Seven January holiday destinations
January is a good time of year to get away if you are fortunate enough to be able to do so. If you are not tied to school holidays, there are bargains to be had. As a general rule, the period between Christmas and Valentine’s Day tends to be a cheaper time of year to travel, making destinations that are expensive at peak times, more affordable.
Here are seven January holiday destinations to consider if you are planning a winter break. From Africa to Asia, Europe to South America, they range far and wide and all promise a great holiday.
Barbados, Caribbean
Hot, sunny and dry with temperatures ranging from 29° down to 23° and average sunshine of nine hours a day. Flight time to Barbados is around 9 hours and the time difference is GMT -4. This is an island of white, fine sand beaches. The west coast is home to a host of five-star luxury hotels but if you want to escape that scene, the quieter east coast of the island is a surfing paradise and the south coast offers a taste of local vibe.
Porto, Portugal
Winters are mild in Portugal and Porto, its second city has experienced quite a revival over the past few years. There’s a great foodie scene with cafés and hotels dotted amongst its medieval streets. The Douro Valley vineyards, home to port and some excellent wines are accessible for a day trip, though a longish drive. Temperatures are mild, ranging from around 14° down to 6°, so do pack a jumper. This is a quieter time of year to visit Portugal and prices reflect this.
Belize, Central America
Hot and humid here. You will see rain but January and February are the driest time of year to visit this beautiful Caribbeanesque destination. With stunning beaches, tropical jungle-like hills and lots of Mayan ruins to explore, Belize promises to be a great adventure. Temperatures range from around 28° to 20°. Flight time is approximately 16 hours and the time difference is GMT -6, so head out here for more than a week to make the most of the distance and tropical beauty you will encounter.
South Africa
Being in the southern hemisphere, this is South Africa’s summer. Temperatures are just right, ranging from about 26° down to 16° and the time difference is marginal at GMT +2. There is so much to see and do in this wonderful country – safaris, the iconic Garden Route, Cape Horn, lush vineyards and fantastic food and wines. You will receive a warm welcome and there’s a wealth of stunning accommodation to choose from during your stay.
Rajasthan, India
It is winter in India so temperatures here are not as high as you might assume. It’s pleasantly warm with temperatures ranging from 24° down to 8° at night. Rajasthan, in the north of India, is the state of princes, peppered with palaces, forts and spectacular architecture. Explore Jaipur, Jodphur and Udaipur – all within the famous Golden Triangle. This is a vivid, vibrant and colourful destination with so much to see and do. It is no wonder that Lonely Planet describes Rajasthan as “the jewel in India’s crown”. Flight time is approximately 14.5 hours and the time difference is GMT +5, so this is a destination to spend a reasonable amount of time.
Lanzarote in the Canary Islands
Just over a four-hour flight from the UK, the Canary Islands are a reliable source of winter sun. Temperatures range from around 20° down to 13° and there’s no time difference. For those of you who associate Lanzarote with touristville, there is a very different side to this island. Head away from the east coast to discover stunning volcanic landscapes, National Park and dramatic beaches.
China
It is winter in China so you will need to wrap up well with temperatures ranging from 5° down to -5°. This time of year is far quieter from a tourist perspective and hotel costs are lower. Again, this is a destination with a plethora of things to see and do, possibly best experienced on a guided tour. In fact, it is so vast and diverse, this is a destination where you will need to pick out what you would like to see and do carefully. Home to the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, stunning scenery, deserts, mountains, thriving cities and varied tasty cuisine. This may be the first of many trips to this amazing country. Flight time is around 10.5 hours and there’s a big time difference at GMT +8 so again, plan a longer-than-a-week stay if you can.
If any of these fantastic January holiday destinations spark an appetite for a winter adventure, contact us. We’ll happily plan and price up a trip out for you. And being an independent travel agent means that we’re free to shop round to find you the best prices and accommodation on offer.
Furthermore, we can often beat advertised online prices and with lots of first-hand travel experience, we will recommend the best places to stay to suit your taste and requirements. And as we’re ATOL registered, you can have peace of mind when making a booking with us.
For more information, call 01923 284148, send an email to info@ultimatedestinations.co.uk or pop into our shop on Lower Road in Chorleywood – the kettle is always on!
