The best vacation destinations to beat the January 2025 blues.
Want to free yourself from the dreary and icy atmosphere of January? How about starting 2025 somewhere brighter, warmer and more uplifting? With fewer tourists, lower hotel prices, budget-friendly flights, and hopefully plenty of sunny days, these places are ideal for shaking off the winter blues.
Portugal
If your birthday is in January like mine, you definitely need to plan a getaway to escape the gloomy UK weather! My first choice is Portugal, and more specifically Lisbon! I’ve been lucky enough to visit for the past three years, and not once have I seen rain, just endless blue skies, perfect for walking around. Plus, with the cooler temperatures, those famous Lisbon hills are much easier to tackle.
Like many European cities, Lisbon gets very busy in summer and accommodation prices skyrocket. You will also find yourself stuck in long queues at the must-see places. But if you go in January, you can experience all the attractions without battling the crowds, and unlike other regions of Portugal like the Algarve, Lisbon remains bustling in winter with restaurants and tourist sites still open.
Sure, January may be the coldest and quietest month, but this bustling city still has plenty to offer. Enjoy the peace and quiet as you board a train to Sintra, one of Lisbon’s highlights. The usually crowded palaces are much less crowded, allowing you to soak up the breathtaking scenery. The nearby forests are shrouded in a magical winter mist and places like Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros and Quinta da Regaleira take on a dreamy, fairytale ambiance you won’t forget. You can fly for just £30 return from London and enjoy around 10 hours of sunshine every day!
South Africa
January is one of the busiest months in Cape Town, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. While many of us suffer from the winter blues, the South African capital enjoys warm, sunny weather with clear skies and around 14 hours of daylight! There is no shortage of activities in this rugged little town.
You can go hiking to admire stunning views or take leisurely walks along beautiful beaches. No matter what you choose to do, you’re bound to find some great photo ops along the way. If you enjoy a good glass of wine every now and then, Cape Town is the perfect place for you. With lush valleys and award-winning vineyards around every corner, it’s a wine lover’s dream come true.
Be sure to try Pinotage, a variety unique to South Africa. If you’re starting to consider booking a flight to Cape Town but are worried about the cost, think again! The South African Rand is currently one of the most profitable currencies in the world, making everything incredibly affordable. You’ll be amazed at how much bang for your buck you can get in terms of quality accommodation, food and activities.
Plus, it’s one of the most economical places to go on a thrilling safari and see the big five! You can fly a return flight for just £507 and join us for either our 9-night Western Cape safari experience or our 14-night South Africa experience for an unforgettable adventure!
Morocco
January is an ideal month to discover Morocco. Even though it’s technically the coldest time to visit, daytime temperatures are generally quite pleasant and you’ll find it much warmer than you left in Europe. Remember that it can get a little chilly at night, so pack a few layers! This month is also a quieter time to visit places like Fez and Marrakech, which can get very busy during peak season. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity for photography since the winter air is clear and dust-free.
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If you love outdoor activities, January is perfect for exploring the beautiful landscapes of Morocco. The cooler weather makes it ideal for adventures in the Sahara Desert or hikes in the High Atlas Mountains. You’ll enjoy fewer tourists in popular spots and be able to take advantage of good deals on hotels, as many offer off-season rates. Just a 3-hour flight from the UK, Morocco is the ultimate winter getaway. Why not join us in January for our 4-night Mini Sahara Experience or our 7-night Extended Sahara Experience?
New Zealand
January kicks off summer in New Zealand, with longer days and warm weather. Even though it’s one of the busiest months for travelers, the country has around 60 million fewer people than the UK, so you can still enjoy the sights without feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. Enjoy sunny days with tons of outdoor fun: go surfing, try whitewater rafting, dive into underwater adventures, explore canyons, hike stunning trails, sip wine in vineyards, or relax you simply on the beautiful beaches. No trip to New Zealand is complete without a classic road trip. The country is packed with diverse landscapes in an area barely larger than the UK, making it perfect for an epic road trip with friends or family.
Rent a campervan and set off on an unforgettable trip! There are many scenic routes leading to breathtaking remote locations where you can camp for free, and many towns have designated areas for free camping as well. I had the opportunity to experience late summer in New Zealand in 2017 and I really wish I could have stayed longer. It’s an amazing place and totally worth the 20 hour flight! Flights start at around £1,300.
Costa del Sol, Spain
If your ideal January getaway involves basking in the sun on quiet beaches, strolling through peaceful whitewashed villages and relaxing on outdoor terraces under fragrant orange trees, then southern Spain is calling your name . With temperatures close to 20 degrees thanks to its subtropical climate along the Mediterranean coast, you can enjoy more than 5 hours of sunshine a day, perfect for boosting your vitamin D.
Flights to Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, are very frequent and surprisingly affordable in winter (I once bought a return ticket for just £7!). In less than 3 hours you could be enjoying the Spanish sun with a cold “cerveza” in hand. Although summer can be a little too hot for sightseeing, January is perfect for exploring cultural spots. Take a cultural tour around Malaga city, stroll through the beautiful hilltop village of Frigiliana or simply relax and enjoy some tapas in the sun. You can find flights from as little as £34 for a return.
Escape the January blues by heading to these vibrant destinations where you can enjoy warm weather, beautiful scenery and exciting activities. Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Lisbon, soaking up the sunshine in Cape Town, or enjoying the serene landscapes of Morocco, these places offer the perfect antidote to the cold of winter.
January is the perfect time to travel with fewer crowds, lower prices and unique experiences awaiting you. So pack your bags, leave the cold behind and create unforgettable memories in these sunny and welcoming places that will refresh and energize you for the year to come.