January is often seen as the start of new beginnings and a time for making plans. It is also a prime time to both book and embark on a holiday. After the festive hustle and bustle, the post-Christmas lull offers an excellent opportunity to plan ahead and secure the best deals for your travel adventures throughout the year. Airlines generally release fares and packages eleven months in advance so during January you can plan holidays for the whole year ahead and secure the best availability and prices.
However, travelling in January can be equally rewarding. Many destinations in the Southern Hemisphere boast favourable weather conditions, making it an ideal time to escape the UK’s winter chill. Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked beaches, cultural immersions, or exhilarating outdoor activities, there are perfect long haul destinations waiting to be discovered. From the colourful cities of Southeast Asia to the serene islands of the Caribbean, January offers a wealth of experiences to satisfy your wanderlust.
We can help you uncover the best places to visit in January, providing you with inspiration, travel tips, and expert insights to make your January long haul holidays unforgettable. Let’s make this year, one of remarkable travels and extraordinary memories…
Chapters:
Auckland, New Zealand
Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, USA
Bangkok, Thailand
Serengeti and Zanzibar, Tanzania
Jamaica, Caribbean
The Ghan Railway, Australia
| Auckland | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 11,400 miles |
| Journey Time | Around 24 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT + 12 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Fable Auckland, Pullman Auckland |
| Visit Auckland |
Sometimes only the other side of the world will do. January falls in the height of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, providing warm, sunny weather ideal for exploring Auckland’s renowned outdoor scene.
Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is surrounded by picturesque harbours and dotted with volcanic hills, creating a stunning backdrop for a holiday. Start your exploring by ascending the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. For a taste of New Zealand’s renowned natural beauty, you can take a short drive to the nearby black sand beaches of Piha or the lush rainforests of the Waitakere Ranges.
One of the must-do experiences whilst in Auckland is to catch the ferry to Waiheke Island. Just a 40-minutes cruise from downtown Auckland, Waiheke is famed for its vineyards, olive groves, and stunning beaches. You can spend a whole day wine tasting, indulging in gourmet food, or simply relaxing on the island’s pristine shores.
If you have time head down to Federal Street for a visit to the ‘All Blacks Experience’. Whether you are a rugby fan or not, this interactive exhibit gives an insight into the pride of the nation and the importance of the country’s Māori heritage.
Travel Tip: Eat out in the bustling Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. They are perfect for al-fresco dining and people watching in the lively waterfront atmosphere.
| Jackson Hole | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4650 miles |
| Journey Time | Around 12 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT – 7 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Delta, American Airlines, British Airways |
| Where to Stay? | Spring Creek Ranch, Old Faithful Inn |
| Visit Yellowstone |
A long haul holiday in January doesn’t have to be all about winter sun. Nestled in Wyoming’s Teton Range, Jackson Hole boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America, with pristine powder and stunning mountain scenery.
You can begin your trip by hitting the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, renowned for its challenging terrain and extensive trails suitable for all skill levels. For a lower altitude experience, you could also try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through the winter wonderland of Grand Teton National Park.
In the town of Jackson, you can soak up the authentic western atmosphere. Wander through the town square, marked by its famous arches made from elk antlers, and lose that chill in the local boutiques, art galleries, and cosy restaurants.
To the north of Jackson Hole is the snow-covered Yellowstone National Park. Despite most of the park entrances being impassable in a normal vehicle, the park is still accessible on ranger led tours from Bozeman airport. Lodges at Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs remain open over the winter, enabling guests to stay warm in the frosted landscape. Available activities include skiing, snowshoeing, stargazing and wildlife viewing. It is possible to view bison braving the cold, and track the footprints of wolves out on the hunt.
Travel Tip: When exploring Yellowstone in winter, consider joining a guided snowmobile tour. These tours are great fun and provide expert knowledge, enhancing your experience and ensuring you don’t miss anything.
| Bangkok | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 5920 miles |
| Journey Time | 11½ hours (direct) |
| Local Time | GMT + 7 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Thai Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways |
| Where to Stay? | Banyan Tree, Anantara Riverside Resort |
| Visit Bangkok |
January is one of the best times to visit Bangkok, as the weather is typically dry and pleasantly warm, providing a perfect escape from the UK’s winter chill.
When you first arrive in Bangkok the city can appear unfathomable and sprawling, with tuk-tuks and traffic heading in all directions, but once you have adjusted, you quickly realise that Bangkok has a real beauty and grace.
Begin your stay by taking a boat ride through the morning mist along the Chao Phraya River to experience the city’s perfect blend of old and new. Visit a bustling market, like the Chatuchak Weekend Market for an incredible shopping experience that will challenge all your senses. Then head to Ratanakosin, the historic quarter, home to the beautiful Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is probably one of the greatest temples in the world.
For more temples, it is possible to hire a longtail boat to travel upriver to Banglamphu to see Wat In, the Temple of the Standing Buddha. From here, it is a short stroll across to Thon Buri, where you can experience traditional life in Bangkok and take a tour along the narrow canals.
Bangkok is a gateway to exploring the rest of Thailand, but don’t just ignore the capital. In three of four days, it is possible to squeeze in the city’s highlights and help you adjust to a different culture, before continuing your journey.
Travel Tip: To escape the noise and smog of the busy streets, use the river to navigate around the city where possible. You will find boat travel relatively cheap and often faster than travelling by car or tuk-tuk to many destinations.
| Tanzania | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4600 miles |
| Journey Time | 11 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +3 Hours |
| Which Airline to Fly? | Kenya Airways. Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines |
| Where to Stay? | Kirawira Serena Camp, Baraza Resort |
| Visit Tanzania |
This is the classic safari & beach combination, and by travelling in January you are taking advantage of the warmest temperatures and avoiding the rains that usually arrive between March and May. Whilst the Serengeti is the most famous, Tanzania is blessed with many stunning and unique National Parks, so plan at least a week to include a few different parks during this part of your holiday.
The town of Arusha is often used as a gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Whilst Arusha National Park is one of the smallest in the area, its proximity to the imposing peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, makes it a great location for dramatic photos.
Spanning 5700 square miles, the Serengeti National Park is one of the most renowned wildlife reserves in the world. The park’s diverse ecosystems, incorporating vast grasslands and lush forests, make it an ideal place to observe Africa’s Big Five; elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Although “The Great Migration” passes through the Serengeti later in the year, January is a great time for spotting resident animals, whilst it is less crowded with safari vehicles, and accommodation prices are lower.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera. Formed about three million years ago, the crater spans 100 square miles and boasts a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife. The lush crater floor features grasslands, swamps, lakes, and forests, creating varied habitats that support a wide array of species, including the Big Five. One of the unique aspects of Ngorongoro is the high likelihood of spotting endangered black rhinos, which are often elusive elsewhere.
After the excitement of a Tanzanian safari, Zanzibar’s pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters provide a tranquil haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. January falls during Zanzibar’s dry season, offering warm and sunny weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The dry season means the waters around Zanzibar are particularly clear, providing excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving.
Zanzibar’s rich cultural tapestry, influenced by its African, Arab, and European heritage, is evident in its historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, explore vibrant spice and food markets, and visit the impressive Sultan’s Palace, historic fort and poignant slave museum.
Travel Tip: If you want to avoid the well-trodden path of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, head further south to the vast protected areas of Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. These hidden gems provide an authentic safari experience, off the beaten track. Still offering chances to view the Big 5, these parks also offer opportunities to see rarer species like wild dogs and sable antelope.
| Jamaica | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4650 miles |
| Journey Time | 10 hours (Direct) |
| Local Time | GMT -5 Hours |
| Which Airline to Fly? | Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, American Airlines |
| Where to Stay? | Sandals Negril, Moon Palace |
| Visit Jamaica |
Jamaica offers a perfect escape from the winter chill and has always been a popular destination for UK visitors searching for a Caribbean island escape. January is part of Jamaica’s dry season, making it one of the most favourable times to visit. The island enjoys warm, sunny days with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C throughout January, the humidity is lower compared to the summer months, and the sea remains warm.
January is a great time to immerse yourself in the local culture, with various events and festivals that celebrate Jamaican music, food, and traditions throughout the month. Reggae music, a genre that originated in Jamaica, is a central part of the island’s identity. You can explore the roots of reggae by visiting the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston or by attending live music performances in local venues.
The Accompong Maroon Festival, held annually on January 6th, is a unique cultural event celebrating the Maroon community’s history and heritage. This festival offers a rare glimpse into the traditions, music, and dances of the Maroon people, descendants of escaped African slaves who established free communities in Jamaica.
In January, the island’s inland landscapes are at their most vibrant and accessible. Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most famous attractions, offers the chance to climb a series of terraced waterfalls amidst tropical foliage. The cooler, dry weather makes the climb more enjoyable and less strenuous.
Of course, Jamaica’s beaches are legendary, and January is an ideal time to enjoy them. Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, with its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling. The calmer seas in January provide excellent conditions for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing.
Montego Bay and Ocho Rios also offer beautiful beaches and a wide range of activities. It is possible to join a catamaran cruise, explore coral reefs on a snorkelling excursion, or simply relax on the beach with a refreshing rum punch.
Travel Tip: All of the Caribbean is just a short hop from the United States, with regular direct flights from many major cities. Why not create your own city and beach holiday by combining New York or Miami with a week in Jamaica?
| Darwin, Australia | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 8600 miles |
| Journey Time | 19 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +9½ Hours |
| Which Airline to Fly? | Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates |
| Where to Stay? | Vibe Darwin Waterfront, Eos by Sky City, Adelaide |
| Visit Australia |
From the top to the bottom, The Ghan is Australia’s most famous rail journey (narrowly edging out the Indian Pacific). Travelling between Darwin, in the Northern Territory, to Adelaide, in South Australia, The Ghan follows a historic path, followed by explorers with camels, that ultimately played a crucial role in the opening up of Australia’s interior.
A journey on the Ghan gives a glimpse of the varying landscapes that colour Australia. The colours of the “Top End” are predominantly green, from the lush tropical vegetation that enjoys the hot and humid temperatures through most of the year. The green disappears as you head towards the Red Centre. Although you are still in the state of Northern Territory, the land becomes an arid landscape dominated by iron rich sands and sparse vegetation. Travelling further brings you into South Australia, where the Outback hues begin to transform into arable farms and ultimately vineyards amongst the rolling Adelaide Hills. In one journey you have a microcosm of the whole of Australia.
Probably the best way to travel is on “The Ghan Expedition” rail service. This four-day, three-night journey covers the nearly 2000 miles in luxury, with various stops to allow you to explore the Australian Outback further. You can choose to travel in luxury, with a Gold and Platinum service, providing private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds and onboard gourmet dining.
Off train excursions include stopping at Katherine to discover the stunning Nitmiluk Gorge, where you can take a guided cruise along the river, below the sandstone cliffs. You can also disembark at Alice Springs in the Red Centre, where you can learn more about the landscape in the Desert Park or take up the option of a scenic flight over the iconic Uluru. Coober Pedy is famous for it opal mines, and a stop here enables you to visit underground homes and churches, as well as learn more about the town’s mining history.
Whilst January is at the height of summer in Australia, The Ghan train is comfortably air-conditioned, so that even the desert temperatures over 30°C won’t feel too oppressive. The landscapes in January are generally dry and arid, giving a unique perspective on travelling through the desert. It also allows some of your evening meals to be eaten off the train and under the stars. The Ghan Expedition is a truly unique Australian experience.
Travel Tip: The Ghan attracts travellers from all over the world. So, whilst you should spend plenty of time looking out your cabin window, or relaxing in the observation car, you should also take the opportunity to socialise and exchange stories with your fellow passengers. The lounges, dining cars and excursions provide plenty of opportunities to meet people and you’ll likely get to make new friends with inspirational travel stories to tell.
Alternative January Destinations Hand-Picked For You.
Richard has more than 25 years of experience working within the travel industry. He has travelled widely in the USA, Australia and Africa and enjoys exploring National Parks and other wilderness areas.
