Where to Travel in January

Though January is one of Iceland’s coldest months, it is one of the best times to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights since skies tend to be clearer and days are extremely short (normally around 3 hours!) The cold also lends itself to a visit to the magnificent ice caves, which are only safe to visit during the winter months when they are completely frozen. Iceland’s landscape is truly stunning in January.

The second biggest migration after the famous Great Migration of the Serengeti-Mara takes place in Botswana around January. It’s also the longest migration in the world. Zebras migrate from Northern Botswana (Chobe) and Namibia down to the Nxai Pan and Makgadigadi Pans where the animals congregate until early March. It’s a really spectacular site and a must-do if you love wildlife.

For something really special (and a bit different to the Great Migration), we recommend travelling to Tanzania in January. Mid-January is usually the start of the calving season on the plains of the Southern Serengeti in Ndudu. It’s quite a sight to behold – newborns among thousands of wildebeest and all of the excitement and drama that comes around as predators hover around.

If you’re looking for a ski holiday, we recommend Switzerland. Not only is it one of the best ski destinations in Europe, but it really comes alive after Christmas once the snow has settled in. Expect endless charming villages and the best hot chocolate of your life.

January is a month of highest sunshine and lowest recorded rainfall in Phuket. Humidity is also low and the seas are a bit calmer than other times of the year, making it a very pleasant time to pay a visit to one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands.

This is nearing the end of peak season in Myanmar, when the temperatures are warm (but not hot) and there’s a very low chance of rain. See the famous temples at Bagan, visit Inle’s mystical lake, or just get some r&r at the country’s lesser known but superb tropical islands and beach retreats.

Escape to the palm-fringed beaches and tropical jungles of Belize during dry season for great weather, exciting wildlife and a tonne of interesting activities. From bronzing on the beach to exploring the rainforests and ancient Mayan ruins, and of course taking a trip out to see the famous Great Blue Hole, this makes the perfect winter getaway.

Whether you’re after tumbling cities or sparkling deserts, India’s vast and historic State of Princes has it all. Take advantage of the great weather at this time of year to visit the bustling Blue City of Jodhpur, the grandly romantic Udaipur, and the Pink City of Jaipur on the 14th January when colourful kites fill the air, all the while enjoying rural Rajasthan‘s rugged beauty and spectacular desert.

This romantic colonial coastal city is the jewel in Columbia‘s crown, with its markets, museums, culinary scene and nightlife all colliding with a coastal vibrancy and nautical heritage to lend it a uniquely fascinating character. The weather at this time of year is superb, making antique shopping in Cartagena the perfect alternative to hitting the same old post-Christmas sales come January.