nice’.
Goa, India
It can be expensive to travel to Goa, but once you get there it is much more affordable. It’s said to be the place where ‘East meets West’ with Indian culture meeting Portuguese influences so there are loads of things to do in India’s most beautiful city once you have had enough of the beach: Head North for a touristy scene or go South for unspoiled beaches. January is the coldest month in Goa, but temperatures will still be around 25 degrees.
How to get there: Air India has direct flights to Mumbai, where you can travel onwards to Goa.
Local’s tip: Head out on a moonlight cruise across the Mandovi river. Look for the one with the most locals and experience Punjabi dancing!
Cruise around the Caribbean
Why pick just one Caribbean island to visit? Spend your January sailing around some of the most beautiful islands in the world, experiencing different cultures as you go. Operators such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and P&O cruises have a range of offerings to suit all budgets.
How to get there: If travelling with P&O, you may depart from Southampton, so hire a car to get you there with Avis.
Traveller’s tip: Ensure a cruise is for you by talking to a travel agent first, as there can be lots of hidden costs.
New Orleans, USA
By heading to New Orleans in January, you’ll experience the calm before the Mardi Gras fever kicks off in May. As a visitor, you can expect the locals to show you a good time. You could go on a jazz club crawl, tour the Garden District or join in with the crowds on Bourbon Street. Anything goes.
How to get there: You will have to stop-over briefly, but Delta Airlines can get you to New Orleans.
Local’s tip: The population is a mix of people from all descents, and this is represented in the diverse range of food that New Orleans restaurants offer.
The Maldives, South Asia
The ultimate destination to make everyone you meet green with envy. Idyllic beaches, oceans that are almost too blue to be real and private villas that you can only dream of. Going in January, the temperature will be between 25-30 degrees. The Government of the Maldives are opening up more of the island to make it more accessible to budget tourists.
How to get there: Flights arrive at Male International Airport, with ferries arriving to transport guests to the island itself. Some resorts may also provide sea planes.
Local’s tip: Each island has its own dress code, but generally speaking, all guests will be asked to cover up in public areas and reception.
Berlin, Germany
Last on the list is an alternative to all of the aforementioned sunny destinations! Berlin really comes into its own in winter, so be prepared for it to be quite snowy and cold. The days will also be shorter, but many of the cultural attractions have evening opening hours. You’ll find that in terms of tourists, it’s quiet but not overly quiet.
How to get there: Berlin is very accessible through several budget airlines.
Local’s tip: Explore the city on foot with a walking tour.
Where will you visit this January? Let us know on Twitter @holiday_numbers or in the comments!
