Wednesday, January 1, 2025

5 Best Countries to Visit in January

January is a surprisingly great month to travel, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. The summer is just starting to kick in, so the temperatures are hot but not scorching! In the Nothern Hemisphere it gets cold and icy, the perfect destination for those looking for an idyllic winter escape. On the other hand, the Southern Hemisphere is gloriously sunny and warm. The perfect place to travel to if you’re tired of the cold and want to sunbathe your winter blues away. From beach resorts in the Maldives to ice caves in Iceland, there’s something for everyone. Each of these ten January destinations offers culture, stunning landscapes, and a unique winter experience.

 

Iceland


Cold and frosty, Iceland in winter is picturesque and enchanting.

You can’t miss the waterfalls on the South Coast, like Seljalandsfoss which plummets 60 meters before landing on the icy rocks below.

Another top winter attraction is Iceland’s majestic ice caves. Vatnajokull’s are particularly impressive because of the blue hue that lights up the caves. You will have to book a tour to see them though!

Seeing the Northern lights should be at the top of your Iceland bucket list. There are a number of spots you can see them from, like Borgarfjorour and Thingvellir National Park.

To finish off your Iceland trip, spend a day relaxing in the country’s iconic natural hot springs like Askja.

Mexico


January is a great time to visit the coastal and southern parts of Mexico. Whilst they can get too hot and humid during the summer months, the temperatures are cooler in January.

Beach destinations along the Yucatan Peninsula like Tulum and Cancun bring travelers in from around the World.

Their white sand beaches and cool cenote pools, coupled with Mayan temples like Chitchen Itza and Coba make it an unforgettable destination.

If you want to dive into Mexican culture, head to San Cristobal. This colorful colonial town still has a vibrant Indigenous culture and is dotted with artisanal markets.

Ethiopia


January is one of the driest months in Ethiopia, when temperatures are warm and sunny. Riddled with historical sites and breathtaking natural landscapes Ethiopia is the trip of a lifetime.

Some of the most spectacular lakes are in the Rift Valley, which is flanked by the Bale Mountains. Lake Langano and Chamo to mention some. Be aware of the hippos and crocodiles that live there!

Next, pick amongst the country’s spectacular historical sites. Like the 11 rock-cut churches of Lalibela. The fortified historic town of Harar Jugol which has 82 mosques, or Yeha Temple built in 700 BC.

Gambia


Sunny and dry, why not escape the cold winter season with a trip to Gambia?

With more than 600 species of birds calling Gambia home, it’s a hotspot for birdwatchers. Not struck on birds? Then why not visit the adrenaline-inducing crocodiles in Kachikally Crocodile Pool instead.

The Abuko Nature Reserve is also a must for wildlife lovers.

There’s a whole host of World Heritage Sites in the country too, like the stone circles of Senegambia and Fort James (Kunta Kinteh) Island. Sitting along the Gambia River, the island and fort have a legacy wrapped up in the slave trade.

Uruguay


January is part of Uruguay’s summer season, the perfect time to get away and soak up some sun.

As well as the country’s glistening beaches, if you visit at the end of January you’ll catch the start of carnival season. The streets come alive with music and Candombe dancing!

Uruguay is also something of a hidden gem for art lovers. Visit the famous La Mano en la Arena (the hand in the sand) sculpture that erupts out of the sand on Playa Brava.

Next, check out the gleaming white Casapueblo villa built by Carlos Paez Vilaro on a stark cliffside. It’s now home to an art gallery too!

Want to get a feel of Uruguay’s culture? Markets are always the place to immerse yourself in Latino culture. The Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo is no exception. You’ve got to stop for lunch at one of the parrilla stalls for some of the best BBQ steak in the world. Source : touropia


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