Best places to visit in January if you want to beat the winter blues

For some people, including me, winter brings on a severe case of the winter blues. Personally, all I can think of right now is a warm place where you can find sunny blue skies and ubiquitous warm weather throughout the year.  Get ready to escape the winter blues to one of the best places to visit in January. From picturesque cities to cosy hideouts in exotic destinations.

Why not get away from the harsh winter to an ideal destination where you can cure the winter blues? To help you plan, I have compiled a list of the best places to visit in January where you can go to soak in some sun. 

Which places are best to visit in January?

The Bahamas

Wondering where is it hot in January? In this destination, you’ll have a guaranteed sunny holiday and perfect beach bliss!  So, if you need a perfect tan, look to the gorgeous Bahaman islands for your dosage of Vitamin SEA! This destination is a favourite among many holidaymakers due to its long days and warm sunshine throughout winter.

• Go horseback riding - In the warm winter sun along the beach, horseback riding is a must-do on your visit to The Bahamas. 

• Go "Snuba" diving. - Snuba diving is an awesome combination of snorkelling and scuba diving, and The Bahamas is one of the best places to try it out.

• Swim with sharks. - Compass Cay is a perfect place to get up close and personal with the sharks, known as nurse sharks.  

• Visit the famous pigs of Exuma. - Visiting and swimming pigs of The Bahamas is a popular and fun activity in Big Major Cay.

• Go on a culinary adventure. - Indulge in delicious Bahamian cuisine and sample rum, cocktails and sweet treats.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an all-time favourite winter getaway and one of the best places to visit in January. Summer in Costa Rica begins when many of the countries enter winter. If you are an avid nature lover, this is the place to be! Beautiful rainforests, stunning beaches, and the fact that the country is budget-friendly make it a traveller’s paradise. 

• Go on a Sunset Sailing Cruise - Sunset cruises are among the best activities in Costa Rica, where you can see spectacular sundown while you relax.

• Ride an ATV.  - Add some adrenaline to your visit to Costa Rica as you ride on an ATV through forests and jungles to reach beautiful vistas. 

• Canyoning. - Canyoning is an excellent activity that will get you adrenaline pumping adventure in the middle of a beautiful rainforest. 

• Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) - Paddle your way down tranquil rainforest rivers, or enjoy the secluded coves 

• Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center - The Jaguar Rescue Center is one of the best places to learn more about the wildlife of Costa Rica.

Sydney

Whether it’s just simply taking some time to get over the seasonal slump or get away from the dreary weather. Sydney’s culture and rejuvenating scenery, a world-renown beach-side metropolis famous for its year-round weather, the outdoor-focused lifestyle, and one of the best places to visit in January. 

• Explore the Sydney Opera House - Get an opportunity to see behind the scenes of Australia’s most iconic building.

• Try to master the Bondi to Manly walk. - Go on a hike on Sydney’s most popular coastal and inner-city walking tracks and take in stellar views of the harbour. 

• Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge. - Scale across the world-famous ‘Coathanger’ to gain breath-taking sights of Sydney Harbour in all its majesty. 

• Go on an Indigenous walk at Dharawal National Park.  It has stunning views and is a great place to get local knowledge about Indigenous Australians.

• Visit the Hornby Lighthouse - Visit Sydney’s cutest lighthouse that overlooks the calm waters of Camp Cove of the Pacific Ocean.

Phuket

If your idea of a perfect holiday is being pampered and complete relaxation, then head over to Phuket, Thailand. The tropical island is a popular winter destination for its spa and wellness retreats with stunning beach landscapes. If you want to take in the rich heritage and culture, or looking for one of the most fabulously warm places to visit in January, then Phuket is the place to be. 

• Phang Nga Bay - Visit Phang Nga Bay, a perfect place to enjoy a unique day out and get an unforgettable experience.

• James Bond Island - James Bond Island, actually named Koh Tapu, is a beautiful area surrounding this island with a spectacular rocky pinnacle.

• Spend some time at Phuket’s best beaches - Your trip to Phuket would not be complete without spending some good time on one of the best beaches in Phuket.

• Go on an adventure to Similan Islands. - The stunning Similan Islands is an exhilarating place surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches and clear blue seas and is a heaven for scuba diving and other water sports.

• Island-hopping in Phuket - Phuket is littered with stunning little tropical islands across the Andaman Sea. These islands are certainly worth visiting on an island-hopping tour.

Hawaii

The heavenly Hawaiian Islands are one of the best places to visit in January. Yet again, this is the perfect escape for those who want nothing but complete fulfilment. On your visit to Hawaii, you’ll find impressive sights. Including cascading waterfalls, rainforests, black sand beaches, and active volcanoes.

• Visit Hawaii Volcanos National Park - Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness its fascinating geology and ancient petroglyphs; it’s one of the must-dos in Hawaii’s Big Island.

• Dive with Manta Rays - Snorkel or scuba dive with manta rays at night when they come to feed is an adventure that you can’t miss on the Big Island

• Visit Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - Drop by the Hawaii Tropical Graden, it’s considered one of the top things to do in Hawaii. It’s the most stunning tropical botanical garden you’ll ever encounter! 

• Hike the Kalalau Trail - The Kalalau Trail on the island of Kauai is arguably one of the most beautiful trails in the world, which provide breathtaking views of the coastline and valleys.

• Snorkel with Sea Turtles - Tunnels Beach is one of the best places to get up close and personal with turtles and other marine life.

Dubai

Dubai is a place that is a favourite among many travellers and is a destination found on many travel bucket lists. The hot climate has made it one of the best places to visit in January for travellers looking for an extraordinary trip. This futuristic, luxurious city offers unique and authentic views of various award-winning sights and activities. From desert tours, sky diving for adrenaline junkies, and well-maintained beaches to great theme parks. 

• See the Dubai fountain display - Enjoy the world’s largest choreographed fountain display, where the waters sway in time to musical numbers. 

• Go on a desert safari - Go on an exciting desert safari at the golden Arabian desert, complete with thrilling activities such as camel rides, quad biking, sandboarding and more!

• Take a picture at the iconic Dubai Frame - Dubai Frame is one of the best places to take some great photo ops and is one of the newest additions to the city’s skyline.

• Stroll around the Dubai miracle garden - Feast your eyes on a world of floral wonder at Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest natural flower garden of colourful flower displays. 

• Take in the views of the Dubai Marina - Enjoy the best views of the city’s liveliest and most happening neighbourhoods at the Dubai Marina. 

The Canary Islands

Where is it hot in January? Here’s where you should go! For a warm-weather trip packed with adventure and recreation, board a plane to the alluring Canary Islands. Blessed with beautiful subtropical forests and post-card-worthy beaches, the island is ranked as one of the best places to visit in January. Famous as a go-to winter-sun destination, earning a reputation as a prime winter holiday spot for Europe.

•  Teide National Park, Tenerife - Visit Teide National Park in Tenerife, the third-highest volcano globally and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which highlights your trip to the Canary Islands.

• Maspalomas Dunes on the beaches of Gran Canaria - The Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria is a beautiful stretch of golden sand beaches, perfect for sunseekers to catch some rays.

• Dolphin and Whale Watching in Tenerife - Tenerife is known for the wonderful waters home to whales and dolphins, and a whale-watching cruise is one of the most favourite things to do on the island.

•  Loro Park, Tenerife - Loro Park in Tenerife is a wildlife park and one of the most popular attractions for families in the Canary Islands.

• Cueva De Los Verdes - One of the most popular things on Lanzarote is exploring the Cueva De Los Verdes, a volcanic tube that extends from La Coruna Mountain to the sea. 

If you are planning a getaway during winter to one of the hot holiday destinations, I’ve got great news for you!  World Class Adventures has a range of winter sun holiday destinations that offer a tropical antidote for the winter blues. So, don’t wait any longer! Check out the best places to visit in January and feel free to call or email me, and I’ll help you pick out the best deal!