Did you know, January is a great month to go on holiday? Winter has settled over the northern hemisphere, so many countries are quieter and Europe and North America are dazzling winter wonderlands. And if you want to chase the sun and buzz of the holiday season, Southeast Asia, Central America, and South America are at their best.
But the world is big and the possibilities are endless, so read on to discover which country is the right one for your holiday!
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Get a taste of the high life in the second smallest country in the world. Winding streets and beautiful architecture charm wanderers, beautiful beaches inspire nature lovers, and glamourous restaurants offer the best brunch in Europe.
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Wander around the Old Town
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Tour the Palais du Prince
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Visit the Monte Carlo Casino
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A crisp 12°C is made for hot chocolate
Visit this off-the-beaten-track country for a taste of real European magic. Explore the vibrant city of Bratislava or be awed by historic architecture and Slovak folklore in Košice and Poprad. Slovakia is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered
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Sip on red wine and tasty Slovak beer
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Take in the view at Spis Castle
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Bask in a thermal spring in Trenčianske Teplice
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Pack warmly for a chilly 2°C
Switzerland is a country of alpine mountains and medieval towns that inspire and awe even the most seasoned travellers. Experience culinary indulgence in Zürich head to Geneva for a touch of culture, or go yodelling in one of the postcard villages.
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Go skiing on the famous Swiss Alps
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Indulge in amazing cheese and chocolate
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Witness the landscapes on a scenic train ride
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Experience a real European winter at 3°C
Greece is always a good idea, even with a slight chill in the air. Spend your holiday exploring the archaeological sites in Thessaloniki and Heraklion or just take it easy in Santorini. Greece never fails to dazzle with its beauty and mystical charm.
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Indulge in delicious Greek winter food
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Warm up with some traditional rakomelo
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Soak in Vouliagmeni Lake, a thermal spring
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Don’t forget a warm jacket at 13°C
Head to Portugal for a holiday you won’t be able to stop gushing about. Wander around the picturesque towns of Sintra and Faro, search for pastéis de natas in Lisbon and sip Madeira wine in Funchal, or head to Porto for exquisite architecture.
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Listen to some Fado (Portuguese folk music)
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Wander around the Livraria Lello bookstore
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Visit the legendary Quinta da Regaleira
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A fresh 15°C was made for sipping port
Turkey is a country bursting at the seams with rich culture, exotic food, and sublime experiences. Wander around Istanbul to feel the beating heart of Turkey, head to Antalya or Dalaman for a dose of history, or fall in love with artistic Ankara
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Visit the remarkable historic city of Cappadocia
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Try as many different Turkish dishes as you can
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Dip your toes in the Pamukkale Water Terraces
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Prepare for a frosty 10°C
The Netherlands - Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual light art festival that transforms the city into a glowing dreamland of bright lights and vibrant colours. A cruise along the famous canals or a meander through the historic streets are the best ways to see the light installations and the city.
1-10°C daytime temperatures
The last Sunday before Ash Wednesday
Amsterdam
Croatia - Rijeka Carnival
Rijeka Carnival is an annual celebration that marks the end of the festive season leading up to Lent. To the pagans it represented redemption from immoral behaviour and a cleansing of bad luck and evil spirits. Today, it is the biggest carnival in Croatia and the last hoedown before fasting begins.
3-9°C daytime temperatures
17 January-14 February (dates may change)
Rijeka
Scotland - Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is a celebration of Viking history and local traditions that has been happening in Shetland since the 1880s. It is a truly Scottish celebration that unfolds in a series of marches through the streets, visitations and parties, and torch-lit processions that culminate in the burning of a galley.
1-6°C daytime temperatures
The last Tuesday in January
Lerwick
There are no European destinations that have perfect beach weather temperatures in January. Check the other continents or scroll down to Popular Budget-Friendly Destinations to check for European countries that are affordable in January.
For a truly unique travel experience, head to the edge of Africa where Morocco basks in sunshine and the exotic charm of the Mediterranean. Take your senses on a wild ride through Marrakech or search for romance in the legendary town of Casablanca
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Explore the blue town of Chefchaouen
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Soothe your body in a traditional hammam
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Take it easy at a cool 17°C
Head to Nigeria to feel the heartbeat of West Africa. Lagos is the fashionable heart of Nigeria where something is always going on. Abuja seduces with its style and artistic soul. And then there is Kaduna, which charms with its food and culture.
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Soak in the Ikogosi Warm Springs
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Try unique Nigerian cuisine
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Experience the nightlife in Lagos
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The heat is on at 34°C
If a rustic tropical getaway sounds like your kind of holiday heaven, then the Seychelles is the place for you. Indulge in a slice of local island life and Creole cuisine in Mahé or hop on over to Praslin Island to experience a real island paradise.
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Visit a coconut farm on La Digue
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Snorkel around the islands
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Go ziplining through forests
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Beach days galore at 34°C
Visit Mozambique during January and you will encounter rainfall but also lush landscapes and a chance to explore the country without crowds and high prices. Eat all the seafood you can handle in Pemba or experience the exciting rhythm of Maputo
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Wander around the historic town of Inhambane
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Be awed by beautiful Gorongosa National Park
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Try some crab matapa for a taste of Mozambique
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Don’t forget the sunscreen at 30°C
Head to Zambia for a chance to see the landscapes draped in beautiful green. Several camps are open during the rainy season and offer incredible intimacy and discounts for your African holiday. Or explore Lusaka to feel the big city vibe of Zambia!
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Try local cuisine at Dorphil Restaurant
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Go on a walking safari along Luangwa River
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Look out for adorable newborn baby animals
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The temperature is warm at 26°C
Make your way to Zimbabwe to experience the lush natural beauty of its landscapes, friendly vibe of its people, and magic of its precious cultural gems. Even during the rainy season, Zimbabwe is a place where the sun always seems to be shining.
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Try traditional Zimbabwean cuisine
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Visit the Khami Ruins in Bulawayo
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Experience the cosmopolitan bustle of Harare
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All you need is a light jacket at 26°C
South Africa - Kaapse Klopse
The Kaapse Klopse (or Cape Town Minstrel Carnival) is an annual festival that sees thousands of minstrels marching through the streets of Cape Town a blaze of colour and music. The festival has roots stretching back to the time of slavery and is a celebration of liberation, self-expression, and tradition.
16-26°C daytime temperatures
21 January
Cape Town
Mauritius - Thaipoosam Cavadee
The Thaipoosam Cavadee festival is one of the most interesting religious festivals in Mauritius. It is a Hindu celebration that originated in Southern India and involves body piercing and bamboo cavadees decorated with bells, flowers, coconuts, peacock feathers, banana leaves, and icons of Lord Muruga.
22-29°C daytime temperatures
21 January
All over the island
Benin - Ouidah Voodoo Festival
The Ouidah Voodoo Festival will take you on a journey through history and the voodoo culture for which Benin is so well known. A feticheur (a sort of wizard / witch doctor) leads a procession along the old slave road to the beach, where the festival is celebrated with ceremonial drums, rituals, and performances.
24-32°C daytime temperatures
10 January
Ouidah
Mauritius
Mauritius is famous for its exquisite beaches and temperatures of 29°C. Grand Baie is the most famous and perfect for swimming or anchoring down with a catamaran. Flic en Flac and Trou Aux Biches boast some of the best diving spots around the island. Pereybere will appeal to snorkellers. Île aux Cerfs is popular amongst boating enthusiasts and parasailers. Le Morne and Belle Mare Plage have the perfect conditions for kitesurfing and sailing. And Blue Bay is superb for an array of water sports.
Namibia
The beaches of Namibia are a surreal sight to behold and a paradise for sun chasers with temperatures of 31°C. Although the beaches are not ideal for a casual swim, the strong swells are a dream come true for daring surfers and kite surfers. Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are hotspots along the Namibian coast and it is not uncommon to see thrill seekers riding the waves. Lüderitz also gets quite windy and is another great spot for kite surfers to chase the powerful swell of the Atlantic Ocean.
Malawi
It may not have traditional beaches, but for many, Lake Malawi has everything you need for a great waterside holiday. Secluded coves with soft sand are excellent for sunbathing and soaking up the East African sun, clear water teeming with colourful fish is fantastic for swimming and snorkelling, the vast calm surface is the perfect playground for sailing and kayaking, and temperatures reach 31°C. Head to Cape Maclear, Mumbo Island, Likoma Island, or Mangochi Lakeshore for the best beaches.
New Zealand is a country bursting at the seams with adventure. Auckland and Wellington are cosmopolitan cities overflowing with art and culture, while Christchurch and Queenstown will amaze and inspire thrill seekers and nature lovers.
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Go on a Lord of the Rings tour
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Bungee jump in the birthplace of the bungy
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Visit the Tamaki Maori Village
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Enjoy warm temperatures of 20°C
Explore this Southeast Asian country which is famous for its secret beaches, exotic street food, and unforgettable energy. Visit Bangkok for mind bending nightlife, Chiang Mai for temples, or Phuket and Koh Samui for unreal island hopping.
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Indulge in the strange and wonderful cuisine
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Get an authentic Thai massage
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Let loose at a Full Moon Party
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Things are heating up at 32°C
Go to one of the most unique countries in the world and finally understand what all the fuss is about. Explore cultural treasures in the glittering city of Abu Dhabi or indulge in the lavish lifestyle of Dubai, the iconic city that started it all.
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Visit a traditional Bedouin camp in the desert
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Wander around the Bastakia Quarter
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See the world from the Burj Khalifa
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The perfect warm weather at 24°C
Let China amaze you with its snowy landscapes and winter charm. Try skiing in Beijing, eat your way through Guangzhou,visit the temples in Jinjiang, or get lost in the energetic bustle of Shanghai for a classic experience in this legendary country.
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Go shopping in Hong Kong
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See the Great Wall of China covered in snow
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Head to Sanya, the Hawaii of the East
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Things are going to get a little frosty at 2°C
Be inspired and astounded by the magic of Israel. Tel Aviv is a modern city with a bit of everything you need for a sensational trip, while Eilat is a postcard-pretty holiday town. And of course, you have to visit the sacred city of Jerusalem
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Float on the Dead Sea
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Go skiing on Mount Hermon
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Explore the holy city of Jerusalem
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Be sure to pack a jacket at 13°C
There is no place in the world like Japan. From the bright lights and electric energy of Osaka and Fukuoka to the serene temples and traditions of Kyoto, this is a country that will take your breath away whenever you decide to go.
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Attend the Sumo New Year Basho in Tokyo
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Drink beer and eat miso ramen in Sapporo
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Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway
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Prepare for a nippy 7°C
Japan - Wakakusa Yamayaki
The Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival celebrates a strange tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Every year, just after the dusk, the side of Mount Wakakusa is set alight and allowed to spread across the mountainside. The exact origins of the festival are a mystery, but it is a terrific sight to behold.
1-9°C daytime temperatures
The fourth Saturday in January
Nara City
Australia – Sydney Festival
The Sydney Festival is a major summer arts event that celebrates big ideas and cutting-edge art and performance. It is a massive three-week long event that transforms the city into a cultural wonderland with music, theatre, dance, circus, visual arts, opera, and family-friendly events.
19-26°C daytime temperatures
The second week of January
Sydney
Philippines - Sinulog Festival
The Sinulog Festival is one of the grandest and most colourful events in the Philippines. Locals dress up in bright costumes and dance in the streets to drums, trumpets, and native gongs to remember their pagan past and acceptance of Christianity. The festival draws local and foreign tourists from far and wide.
24-30°C daytime temperatures
20 January
Cebu City
Australia
It is no secret that Australia has amazing beaches. Bondi Beach in Sydney is a hotspot for sunbathing. Lizard Island off the coast of Queensland is popular amongst snorkellers. Mandalay Beach in Western Australia and Burleigh Heads Beach on the Gold Coast are excellent for surfing. Wineglass Bay in Tasmania lures snorkellers and kayakers. Noosa Main Beach on the Sunshine Coast is great for swimming. And Cable Beach in Broome and Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island are the most beautiful.
Maldives
The Maldives is a place that dreams are made of. Almost 2,000 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean with temperatures of 29°C, warm tropical waters, coconut palms, and endless white silky beaches. And although there are a few public beaches, the most beautiful ones are on the private resorts islands. These are Cocoa Island and Velassaru Island in the Malé Atoll, Halaveli Island and Rangali Island in the Ari Atoll, Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll, and Huvafen Fushi Island in the Faafu Atoll.
Philippines
With temperatures of 30°C and over 7,000 islands to choose from, the Philippines is an island-hopping paradise and beach bum heaven. Some are covered in rainforests, some are home to volcanoes, some are uninhabited, and some have beaches so beautiful you will swear you are dreaming. The best beaches in the Philippines are El Nido on Palawan, Puka Shell and White Beach on Boracay, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, Samal Island, Panglao Island, Coron Island, Palaui Island, and Mactan Island.
Let yourself flow to the smooth rhythm of the Caribbean in Cuba. Immerse yourself in the cool charisma of Havana with its iconic vintage cars and café culture, explore the Cuban art scene in Camagüey, or be awed by the countryside charm of Viñales.
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Drink an authentic Cuban mojito
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Get lost in gorgeous Trinidad
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Swim beneath Vegas Grande Waterfall
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No need for a jacket at 26°C
Groove into your holiday in Jamaica, the Caribbean island paradise nobody is talking about. Miles of beautiful beaches, warm tropical weather, glorious natural landscapes, delicious food, and reggae. What more do you need for a great holiday?
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Try Ackee and saltfish, Jamaica’s national dish
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Go rafting down the Martha Brae River
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Attend a live reggae show in Kingston
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Experience the real Caribbean at 30°C
Mexico is a fascinating place where you can fill your days with mystical Maya ruins and the beaches of Cancún, and your nights with mariachi music and margaritas in Mexico City. This is one country you need to experience at least once in your life!
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Explore the beaches of Cozumel
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Visit the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá
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Try grasshopper guacamole in Guadalajara
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The perfect temperature for tequila at 21°C
It’s a Caribbean island with the panache of Europe. Willemstad is the Dutch heart of the island where you can sip on blue Curaçao cocktails and watch the sun go down after spending the day lapping up the sunshine of this peculiar tropical paradise.
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Embrace nature in Christoffel National Park
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Head underground to explore the Hato Caves
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Go shopping on Breedestraat
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Things are going to get hot at 29°C
Canada has so much to offer and then some, even when the snow is falling. Witness the majestic natural beauty of Canada in Grande Prairie and Thunder Bay or stick to the humming cities of Toronto and Vancouver if you prefer the bustle of the city.
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Stroll through the quaint streets of Québec City
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Taste the French flavours of Canada in Montréal
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Witness the snowy magic of Banff National Park
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Get ready for some snow at -4°C
The United States is a vast and varied place where anything is possible. From legendary cities such as New York City and Las Vegas to iconic holiday destinations such as Orlando and Honolulu the United States will take you on the trip of a lifetime.
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Drive down to Key West in Florida
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Head to Montana for a real winter getaway
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Visit Yellowstone National Park
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Witness a winter wonderland at 6°C
United States - Havasu Balloon Festival
The Havasu Balloon Festival is a wonderful little festival that is centered around hot air balloons. Fulfill your bucket list dream of going on a hot air balloon ride, watch hundreds of hot air balloons float into the early morning sky, or wait for the sun to go down to witness the spectacular Night Glow.
6-19°C daytime temperatures
10-13 January
(dates may change)
Lake Havasu City
Bahamas – Junkanoo
Junkanoo is a national festival that is celebrated across the Bahamas on the 26 December and 1 January. It is a wild and colourful street party of elaborate costumes, hypnotic music, and spirited dancing. Junkanoo is known as one of the most entertaining street carnivals in the world.
18-26°C daytime temperatures
1 January
Nassau
Panama - Panama Jazz Festival
The Panama Jazz Festival is a musical extravaganza that brings together internationally-acclaimed musicians and devoted jazz fans for a week of soulful jazz in Central America. The festival draws huge crowds every year and is one of the major highlights on the Panamanian calendar.
24-32°C daytime temperatures
14-19 January
Panama City
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. Whether you want a relaxing holiday in a 5-star resort, a vacation filled with adventure, or you want to escape it all, Dominican Republic has it all.Bávaro Beach and Playa Grande were made for resort lovers, Playa Rincón and Playa Doradaare great for swimming and sun seekers, Cayo Levantado is for adults only Bahia de Las Aguilas is an undiscovered gem, and Galerasis perfect for living out your castaway dream.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is the original Caribbean paradise. Glittering turquoise ocean surrounds gorgeous islands with pure white beaches that are as soft as silk beneath your feet. And temperatures of 25°C offer the perfect warm weather for unforgettable beach days. If you want to experience the best of the Bahamas beaches be sure to visit these beaches: Gold Rock Beach, Cabbage Beach, Rose Island, Pink Sand Beach, Radio Beach, Pig Beach, Surfer’s Beach, Dean’s Blue Hole, Guana Cay, and Tahiti Beach.
Cayman Islands
Basking in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands were made for beach holidays. Spend your afternoons swimming beside graceful manta rays and tropical fish, anchor down with a catamaran and enjoy the easygoing rhythm of paradise and temperatures of 29°C, or stroll along the endless white beaches in search of coconuts and seashells. The most beautiful beaches are Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Kai, Rum Point, Sandy Point, Smith Cove, Owen Island, East End Beach, and Smith Barcadere.
Brazil is a dream destination for many travellers. It is home to incredible natural landscapes, unique experiences, vibrant cities, and a culture that has captured the imagination of the world. A trip to Brazil will be your greatest love affair.
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Hang out on the beaches of Fortaleza
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Kayak through the wild Amazon
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Learn to samba in Rio de Janeiro
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The perfect weather at 27°C
Argentina is all about the good life. Famous for its spectacular landscapes, fantastic wine, delicious local cuisine, and lively nightlife, it is the holiday of a lifetime for food lovers and travellers wanting a dose of South American culture.
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Wander around La Boca in Buenos Aires
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Watch a tango performance at Bar Los Laureles
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Visit Los Glaciares National Park in El Calafate
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Hello summer at 29°C
A narrow strip on the edge of South America, Chile is a country of immense natural beauty. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find heaven on earth in Patagonia, while foodies will be delighted by Chilean street food and cuisine in Santiago.
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Gaze upon the surreal Atacama Desert
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Experience the arts scene in Valparaiso
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Visit the strange Moai statues on Easter Island
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It’s definitely not chilly at 30°C
Whether it is its festivals or its natural treasures, there is no denying that Bolivia is one of the most interesting countries in the world. La Paz and Santa Cruz will charm you with their vibrant streets, beautiful architecture, and unique culture.
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Browse the Witches’ Market in La Paz
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Gape in wonder at the Salar De Uyuni
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Watching a Cholitas wrestling match
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Temperatures are comfortable at 22°C
Shrouded in mystery and home to some of the most impressive landscapes in the world, a trip to Peru is unforgettable. Explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu in Cusco or stroll through the historic streets of Lima for a taste of the local culture.
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Get an aerial view of the mysterious Nazca Lines
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Tour the floating islands of Lake Titicaca
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Get adventurous with Peruvian cuisine
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The perfect holiday temperatures at 27°C
Ecuador is a slice of South American heaven. Beautiful old cities such as Quito and Guayaquil give Ecuador its ancient mystical charm and an exotic landscape of volcanoes and mountains give it its beauty. Exotic experiences await in Ecuador.
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Straddle the equator at Ciudad Mitad del Mundo
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Gaze upon Laguna Quilotoa, a volcanic crater
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Cruise the remote Galápagos Islands
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No need to worry about the weather at 20°C
Colombia - Blacks and Whites Carnival
The Blacks and Whites Carnival celebrates the coming together of different cultures and is the most famous festival in Colombia. Each day follows a different theme that honours its cultural diversity, but each is just as flamboyant and jubilant as the next, making for one truly unforgettable experience.
9-17°C daytime temperatures
2-7 January
Pasto
Chile - Santiago a Mil International Festival
The Santiago a Mil Festival is an annual performing arts festival that happens in the capital city, Santiago. It is the largest arts festival in Chile and features dozens of spellbinding theatre performances and dance and music shows in some of the most beautiful and unusual settings in the city.
12-30°C daytime temperatures
3-21 January
Santiago
Bolivia - Achocalla Festival
The Achocalla Festival is a charming little festival that offers a rare glimpse into Bolivian folklore. Each year, when the potato fields begin to bloom, locals come together to ask the Andean fertility goddess, Pachamama, for rain and plentiful crops by performing a traditional dance known as the tarqueada.
7-17°C daytime temperatures
First week of January
La Paz
Colombia
Colombia is home to a sensational collection of beaches that will steal your heart with their Latin American charm. Capurganá and Sapzurro are stretches of coastline that are playgrounds for snorkellers and divers. Playa Blanca on Isla de Barú is the perfect little beach for lazing on a sun lounger with a sweet cocada. The beaches around Tayrona National Park are wild and exotic. And Playas de Providencia and Playas de Palomino are great for enjoying the sun and hanging out with the locals.
Uruguay
Uruguay may not come to mind when you think of beaches, but that’s the beauty of it. The crowds have not discovered that Uruguay is hiding some of the most sublime beaches in South America, so it will just be you and the endless stretches of soft sand. Playa Ramírez and Playa de los Pocitos in Montevideo are two of the prettiest beaches in Uruguay. Punta del Este is a hotspot for party goers. Playa Chihuahua is a nudist beach. And Punta del Diablo has a rustic atmosphere that is irresistible.
Venezuela
Perched on the edge of South America with beaches overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela is the beach heaven you never knew about. Margarita Island is nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean’ thanks to its picturesque beaches and is a renowned surfing destination. Playa Grande Beach, Playa Colorada, Puerto Piritu, and El Playon Beach are breathtakingly beautiful. The beaches in Henry Pittier National Park are great for romantic getaways. And Adicora Beach delights water sport enthusiasts.
When travelling, remember to book 3 months in advance to get the best deals.
Book in October to get great discounts on your January trip!
Not ready to travel in January? Book your trip in January and travel in April to get the best deals!
