Begin 2018 the Right Way: Travel! Kick Off the New Year by Checking Out the Best Places to Travel in January
If you are a traveler, then we assume you hope to do plenty of traveling in 2018. Isn't that the ongoing New Years Resolution of all travelers? To do more, more, and more traveling? It is a new year and new adventures await. Let January set the trajectory for your year by checkout out the best places to travel in January. We are going all around the globe for this one. There are snow-covered mountains, tropical beaches, and enchanting cities to explore on this winter vacation list. Visit as many as you can this month! Whether you enjoy the cold or trying to escape the cold, there are destinations for every traveler on this list of the best places to travel in January. Let's start talking about what those places are so you can get booking your travels as soon as possible!
1. Park City, Utah
Credit: Flickr
Interested in hitting the slopes this winter? Park City, Utah is the place to be for all things snow related. Utah has snowboarding, skiing, and many other winter activities to participate in. The skiing and boarding scene in Utah is the main reason why people vacation to the area in the winter. However, Park City offers more than just snow-filled activities. For starters, if all you want to do is cozy up by the fire with a cup of tea and a good book, then, by all means, Park City is a beautiful space for you to do just that. Sit by the window, play card games, bake warm treats, heat up hot cocoa, and watch skiers and snowboarders glide down the slopes. Just wait until you see the sun retreat behind the mountains if you really want to be blown away by beauty. Also, on days when you want to get outside and explore the city, we suggest walking down Main Street. Restaurants and shops line the city street.
In Park City, there is something for everyone. You don't have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy your time in this city. Located just east of Salt Lake City, Part City is one of the best places to travel in January.
2. Oahu, Hawaii
January has just begun. Are you already tired of the cold? Are you already in need of warm sand between your toes, a ice cold lemonade in your hand, and the sun's warm rays colliding with your skin? If that's the case, then for you, one of the best places to travel in January will have to be Oahu, Hawaii. Oahu is the most populated Hawaiian Island. Therefore, there is so much to do, see, eat, and experience on the island. Plus, Oahu is home to the capital of Hawaii and the largest Hawaiian city: Honolulu. If you are curious about the top things to do in Honolulu, then check out our Honolulu bucket list before traveling to Oahu!
The island offers a range of high-end luxury accommodations as well as affordable accommodations. With a wonderful climate, it is no wonder why so many travelers vacation to this sunny island during the winter. Should you be interested in visiting other Hawaiian Islands during your trip, refer to our Guide to the Hawaiian Islands for details about each one.
3. Toronto, Canada
Toronto in January is cold. Let's make that clear. However, it is an absolute treat for your eyes to see this city dressed in snowfall. Plus, you hardly have to spend any time outdoors. Unless, of course, you want to. Toronto has numerous coffee shops, restaurants, shops, and art galleries to wander in and out of. If you are vegan, you will be blessed by the many vegan options scattered around the city. And if you care about ethical consumerism, then you will be pleased by the amount of Fair Trade coffee shops and stores in Toronto as well.
When in Toronto in January, we highly recommend taking in the beauty of the skyline, observing the murals found around nearly every corner, visiting a game café on a chilly afternoon, going sledding (there are many incredible hills), and, of course, visiting the icy Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is about an hour and a half drive from the city center, so stopping by is a must when in Toronto. If you don't mind the cold and wish to explore a diverse, progressive, vegan-friendly city, then come to Toronto, Ontario this winter. For good reasons, Toronto has made our list of the best places to travel in January.
4. Venice, Italy
All year-round, travelers flock to the elegant Italian city of Venice. While the spring, summer, and fall months have their perks, nothing quite compares to a winter in Venice. The enchantment of the city only intensifies as winter approaches. There are street performances and musical shows and cafés and canals. Love lingers in the air, making Venice an ideal romantic winter destination. Here, you will find mist looming over the canals and impeccable sunsets over the skyline. The city features charm that cannot be missed.
Because winter is more of an off-season for tourism in Venice, you and those you are traveling with will experience a serene stillness to the city. Apart from the pure beauty of Venice, there are other reasons why Venice is one of the best places to travel in January. For instance, from late January to early February the Venice Carnevale is open. This annual festival leaves the city sparkling with colors, costumes, and sounds. While you are on your trip, also be sure to go ice skating, take a romantic gondola ride, and drink hot chocolate from Italy's oldest coffee house, Caffe Florian.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Highs reaching 90°F, lows touching 60°F, what can be better when escaping the frost of winter? January and February tend to be among the driest months in Chiang Mai, making it the ideal time to travel to the city. This is because some of the greatest things to do in Thailand are outdoors. There are mountains to hike and beaches to visit and markets to explore. Hot days and cool nights await you in Chiang Mai, Thailand this January.
Another reason this city made our list of the top places to travel in January is because Chiang Mai is an affordable vacation destination. Taking a trip to Thailand is known to be one of the top travel bargains. Accommodations are cheap and the food is cheap. And the memories made? Oh, they will be priceless. When you visit Chiang Mai this January just remember, bartering is openly encouraged. With a rich culture and history to learn about, travelers will enjoy discovering, adventuring, and bartering their way through this city in Thailand.
6. Dubai, UAE
Dubai has a tropical desert climate, meaning winters aren't severe. The winter months produce an average temperature high of 75°F and an average temperature low of 60°F. The weather is ideal for when you want to escape your snowy hometown (that is, if you come from a snowy hometown). In Dubai, there is no shortage of shopping malls, restaurants, luxurious accommodations, and beaches.
Plus, should you want to go skiing or snowboarding while in this desert city, you surprisingly can. Head to Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort located within the Mall of the Emirates. In what other city can you shred down the slopes in the morning and be relaxing on the beach in the afternoon? The indoor ski resort has 5 slopes, chairlifts, a freestyle snowboard area, equipment rentals, ski lessons, and more. If you are curious about other things to do while in Dubai this January, then check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Dubai.
Where Are You Traveling This January?
From Utah to Oahu to Toronto to Venice to Chiang Mai to Dubai, where will you be traveling this month? If you want snow, skiing, and snowboarding, we vote Utah. Should you want the tropics, consider Oahu. If you are young, vegan, or simply looking for a new city adventure, Toronto is the place for you. Thinking about a romantic getaway? Venice will set the scene for love. If you want a travel bargain, then head to Chiang Mai. If you want luxury and warmth, consider going to the tropical desert climate of Dubai. When it comes to the best places to travel in January, these destinations are our top recommendations. Whether you want to be in the cold or are trying to escape the cold, there is a destination for everyone on this list of the best places to travel in January.
So, where are you traveling to this month? There is no better way to kick off the new year than packing up and setting off on a new adventure. Let us know where you are going in the comments section below!
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