January is one of the most open months to travel: New Year’s travel is over, many sites and city centers are less crowded, and your January 2023 calendar probably still has full flexibility for what you want. Your next trip can offer a bold new adventure, a family reset, or immersive cultural exploration, all in a place where you experience fewer crowds, often better prices at many destinations, and a full calendar of special seasonal activities.
This complete January travel bucket list has all your ideas, places to visit, themes to choose from, and actionable trip-planning advice for the best of January in 2023 and beyond.
Thinking of going somewhere specific, finding practical info, or ready to start building itineraries? Skip below to the places you are most interested in. To browse the full list by theme, skip down to the next section, and begin perusing ideas.
Why January?
January travel has these benefits (but see caveats in the next section):
Crowds dwindle at sights and in city centers after the holidays.
Prices for airfare, hotels, and many experiences tend to be cheaper in January (outside of holiday weekends).
January provides special seasonal activities—from skiing and aurora hunting to deserted beaches and low season festivals.
Travel in January can be the perfect chance to set the pace and energy of your coming year: slow and restorative, active and adventurous, or somewhere in between.
Flexibility around mid-January workplace rhythms allows off-peak rates and free-floating days.
Choosing January travel? Consider what sort of January suits you best: do you want it cozy and crisp, sunny and light, rich and cultural, or untamed and far from cities? Consider your personal preference when choosing your options.
January Travel Themes & Bucket-List Ideas
Below are travel ideas, bucket-list-worthy, and organized by travel mood and preference. It is not an either/or list: you can absolutely have a January that’s a multi-week escape in which you combine these options.
1. Winter Wonderland Bucket List (for Classic January Travel)
Ideal for snow enthusiasts and those after a scenic winter tableau.
Lapland (Finland): Reindeer rides, husky sledding, and luxury glass igloos under the Northern Lights.
Swiss or French Alps: Skiing or snowshoeing, après-ski, cozy chalets, and high mountain gastronomy.
Quebec City or Montréal (Canada): Winter festivals, European-style ice sculptures, and a charming old-town vibe.
Hokkaido (Japan): Powder snow and après-ski, but also onsen (hot springs) and winter festivals.
These destinations are very seasonal with their magic heightened in January: Snow activities and scenic winter splendor are the name of the game.
2. Warm Escapes Bucket List (Swap Frost for Sand)
Especially if your January trip is a winter escape, expect warm beaches and tropical islands.
Caribbean islands: January has great warm and dry beach weather in these sunny islands.
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Bali): Wonderful beach weather in these parts; also great culture, food, and street markets.
Canary Islands (Spain): A mild island climate and stunning volcanic landscape within easy reach of Europe.
Australia or New Zealand: Mid-summer if you’re looking for adventures on a sun-drenched coastline, festivals, and outdoor life.
Warm escapes can be a great value, too, especially if you have kids or a vitamin D deficiency from darker months.
3. Urban Culture & City Breaks Bucket List
January is also a fantastic time for museum and cafe hopping at your own leisurely pace, and without long lines.
Lisbon, Portugal or Seville, Spain: Both offer mild winters, fewer tourists, and lively cultural scenes.
Tokyo, Japan: A great city for shrines, food culture, winter illuminations, and cultural rituals like New Year’s celebrations (late December/early January).
New York City, USA: Great for post-holiday light displays and theater, as well as winter food markets and other activities.
Rome or Florence, Italy: Cooler temperatures and a more intimate experience of museums and palazzi.
City breaks in January let you soak up art, architecture, and local culture on your own schedule and for less money.
4. Wildlife and Nature Escapes Bucket List
Wildlife and early year is a great combo for spotting animals in some destinations.
Costa Rica: Dry season in most of the country (great for wildlife, rainforest hikes, and beaches).
Galápagos Islands: Warm seas and active wildlife; cruises run throughout the year.
Kruger or other African reserves: January is the wet season in much of Southern Africa, which means lush landscapes and lots of newborn animals. Great for birdwatching and landscape photography (double-check park road conditions before booking, though).
January wildlife trips can offer unique rewards: rather than dusty savannahs and long-hoofed grazers, you get emerald green, lush wild landscapes and active animals.
5. Wellness & Reset Retreat Bucket List
Planning to start the year by taking care of yourself? Check out these wellness trips.
Yoga retreats in India (Rishikesh) or Bali: Focus on detoxing your body and mind with yoga classes, healthy food, and meditation.
Thermal spas in Iceland or geothermal resorts in Japan: Hot pools, saunas, and other natural wellness activities.
Wellness resorts in the Mediterranean: Mild winters, healthy (and delicious) food, and spa treatments.
Any wellness-focused or restorative retreat is ideal to start your year balanced and refreshed.
6. Festivals & Cultural Events Bucket List
January also features some specific events you might want to visit for a festival-themed trip.
Hogmanay aftermath in Scotland: The celebrations of New Year can leave Edinburgh brimming with energy into January.
Harbin Ice Festival (China): Over-the-top ice sculptures and illuminated displays. (Exact dates can vary, so research before booking if this is your must-see in January.)
Epiphany and Three Kings celebrations (Spain and Latin America): Parades and traditional events around January 6th are worth tracking.
Sundance Film Festival (USA, Utah): Late January brings filmmakers and cinema fans to this premiere festival.
Festival-driven travel can give you a specific cultural anchor and unique experiences.
Practical Planning Tips for January Travel
Book Early—but Be Flexible
January prices can be great, but to secure hotel and guide availability at peak destinations (popular ski resorts, Northern Lights tours, wildlife trips), book early.
If you can be flexible with your dates, set fare alerts and search using flexible dates to get the best deals.
Consider Weather & Daylight
Northern and winter destinations often mean less daylight, so structure your activities with that in mind.
For a warm escape, double-check the local weather: January can be a great month to visit many parts of the world but can bring rains in some regions.
Check Local Holidays and Events
Some January destinations (especially outside the Northern Hemisphere) have early-January holidays (Orthodox Christmas, New Year’s continued celebrations) which can be magical, though also possibly affect opening hours and local availability.
Pack Smart
For a winter trip: invest in thermal base layers, a waterproof outer shell, insulated boots, and hand warmers.
For warm escapes: a sunhat, reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight quick-dry clothes, and a compact day bag.
No matter where you travel in January: don’t forget travel adapters, a small first-aid kit, and a reusable water bottle.
Sustainable Travel Considerations
Travel off-peak is already a win for sustainable travel, as lower visitor numbers help ease pressure on overcrowded destinations. With that said, continue to favor small operators, local businesses, and accommodation that respect the destination and its people.
Carbon offset, but first reduce. It’s good to buy into a flight carbon offset, but first look for ways to cut back on flight frequency, or choose direct flights, which are far more efficient.
Wilderness with care. On winter nature trips, be sure to stick to the paths and trails marked and follow local rules about wildlife encounters and protecting nature.
Photography & Memory-Making Tips
Golden hours really matter. In winter, you may have far fewer hours of light, so schedule key photo ops for morning or late afternoon light.
Protect gear. Winter weather can suck battery life, so carry spares and keep batteries warm in a pocket next to your skin.
Small details. January trips often have lots of charming micro-moments (frost on a flower, steam on a snowy day) that can tell a strong story of the season.
Sample 7- and 10-Day Itineraries
7-Day Winter Wonderland (Swiss Alps)
1: Arrive in Geneva and transfer to your mountain village by cable car; check in and unwind.
2: Hit the slopes, either skiing or snowshoeing, with après-ski at a mountain bar or restaurant.
3: Full-day excursion, such as a glacier hike or a scenic train ride (for example, a segment of the Glacier Express).
4: Day trip to a nearby village for local food and a stroll through markets.
5: Cross-country skiing or a spa day at a mountain hotel.
6: Guided winter hike with a packed picnic; plan for sunset photography.
7: Return travel on a scenic route.
10-Day Warm Escape (Thailand Coast)
1: Fly into Bangkok; spend the night exploring the city’s markets.
2: Quick city highlights—temples, a riverside dinner, some of the big city buzz.
3: Fly to southern islands (Krabi or Phuket), with transfer to an island resort.
4–7: Island life—snorkeling, a boat trip to some of the smaller islets, beach relaxation, a local cooking class.
8: Day trip inland to a national park or local village.
9: Transit back to Bangkok.
10: Fly home.
Budgeting Tips for January Trips
Peak-within-off-peak. January may be “off-peak” but skiing and Northern Lights excursions can be pricey; also book smart.
Fly midweek and stay midweek to keep down prices.
Look for bundles. Some popular places offer combined passes for transport and activities which can save.
Eat like locals. Street food and markets offer an authentic local experience at far lower prices than restaurants.
Safety & Health Considerations
Weather- and season-specific hazards: for snow travel, follow avalanche warnings and local advice; for tropical places, double-check seasonal storms.
Travel insurance: January travel has more weather-related delays or cancellations, so check you are covered for these.
Health checks: Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations and any regional health guidance for your destination.
Final Thoughts: January Makes a Difference
January is no time to be “in between.
Pick something on this list to take into the new year, plan it with intention, and let your trip set the tone for the months ahead. January travel can reset your rhythm and energy, expand your perspective, and bring you a story to share for months and years after you return. Start the year with an eye towards adventure and an open suitcase.
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