10 Incredible Places Around the World to Travel This January
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
These Are the 10 Best Places to Travel This January
Start the new year with a trip to one of these spectacular destinations, from Sedona to Siem Reap.
January is all about fresh starts. Rather than resolving to journal or hit the gym every day (both applaud-worthy pursuits — and, hey, if either those things make you happy, go for it), why not dedicate the first few weeks of 2024 to the joy of travel? We love the idea of kicking off the year with an soul-satisfying, perspective-shifting trip — whether that’s ticking somewhere epic off the bucket list, discovering an entirely new destination that wasn’t even on your radar before, seeing a different side of a tried-and-true city, or making wellness a priority with a rejuvenating getaway.
From the pinnacle of Caribbean glamor to a mecca of red rocks and energy vortexes, these are the best places to visit in January.
Miami, Florida
There are many sides to Miami. Yes, you can post up at an Art Deco hotel in South Beach, snap Instagram photos by the pool, and dance the night away — after all, that’s certainly one way to do a trip to this sizzling hotspot. The Magic City has become a cultural hub in recent years. Colorful murals and art galleries define Wynwood. The Bass and de la Cruz Collection are standout museums. Miles of palm-fringed sandy beach and endless sunshine inspire folks to spend time doing endorphin-boosting outdoor activities like rollerblading along the boardwalk. On the topic of well-being, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort provides the perfect reset.
Where to stay: 1 Hotel South Beach
St. Barts
Perhaps you’re not a big NYE party person and prefer to save the revelry for a more upscale Caribbean paradise where dancing on tables while wearing a $600 caftans is very much the vibe or maybe it’s more about escaping to a luxury, five-star resort on a sugar-fine stretch of beach and sipping perfectly chilled rosé alongside celebs who wish to remain anonymous. Either way, St. Barts — aka the most glamorous island in the Caribbean — shines as a posh, exclusive playground for fun in the sun, spa treatments in breezy cabanas overlooking the waves, and tooling around on candy-colored Mokes.
Where to stay: Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth
Park City, Utah
An old silver mining town turned winter vacation darling, Park City is one of the most famous and fabulous places to ski out West. After riding the scenic gondolas and whizzing down the groomed slopes, join the lively après La action. Downtown buzzes with stylish shops and great restaurants. Held annually in mid-January, the Sundance Film Festival brings actors, movie buffs, and a see-and-be-seen crowd of snow bunnies to the powder-covered streets of Park City. Beyond the film screenings, there are star-studded parties and a palpable sense of excitement takes hold.
Where to stay: Washington School House Hotel
Sedona, Arizona
Blessed with some of the most magical and dramatic scenery in the country, Sedona is fabled for its majestic red rocks, incredible trails, and Jeep tours. Energy vortexes make it a mecca for spirituality seekers. It’s super healing to be immersed in such spectacular nature and even meditate next to “swirling centers of energy.” New Age shops filled with crystals and day spas that bring together many forms of mind-body-soul alignment up the wellness pedigree. Go for the hiking, stay for the sound baths and stargazing.
Where to stay: Mii amo
Fort Worth, Texas
While Fort Worth isn’t a best-kept secret by any stretch, the spate of luxury hotel openings (including the highly anticipated Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection) has no doubt put it on the map for a different segment of travelers. Accommodations aside, the North Central Texas city at the end of the old Chisholm Trail is a super cool place to visit since it’s packed with cowboy history and also feels very contemporary thanks to an influx of modern art and culture. In addition to checking out the historical Fort Worth Stockyards — and grooving to live music at Billy Bob's Texas, the largest honky tonk in the world — carve out some time for the Kimbell Art Museum.
Where to stay: Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection
San Miguel, Mexico
Nestled in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a design lovers dream that enchants everyone who visits with its postcard-worthy baroque Spanish architecture, ornate churches, quaint cobblestone streets, inspiring small-town atmosphere, and vibrant cultural traditions. It boasts a thriving art scene with many sculptors, painters, and potters choosing to call the small city home. Be sure to leave room in your suitcase to bring back all the beautiful handmade wares, from ceramics to textiles. And don’t forget to sample the local flavors at the many chef-driven and homespun restaurants.
Where to stay: Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel de Allende
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is famously the jumping-off point to explore the ruins of Angkor Wat, the seat of the ancient Khmer kingdom and the largest religious structure in the world. It’s also home to many smaller, lesser-known — though no less fascinating — sites such as Ta Prohm and Baphuon. Besides temple hotting, immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a traditional cooking class, watching an apsara performance, and seeing Phare, the Cambodian circus. This resort town, a 40-minute flight from Phnom Penh gives off vacation vibes with luxury resorts that have relaxing spas and pools to cool off after sightseeing.
Where to stay: Amansara
Tokyo, Japan
If you’ve been to Tokyo before, chances are it’s on the list to return. That’s because Japan’s sprawling capital has so much to offer, it’s simply impossible to pack it all into a single trip. When visiting in January, expect fewer crowds than during the December holidays or cherry blossom season. That translates to shorter lines at popular landmarks such as Tokyo Skytree and the Meiji Shinto Shrine and (with any luck) an open seat at the snug bars that line the Golden Gai district. The weather is pleasant to walk through Harajuku and Yoyogi Park. When it’s time to warm up, tuck into an izakaya for a bowl of udon. Don't miss the chance to do a steamy soak at one of the traditional onsen.
Where to stay: The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Getting to Santa Teresa takes a little time and effort — it’s either one plane and a bumpy four-and-half-hour car ride or connecting flights — but once you arrive that vacation switch turns on instantly. It's a beloved spot for surfing with consistent swells and barrels that draw pros from around the world. You’ll find many excellent instructors to help newbies learn to paddle out. Lively yet laid back, it’s a sublime destination for yoga retreats. There are stylish boutiques and atmospheric eateries for grabbing fish tacos and a cocktail while watching the sunset over the waves. Thrills like zip lining and jungle tours are within easy reach, too.
Where to stay: Hotel Nantipa
Napa Valley, California
Napa’s bustling harvest period garners a ton of attention, however, the chill and charming unsung hero month of NorCal wine country getaways is definitely January. The start of mustard season means an explosion of bright yellow blooms that carpet the photogenic vineyards. This makes terrace tastings on 60-degree days extra special. Travelers looking to explore beyond the vines and vino can head into the Mayacamas mountains for scenic hiking and biking and refuel with gourmet cuisine at the many Michelin-rated restaurants around the region. (It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s easier to snag a table reservation during this less-crowded time.)
Where to stay: Meadowood Napa Valley
January is all about fresh starts. Rather than resolving to journal or hit the gym every day (both applaud-worthy pursuits — and, hey, if either those things make you happy, go for it), why not dedicate the first few weeks of 2024 to the joy of travel? We love the idea of kicking off the year with an soul-satisfying, perspective-shifting trip—whether that’s ticking somewhere epic off the bucket list, discovering an entirely new destination that wasn’t even on your radar before, seeing a different side of a tried-and-true city, or making wellness a priority with a rejuvenating getaway. From the pinnacle of Caribbean glamour to a mecca of red rocks and energy vortexes, these are the best places to visit in January.
Miami, Florida
There are many sides to Miami. Yes, you can post up at an Art Deco hotel in South Beach, snap Instagram photos by the pool, and dance the night away—after all, that’s certainly one way to do a trip to this sizzling hotspot.
The Magic City has also become a cultural hub in recent years. Colorful murals and art galleries define Wynwood, and The Bass and de la Cruz Collection are standout museums. Miles of palm-fringed sandy beach and endless sunshine inspire folks to spend time doing endorphin-boosting outdoor activities like rollerblading along the boardwalk.
Where to Stay: 1 Hotel South Beach
St. Barts
Perhaps you’re not a big NYE party person and prefer to save the revelry for a more upscale Caribbean paradise where dancing on tables while wearing a $600 caftan is very much the vibe... or maybe it’s more about escaping to a luxury, five-star resort on a sugar-fine stretch of beach and sipping perfectly chilled rosé alongside celebs who wish to remain anonymous.
Either way, St. Barts—aka the most glamorous island in the Caribbean—shines as a posh, exclusive playground for fun in the sun, spa treatments in breezy cabanas overlooking the waves, and tooling around on candy-colored Mokes.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth
Park City, Utah
An old silver mining town turned winter vacation darling, Park City is one of the most famous and fabulous places to ski out west. After riding the scenic gondolas and whizzing down the groomed slopes, join the lively après ski action. Downtown buzzes with stylish shops and great restaurants.
Held annually in mid-January, the Sundance Film Festival brings actors, movie buffs, and a see-and-be-seen crowd of snow bunnies to the powder-covered streets of Park City. Beyond the film screenings, there are star-studded parties and a palpable sense of excitement takes hold.
Where to Stay: Washington School House Hotel
Sedona, Arizona
Blessed with some of the most magical and dramatic scenery in the country, Sedona is fabled for its majestic red rocks, incredible trails, and Jeep tours. Energy vortexes make it a mecca for spirituality seekers. It’s super healing to be immersed in such spectacular nature and even meditate next to “swirling centers of energy.”
New Age shops filled with crystals and day spas that bring together many forms of mind-body-soul alignment up the wellness pedigree. Go for the hiking, stay for the sound baths and stargazing.
Fort Worth, Texas
While Fort Worth isn’t a best-kept secret by any stretch, the spate of luxury hotel openings (including the highly anticipated Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection) has no doubt put it on the map for a different segment of travelers. Accommodations aside, the North Central Texas city at the end of the old Chisholm Trail is a super cool place to visit since it’s packed with cowboy history and also feels very contemporary thanks to an influx of modern art and culture.
In addition to checking out the historical Fort Worth Stockyards—and grooving to live music at Billy Bob's Texas, the largest honky tonk in the world—carve out some time for the Kimbell Art Museum.
Where to Stay: Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Nestled in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a design lovers dream that enchants everyone who visits with its postcard-worthy baroque Spanish architecture, ornate churches, quaint cobblestone streets, inspiring small-town atmosphere, and vibrant cultural traditions.
It boasts a thriving art scene with many sculptors, painters and potters choosing to call the small city home. Be sure to leave room in your suitcase to bring back all the beautiful handmade wares, from ceramics to textiles. And don’t forget to sample the local flavors at the many chef-driven and homespun restaurants.
Where to Stay: Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is famously the jumping-off point to explore the ruins of Angkor Wat, the seat of the ancient Khmer kingdom and the largest religious structure in the world. It’s also home to many smaller, lesser-known—though no less fascinating—sites such as Ta Prohm and Baphuon.
After admiring the beautiful temples, immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a traditional cooking class, watching an apsara performance, and seeing Phare, the Cambodian circus. This resort town, a 40-minute flight from Phnom Penh gives off vacation vibes with luxury resorts that have relaxing spas and pools to cool off after sightseeing.
Tokyo, Japan
If you’ve been to Tokyo before, chances are it’s on the list to return. That’s because Japan’s sprawling capital has so much to offer, it’s simply impossible to pack it all into a single trip. When visiting in January, expect fewer crowds than during the December holidays or cherry blossom season. That translates to shorter lines at popular landmarks such as Tokyo Skytree and the Meiji Shinto Shrine and (with any luck) an open seat at the snug bars that line the Golden Gai district.
The weather is pleasant to walk through Harajuku and Yoyogi Park. When it’s time to warm up, tuck into an izakaya for a bowl of udon. Don't miss the chance to do a steamy soak at one of the traditional onsen.
Where to Stay: The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Getting to Santa Teresa takes a little time and effort—it’s either one plane and a bumpy four-and-half-hour car ride or connecting flights—but once you arrive, that vacation switch turns on instantly.
It's a beloved spot for surfing with consistent swells and barrels that draw pros from around the world. You’ll find many excellent instructors to help newbies learn to paddle out. Lively yet laid back, it’s a sublime destination for yoga retreats. There are stylish boutiques and atmospheric eateries for grabbing fish tacos and a cocktail while watching the sunset over the waves. Thrills like zip lining and jungle tours are within easy reach, too.
Napa Valley, California
Napa’s bustling harvest period garners a ton of attention, however, the chill and charming unsung hero month of NorCal wine country getaways is definitely January. The start of mustard season means an explosion of bright yellow blooms that carpet the photogenic vineyards. This makes terrace tastings on 60-degree days extra special.
Travelers looking to explore beyond the vines and vino can head into the Mayacamas Mountains for scenic hiking and biking and refuel with gourmet cuisine at the many Michelin-rated restaurants around the region. (It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s easier to snag a table reservation during this less-crowded time.)
Where to Stay: Meadowood Napa Valley
You Might Also Like