{"id":47820,"date":"2025-12-14T12:37:41","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T11:37:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/donde-viajar-en-enero\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T12:37:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T11:37:47","slug":"best-countries-to-visit-in-january","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/en\/best-countries-to-visit-in-january\/","title":{"rendered":"Best places to travel in January 2026: 16 amazing destinations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Where to travel in January 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ready to know the best destinations to visit in January? Let’s start!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Colombia, warm weather and good vibes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Whether you prefer to visit one of its picturesque cities or rest under the sun on its wonderful beaches, Colombia<\/a> is one of the best countries to visit in January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this time of year, the country has warm temperatures ranging from 25\u00b0C to 30\u00b0C during the day. In addition, there is low rainfall, so you can do many outdoor activities without any hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its main cities include Bogot\u00e1, the country’s capital, and Medell\u00edn. Both are full of numerous historical and cultural attractions to discover, such as the Botero Gold Museum. Near Medell\u00edn, you can visit Guatap\u00e9 or the Coffee Region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once in the Caribbean, don\u2019t miss the beaches and islands of Cartagena de Indias, where you can also stroll through the beautiful walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To continue enjoying nature, make sure to visit Santa Marta<\/a> and its surroundings, such as Minca<\/a> or Palomino<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colombia is known worldwide for its exquisite coffee. On your visit to the country, do not miss the charming Eje Cafetero and taste the unique coffee flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfe5 If you\u2019re traveling to a destination where you don\u2019t have medical coverage, it\u2019s very important to get a good travel insurance<\/a>. Unfortunately, you never know when or where something might happen\u2026 To help you save a little, as a reader of Come Ama Viaja, you can get the travel insurance I always use at 5% off<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Thailand, one of the best countries to visit in January 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations at any time of the year. However, January is one of the best times to visit this Asian country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This charming country in Southeast Asia combines dream beaches with the possibility of water sports and a very lively nightlife. If you add that it has delicious cuisine and is a cheap destination, the proposal is unbeatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your trip to Thailand in January can begin in Bangkok, the country’s capital. There, you can get lost in its picturesque street markets, visit ancient temples and savor delicious cocktails on the terrace of one of its modern skyscrapers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another captivating city is Chiang Rai. Here, you can visit important Buddhist temples such as the White Temple and the Blue Temple. And while you\u2019re in the north of the country, don\u2019t miss Chiang Mai or even Pai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, you can also visit the incredible beaches of Thailand. Do not miss islands like Phi Phi, Phuket, Koh Lanta or Koh Tao. Get ready to discover pristine beaches and jungles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The landscapes in Thailand are simply wonderful and, together with the friendliness and warmth of its people, Thailand will make you live an unforgettable vacation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, visit the UAE in January<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The United Arab Emirates<\/a> cannot be missing from the list of the best places to visit in January 2026. This month is perfect to get to know this destination, since the temperatures are quite pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dubai is one of the cities preferred by tourists from all over the world. The reason is that it is full of attractions: luxurious shopping malls, theme parks and stunning architecture. All this combined with delicious beaches full of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can choose to do a wide variety of activities, from going up to the Burj Khalifa observatory, flying over the city on a helicopter or going into the desert on a safari. There are so many things to do in Dubai<\/a>! To plan your visit to this city, you can use my guide to visit Dubai in 3 or 4 days<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to Dubai, you can visit the capital, Abu Dhabi. You\u2019ll experience the city\u2019s luxury, tradition, and culture. Here, you\u2019ll find the third-largest mosque in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Among other points of interest, be sure to stroll along the Corniche and visit the Louvre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcf1 If you want to have internet during your trip and your mobile provider doesn\u2019t include roaming at your destination, you can either buy a local SIM card when you arrive or get a Holafly eSIM<\/a>. Plus, you can get your eSIM 5% off<\/a> with the code “COMEAMAVIAJA”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Mexico, a great destination to travel to in January<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Another great destination to visit in January is Mexico. That month is part of the country’s dry season, and that will allow you to enjoy sunny weather with little rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, during that time of the year numerous festivals and cultural events take place that add to the wonders of the place. Some of them are the Sayulita Film Festival, the Merida Festival and the January Fiesta, which is held in Chiapa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mexico City is a perfect place for those looking for a city full of places to visit. Do not miss the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor Museum and the National Palace (with murals by Diego Rivera).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for dreamy beaches? Well, what better than those located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico! In the Riviera Maya, for example, you will find places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, which has a mixture of beach, a lively nightlife and interesting archaeological ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Sri Lanka, culture and nature in its purest form<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Do you want to discover the wonders hidden deep inside Sri Lanka? January is an ideal month to visit this island located in southern India. Being part of the dry season, it will allow you to fully enjoy its southern and western beaches, as well as its highlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sri Lanka is a fascinating destination with a unique character. It\u2019s a country rich in history, home to a great diversity of cultures and religions. Its territory boasts no fewer than eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take advantage of the good weather to take a tour of some of its many thousand-year-old archaeological sites, its captivating Buddhist and Hindu temples, its beautiful fine sand beaches and its exuberant jungles. Be sure to visit Dambulla Cave Temple, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Galle and Mirissa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Lanzarote, places to visit in Spain in January<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Lanzarote is a beautiful volcanic island belonging to the Canary Islands<\/a>. It is a great destination if you are looking for a cheap trip without leaving aside the opportunity to discover a completely unique and, of course, beautiful place. Lanzarote’s landscapes are from another planet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volcanic eruptions have transformed the island’s geography, leaving behind large cliffs, rock formations, and volcanic tubes. One of the most impressive to visit is Cueva de los Verdes which, with more than 7,000 meters in length, is considered the longest lava tunnel in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other must-see places in Lanzarote<\/a>, in my opinion, include Timanfaya National Park, Papagayo Beach, Famara Beach, the Mirador del R\u00edo, Teguise, Charco de los Clicos, and La Graciosa, an island I recommend visiting on a day trip or even spending the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help plan your trip, I recommend checking out my Lanzarote travel guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\ude97 Need a car for your next adventure? To find the best deals, I recommend checking out Discover Cars<\/a> and Auto Europe<\/a>, highly-rated car rental search platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Oman, one of the best places to visit in January<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In recent years, this nation south of the Arabian Peninsula has become a fairly popular tourist destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason is that Oman, besides being a very welcoming country with extremely friendly people, is home to monumental Arab forts, thousands of kilometers of coastline, and vast, boundless deserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is one of the best options if you are looking for a warm place to travel to in January. The weather will allow you to explore it very thoroughly. In addition, the Muscat Festival takes place in its capital, which includes numerous cultural shows and fuels the commercial activity of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is plenty to see and do in Oman, including the Carrara marble-clad Sultan Qabo\u00f3s Mosque, which contains the world’s largest carpet. Have you ever been to an oasis? The Bahla Fort is a military fortress built in the middle of one, which was declared a World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. The Philippines, if you are looking for stunning beaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel to this paradise made up of more than 7,000 islands? Why not do it now? January is a good time to travel to the Philippines. Its dreamlike natural landscapes, its cultural richness and the kindness of its people make it a magical destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your trip can begin in its capital, Manila, where you can visit its cathedral, the Intramuros neighborhood, and Rizal Park. However, the charm of the Philippines lies in its nature, so I recommend visiting the capital very quickly and spending more time discovering the true wonders of this country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, you should know that there are many places to visit and that there is not enough time for everything. Therefore, you will have to choose very well which islands you want to visit..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for dreamy beaches, be sure to visit Palawan Island. You can dive into the turquoise waters of Coron or go island hopping in El Nido. Also don’t miss the islands of Bohol or Siargao<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Maldives, one of the best countries to visit in January<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In the Indian Ocean, there is a true earthly paradise. The Maldives is made up of more than 1,000 islands and its unparalleled beauty attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its capital, Male, is very picturesque and lively. There you can visit the Hukuru Miskiy Cathedral, built in the 17th century with carved white coral, as well as the fish market or one of the many restaurants to taste the delicious local food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can enjoy a spectacularly blue and crystalline sea that is ideal for practicing numerous water sports such as snorkeling or diving, or simply swimming. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a totally relaxing environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two ways to visit the Maldives. One of them is by going to one of the many all-inclusive hotels built on the different islands. The other, is to opt for a more local trip and stay in a hotel in one of its many inhabited islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for sun and sand, and you have less than 7 days, worry no more about where to go in January 2026. The Maldives is your answer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Panama, a great destination to visit in January 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Panama has miles of beautiful beaches that stretch across the Pacific and the Caribbean. Its crystal clear waters make them special for diving fans. Are you one of those people? Whether you love water sports or not, this Central American country is one of the best places to travel in January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spectacle offered by nature includes forests and coral reefs where you can meet the abundant fauna of the place. You can swim surrounded by sea creatures! Dont forget to visit the capita. It has many skyscrapers in addition to colonial architecture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, it would be almost inexcusable for you to leave without seeing the Panama Canal, a majestic work of modern engineering that continues to fascinate visitors from all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Andorra<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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We leave the warmth and sunshine behind and head to Andorra, a small country located between Spain and France, and a great destination to visit in January if you enjoy white, snowy surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you enjoy winter sports, you can go skiing and snowboarding in Andorra. And for ultimate body and mind relaxation, there’s nothing better than the renowned Caldea spa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the capital of Andorra has very interesting places to visit, which you can get to know by strolling through its historic center. Do not miss the Casa de la Vall or the Avinguda Meritxell, where you can go shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the city, you can go to the Roc del Quer viewpoint, to the Sanctuary of Meritxell, to the Tristaina Lakes, or to some of its villages: Pals, Ordino, Les Bons, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Hallstatt, Austria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If you want to add another chillier destination to your trip in January, my proposal is the picturesque village of Hallstatt, in Austria. This town is located in the heart of the Austrian Alps and stands out for its traditional Alpine houses that are reflected in the serene waters of Lake Hallst\u00e4tter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although this charming village is a captivating destination year-round, January is an exceptional month for travelers who want to encounter this beautiful landscape covered in a layer of white snow. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the summer and Christmas time crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During your visit, be sure to hike the Hallstatt Skywalk to see the area from above, visit the Salt Mine, visit the Pfarrkirche Mari\u00e4 Himmelfahrt Church, and, of course, visit the small streets in the village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Malta, if you want to escape the cold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If you’re looking for a European getaway in January and escape freezing temperatures, Malta is an excellent choice. This Mediterranean gem combines history, culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Best of all, you can enjoy its peaceful atmosphere free from the usual summer crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you visit, you’ll likely land in Valletta, the capital city, which is perfect for sightseeing. Other must-see spots include the Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni<\/a>, Popeye Village, and the charming towns of Mdina, Marsaxlokk, and Rabat. Don\u2019t miss the opportunity to take a trip to the nearby island of Gozo as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Malaga (Spain)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Heading south in winter is a great idea, especially if your destination is M\u00e1laga. Both the coast and the inland areas of this Andalusian province have a lot to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in the mood for a more urban getaway, you can visit the city of M\u00e1laga, which is full of interesting sites, such as the Cathedral of the Incarnation, the Gibralfaro Castle, or the Alcazaba of M\u00e1laga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, if you want to be near the sea, there\u2019s the Costa del Sol, packed with charming towns, scenic trails, and promenades where you can relax and forget about everything. And as I mentioned, the inland areas of M\u00e1laga province hide real treasures like Ronda and the Caminito del Rey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Finnish Lapland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If you missed seeing Santa Claus during Christmas, don’t worry. January is still the perfect time to experience the magic of Lapland. Though the cold may not appeal to everyone, it\u2019s an ideal destination for a unique and unforgettable winter adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, you can lose yourself in snowy white landscapes, go snowmobiling, ski down some of Europe\u2019s best slopes, and, with a bit of luck, witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. If you\u2019re traveling with kids, a visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi will be a memory they’ll cherish forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Tunisia, a trip to North Africa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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To warm up again, I\u2019ll wrap up my recommendations for destinations to visit in January with Tunisia, a country located in North Africa. I visited in 2020, and although I couldn\u2019t complete my itinerary due to the pandemic, I left with a great impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tunisia offers a destination full of Roman ruins, beautiful beaches, charming medinas, and, most special of all, towns where you\u2019ll feel genuinely welcomed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We rented a car, which I highly recommend, and visited the city of Tunis, the ruins of Dougga, Hammamet, El Djem, Sousse, the island of Djerba\u2026 There are truly many interesting places to see in Tunisia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you decide to visit this destination, these tips for traveling to Tunisia<\/a> will be very useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Map of great places to visit in January 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can check all the destinations mentioned on this article here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n