New year, new adventure
What better way to jump head-first into a new year than to be knee-deep in the valleys of an Icelandic glacier, up to your ears in Tanzanian shrubbery, or daintily dipping a toe into the warm water of the Pacific Ocean? However you choose to slide into 2025, we’re here to make it happen.
1. Vietnam
Why go? Beaches and outdoor adventures
Temperature: 31ºC (88ºF) high, 23ºC (73ºF) low
Season: winter
It may be wintertime, but Vietnam isn’t your typical winter destination. On every leg of your journey, you’ll be enveloped in colour. From roadside stalls overflowing with produce to the towering greenery-enshrouded limestone cliffs of Halong Bay and never-ending fields of rice, Vietnam is a warm burst of life and a perfect place to start a new year.
In 2025, you can also celebrate not one but two New Year’s celebrations, with the Lunar New Year, Tết, celebrations taking place on January 29.
2. East Africa
Why go? Hot and dry weather make great conditions for wildlife spotting
Temperature: 25ºC (77ºF) high, 13ºC (55ºF) low
Season: hot and dry
Start your year scouring the Serengeti in an overland vehicle, keeping a watchful eye for the big 5 (and the still-impressive other hundred species who reside there).
East Africa is an adventurer’s dream and the weather this month makes it perfect for days spent immersed in mighty landscapes like the Usambara Mountains and Ngorongoro Crater, watching for wildlife and meeting incredible people like the Maasai warriors. It’s not a bad way to start a year (if we say so ourselves).
3. Iceland
Why go? Wintery delights, Icelandic sights and northern lights
Temperature: 3ºC (37ºF) high, -3ºC (27ºF) low
Season: winter
Ever gone hunting for the northern lights? After days spent hopping between ice caps, grand waterfalls, hot springs and gothic-looking beaches, turn your gaze skyward and cross your fingers for the spectacle of the aurora borealis.
Long hours of darkness coupled with colder January temperatures mean that there is a strong chance to spot the often-elusive magic light show in Iceland this month. Like any natural sighting, it can never be fully guaranteed, but paired with the other natural phenomena of Iceland…, you’re not likely to leave disappointed.
4. Egypt
Why go? Lower temperatures perfect for perusing big sites
Temperature: 22ºC (72ºF) high, 12ºC (54ºF) low
Season: winter
This month is the coolest you’ll be able to experience Egypt as moderate temperatures and sunny weather combine for an ideal Egypt trip. It can get busy at the major sites this month, but to us, that means escaping the hubbub on a felucca down the Nile to dine with a local Nubian family in their home – not something everyone will be doing (we can assure you).
So, if stepping into ancient pyramids and marvelling at the kingdom of pharaohs is high on your bucket list but hot weather isn’t… introducing Egypt in January.
5. Galapagos
Why go? Nesting sea turtles and warm waters
Temperature: 29ºC (84ºF) high, 21ºC (70ºF) low
Season: wet and warm
Still looking for inspiration? January in the Galapagos Islands has that in spades. Swim over coral reefs with sea lions, marvel at the creatures who inspired the theory of evolution, watch as birds perform aerial acrobatics, hike up volcanoes then finish it off by relaxing on the beach. Unless you’d prefer to be searching the sand for nesting sea turtles who begin laying their eggs this month – an experience a little hard to replicate elsewhere.
6. Australia
Why go? See Oz at its shining summer best
Temperature: 29ºC (84ºF) high, 19ºC (66ºF) low
Season: summer
While the northern hemisphere is well into its winter, Australia is as hot as it gets in January. Far north regions will be in a wet season, but for the rest of the country, it’s all summer down under. On the east coast, you’ve got Sydney Harbour shimmering, the Great Barrier Reef thriving and enough beaches to last you the year. Over in the west, the quokkas of Rottnest Island are bringing in the smiles, while south, Tasmania is a treat for all things nature.
7. India
Why go? Dry and sunny weather makes for perfect days out exploring
Temperature: 30ºC (86ºF) high, 15ºC (59ºF) low
Season: winter
India in January promises beach weather in the south, cool climbing conditions in the Himalayan north and a dry climate for walking through the invigorating cities of Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi. Many words are often used to describe India: colourful, spiritual, diverse and historic, but to past travellers, the words are wonderful, beautiful, magical and unforgettable. No matter where you choose to venture, these words will follow. The choice is yours; India’s waiting.
Not sold January just yet?
No worries. Check out our recommendations on where to travel in December and February.
Or, have you seen our last minute deals?
