Best Destinations for Holidays in January 2024

Holidays in January are something everyone looks forward to. The end of a year and the beginning of the next is one of the best times when the whole world erupts in a festival mood. Beginning with Christmas, most travelers leave for holidays around the world to celebrate New Year, and the month ahead, exploring, and experiencing diverse locations across the globe.

While preferences of destinations vary according to each individual traveler, we decided to give here, a comprehensive checklist of Best Destinations for Holidays in January 2024 for the travelers to pick, and choose the best for them, to let their hair down in these stunning locations, and give an exciting start to their New Year.

Best Beach Holidays in January 2024

Maldives: Best Holidays in January

Although it is a year-round destination, Maldives has a special charm during the month of January. This month constitutes summers in the country as tourist arrival hits the peak to experience its sun-kissed, sandy beaches with warm, aquamarine waters and exotic marine life. The weather is perfect with little or no rain to enjoy the exciting water sporting activities.

Surfing, skiing, diving, snorkeling, and canoe boating along with other adventures are as much popular with tourists as the idyllic, sparkling shores that offer perfect tranquility. The Maldives includes a total of 1,190 islands of which only 200 are inhabited. The vast area with excellent, exotic views and impeccable weather is a traveler’s heaven as numerous resorts on this amazing country are an ideal destination for a thrilling vacation.

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[Browse through Maldives tour packages to plan your trip]

Thailand

Friendly and fun-loving, exotic and tropical, cultured and historic, Thailand radiates a golden hue from its glittering temples and tropical beaches

The month of January remains the most pleasant time to visit Thailand as the country becomes a tourist hotspot with travelers from all across the globe. Long spans of bright sunshine are followed intermittently with short spells of rain. The country bursts with life like the flowers which are found in full bloom during this season.

January also marks the celebration of Chinese New Year as the streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown turn red with an amazing dragon parade, dancing, and firecrackers. The ambiance at Andaman Beach is just awesome and so is the atmosphere at Koh Lanta, Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi. Although the islands of Phangan, Tao, and Koh Samui are wetter than the rest, still there is hardly a slack in the excitement as tourists get back to their spirit as soon as the rain slows down.

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[Plan your trip to Thailand with these tour packages]

Barbados

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January sports a dry season in Barbados as an average high temperature of nearly 28 degrees C gives way to brief spells of tropical rains with bright sunshine for most of the part of the day. The excellent weather consequently results in high tourist inflow for which there are bookings well in advance. The tourist footfall reaches maximum parallel to the prices for hotels, restaurants, bars, and other places of interest.

One of the highlights of Barbados during the month of January was the Barbados Jazz Festival. The week-long festival drew some of the most talented music artists to the streets of Bridgetown amidst the roar of thousands of people. It has not happened since 2010, however, it remains eagerly awaited every year. The cooler month of January is an invitation to the amazing flavor and beaches of this Caribbean paradise which hosts a warm, welcoming population along with spectacular views and incredible nightlife.

Bahamas

The Bahamas has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world with miles of pure white (somewhere pink) sand and fascinating blue waters which tourists from all over the world come to experience and enjoy. Located on the higher reaches of the North American continent, the country came under the British Crown in 1718 and after its independence in 1973, retained Queen Elizabeth as its monarch.

The beaches of the Bahamas have frequently been voted as the best for a long. Comprising over 700 islands and cays, the shores are a great place to enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, and fishing, or even enjoy private flying. Besides, for sightseeing, the country has wonderful, charming locations and sites shedding light on the history and cultural evolution of the region and its natural heritage. The country is an incredible destination for a honeymoon or family vacation letting you have a great time carousing in its picturesque views.

Brazil

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With over 7500 km of the Atlantic coastline, the country is bound to have some of the most amazing beaches which are idyllic getaways for travelers and locals, who keep these populated. Beaches are a great escape for local Brazilians-people of all ages, some of whom practically live out here to enjoy its incredible ambiance. Here you will find people having a great time, from playing volleyball to surfing in its conducive waves. However, there are more isolated locations and sites for wild beach parties towards the south of the country.

Hence travelers of all kinds and moods can expect to have a ball at the beaches of Brazil. The country, most famous for its Samba and Football is one of the emerging economies of the world with a thriving tourism industry. From beaches, one can go out to experience the country in its true colors with locals being some of the warmest hosts. On the other hand, you will enjoy some great culture, nightlife, parties, and food once you put your step into this amazing destination.

Warm Weather Destinations in January

Vietnam

Again there is no specifically best time to visit Vietnam as the weather remains suitable for tourist expeditions all throughout the year. However, January is a dry and pleasant month with cold mornings and evenings especially in the north of the country, while the center and south of the country experience a warm and dry spell.

Tet festival or the Lunar New Year brings in the streak of festivity as markets and streets become buzzed with activity with prices of transportation and accommodation registering a rise. Apart, there are plenty of options for fun and sightseeing in the country from beautiful beaches to colorful temples, museums, and a national park along with amazing other sites and attractions. Besides, Halong Bay, the city of Hanoi, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and Mekong Delta, etc. are the major attractions in the country which are famous worldwide.

[Browse through Vietnam Tour Packages to plan your trip]

Kenya

Vast savannahs peppered with immense herds of wildlife. Snow-capped mountains on the equator. Traditional peoples bring soul and color to the earth. Welcome to Kenya.

January is the peak of the summer season in Kenya and is said to be one of the best times to spot both terrestrial and aerial wildlife (including migratory birds). Although the temperatures will be hot for the most part the spell is broken by intermittent rains. Coastlines are sunny and hot with clear sea waters.

This is also the beginning of the peak season for Kenyan wildlife safaris. The country is dotted with some of the most incredible landscapes, and amazing wildlife based in their natural habitat while the beautiful emerald shores of the Indian Ocean draw attention from tourists all around the globe. This is apparently also the best time to explore the picturesque beaches of Malindi and Watamu due to the suitable climate and warm waters. However, tourists may find rates of hotels, bars, and restaurants inflated due to the peak arrival season of travelers at this time.

[Embark on a Wildlife Tour of Kenya with this package.]

Sri Lanka

Tea Gardens and Trains: Sri Lanka

Days are mostly sunny and dry during January as this is said to be the best time to visit the beautiful locations of central hills and Southwest Sri Lanka. The country’s location pretty close to the equator assures pretty constant temperature throughout the year although its overall climate is complex considering its size. After the relatively wet spell of “maha” (northeast) monsoon during November-December, the beaches and coastal areas are quite active with tourists in January as one can also witness numerous exotic species of marine life.

Thus, the prices of resorts and hotels witness a steep rise. Other attractions including the annual Galle Literary Festival during late January are a big draw. The Cultural Triangle (including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy) are other major attractions with beautiful historical monuments including temples and pilgrimage sites are frequently visited destinations for international tourists to the island country.

Also Read:

20 Reasons Why Choose Sri Lanka as your Next Travel Destination

[Browse through Sri Lanka Tour Packages to plan your trip]

Malaysia

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Very little rainfall is expected in January as most of the country experiences a dry spell with ample sunshine (except the eastern coast and its islands), marking the hike in tourist arrival. The atmosphere is fresh and landscape verdant and the month is characterized by celebrations and festivities, especially the Chinese New Year and the Hindu festival of Thaipusam.

Average temperatures clock around 30 degrees C as most people arrive at the beaches of Langkawi, or explore the city the Kuala Lumpur. Located within the region of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a culturally rich nation with modern infrastructure, friendly locals with beautiful locations. A year-round destination, the country has rich culinary traditions due to the mixture of many different cultures characterizing its society.

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[Plan your trip to Malaysia with our tour packages]

Pondicherry

The French legacy of Pondicherry is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas, and chic boutiques.

The winter season that falls during the month of January in Pondicherry is the best month of the year for sightseeing, beach fun activities, and water sports. The temperature is perfect that doesn’t fall below 18 degrees C and the place comes to life with travelers and tourists. One of the highlights of the place, the Aurobindo Ashram gets buzzed with activity due to the birth and death anniversaries of both Sri Aurobindo and the Mother falling during this time.

Pondicherry or Puducherry as it is now called is a little town with small charms. Cool and serene beaches are a great draw in the town set amidst a tranquil ambiance, traditional culture, and emerging new lifestyles. An array of peaceful ashrams, shops, and serene restaurants dot the town as the exotic blend of French imperial influence and local architectural style is conspicuous throughout. Pondicherry with its amazing setup and atmosphere is a great destination for a short trip or a family vacation for a few days.

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[Browse through Pondicherry tour packages to plan your trip]

Luxury Holidays in January

United States of America

The United States is one of the most amazing, thoroughly exciting, and wonderfully picturesque countries in the world. A vast country made up of many different cultures, ethnicities, preferences, and identities, the US boasts of great history, a robust economy, stupendous scientific and technological achievements as well as a synthesis of great world culture, pervaded in most of the parts across the globe.

Although being the fourth largest country in the world by size, the US only makes up about 4.04% of the global population. Thus, there are plenty of remote and outlying areas with some of the most stunning sights.

On the other hand the city culture, especially in the capital region of New York is highly cosmopolitan, incredibly dynamic, and socially thriving. The US is composed of a total of 50 states, with each having its own distinct characteristics. The places to visit, experience, and sightsee are numerous and are often world-famous destinations themselves.

From visits to Yellow Stone, Grand Canyons, and Sedona to experiencing the extraordinary city life of NYC, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Washington DC, one only will need to visit the country to completely get hold of the place in their minds.

[Browse through USA tour packages to plan your trip]

Australia

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Australia is a great destination to begin your new year as the weather, the atmosphere, the settings are all perfect for an amazing vacation. Sydney is popularly known to throw some of the best New Year parties in the world and the characteristic Australian way of celebration makes any festivity even more amazing and fabulous.

Head anywhere, either to Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Whitsundays, or The Great Barrier Reef, the environment is incredible and so is the weather which remains pleasant, being neither too hot or cold.

By mid-January, most of the Christmas and New Year crowd has already gone back and as a result, tourists may find ample room to enjoy in restaurants, clubs, bars, and hotels as well as relish the incredible extravagance of the host country. Luxury hotels, glamping players, and private cabin providers, all vie for the tourist dollar as the country lets travelers afford amazing holidays in the midst of excellent facilities and comforts.

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[Browse through our packages to plan your holiday in Australia]

New Zealand

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Located in the Southern Hemisphere, January is the summertime in New Zealand and an excellent season to enjoy exciting outdoor activities, beach excursions, various festivals, and sporting affairs. A lot of stimulating adventures can be taken up at this time from boat cruises to kayaking and from fishing to tramping. New Zealand has a diverse geography which helps it to host numerous tourist events and expeditions.

Summer time is celebrated in the form of various festivals and occasions. On the other hand, the country offers some of the most luxurious experiences from heli-picnics to personally tasting samples from world-class wineries and chefs being transported to your own charter boat or yacht. With the country itself full of incredibly luxurious views and picturesque locations, any jaunt to New Zealand is full of surprises, delights, experiences, and adventures that will remain in the memory for a long time.

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[Browse through our packages to plan your holiday in New Zealand]

Rajasthan

Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan

Situated in the Northwest region of India and predominantly a hot, desert territory, the best time to visit Rajasthan is in winter, primarily due to the ease of travel and sightseeing and indulging in mixing with the people and understanding the local culture. January is one of the coldest months in this Indian state, which is principally known for its colors, history, culture, and traditions.

The main erstwhile land of the Kings and Rajah’s of Indian royalty, the numerous palaces and forts are majestically imposing, the majority of which have now been converted into luxury and boutique hotels. Offering incomparable comfort and luxurious experience of India these hotels make you live life king size and also present you with numerous recreational and revitalizing treatments. In addition to this the state has wonderful sites and locations, all subdued in amazing architecture and rich historical legacy. The weather remains conducive to vacation trip all up till March.

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[Browse through our packages to plan your trip to Rajasthan]

Dubai

January in Dubai is cold and is an excellent season for all kinds of outdoor activities. The high point during this month is the world-famous and eagerly awaited Dubai Shopping Festival organized to promote the retail trade in the emirate. Due to the excellent electrical atmosphere during the month of January, this is the peak season during which the tourist inflow to the region surges and so does airfares, hotels, and restaurants.

On the other hand, this is the ideal time to entertain one’s self with desert safaris, beach activities, camping, and sightseeing around the emirate too. From visiting exciting architectural marvels like Burj Khalifa to taking a ride in Dubai Hot air balloon and visiting Dubai museums, malls, and shopping centers, a trip to Dubai is full of enjoyment, adventure, and pleasure times for a curious and fun-loving traveler.

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[Browse through our Dubai packages to plan your trip]

Honeymoon Destinations in January 2024

Maldives

Permeated with stunning views, exotic locales, and wonderful beaches all around, Maldives is one of the perfect honeymoon destinations for a memorable beginning to your married life. Bringing in the comprehensive charm of an ideal location, the Maldives as a vacation spot has it all.

From some of the world’s top spa retreats to incredible water sports and long sandy beaches with azure waters for those unforgettable walks, the place furnishes a mix of both a quiet retreat and a destination full of adventure. January being the month of summer, there is no dearth of activities that you can do to spark the romance between you and your spouse.

From deep sea diving to Island excursions, and from underwater dates to submarine and luxurious private boat rides, everything that you do in this amazing location is full of fun and excitement.

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Kerala

Alappuzha – still more romantically known as Alleppey – is the hub of Kerala’s backwaters

With incredible verdant locations, full of nature’s bounty and captivating sights, God’s Own Country remains a favorite location for couples to spend their honeymoon vacation. The charm of Kerala is such that it offers the best of both worlds- from adventure and fun activities to quiet and serene ambiance affording privacy and seclusion for the newlyweds for that special “us” time.

The primary attraction in Kerala at any time is the quintessential backwaters, which are considered one of the most beautiful places in India. Full of the most amazing sights with stretches of lush greenery all over, the houseboat ride lets romantic sparks fly between the couples, creating some unforgettable moments.

There are temples, beaches, caves, and forts for sightseeing as well as retreats for rejuvenation and recreation offering some of the best Ayurveda and natural treatments. Kerala has an amazing culture and there are rich delicacies with unique flavors for the pleasure of the table.

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Barbados

Full of the most picturesque and amazing views, this pearl of the Caribbean, not surprisingly, is an ideal and one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for couples across the world. Long sandy beaches, swaying palms, amazing sunsets, salubrious weather, and exquisite resorts treat the couples to a memorable vacation. January is the time of late winter and dry season in the Caribbean which also happens to be the peak tourist season.

However, the atmosphere is pretty exciting nevertheless. Couples can enjoy long walks across shores, view the beautiful sunsets hand in hand revel in the submarine night dive spend a romantic evening on a boat cruise, or just explore the island lazily. For thrills, Barbados is no less than a place full of adventure and frenzy with options for couples to indulge in safari tours, partying with the pirates on Jolly Roger, riding horses on the beaches, or jumping on the zip line over the tree tops.

South Africa

Located on the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is a destination that offers visitors a world of experiences. Brimming with some of the most amazing sights and locations, including historical spots, expansive and exciting national parks, zoos, exquisite museums, markets, and a lot of other attractions, the country has an amazing array of options to offer. Thus, it naturally stands out as one of the best honeymoon destinations.

Go either to witness the habitat of beasts in big safaris or choose a scenic spot on the wild coast to watch whales, enjoy the amazing urban life of Johannesburg, or participate in the wonderful food and wine festivals, the choices are many to cherish a remarkable time with your loved one. With a wide range of accommodation facilities and a range of excellent services and allurements, the country is a great place to spend the first vacation of your married life.

[Browse through our South Africa tour packages]

Hawaii

Hawaii is a place blessed with awesome views making it one of the leading destinations for Honeymoon travelers. Replete with an enchanting mix of a wide range of geographical landscapes, including amazing sandy beaches, majestic volcanoes, and incredible marine life, the place presents the newlyweds with the privilege of both a serene and quiet location as well as a destination to have some great fun and adventure.

Being the largest of the eight islands of Hawaii, steeped into the North Pacific, the place is famously said to be the most exotic of the states of the USA. A great destination to experience some timeless moments of romance and togetherness, couples can swim around with turtles and dolphins, relax under the rushing waterfalls, fancy the picturesque Black Rock, enjoy at the championship golf course, and relish the exquisite spa hotels. January is one of the best months to visit the place during which, Hawaii is usually dry and the weather is just perfect to have a great time with your spouse.

Budget Travel Destination in January

Egypt

The huge, stunning monuments of Egypt hardly ever fail to astonish visitors as the country remains high on the radar of travelers and excursionists from across the globe. A trip to the Pyramids of Giza is almost certain while there is so much more to see and experience in the country.

A detour to Alexandria, a dive to explore the exotic marine life of Sharm-al-Sheikh, an experience of the Islamic Cairo or a cruise down the Nile are always there in the itinerary of discerning travelers while pilgrimage to Mount Sinai, the beautiful temples at Luxor, a visit to the old kingdoms of Saqqara and Dashur as well as The Valley of Kings and a cruise to the frontier city of Aswan are high on cards.

Egypt is a cheaper destination as compared to many other places. For instance, accommodation, meals, and alcohol are all cheap with the last costing just about $1.50/per beer bottle. Thus, Egypt is also one of the great places to visit in January for a budget traveler as well.

[Browse through our collection of Egypt tour packages]

Goa

The Blue Lagoon at Cola Beach is a quiet paradise on one of Goa’s most beautiful undiscovered beaches near Agonda and Palolem.

The ultimate beach capital of India, Goa is a fertile place for fun, adventure, and sightseeing for sea enthusiasts from across the globe. In addition to the vast sandy beaches that host exciting activities, from beach parties to thrilling water sports, it’s the ambiance of the place that is a major draw. Goa was once the Portuguese colony in India and hence that influence is still conspicuous through its buildings, Churches, People, and culture.

However, the beach resort also turns out to be a budget destination for the international tourist community with a range of accommodation and living options suitable for different pockets. Goa enlivens with an incredible party mood during late December and Early January due to Christmas and New Year celebrations. With almost an annual footfall of 2 million visitors, Goa is a great place to spend some cool evenings or party either with family, friends, or your loved one.

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[Browse through our collection of Goa tour packages]

Cambodia

Ascend to the realm of the gods, Angkor Wat. Descend into hell at Tuol Sleng Prison. With a history both inspiring and depressing, Cambodia delivers an intoxicating present.

Once the seat of the mighty Khymer Empire, Cambodia is a country of beautiful historical legacy and rural charms as well as majestic temples that are the central attraction for the country’s tourism industry. However, the country was never this peaceful always. It went through a period of great bloody turmoil as the ruling Khymer regime mascaraed nearly two million people in the pursuit of enforcing their policies. But the country’s brave and resilient population oversaw that phase in an endeavor to reestablish and make their country a peaceful and safe destination.

Besides temples, Cambodia has some of the most astonishingly beautiful landscapes like Tonle Sap Lake, the Mekong River, the Cardamom Mountains, and the forested highlands of Rattanakiri. However, it is the amazing hospitality, and warm of the people that is the highlight of the country which attracts and admires the tourists. Located in the southern section of the Indo-China peninsula, in South East Asia, Cambodia is one of the most charming and affordable destinations of the world.

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[Explore Cambodia & Thailand together with this package.]

Mexico

The Riviera Maya is known for the best cenote cavern and cave diving in the world

The country is known to have beautiful sceneries, sandy beaches, wonderful seas of blue water, and ample sunshine, besides an amazing culture. Officially known as the United Mexican States, Mexico has warm and pleasant weather, astonishing pyramids, wonderful museums, and splendid architecture in addition to a coastline of more than 10,000 km. The country has a strong economy and a robust transportation system besides a warm and friendly population that is welcoming to outsiders. There is plenty to sightsee and experience in the country.

Acapulco still remains fairly popular with locals and students, while the city of Guanajuato is as colorful as ever with its hued alleyways and amazing tunnel network. Whether you go for scuba diving and snorkeling in Cozumel, choose to sport fishing in Los Cabos, admire the structures of Palanque, or visit the Copper Canyon to revel in the astonishing sights, the choices are many for a traveler to see and experience. Do not forget to visit Tulum and Teotihuacan either. Thus, Mexico is a great place for a budget traveler to have a memorable vacation.

Vietnam

Often called a country like a Sphinx, Vietnam is a nation, resilient, reticent which is rising fast and has quickly emerged from the shadow of the brutal American War. The spirit of the people remains buoyant as they eagerly look forward to a promising future with the country’s emerging market economy and a thriving tourism industry.

For a tourist’s liking, the country is dotted with stunning views, from Phong Nha-Ke National Park and the beautiful limestone islands of Halong Bay to the majestic river-draining system at the Mekong Delta.

The country occupies a narrow strip of land that borders Cambodia and Laos on the Eastern Border while flanked by the Rocky Mountains and the South China Sea on the Western Side which affords it some spectacular sights. On the other hand, the country is known for some amazing culinary delights, often called one of the best in Southeast Asia.

Moreover, the country is also counted among one of the most affordable destinations in the world for transportation and food is pretty cheap while an overall excursion to the place does not feel heavy on the pocket. Thus, the country is a great place to spend some exotic holidays on a budget tour.

[Browse through our collection of Places to Visit in January & Tour Packages]

 

Mayank Chawla

Born in New Delhi, India, Mayank grew up admiring, perceiving and then embracing the vastly complex, colorful and paradoxical nature of the Indian Society, which further led him to accommodate and appreciate the tremendous diversity of world. This admiration brought him to travel writing to share his thoughts and personal experiences with readers and travel enthusiasts at large to make them enjoy the wonderful beauty of the world as he sees it.

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  • Rekha

    Informative post… Great efforts Mayank, this blog post will help travelers to choose the best destination as per their preferences. I am also planning to visit somewhere outside India, I think I should head to Dubai as Dubai Shopping Festival is going to commence in January.

    Thanks again 🙂

    • Mayank Chawla

      Thanks Rekha! Its great that you are planning a trip to Dubai as Shopping Festival would on full swing during January which is just awesome! All the best! 🙂

  • Kalyan

    Amazing places to visit, also written in a detailed manner. Thanks for sharing!

    • Mayank Chawla

      Thanks Kalyan! Your encouraging words keep me motivated to write even better! Keep coming back for more! 🙂