Sure, there’s something rather romantic about crisp winter snow. But sometimes, rather than taking to the ski slopes after Christmas, you long to catch the sun’s warm rays and plunge into temperate waters instead.
In this article
If you think that ‘by the sea’ isn’t a great place to be in the middle of winter, let us prove you wrong. Get some inspiration for your sunny January trip — here are our five top spots for a warm winter vacation.
The best travel destinations for January
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- Australia
- the Maldives
- Switzerland (for those who really love to ski!)
Switzerland is home to some of the most picturesque views in the world, especially in winter © Getty Images
Costa Rica: Travel to the home of Pura Vida
Costa Rica is known for fabulous national parks, thrilling outdoor activities, and rich biodiversity. See what one of the happiest nations in the world has to offer.
| Area: 51,179 km2 | Language: Spanish | Capital city: San José |
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| Population: 5.09 million | Local Currency: Costa Rican colón | Time zone: GMT-6 |
The best vacation spots in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a must-visit for those who like stunning natural landscapes (so, more or less everybody). It’s a land full of jungles and some seriously cool places that are hidden from the outside world.
Puerto Viejo — Catch your biggest surfing wave and indulge in other water sports
Puerto Viejo spoils tourists with its fantastic beaches. Manzanillo Beach perfectly suits kayakers, snorkelers, and sailors, and it’s great if you’re traveling with kids. Meanwhile, Salsa Brava Beach is well known among surfers for its strong currents. Come here to catch the famous Salsa Brava wave.
Corcovado National Park — See Ara parrots and other animals
Corcovado is the home of the Ara parrot, the Central American tapir, and the giant anteater. You can pay about $100 daily to see these amazing creatures on a guided tour, with accommodation and meals. Otherwise, take a walk through the park and along the beaches; you’re likely to come across a few different species of monkeys, at least!
San José — Travel around the capital to get a Jurassic Park vibe
It’s not often we can feel like a character in an adventure movie in a nation’s capital, right? Come to San José to see a magical ensemble of the business heart of the country surrounded by impenetrable forests, and an abundance of rivers with waterfalls. Also, you can dedicate a day to a trip to the wild Cahuita National Park, 200 km from the capital. It has no equipped beaches, but the purest water and the photogenic palm trees will more than make up for it.
Puerto Viejo is a surfer dream when traveling to Costa Rica © Getty Images
Average monthly temperatures in San Jose, Costa Rica
Tell me more fantastic things about Costa Rica.
Find the best route to Costa Rica from my location. Pura Vida!
- Fly from Bogotá to the sun in San José.
- Have friends in San José? Try this way from Panama City.
- The fastest way from Cancún to San José.
- Tired of calm Guatemala City? Cheer up in San José!
- From Mexico City to San José in a few hours.
- Try the fastest route from Lima to San José.
- From bustling New York City to relaxing San José.
- From San Salvador to San José — A quick hop.
- Los Angeles is not as far from San José if you take this route.
- Fly from Medellin to amusing San José.
- Fly from Madrid to San José to feel a common vibe.
- From Santiago to San José for a weekend.
- Miami – San José for party nomads.
- Take a break from cloudy London in sunny San José.
- Denver – San José, with no long layovers.
- Cusco – San José for the best price.
- Cartagena – San José in less than three hours.
- Orlando – San José super quickly.
- San Francisco and San José — Two meccas for party people.
- A little romance in Paris first, then a little sun in San José!
Mexico: Drink the best tequila in the motherland of Frida Kahlo
Where else other than Mexico can you rent a room with a view of an active volcano, swim in a lake inside a cave, get into the crazy world of Frida Kahlo, or knock over a glass of canonical tequila? Don’t let the (potentially) long flight scare you—it’s worth it.
| Area: 1,972,550 km2 | Language: Spanish | Capital city: Mexico City |
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| Population: 128.9 million | Local Currency: Mexican peso | Time zone: GMT-5 |
The best vacation spots in Mexico
Let’s see the top places to experience the real Mexico and check out all the country’s diversity.
Acapulco — An iconic place to visit as a Hollywood star of the 1950s
Jason Derulo is not the first artist to sing about Acapulco. This place was a mecca for American stars of the 50s. Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, and many others flocked here to paint the town red.
The popularity of Acapulco has practically vanished among celebrities, so a standard 2-bedroom hotel suite is unlikely to cost you more than $45 a night. But the party spirit is still here! Have a laid-back break at Piesela Cuesta, then party hard at Mojito, dancing to salsa and reggaeton.
Cancún — Admire fancy beaches with Mayan ruins
The best thing about Cancún is that no matter where you go, you’re in for a treat. Are you a beach and sea lover? Some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches are in Cancún. Want to dive into some ancient history? Visit the ancient city of El Meco or the ruins of the Mayan temple, where you’ll be blown away.
One of the best activities to do in Mexico is snorkeling in Cancún © Getty Images
Mexico City — Top places for party animals, and the home of Frida Kahlo
While walking in the capital, find Frida Kahlo’s cozy blue house at Londres 247; if you are fond of the arts, visit the nearby museum. If walking around the artist’s space inspired you to have something bright in your home, pop into the vibrant Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela market.
Average monthly temperatures in Cancun, Mexico
Grab my hand and take me to Mexico to see some beautiful places!
What is the fastest route to finding myself on the beach with tequila in Mexico?
- Visit Cancún from Bogotá on your day off.
- Medelin – Cancún? Yeah!
- From Lima to Cancún with the best flights.
- Madrid is not so far from Cancún with this route.
- Visit Cancún from Miami for something brand-new.
- New York City – Cancún for a distraction.
- Escape from busy Washington to chilled-out Cancún.
- Denver – Cancún the fastest way.
- Atlanta – Cancún? Easy!
- Fly from Dallas to Cancún to catch sun rays.
- Busy week in Chicago? Serene weekend in Cancún!
- Cancún as a party alternative to San Francisco.
- From cold Ontario to warm Cancún? You bet!
- Los Angeles – Cancún for affordable prices.
- From Boston to Cancún very quickly.
- Cali – Cancún? Yes!
- Try the fastest way from Brussels to Cancún.
- Santiago – Cancún for a few hours.
- Houston – Cancún for the best price.
- From the crowded streets of Philadelphia to the beaches of Cancún.
Australia: Come for a holiday to see the Sydney Opera House
Craving sun all year round? Australia is exactly the country that will win your heart and leave you with unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime.
Most tourists associate Australia with endless summers and a slow pace of life. See what it’s like for yourself!
| Area: 7,688,000 km2 | Language: English | Capital city: Canberra |
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| Population: 25.6 million | Local Currency: Australian dollar | Time zone: GMT+11 |
The best vacation spots in Australia
Be careful not to get lost among the abundance of cool places — the unique wealth of flora and fauna, the nature reserves, the Great Barrier Reef, a vast number of beaches (of which there are more than 10 thousand), and many more.
Sydney — A vacation idea you can’t resist
Spot the world-famous Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and snow-white yachts in the blue sea. Make a trip to the Great Barrier Reef! Known to be larger than the Great Wall of China and one of mother nature’s many great works.
Red Center — Where dinosaur footprints are
Here are huge plains and sun-scorched deserts where you can find red hills, fiery sunsets, dinosaur footprints, drawings made by ancient natives, unusual animals, and colorful plants. You have a unique chance to witness the changing colors of the Uluru megalith, its different shades appearing or disappearing depending on the lighting and the mood of the desert.
Canberra — A capital with the nicest weather
Chosen as a compromise between the two competing cities of Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra is a godsend for tourists looking spend time in nature. Just head to Burley Griffin Lake in the city center, where there are many attractions and things to do, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Questacon, and the National Library.
The Balloon Festival in Canberra is definitely a must-do © Getty Images
Average monthly temperatures in Sydney, Australia
Tell me a little more about Australia?
Take me to marvelous Australia from where I am.
- Los Angeles – Sydney: From one paradise to another.
- Auckland – Sydney fast.
- Come from Bangkok to Sydney to compare breathtaking views.
- Which is more advanced, Singapore or Sydney? Come and check!
- Take me from rainy London to sunny Sydney.
- Kuala Lumpur – Sydney? Easy!
- Nadi – Sydney: The best route.
- Take me from Seoul to Sydney.
- From Manila to majestic Sydney.
- Denpasar – Sydney: The best way.
- From the pristine beaches of Phuket to popular Sydney.
- Escape from cold Paris to warm Sydney.
- Need more beauty besides Madrid? Come to Sydney!
- New Delhi – Sydney: Cheap tickets.
- San Francisco – Sydney with a small layover.
- Chilly Dubin or warm Sydney? The choice is obvious!
- Honolulu – Sydney, fast.
- From ancient Athens to modern Sydney.
- Santiago – Sydney? Yeah!
- Barcelona – Sydney For the best price.
The Maldives — Visit paradise on Earth
Most people imagine having their honeymoon in the Maldives. But why wait? Go there this January! Who hasn’t dreamed of being in warm places and swimming in the ocean after frost and snowdrifts? It is mainly a beach holiday, but this island nation also offers much more to tourists, including cultural ceremonies, 5-star shopping experiences, and delicious seafood.
| Area: 297.8 km2 | Language: Maldivian | Capital city: Malé |
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| Population: 540,542 | Local Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa | Time zone: GMT+5 |
The best vacation spots in the Maldives
People who fly to the Maldives for the first time mistakenly think all you can see is white sandy beaches, transparent blue water, and luxurious bungalows. Let’s see what else is on offer.
The Maldives is a perfect destination in the winter as here you’ll have amazing weather! © Getty Images
Thilafushi Island — Let’s take care of the environment together
Thilafushi Island is a very unusual sight in the Maldives: an artificial island 7 km from Malé, created from urban waste. The first batch of garbage was brought here in 1992, and today, it’s a growing concern among locals as trash keeps piling up while the country is threatened by climate change.
Lake on Hithadhoo — The only freshwater lake
The lake on Hithadhoo is known not only for its status of being the only freshwater lake in the country but also for its soothing atmosphere. The lake’s main sight is its fauna, especially 28 species of birds that settle here for wintering or nesting. You can safely admire the birds from wooden viewing platforms. Just don’t forget your binoculars.
Malé — One of the smallest capitals in the world
Malé is one of the smallest capitals in the world (length 2.5 km, width 1 km). It is a predominantly Muslim city, so plenty of pretty mosques will catch your eye. Make sure to see the Muliaage Palace and Hukuru Miskiyy. They are some fascinating examples of architecture that you won’t find anywhere else.
Vacation in the Maldives? Sounds great!
Take me to the sticker of Bounty — The Maldives
- Escape to paradise: Fly from Abu Dhabi to Malé.
- Colombo to Malé flights – discover the beauty of the Maldives.
- Book your dream vacation: flights from Bangkok to Malé.
- Discover Maldives from Denpasar – book your flights today.
- Fly high with our Kuala Lumpur to Malé flights today.
Switzerland — The ideal country for a nature-filled retreat
Have you ever wondered why people call Switzerland “Europe in miniature”? Because it consists of German, Italian, and French cantons where you can simultaneously catch the vibes of all three countries lovely Germany, friendly Italy, and charming France.
| Area: 41,285 km2 | Languages: French, German, Italian, Romansh | Capital city: Bern |
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| Population: 8.6 million2 | Local Currency: Swiss franc | Time zone: GMT+2 |
The best vacation spots in Switzerland
Come see Switzerland’s iconic sites and winter destinations.
Grindelwald — See massive glaciers like those in Ice Age
Once in Grindelwald, you can choose among 51 slopes to go skiing. If you want to experience nighttime skiing, head to the Bodmi Arena area every Thursday and Friday at 19:00 (7:00 PM) to participate, when everything around sparkles like in fairy tales.
Visit the Blue Ice Grotto to learn the techniques of making Swiss cheese and take some home. And, of course, the delightful Glacier Gorge, with its huge colored blocks of marble, cannot be missed.
Grindelwald looks like something from a fairytale and is definitely worth a visit if you love snow © Getty Images
Leukerbad — Go skiing and then relax at a spa with family
Leukerbad is famous for the Alpentherme — A Welsh bath village with various saunas, massage rooms, pools, and Roman-Irish baths. It would be best to spend at least half an hour there soaking your skin in smoking hot water after skiing.
Bern — The safe capital where bears live in the city
The medieval streets of the Old Town, the Clock Tower, and the cathedral will tell you about Bern’s history and former life. In Bern, you can see the “bear pit” where two bears live and roam freely in the city. Check out where Albert Einstein lived in Bern and run home to brag to your friends.
Average monthly temperatures in Geneva, Switzerland
Find out more about astonishing Switzerland.
Take me to Europe’s favorite mountains in Switzerland.
Tired of the ocean in Lisbon? Go to the mountains near Geneva!
From the capital of freedom to the capital of safety: Brussels to Geneva.
The witches of Budapest escaped to Geneva for winter via this route.
