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
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® is the best American Airlines rewards card. It offers bonuses on dining and gas spending and a handful of travel perks. And the key reason American Airlines travelers use this card: complimentary Admirals Club lounge access and 10K EQMs!
 The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® offers 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. You'll earn: • 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases • 1 AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on other purchases • 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage mile earned from purchases This card comes with $450 annual fee, however, there are no foreign transaction fees. You can also save when traveling - first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation. On top of that, you'll get an Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you. |
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 The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Earn up to 20,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights. You can earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels; 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets; 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. This card comes with a $250 Annual Fee, but for each round trip Delta flight, you can check your first bag for free and save up to $240. In addition, there is no foreign transaction fee. You'll also get fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®. (See Rates & Fees). Terms Apply. |
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is the best Delta Air Lines card for occasional flyers. The card offers bonuses on restaurant and supermarket spending and comes with a handful of travel perks.
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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.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the best Southwest Airlines rewards card. It gives cardmembers bonus points on partner hotel and car rental spending, fast-track to elite status, Southwest travel credit every year and more.
 The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. In addition, you'll earn 7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary each year. You'll earn: • Earn 3X points on Southwest purchases. • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. Some perks include $75 Southwest travel credit each year., receiving 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, savings of 25% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi, and more! This card carries a $149 annual fee and no transaction fees. |
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: • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services Perks of this card include: • Getting up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • Get your first bag checked for free (up to $140 savings per roundtrip). Terms apply. • Get priority boarding perks & visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24. This card does come with a $95 annual fee, however, the annual fee is waived for the first year. |
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
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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