The month of January is significant in several aspects. It is the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. What better way to kick start the New Year than to take a trip to a place you’ve never been to before? So this January, take a chance to explore uncharted territories, seek new experiences and discover memories that will last a lifetime.
Before you pick a place to visit, the first and foremost thing to check is the weather. During January, the northern hemisphere undergoes winter, while the people of the southern hemisphere will enjoy summer. Ultimately it depends on what experience you wish to capture during your time off from routine life. While some love spending their time soaking in the sun and vacationing on a beach, some others love the ghastly beauty of winter.
In this write-up, we will help you solve this dilemma by describing the best possible adventures you can have, all the places that are simply exceptional to visit during the beautiful month of January. So get ready and dive in, and come out with your next destination imprinted on your heart.
Iceland, the land of ice and fire
Ice land
They say a picture tells a thousand words; we are definite that it is true in this case. You may be wondering why a country that goes through a harsh winter is suggested in this article. Well, doubt no more. Iceland is one of the best places in the world you can witness the northern lights shimmering through the skies during the night time. Due to its significant placement geographically, it is one of the closest points to the North Pole which is the reason why the aurora borealis (northern lights) is clearly visible from here.
You can also explore the remnants of the Viking culture that still thrives in Iceland if you take a walk through Reykjavik. You can also have the chance to explore a geothermal spring such as the ones in Landmannalaugar. If you are someone who loves the marine life, you can pay a visit to the Black beach, Diamond beach and you can also get a rare chance to witness an Icelandic whale swim right beneath your boat. A country born from a volcanic eruption and filled with vast white snow, it is truly an amazing place to see. So pack your bags, grab your thermals and go!
Dubai, the land where dreams come true
Dubai City
Situated in a country that develops every second, this city is unlike any other. During the month of January, the people of Dubai enjoy a pleasant climate with temperatures ranging from 18–28 degree Celsius, similar to the British Summer throughout the month. You can make the most of your time in this city and try out almost all of the activities and experiences available. Make sure you don’t miss a trip to Burj Khalifa- the tallest skyscraper in the world, Burj Al Arab, and the theme park world of Dubai!
An added reason to visit Dubai in January is the DSF- or Dubai Shopping Festival that goes on with much celebration until the end of the month. This grand event simply redefines the experience of shopping. You can visit a variety of outdoor markets, flash mobs, mega sales and have the chance to win numerous rewards.
January is also the month when the Dubai Motorbike Festival is held at the Dubai World Trade Center. Here you will get a chance to witness the largest exhibition of its kind in the world and be marveled at the amazing designs and innovations in the motorbike world. You can read this blog if you still need the motivation to plan a trip to Dubai!
Australia- Endless beaches and more!
Opera house
The land of coral reefs and kangaroos, Australia is a continent/nation that is truly a great family vacation destination. As it is located in the southern hemisphere, summer months include January is one of the best times of the year to explore this place. In Sydney, you can explore the city in the best possible weather with temperatures ranging from 23–26 degree Celsius. As you travel closer to the ocean, the chill may increase as well.
However, there is no argument about January being the ideal month to explore the beaches of Australia. Be it Brisbane or Melbourne, every ocean is a breath-taking turquoise and comes with an amazing view in this land. They also have plenty of activities you can indulge yourself in such as snorkeling/ diving in the reefs, exploring the limestone caves and trying out some water sports.
Make sure you don’t miss the cities like Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane and especially the Great Barrier Reef. If you want to try out some of the lesser explored areas, you should pay a visit to Hunter Valley, Murramarand National Park, Philip Island, Twelve Apostles, and Lucky Bay.
Cambodia & Laos, unexplored jewels of Asia
Cambodia & Laos
This pair of countries that often clubbed together for travel by explorers is a wonderful destination in January. With similar history, heritage, ancient buildings and Buddhist monasteries of Cambodia and the French colonial architecture present in Laos all contribute to this collective charm.
As they are tropical countries, the primary check to be made is the status of rain. During January, the weather gets as dry as it can get and you can traverse through places without having to worry of being drenched. The temperatures range around 17–26 in both of these countries.
Some of the places that should not be missed while visiting these two countries are the ruins of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Bayon, Ta Promh, the viewpoint at Nong Khiaw, underground river cave, night markets, and the local food joints!
Hong Kong, Asia’s world city
Hong Kong, Asia’s world city
A country known to be a merging point of the eastern and western cultures, Hong Kong is a land filled with seaside adventures, mountains, endless skyscrapers, and rural settings. Now you know why it remains one of the most sought after cities in the entire globe.
In January, this country is cool, dry and mild; making it ideal for a hassle-free sightseeing experience. Take a trip to the world’s highest bar, take an endless hike across a mountain, and simply enjoy the tranquillity that exists in this country amidst the rapid development. Equipped experiences ranging from the buzz of the nightlife and rich cultural experiences, Hong Kong is the PLACE to be in January! Explore some of the priceless attractions of Hong Kong to make your holiday memorable and simply enjoy that well-deserved vacation!
Singapore, Passion made possible
Singapore
Singapore is a country that is visited well throughout the year irrelevant of seasons. However, during January, the land is cool enough to not break a sweat and this can help make your trip more pleasant. Filled with possibilities, this city has activities for the nature lover, thrill seeker and every other kind of traveler.This city is a perfect combination of urban structures unspoiled sanctuaries and lush green parks. You should take a walk through the streets at night if you are a foodie at heart. Filled with mouth-watering spices and aromas, the streets of Singapore have a long list of must-try delicacies.Without a visit to the Mer-lion, your visit to Singapore will remain incomplete. You can also try the hop-on and Hop-off bus tours during your time here. So this January, take a trip to Singapore and relish in its authenticity, development, and beauty.
Paris, The city of lights
Paris
If you ask someone about the best time to visit Paris, they will probably answer with the name of a summer month. Even though the summer days may be longer and warmer, there is a mystical beauty that engulfs the city during winters which are a must see. Snow covered roads leading to the Eiffel tower, kids skating on frozen lakes, and a whiff of fresh winter delicacies are all parts of the soul of Paris in January.
You can get the best of both seasons by taking a trip to Paris on this month as the winter is not quite over yet and hence the mood is still set, but it is also not too cold like during the heart of the season. The crowned winter special delicacy to try is the Galette des Rois which you can find in any bakery of Paris during this season. Rich, creamy and soft, this frangipani tart will create an explosion of comfortable flavors in your mouth. You can also try the Vin Chaud or the Hot mulled wine which is another way Parisians warm their body up during cold winters.
Another huge advantage of a winter trip to Paris is that you can go almost anywhere without having to deal with a crowd. Be it the Louvre museum, the Versailles Palace or the banks of the river Seine, you can see the true beauty of Paris without being caught in the rush of tourists.As we conclude, we hope we’ve succeeded to incept an idea of a destination into your heart, which you would choose to follow! They say travel is the only thing that makes you richer when you pay for it. So take a chance and travel to a corner of the world this January with #NOREGRETS.
