I will die on this hill: January is the most depressing month of the year when you live in Europe or on the East Coast of the United States – which makes it the perfect time to organise a lovely trip. And the good news is, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to the best places to visit in January.
All the fun and good food of the Christmas festivities are now a distant memory, summer is still incredibly far away, and if we add the terrible weather and everyone trying to ‘be healthy’ after the excesses of December, the only way to get some joy in January is to hop on a plane – whether that’s a long-haul flight to a sunny Caribbean island or a short flight to the Alps to enjoy both the skiing and the après-ski.
Personally, I like a bit of both. During particularly harsh winters, I always long to be in Latin America, having breakfast with plenty of pão de queijo and a fresh açaí bowl in Brazil, or eating tacos and drinking micheladas in Mexico. When autumn has been particularly mild, as it has this year, I'm partial to a week of skiing – mainly hitting the spa and happily participating in raclette parties, if I'm being honest – in the French Alps.
The possibilities are endless and, interestingly, January is actually one of the best months to explore some of the world's most beautiful destinations, whether you're after winter sunshine or snow-covered mountains. In Southeast Asia and across the Caribbean, sunny skies, warm temperatures and idyllic beaches make for the perfect escape from the European winter. Closer to home, lean into the winter weather in Europe's snow-clad landscapes, whizzing on skis across the Dolomites or chasing the northern lights in Iceland. To really start the year off right, consider jetting off to one of these destinations in the last few days of December, just in time to see world-famous firework displays on New Year's Eve in Dubai, for example. Without further ado, here are the best holiday destinations to head to in January 2027.
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1. The Philippines
Temperature in January: 31°C high; 24°C low (in Manila)
Season: Generally dry season, although the eastern islands can be wetter
Travel time from UK: From 14 hours 30 minutes to Manila
Time difference: GMT +8The Philippines grace most people’s bucket lists – and it’s easy to see why. Social media feeds are frequently littered with enchanting pictures of kaleidoscopic underwater worlds, perfect sandy swathes and uncharted jungles punctuated by twinkling waterfalls. Explore Manila for a few days for a city-and-beach break, dipping in and out of churches, national museums and swanky hotel restaurants. However, the islands really steal the spotlight and, as an archipelago, the Philippines comprises more than 7,641 of them. Utilise easy transport links on shorter itineraries and explore beautiful Boracay equipped with scuba gear, feast in beach shacks after surfing off the coast of teardrop-shaped Siargao, and explore the lagoons of Bucas Grande with expert guides.
Sustainable travel tip: Unfortunately, long flights are unavoidable for many travellers. Consider making a difference on the ground by checking into eco-lodges and getting involved in local conservation projects.
Where to stay: Most journeys to the Philippines incorporate multiple stops, but bucket list stays among the islands include Amanpulo on the dazzling Pamalican Island in Palawan province and The Peninsula Manila – a great city hideout for post-flight recuperation. Connor Sturges
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2. The Dolomites
Temperature in January: 6°C high; -5°C low (varies significantly by altitude)
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: 2 hours to Venice, then 3 hours 30 minutes by train to Bressanone
Time difference: GMT +1While most think of the Alps when planning their next ski trip, seasoned sports fans and wellness enthusiasts alike will know to consider the Dolomites. Cortina d’Ampezzo, the ski resort that hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and co-hosted the Milano Cortina Winter Games in 2026, is an idyllic spot perfect for skiing and snowboarding amid its jagged, snow-capped peaks. Once you’re off the slopes, you may find the time to discover charming towns hidden in the Dolomites. Auronzo Di Cadore is one such town where a small population of around 3,000 and hidden-gem status makes time move peacefully slow. Plus, if you’re really wanting to wind down, check into one of several sleek and stylish spas in the region.
Sustainable travel tip: Eco-conscious travel to the Dolomites eliminates any need to catch a flight. Once in Italy, direct buses connect Venice Marco Polo Airport with Cortina d'Ampezzo, while local services make it possible to explore several of the surrounding mountain towns and ski resorts. If you prefer a more glamorous journey to the peaks, consider the Orient Express to immerse yourself in a scene straight off the big screen, with opulent, art-deco interiors and on-hand Veuve Clicquot giving passengers movie star treatment.
Where to stay: Like a wooden spaceship sitting among branches, My Arbor treehouse hotel near Bressanone is perfectly lavish with its panoramic whirlpool, indoor and outdoor pools and extensive sauna facilities.For a more wellness-focused stay, Adler Balance in Ortisei offers the perfect setting for a little self-care, with an extensive spa, personalised wellness programmes and activities designed to help guests unwind and recharge. For more on where to stay, read the best hotels in the Dolomites. Anoushka Dutta
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3. Sri Lanka
Temperature in January: 32°C high; 10°C low on the southwest coast
Season: dry season on the west and south coasts
Travel time from UK: 10 hours 40 minutes (direct)
Time difference: GMT +5:30January in Sri Lanka sees drier, sunnier days with less rainfall across the south and west coasts, making it one of the best times of year to visit this teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. The ultimate two-week itinerary in Sri Lanka includes surfing and sunbathing on the southwest coast. Head inland to explore the lush tea plantations of the central highlands, where one of the world's most scenic train journeys winds through mist-covered hills and verdant valleys. Hikers can ascend Little Adam's Peak in Ella, while those in Kandy can visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to learn more about Buddhism and the country's history. Wherever you are, delve into hoppers with crispy edges for lunch and warming plates of dhal, rice and tangy sambol for dinner.
Sustainable travel tip: Public transportation is a sight in itself when you're in Sri Lanka – get from A to B via bright and colourful buses blasting music in the city, or take one of the scenic railway journeys through the central highlands, checking current routes and timetables before travelling.
Where to stay: After exploring the tea plantations and misty landscapes around Ella, rest up at Serenite Ella, offering hilltop views from balcony rooms. Anoushka Dutta
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4. Barbados, Caribbean
Temperature in January: 29°C high; 23°C low
Season: dry
Travel time from UK: 8 hours 45 minutes
Time difference: GMT -4It's the Caribbean island's good-time vibes that keep regulars coming. Well, that and the pirate's bounty of bleached-white, powdery beaches. The glam west coast might be all five-star luxury, but head towards the south coast, and the scene quickly skews more local. In the lively fishing town of Oistins, the Friday Night Fish Fry brings the community out for an open-air party, with fresh-caught fish on the barbecue and booming reggae. Or, for a night out, hit St Lawrence Gap, a strip of rambunctious rum bars. On the quieter east coast, pounding Atlantic waves draw surfers: Bathsheba is the closest Barbados gets to boho, with pro boarders and tattooed artists. In January, at the start of the dry season, it's all appealing – drenched only in a daily average of nine hours of sunshine.
Sustainable travel tip: The best way to support the Barbados community is to leave your hotel. Spend your money at Oistins Fish Fry, supporting local fishers, food vendors and other small businesses.
Where to stay: Cobblers Cove prides itself on being quietly elegant. It is an intimate, stylish country-house hotel situated on a white-sand beach, with 40 spacious suites overlooking the sea or lush tropical gardens. For more, see our picks of the best hotels in Barbados.
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5. Thailand, Asia
Temperature in January: 32°C high; 22°C low
Season: dry
Travel time from UK: 12 hours
Time difference: GMT +7Thailand is heavenly in January. Yes, it's peak season, but the mayhem of the Christmas and New Year parties is over; Bangkok is just about as pleasant as it's ever going to get, and the islands on the south-western Andaman Coast are just lovely: Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, Koh Lanta. Further north, Chiang Mai is particularly appealing at this time of year, with cooler temperatures, sunny days and excellent conditions for exploring its temples and surrounding mountains. Over on the east side, the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao can still experience more rainfall in January, although conditions are generally improving after the wetter months of November and December. For more reliable sunshine, February and March are better bets.
Sustainable travel tip: Thai sleeper trains are a comfortable alternative to flying on certain routes, so consider an overnight rail adventure between destinations rather than internal flights. Similarly, when visiting islands, there's a ferry option more often than not, so don't head for the airport as a matter of course.
Where to stay: The Standard offers a peppy, high-energy experience in the landmark King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper. Families and those seeking the more serene should book into the whimsical railway-themed InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, where some suites occupy converted vintage railway carriages, and an old-timey ticketing booth serves as a lobby. See our guide to the best hotels in Thailand for more.
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6. Val d'Isere, France
Temperature in January: -1°C high; -10°C low
Season: winter
Travel time from UK: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by air to Geneva, followed by a transfer of around 3 hours
Time difference: GMT +1With the Christmas and New Year crowds gone by mid-January, January is a fine time to hit up the best ski resorts in Europe. And not only does French ski resort Val d'Isère boast some of the most reliable snow conditions in the Alps, thanks to its high altitude, but this St-Tropez-on-snow is only getting splashier. The spot is home to some of the best ski hotels and chalets in the region. And if Olympic downhill runs, skiing, snowboarding and Michelin-starred restaurants aren't doing it, there are plenty more inventive ways to get your kicks. Try ice driving, snowshoeing or simply settling in for an afternoon of après-ski.
Sustainable travel tip: Looking to offset all that Val d'Isère excess? Eurostar Snow runs from London St Pancras to Bourg-Saint-Maurice via a change at Lille Europe during the 2026/27 ski season. The journey takes just under eight hours, with buses and transfers connecting the station to Val d'Isère in approximately 45-60 minutes.
Where to stay: Le Refuge de Solaise, once a cable car station, is now a fun-loving ski hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, marking one of France’s highest places to bed down. We also love Le Yule, located right on the edge of the front de neige and the nursery slope. The rooms are decorated in minimalist Scandinavian style with natural colours and have balconies overlooking the piste.
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7. Porto, Portugal
Temperature in January: 14°C high; 6°C low
Season: winter
Travel time from UK: 2 hours 20 minutes
Time difference: GMT +0Relish Porto in the off-peak season, where relatively mild, albeit sometimes rainy, weather in January means fewer crowds and reasonable prices. Spend your days visiting a plethora of galleries, museums and boutiques, and explore the growing gastronomic scene. Hidden around medieval streets and up cobbled inclines are Michelin-starred and dimly lit spots that keep the dishes coming and the wine flowing. For those who really love their port, head to the Douro Valley to sample the best of the best, with sprawling vistas of terraced vineyards and the winding river below. Those staying in the city can brave 225 steps up Torre dos Clérigos for views of terracotta roofs and technicolour facades joining together like a mosaic.
Sustainable travel tip: Travelling to Porto by train from London is possible, although it requires several connections through France and Spain and is best planned as a multi-day journey. Consider stopping along the way to explore some of Europe's beautiful cities before reaching your final destination. Once in Porto, the city's metro, buses and walkable historic centre make it easy to explore without hiring a car.
Where to stay: Port connoisseurs will appreciate a hotel like Tivoli Kopke, a five-star retreat in Vila Nova de Gaia, housed in restored wine lodges associated with Kopke, the world's oldest Port wine house, founded in 1638. Or find renovated wineries and eclectic townhouses in one of Porto's best Airbnbs. Anoushka Dutta
Jon Attenborough
8. Mexico
Temperature in January: 28°C high; 19°C low (Riviera Maya)
Season: Dry
Travel time from UK: Approximately 11 hours 10 minutes to Cancún (direct flight)
Time difference: GMT -5 (Riviera Maya and Isla Holbox); GMT -6 (Mérida and Sayulita); GMT -7 (Todos Santos)The coast of Mexico is everything the British winter is not: light, colour and sunshine; spicy, warm and exuberant. Parties on the beach, yoga under the trees, a dip in dappled-light cenotes. We fell for the cosmic vibes of Tulum, and the little barefoot island of Isla Holbox, off the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. For the haciendas and smart resorts on the Riviera Maya; for colonial Mérida. And over on the west coast, sunny, surfy Sayulita. The weather on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts is wonderful in January: warm and sunny, with generally less rainfall than during the wetter months, although the occasional shower is still possible. Required holiday reading: The Lacuna, by Poisonwood Bible author Barbara Kingsolver.
Sustainable travel tip: Isla Holbox's sandy streets are easily explored on foot or by bicycle, while ferries connect the island with Chiquilá on the mainland in approximately 25-30 minutes. The island forms part of the protected Yum Balam area, where regulations introduced in 2018 restrict disposable plastic packaging and bags.
Where to stay: Near the powdery white sands of Xpu-Ha, the secluded jungle hideaway of Hotel Esencia is a reprieve from bustling resorts and hedonistic eco-hotels. On the Pacific coast near Punta de Mita, Susurros del Corazón offers a luxurious beachfront retreat with ocean-view accommodation, three infinity pools and a sprawling spa. The revamped Kimpton Mas Olas Resort and Spa in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, is a great choice for the eco-conscious, with solar power infrastructure, water-recycling initiatives and measures to reduce single-use plastics. See our guide to the best hotels in Mexico for more.
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9. Rwanda, Africa
Temperature in January: 27°C high; 16°C low (Kigali; cooler in the mountains)
Season: Short dry season
Travel time from UK: Varies by connection; generally around 12–16 hours to Kigali
Time difference: GMT +2There are many reasons to go to Rwanda. Vibrant Kigali exudes an air of positivity from its extraordinarily resilient people. In Akagera National Park, still relatively off-radar on the safari scene, lions and black rhinos have been reintroduced, and you'll spot elephants, giraffes and zebras roaming the savannah – often with far fewer fellow safari-goers than in some of Africa's better-known parks. Trek through ancient rainforests, encounter monkeys – colobus, baboons – and chimpanzees. But it's Rwanda's mountain gorillas that are the blockbuster draw. With no more than eight visitors permitted to visit each habituated gorilla family per day, treks into the Virunga cloud forest of Volcanoes National Park offer the chance for a close encounter with these endangered creatures – a moving, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's possible any time of year – whenever you can get a coveted permit – but January falls within the shorter dry season, making it one of the better months for trekking, although rain and muddy trails are still possible.
Sustainable travel tip: Revenue from gorilla-trekking permits helps fund conservation and supports local communities. Booking with responsible operators and following park guidelines are important ways to help protect these endangered animals.
Where to stay: Two of Africa's most sensational lodges are found not far from Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and the gorillas: Bisate, Wilderness Safari's thatched, curvaceous and exquisitely designed eco-lodge, which runs an indigenous reforestation programme, and One&Only Gorilla's Nest.
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10. The Japanese Alps
Temperature in January: 3°C high; –5°C low (approximately, Nagano city; colder in the mountains)
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: Approximately 12–14 hours by air to Tokyo, followed by a train journey to Nagano
Time difference: GMT +9Beyond Japan's better-known cities, Honshu's mountainous Nagano Prefecture rewards the more intrepid traveller with unique experiences in this eternally surprising land. It is home to the drama and forested beauty of the Japanese Alps, the historic Nakasendo Trail winding through the Kiso Valley, and mountain peaks which, in January, are white with snow. In Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park, the ski resort of Shiga Kogen is massive – with 18 ski areas and 45 lifts and gondolas for the 2026/27 season – but still less familiar to many overseas visitors than some of Japan's better-known ski resorts. Après-ski here is all about sushi feasts and restorative bathing in natural onsen baths… and a visit to nearby Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch scarlet-faced macaques wallowing in steaming pools to keep warm.
Sustainable travel tip: The Japanese rail system is one of the world's most efficient, so make use of it when embarking on tours and grander itineraries. From Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen connects to Nagano in around 80-100 minutes, with local buses providing onward connections to the ski resorts and snow monkey park.
Where to stay: Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is located in the Tobira hot-spring area near Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture. Its clean lines, calming colour palettes and sense of being truly in nature make it a great place to stay.
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11. Jamaica
Temperature in January: 30°C high; 19°C low
Season: Dry season
Travel time from UK: Approximately 9 hours 45 minutes by direct flight, depending on route
Time difference: GMT -5Winter in Jamaica – when temperatures dip to a cool 30ºC by day – is a bright and balmy affair. This vibrant island dances to its own rhythms throughout January with music festivals. Jamaica's music scene has always been world-leading, and never more so than right now. January is also one of the loveliest times to go for peak beach weather, the deliciously warm sea for swimming, and hiking – to waterfalls hidden in the island's lush interior or up through coffee plantations towards the peak of the Blue Mountains.
Sustainable travel tip: Eco-forward Stush in the Bush serves delicious, homegrown, plant-based Ital dishes at its regenerative ZionItes Farm in the hills of St Ann, where visitors can book a guided farm tour and enjoy a meal made with produce grown on site.
Where to stay: Ian Fleming's former home, GoldenEye, is now one of several Jamaica boltholes owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell – and remains a legend. Its history is richly storied; Island Records brought Bob Marley to the world, and GoldenEye, in turn, has welcomed a string of musicians over the decades, including Sting, who wrote The Police's Every Breath You Take while staying at the estate.
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12. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Temperature in January: 20°C high; 13°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes by direct flight
Time difference: GMT +0It's no secret the Canary Islands offer reliable winter sun – but it may surprise you that there's another side to Lanzarote. Venture beyond the east coast's sprawling resorts and discover a very cool Canary. Much of the built landscape owes a debt to local artist and architect César Manrique, who designed many of the island's must-see architectural feats: Jardín de Cactus, his magical cactus amphitheatre, or the home he designed for himself, where cave-like rooms are carved into lava bubbles (now home to the Fundación César Manrique). Speaking of which, the island's volcanic landscape is its own art project. Timanfaya National Park presents a ravishing patchwork of rainbow-hued earth. If exploring the island's volcanoes doesn't do it for you, get wet: dive underwater through the art park Museo Atlántico, or surf local favourite Famara beach, a dramatic stretch on the island's northwest coast.
Sustainable travel tip: Once on the island, consider exploring by public bus or hiring a bicycle for shorter journeys. Lanzarote's compact size makes it possible to visit several of its main attractions without relying entirely on a hire car, although some remote sights are harder to reach without one.
Where to stay: Finca Malvasia is a boutique retreat in Lanzarote's central La Geria wine region. It's packed with funky touches such as volcanic-stone walls and cactus gardens. For a private stay, bed down in one of our favourite villas in Lanzarote.
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13. Cape Verde
Temperature in January: 24°C high; 19°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from UK: Approximately 6 hours by direct flight to Sal or Boa Vista
Time difference: GMT -1A smattering of volcanic islands 350 miles off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde seems a lonely prospect at first look, out in the mid-Atlantic. But there's a reason it has fast become a fly-and-flop favourite: miles of uninterrupted ivory beaches, impossibly pure surf and an intriguing lunar landscape. Not to mention its consistently sunny disposition: January's daytime temperatures hover around 24–25°C, although the Atlantic breeze can make it feel cooler. And finally, there's a lovely little eco-lodge to rival the big hotels and budget guesthouses. With a focus on low-impact tourism, Spinguera is a restored fishing village near a secluded stretch of coastline on the north coast of Boa Vista island (translation: good view). Think charming, stone-hewn villas with bright yellow shutters, fresh, white bedrooms and lantern-lit sunset suppers. You could while away every day right here. Or go island-hopping to explore more of Cape Verde's craggy beauty, from Sal's arid volcanic landscapes and salt pans to São Vicente, the heart of its colourful music scene and home to the lively cultural capital, Mindelo.
Sustainable travel tip: Try exploring the islands by ferry. Some routes are more regular and reliable than others, such as São Vicente to lush and mountainous Santo Antão, and Santiago to rugged Fogo (where there's a vineyard in a volcanic crater). Check sailing schedules before travelling, as services can be affected by weather and some crossings operate only on selected days.
Where to stay: At Odjo d'Agua Hotel, a charming seaside hotel in Santa Maria on Sal, with a garden, a pool, individually decorated rooms (antiques and curios, fishing equipment and so on) and an open-air restaurant-bar jutting out into the sea, where you can dine as the Atlantic rollers crash past.
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14. Montreal, Canada
Temperature in January: -4°C high; -12°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: Approximately 7 hours 20 minutes by direct flight from London
Time difference: GMT -5If a rave in sub-zero temperatures sounds appealing, Montréal is for you. The city's annual January Igloofest returns from 14 January to 6 February 2027, tempting parka-clad party people outside with a line-up of world-class electronic music acts. Elsewhere, Old Montréal's historic stone buildings look fabulous with frosting, and you can go snowshoeing up Mount Royal for excellent city views (it's more of a hill, really, right in the middle of town). Mile End remains one of the city's liveliest neighbourhoods, and its food institutions are as popular as ever: warm up with classic smoked-meat sandwiches at Schwartz's Deli, just south of Mile End, or St-Viateur's hot-out-the-oven, hand-rolled bagels (thinner and sweeter than New York's). For a comforting treat in the cold, poutine is considered a delicacy – try it at Au Pied de Cochon for a decadent foie gras version, or La Banquise for the classic dish. If you need to come in from the cold, there's the Underground City – a sprawling network of pedestrian passages connecting shops, restaurants, metro stations and cultural attractions beneath downtown.
Sustainable travel tip: In the hip warehouse district Griffintown, the Hôtel Alt Montréal, from Canadian-owned Groupe Germain, has been designed with sustainability in mind: think geothermal heating and energy-saving lighting. The hotel also holds a four-out-of-five Green Key certification and has introduced measures to reduce single-use plastic water bottles.
Where to stay: Auberge du Vieux-Port, located on the riverfront in Old Montréal, has a restaurant and a rooftop terrace with views of the St Lawrence River and the Old Port, although the terrace is closed during winter.
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15. Panama
Temperature in January: 32°C high; 24°C low
Season: Dry season on the Pacific coast
Travel time from UK: Approximately 13 hours or more, usually with a connection
Time difference: GMT -5Finding a photograph-worthy beach in Panama – a compact country with two long coasts – is easy. Finding a suitably chic stay to match is more of a challenge. Maybe that's why this gem gets overshadowed by its rowdy neighbours, Colombia and Costa Rica. But that's all starting to change now, thanks to the Islas Secas. On a remote, private archipelago of the same name, just 20 miles off Panama's Pacific shore, this retreat leaves you marooned in luxury: its collection of individually designed casitas, tented accommodation and a private residence can sleep up to 32 guests. Expect expert-led excursions to uninhabited islands and jungles, and complete silence come nightfall. Changing gears, the Panama Jazz Festival makes January the best time to visit for a musical party, returning from 14 to 16 January 2027 with performances by Paquito D'Rivera, Danilo Pérez and Victor Wooten. Hole up in Central America's first W hotel. Meanwhile, the capital's historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood has undergone a remarkable transformation, with restored colonial buildings now home to restaurants, galleries and boutique hotels, including romantic bolthole La Concordia.
Sustainable travel tip: At Islas Secas, 13 of the archipelago's 14 islands remain undeveloped. According to the resort, it runs on solar power, with backup generators available for emergencies, and reclaims and treats its water for reuse in irrigation. Alternatively, choose a simpler island getaway in Guna Yala, the Indigenous-governed Caribbean territory also known as the San Blas Islands. Here, locally run accommodation ranges from basic beach huts to small lodges. Pass on flying here – from Panama City, you can travel by road to the Caribbean coast before taking a boat to the islands.
Where to stay: Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, the former Union Club of Panama, has a waterfront infinity pool, a spa and spacious rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the Pacific. For a pretty retreat on a coffee farm in the mountain area of Boquete, Los Establos, has spacious suites, great views and plenty of activities.
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16. The coast of Brazil, South America
Temperature in January: 30°C high; 24°C low
Season: Summer
Travel time from UK: Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours by direct flight to Rio de Janeiro
Time difference: GMT -3Brazil is worth splurging all your annual leave in January for. Spend your New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo and then stay on for a couple more weeks and head up the coast to any number of preposterously gorgeous, barefoot-n-bikini-chic beach havens. So many thousands of miles of empty, golden sand, and beautiful people drinking caipirinhas at the coolest beach parties. The kind of places that really get our travel clichés rolling. Trancoso, in Bahia, is the original and still one of the best. Surfy Itacaré, the largely car-free islands of Boipeba and Tinharé. Or the historic city of São Luís and the beaches around Jericoacoara, on the wild and stunning north-east coast.
Sustainable travel tip: Brazil's forests face continuing pressure from deforestation and wildfires, so consider supporting conservation efforts by booking community-led nature experiences with Indigenous-owned tourism businesses, where visits are welcomed and authorised by the communities themselves. For your flight, choose direct over one with multiple layovers. Once in Brazil, consider spending longer in fewer destinations rather than taking several additional domestic flights.
Where to stay: Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa. A ramshackle façade disguises this utterly fabulous hotel. Individually designed houses are tucked among lush tropical gardens, with several incorporating restored buildings and reclaimed materials. The hotel's spa uses locally sourced botanical ingredients, and there's a pool lined with green aventurine stones.
David Crookes
17. South Africa
Temperature in January: 26°C high; 16°C low
Season: Summer
Travel time from UK: Approximately 11 hours 30–50 minutes by direct flight to Cape Town
Time difference: GMT +2So, so many reasons to go, but briefly: amazing food and wine, beaches, hotels. Sensational scenery, from the Garden Route and Western Cape to the Little Karoo. Completely thrilling wildlife encounters on safari, staying at the most incredible lodges, or along the coastline in knock-out villas. January is one of the best months for a summer escape to the Cape, although safari destinations such as Kruger are in their rainy season, when lush vegetation can make wildlife harder to spot. Wine can be drunk all year round. And because South Africa is only two hours ahead of the UK in January, jet lag is unlikely to be much of a problem once you're home again. Shame we can't say the same about hangovers.
Sustainable travel tip: When choosing a safari, make sure some of your money goes towards conservation and supporting local communities. The likes of Kruger and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, where rhino poaching remains a serious concern, need these funds for wildlife protection and anti-poaching efforts. Look for operators that contribute to conservation programmes, and remember that park entrance fees also help fund conservation work.
Where to stay: At Silo Hotel, the best hotel in Cape Town for eclectic design and wraparound views. Its compact footprint packs a punch and includes a spectacular rooftop bar and a heated pool overlooking the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain. The pool is reserved for hotel guests.
18. Rajasthan, India
Temperature in January: 24°C high; 8°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: Approximately 14 hours, with a connection to Jaipur
Time difference: GMT +5:30India's state of princes is spectacular in January. It's pleasantly warm during the day, although nights can be chilly, and the palaces are still popular with visitors. Even so, you can dance through its palaces as if on your own private Bollywood set. Don't miss the jewels in its crown – pastel-hued Jaipur, turquoise-speckled Jodhpur and romantically golden Udaipur – but leave room in your itinerary for a few forgotten treasures: the serene Jal Mahal, best admired from the shores of Jaipur's Man Sagar Lake, or the ruins of the once-thriving fortified town of Bhangarh. January also provides ideal daytime conditions for an Arabian Nights-style safari in Jaisalmer, where you can traverse the desert on the back of a camel and sleep under the stars – just pack plenty of warm layers for the cold desert nights.
Sustainable travel tip: Rajasthan's train network is extensive and a useful alternative to domestic flights. But reserve well in advance to secure the more comfortable sleeper classes – First AC (1AC) offers enclosed compartments, while Second AC (2AC) has open-plan berths. Both generally provide bedding and towels – because they get snapped up fast. You can book through the Indian Railways site, which requires a frustrating registration process but is doable if you're the patient type, or else use the quick and easy online agency 12go.asia.
Where to stay: Brij Lakshman Sagar was originally constructed in the 19th century as a hunting lodge and has since been converted into a luxury getaway on 32 acres of land near Raipur, in Rajasthan's Pali district. The resort features 12 cottages, each with its own private plunge pool, alongside restored historic buildings, dining spaces and a striking communal swimming pool carved into the rock.
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19. Dubai, UAE
Temperature in January: 24°C high; 14°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: Approximately 7 hours by direct flight
Time difference: GMT +4Running from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, Dubai's shopping festival makes this time of year perfect for taking light souvenir shopping into a fully fledged wardrobe do-over. Several locations across the city take part, with the Gold Souk being a highlight to adorn yourself with gilded pieces (prices open to negotiation). Beyond Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, the festival also brings live music, outdoor markets and entertainment to locations across the city, including Dubai Festival City Mall. Another reason visitors come to Dubai in the winter – apart from pleasant temperatures – is the New Year's Eve fireworks display. If you're arriving in time for 31 December, start your January holiday in the city with a hotel view at Address Downtown for a close-up of the fireworks at Burj Khalifa – just make sure to book a room with a Burj Khalifa view.
Sustainable travel tip: Dubai's The Sustainable City development, in Dubailand, has car-free residential areas, shaded pedestrian paths and dedicated cycling routes, alongside solar panels and community gardens. Follow its Instagram for more information about the project's environmental initiatives.
Where to stay: Opulent hotels house ultra-modern designs and spectacular views when you're in Dubai, with some of the best hotels in the Middle East. For lavish stays, read the best hotels in Dubai, while family-friendly Airbnbs provide a more laid-back feel (but with no compromise to the views). Anoushka Dutta