Where to go in January
The best places to explore at this time of year
The best places to explore at this time of year
Half the world shivers, but the savvy traveller simply follows the sun. East Africa unveils its 'secret season'—lush landscapes with great wildlife viewing, minus the crowds. Patagonia offers hiking perfection, while Southeast Asia delivers mild sunshine and minimal rainfall.
Patagonia is very close to perfection in January. Think crisp mornings, plenty of daylight hours, and beautiful, clear skies for hiking the legendary trails of Torres del Paine or kayaking in the Lake District. It's also a fantastic time for exploring Santiago’s wine bars and buzzing art scene as well as heading north to the Atacama Desert, where sunset over the salt flats feels like stepping onto Mars.
Vietnam covers several different climatic zones, and finding a time in which all of them are good can be tricky… In January, mild temperatures, minimal rainfall, and soft sunshine characterise much of the country from Hanoi in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south. Sapa and the mountainous northern region can, however, get very cold, so we recommend saving your hiking for the milder spring months.
Colombia is basking in its dry season and bursting with energy. The cobbled alleys of Cartagena are sun-drenched and festive, Tayrona’s beaches are dreamy, and Medellín’s eternal spring is in full bloom. January is also a great time to explore the coffee region, with plenty of tasting, hiking, and view gazing in order.
January and February are East Africa’s ‘secret season’ and Kenya is sunny, green, and full of life. Wildlife sightings are spectacular in the Masai Mara and Laikipia, and you’ll have fewer crowds than in the high season. This short dry spell makes this one of the best months for a quieter, lusher safari – and the coast is hot (although a little humid) and ideal for a spot of R&R on the beach.
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11 nights from $23,479 per person
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11 nights from $14,982 per person
10 nights from $18,038 per person
9 nights from $8,906 per person
13 nights from $8,779 per person
Namibrand, Namibia
