Where To Go In January
A new year means a clean slate of travels ahead – and when better to start than January. If circumstances allow, it’s a genius time to jet away: it postpones the January blues, allows us to travel without huge crowds, and means we can make the most of far-flung destinations that are ripe for visiting. Pick well, and you can get a bargain-priced holiday too – keep an eye out for destinations that are in their shoulder season to get that winning combination of great prices and favourable conditions. Need some inspiration? Here’s our favourite places for a January jaunt.
Masai Mara, Kenya
For animal lovers, the Masai Mara is the ultimate holiday. There’s always something to see on the plains, but January makes for an eventful visit, as it’s when the short rains have finished, leading to a vibrant green landscape and fast-flowing rivers. January is calving season for species like wildebeest and zebra, which makes for a spectacle of nature – but be warned lions, cheetahs and hyenas are also watching for their next hunt! The Masai Mara is less busy in January than the Great Migration (in July to October), so to balance wildlife-spotting with lower cost and fewer crowds, it’s arguably the best time of year.
Barcelona, Spain
If you’re keen to experience the impressive sight of the Sagrada Familia, the expanse of the Park Güell featuring the inimitable works of Antoni Gaudi, and the atmosphere of La Rambla, all without jostling for space with thousands of other tourists, January is the right time to visit Barcelona. You won’t get the gloriously warm Spanish sun – though temperatures of around 15C aren’t bad – but it’s a chance to explore it in a way that’s more relaxed for you and for locals.
Happily, all major attractions are still open in January, though some may have shorter opening hours in the summer. With airfares starting at £31 return (or even £36 if you can’t deal with Luton Airport at 6.25am) it’s a tempting option for a getaway.
Gujarat, India
While Gujarat is a lesser-visited Indian destination than Rajasthan to its north and Mumbai to its east, its beauty is in its authenticity. It’s a dry state and largely vegetarian, meaning party-goers won’t find what they’re looking for here. But if you’re interested in authentic Indian life, cultural traditions and spiritual practices, it’s a wonderful find within India.
Fly in to Ahmedabad to begin your adventure – time your visit with Uttarayan on January 14th to see its famous kite festival, where thousands of people come out in their droves, and fly elaborately-designed kites that dot the sky all day long. Elsewhere in the state, you’ll find stunning temples that are feats of architecture, and a safari in Gir National Park may reveal the rare Asiatic Lion – it’s the only place you’ll find them in the wild.
Cordoba, Argentina
There’s so much to entice holidaymakers to Argentina: the steaks, the wine-making region of Mendoza, the cultural energy of Buenos Aires. The second city of Cordoba is a spectacular draw too. Steeped in an eventful history, its colonial architecture remains. Stop off at Cabildo, the old colonial town hall, and Manzana Jesuítica: a Unesco-protected complex with one of South America’s first universities, which speaks of the area’s Jesuit heritage. But it’s also a city with a strong contemporary feel – its large student population brings a youthful atmosphere, and that’s proven by the prevalence of bars, nightclubs and contemporary art galleries. Be sure to check out MAC (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo), which showcases the Argentine trailblazers who are pushing boundaries and redefining art.
Mekong River, Cambodia
To see the cultural and historical riches of Cambodia in a calmly-paced fashion, a cruise along the Mekong River can’t be beaten. Those with more time can follow the river onto Vietnam, but there’s plenty to see in Cambodia alone: start at Phnom Penh, the country’s capital, before winding your way through rural villages. Along the way, stop to sample regional cuisine, pick up trinkets at riverfront markets, and learn about the country’s deep, sometimes difficult, past. Weather-wise, January is a popular time to visit Cambodia with dry days and comfortable temperatures, so be sure to book your spot as early as possible.
If you’re heading away on a trip in January, whether it’s to enjoy the winter sun or the thrill of the slopes don’t forget to pack Switched On Travel Insurance. Find out more here.