The Top 10 Travel Destinations for January 2027

New year, new destinations! January is all about fresh beginnings, and what better opportunity is there than travelling the world? So if you’re ready to chase winter sun, or extend that festive magic post-holidays, here’s how. Discover the top 10 travel destinations in January below to brighten up the blue days. 🩵 

Best Destinations in January: At a Glance

• Best destination for backpacking: Thailand
• Best destination for winter sun: Australia
• Best destination for snow: Japan
• Best destination for islands: Philippines
• Best destination for wildlife: Costa Rica

1. Thailand

Average temperature: 27℃

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Making new friends 🎊

For paradise beaches, tropical jungles and epic nights out… Nothing is beating Thailand in January. Balmy days of soaking in the sunshine and hopping from island to island should be at the top of your bucket list (plus actually drinking out of sandcastle buckets, hey Full Moon Party! 🌝).

Get ready for peak dry-season weather, plus more budget-friendly prices following the heights of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Coming to Thailand during this month means swapping January blues for ocean views. And that’s not all. From ethical elephant sanctuaries to jungle treks, Thailand’s north is equally magical.

Thailand Travel Tip

Wondering what’s the easiest way to travel around Thailand? Sleeper buses and trains are every backpacker’s go-to. You’ll want to book these up in advance if you’re travelling independently. Or on our Thailand tours, all you need to do is show up. We take care of the rest!

2. Australia

Average temperature: 30℃

Season: Summer ☀️

Perfect for: New chapters 📖

Has January got you reflecting on new chapters? Turn the page to Australia. Or more specifically, the Working Holiday Visa for Australia! This is one of the world’s best working holidays, and is open to 18 to 35s from a variety of nationalities (including British citizens). Travelling the world and earning money at the same time? Sign us up!

Even if you’re looking to get away for a few weeks, Australia is the perfect place for a reset in January. Picture this: perfecting your surf on Bondi Beach, sailing the bright turquoise waters of the Whitsundays, or heading to Australia Zoo to befriend Robert Irwin classic Aussie wildlife. Give it a few days, and you’ll be asking yourself, “Wait… Should I move Down Under?”

Australia Travel Tip

The longer you’re in Australia, the better! 4 to 5 weeks is the ideal trip length for exploring the East Coast, and other iconic destinations like Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, for the ultimate Australia Adventure.

3. Japan

Average temperature: 0℃

Season: Winter ❄️

Perfect for: Snow monkeys 🙈

Want to know a secret? January is one of our favourite times of year to visit Japan. All of the country’s most famous highlights – comforting bowls of ramen, steamy onsen hot springs and modern cities, neon-lit late into the night – are even better during the cosy winter season. Plus, this is also one of your best chances to spot Japan’s most famous snow monkeys and catch a full glimpse of Mount Fuji!

And if all of that wasn’t enough to convince you, maybe those flight prices will. For anyone dreaming of Japan and wanting to do it on a budget, January is typically when travel costs are most affordable here.

Japan Travel Tip

Pack light! You’re going to buy so much stuff out here. Honestly, you could probably even bring an empty backpack to Japan – it will be full by the end of your trip! Lightweight luggage is also recommended for navigating Japan’s public transport.

4. Costa Rica

Average temperature: 26℃

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Surfing 🌊

Start the New Year right in Costa Rica. There’s a reason why every traveller who comes here gets obsessed. From chasing ocean waves to horseback riding at sunset, ziplining through jungle treetops or safari walks late at night, take your pick of adventure. Living the “Pura Vida” (“Pure Life”) is the best way to spend your January.

Although Costa Rica is what we call perfect in all seasons, January just hits different. Expect long days of golden sunshine by the beach, and although there are still a few rain showers in Costa Rica’s emerald cloud forests, that’s when all the wildlife comes out!. 

Costa Rica Travel Tip

Bring a reusable water bottle. Tap water in Costa Rica is generally safe, and this is a great way to both save some money and make a small positive impact whilst travelling. Some national parks have strict rules on bringing plastic water bottles in, and vendors outside may overcharge.

5. Iceland

Average temperature: -2℃

Season: Winter ❄️

Perfect for: Northern Lights 🌌

The “Land of Fire and Ice” is the ultimate winter fantasy. Think frozen waterfalls, early sunsets, and polar nights where the Aurora Borealis dances in the sky, beaming in shades of violet and green. Glacier treks, exploring ice caves and sinking into steamy hot springs make this destination a dream come true for any traveller who prefers the cold.

January is one of the Best Times to See the Northern Lights in Iceland, and yet, one of the quieter months for tourism following the festive season. So if you’re looking to do Iceland on a budget, January is your best bet.

Iceland Travel Tip

There’s no such thing as bad weather in Iceland, only bad clothing. Packing suitable trekking shoes and layers is highly recommended, especially if you plan on doing outdoor activities. Also, make sure to bring a swimsuit for the famous Blue Lagoon!

6. Philippines

Average temperature: 29℃

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Island-hopping 🏝️

If heavenly beaches are what you’re longing for this January, the Philippines is where you need to be. Spend your days island-hopping between unreal viewpoints, sailing to hidden spots, and fully embracing the slower pace of life.

And with so many different islands to choose from, everyone has a favourite. Maybe you’ll fall in love with El Nido’s limestone cliff viewpoints, find your paradise at the beachside bars of Port Barton, or feel it in Siargao: the Philippines’ most insane surf spot. Guess you’ll have to find out for yourself!

Philippines Travel Tip

Embrace “Island Time.” One of the best parts about the Philippines is all the unexpected gems, whether that’s stargazing on a secret island or taking the longer scenic route on a boat trip.

7. Mexico

Average temperature: 26℃

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Beaches 🏖️

Winter in Mexico is a world apart from the UK. Escape to pristine stretches of white sand by the Caribbean Sea, even dreamier than all the socials you’ve seen floating around of winter sun gems like Tulum and Isla Holbox. Plus the chance to swim underground in the bright turquoise pools of Mexico’s ancient cenotes.

Only thing that can top Mexico’s natural beauty? It has to be all the cultural highlights, from authentic Mexican cuisine to buzzing cities that never sleep (and the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World!). 

Mexico Travel Tip

A little bit of Spanish goes a long way! Although some English is spoken in Mexico’s most popular destinations, practising a few basic phrases is greatly appreciated and considered to be a sign of respect. On our Mexico tours, your group leader can teach you a few Spanish phrases.

8. New Zealand

Average temperature: 22℃

Season: Summer ☀️

Perfect for: Nature 🏞️

Feel like you’re seeing New Zealand everywhere? Take this as your sign to explore Aotearoa, translating to “Land of the Floating White Cloud.” Split across two islands, the tropical north and mountain-heavy south, your perfect adventure awaits here. Sleepy beachside villages, jaw-dropping fjords, frozen glaciers… Name it, and New Zealand has it.

Why January? Enjoy the heights of summer in New Zealand, aka one of the best times of year to discover all of the country’s mesmerising contrasts. This month is also when dolphins and fur seals make an appearance on the South Island’s coast.

New Zealand Travel Tip

With limited public transport, New Zealand is one of the best destinations for a road trip. Of course, you could check out one of our New Zealand tours where all the driving is taken care of for you… Or if you fancy giving it a go independently, our Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary does the trick.

9. Austria

Average temperature: 2℃

Season: Winter ❄️

Perfect for: Winter sports ⛷️

Austria in January is peak ski season. Christmas may be over, yet you can still feel the festive magic here. Glide along fresh powder by day, whether you’re team skiing or snowboarding. Celebrate your winter adventures late into the night with après (aka, a good excuse for partying hard). You know how it goes… Ski, schnapps, sleep, repeat!

Fancy more from your winter getaway? Austria is home to the most picturesque cities that belong in a fairytale. If you’ve ever seen The Sound of Music before, you’ll probably recognise Salzburg at first sight!

If you’d like more inspiration, check out Sarah’s recent experience on our 1 to 2-week Austria Ski trip, where she shares her top 10 Reasons to Go Skiing & Snowboarding in Austria.

Austria Travel Tip

Sundays are all about rest. In Austria, the tradition is for most shops, including supermarkets, to be closed on this day. Although your ski chalet is most likely to run business as usual, the fresh bakery around the corner may have to wait until Monday.

10. Sri Lanka

Average temperature: 26℃

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Variety ✨

There’s just something about Sri Lanka in January that leaves you wanting more. Whether your heart is set on the legendary surfing scene, hiking through emerald valleys, or riding one of the most scenic train journeys in the world… Sri Lanka makes all these dreams doable, giving you so much more adventure than what you came for.

Sri Lanka is the whole package, really! So if it’s variety you’re craving to start the year with, good luck finding a destination more diverse than this one. Feeling bored is pretty much impossible here.

Sri Lanka Travel Tip

You have to try the local food! Sri Lankan cuisine is packed with flavour, and we cannot believe it’s not talked about more. Must-try dishes include crispy-thin hoppers (think savoury pancakes, typically with an egg cracked inside), not to mention all the vegetable curries and fresh seafood… Brb, booking my flights. 

Still Undecided?

Wondering where else you could travel to in January? Our friendly travel experts are the best people to chat to. It’s super easy to book a 1-to-1 call; just visit our Contact Us page to set up a time in a few clicks.
 

Are you team winter sun or snow? Either way, let’s make your dream trip a reality! Check out our group tours today, where you can find even more bucket list inspiration. It’s perfect for travelling solo, and with a plus one (or two!). ✨