Keep reading for our top ten travel destinations in January.
Looking to kick off the new year on a high note by taking a trip somewhere new and exciting. Here, we curated a list of the top travel destinations for you to head to this upcoming year. Be sure to check events you may have arranged or planned as they may be cancelled or postponed.
Take advantage of these amazing travel destinations we’ve written for you today! In addition, you can check out our best credit card bonuses here to maximize savings.
1. Cartagena (Colombia)
Cartagena (Colombia)
| Average Temperature | 87°F high; 75°F low |
| January Events | Cartagena Festival de Musica Hay Festival |
The city of Cartagena lays on the port in Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This beautiful destination is a perfect in January with warm temperatures, very little rainfall and low humidity. The city’s historic center has been deemed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. “Old Cartagena” consists of beautiful colonial architecture, hotels, boutiques and restaurants surrounded by miles of ancient walls.
Additionally, you can relax and enjoy a day soaking up some sun on the beach or head to the Rosario Archipelago just 60 miles off the coast. Travelers tend to enjoy the city’s amazing snorkeling and diving spots.
2. The Florida Keys (USA)
The Florida Keys (USA)
| Average Temperature | 73°F high; 64°F low |
| January Events | Florida Keys Seafood Festival Key West Food & Wine Festival Master Chefs Classic (websites not yet updated for 2021) |
The Florida Keys are full of fun during the month of January. Travelers can opt to take a scenic drive on the Overseas Highway from Miami, or hop on a boat from Fort Myers to Marco Island.
With beautiful and sunny weather in the winter, there are an endless amount of water activities to enjoy during this time of year. Options include: snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing and more. One of the best parts about this sunny destination is the sunsets, we highly recommend penciling in a sunset cruise with your favorite playlist.
Be sure to Duval Street during your trip for some photo ops. This area is home to a vibrant collection of funky shops, outdoor cafes, art galleries and more.
3. Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
| Average Temperature | 42°F high; 43°F low |
| January Events | Amsterdam Light Festival – (canceled for 2021) National Tulip Day Jumping Amsterdam |
Amsterdam can get pretty cold during the winter time, but it’s usually not below freezing in January. if you’re looking for a cooler place to head to this winter then this Dutch destination is a great option that’s not too jam-packed. The cool and chilly weather is a perfect excuse to dip into a cafe for a coffee and poffertjes (pancakes covered with powder sugar).
If you’re looking to hit all the classic tourist spots then be sure to go on a canal cruise and explore the city’s historical regions like the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
4. Harbin (China)
Harbin (China)
| Average Temperature | 9°F high; -11°F low |
| January Events | Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Chinese New Year |
If you’re looking for a colder destination to head to this January then consider stopping at Harbin in northeastern China for the Ice and Snow Festival. You can enjoy and experience processions, fireworks, fanfare, art and sculpture competitions and even an ice swimming competition as well as a group wedding ceremony.
This icy and frigid destination is made for winter lovers. Be prepared to pack layers of warm clothing, thick coats, comfortable boots, hats and gloves.
5. Bermuda
Bermuda
| Average Temperature | 69°F high; 60°F low |
| January Events | Bermuda Restaurant Weeks |
Even though 60 degrees isn’t necessarily suitable for the beach, Bermuda still has plenty to offer with their mild January weather. Travelers can enjoy teeing off at Turtle Hill Golf Club, exploring the island with a Twizy electric vehicle rental, discovering the island’s history through well-preserved homes, and getting a bird’s eye view of Bermuda at the top of Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse.
6. Rome (Italy)
Rome (Italy)
| Average Temperature | 54°F high; 37°F low |
| January Events | Retail Sales |
January is one of the prime shopping seasons in Italy. During this time, you’ll find great, post-holiday deals at both international-brand stores and boutique shops in Rome.
Shopping lovers can head to Via Condotti, Via del Corso, and Via dei Coronari. There are typically crowds that flock to the city at other times of the year. For a little break from retail stops, head to Capitoline Museums and Palazzo Pamphili without having to reserve tickets in advance
7. Los Angeles, California (USA)
Los Angeles, California (USA)
| Average Temperature | 64°F high; 46°F low |
| January Events | Rose Parade |
If you’re not a fan of big heat but want to experience the bustling streets of Los Angeles then January might be the perfect time for you to visit. The weather is typically sunny and in the 60’s so you can enjoy sunny LA without breaking a sweat. Outdoor activities around this time include: the 20-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail between Torrance and Pacific Palisades and walking tours of Grand Central Market, Olvera Street and Chinatown.
In the case that weather is chilly or rainy, you can head to one of L.A.’s impressive museums like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or the Petersen Automotive Museum.
8. Sydney (Australia)
Sydney (Australia)
| Average Temperature | 79°F high; 66°F low |
| January Events | Sydney Festival Australia Day |
If you’re looking for a nice and warm travel destination this January then consider Sydney, Australia. This time of year is summer in Sydney so the weather is perfect for the beach. You can enjoy surfing lessons at Bondi Beach, go sailing in Sydney Harbor, picnic in one of the city’s parks, hike waterside trails, catch an outdoor concert, or be a spectator at a professional sporting event.
Please note that this is peak season in Australia so you should book your tickets before they sell out.
9. Park City, Utah (USA)
Park City, Utah (USA)
| Average Temperature | 34°F high; 14°F low48 |
| January Events | Sundance Film Festival |
Just about half an hour southeast of Salt Lake City, Park City acts as a gathering place for filmmakers, actors, and movie lovers. This smaller city is the home of Sundance Film Festival, where guests can attend panel discussions and multimedia installations.
Nearby, travelers can enjoy 7,300 acres of skiing and snowboarding fun at Deer Valley and Park City Mountain resorts. Another notable spot to check out is Utah Olympic Park – a great place to learn about winter sports and recapture the excitement of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Park City.
10. Baja California (Mexico)
Baja California (Mexico)
| Average Temperature | 72°F high; 55°F low |
| January Events | Whale mating and birthing |
January in Baja California is when the humpback and gray whales migrate to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez to mate and give birth. Head past Cabo San Lucas to the eastern tip of Baja California to get the best views. The East Cape is filled with dirt roads leading to gorgeous, wild beaches. The weather during this time is perfect for activities like golfing and kiteboarding.
BONUS DESTINATION: Finland
Northern Lights (Finland)
| Average Temperature | 30°F high; 16°F low |
| January Events | Northern lights |
Despite the freezing weather and lack of daylight, Finland becomes a hotspot for travelers during January. That’s because this time of year is perfect for viewing the mesmerizing northern lights.
Aurora hunters have a plethora of places to stay. One notable spot is the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, which offers private suites with panoramic windows that showcase the lights. Alternatively, you can sleep at the Northern Lights Wilderness Camp where cabins are mounted on skis and towed across the Arctic for the best view of the northern lights.
Best Credit Card To Redeem For Flights
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 The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. You'll earn: • 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. • 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. • $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com. • $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel. Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. There is a $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150) and no foreign transaction fees. (See Rates & Fees). Now, you'll get get more savings with your first checked bag for free on Delta flights. Terms Apply. |
The JetBlue Plus Card is the best rewards card for JetBlue frequent flyers. It offers bonuses on restaurant and grocery store spending, fast track to Mosaic elite status and a few other travel benefits.
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The United? Explorer Card is the best United Airlines rewards card. It offers bonuses on hotel and restaurant spending and plenty of travel perks.
 The United Explorer Card offers 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays. • 1x mile on all other purchases Perks of this card include: • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. Member FDIC |
Top Destinations By Month
To start accumulating more miles & points, below is a list of the top destinations for each month during the calendar year:
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in January
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in February
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in March
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in April
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in May
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in June
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in July
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in August
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in September
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in October
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in November
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in December
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Bottom Line
Start off the year on a good note with a trip for yourself or with some friends and family!Be sure to consider some of the spots we’ve mentioned if you want to head to one of the top travel destinations this January.
If you want to save even more money on your travels, then be sure to check out our Best Travel Credit Cards. Check our list on Discounted Gift Cards and get the best bang for your buck with the Best Cash Back Shopping Portals and our eBay Gift Cards list offered here at HMB!
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