The best places to go in January: Our top travel picks for a solo trip

After the Christmas fun and frivolity, January is the time to buckle down and get serious: ditch the booze, join the gym, make impossible-to-keep resolutions… Or is it?

With January being the biggest month to book a year’s worth of adventures – and with a fresh diary in front of you – doesn’t it seem slightly more fun to seek out health, fitness and wellness on the road? Up a mountain peak in Argentina, on Thailand’s distant islands or away from it all on the shores of Sri Lanka – crucible of Ayurvedic food and therapeutic massages.

With short days and long starry nights in the Northern Hemisphere, the desire for a solo adventure in far-flung lands is strong. And there are plenty of mercury-topping destinations to tempt. But for a true taste of winter, Finland’s snow-sprinkled forests and Iceland’s Northern Lights await. Here’s our rundown of the best places to visit in January as a solo traveler.

Thailand

Average temperature: 27°C / 81°F

Why you should visit now:

Flowers bloom across Thailand in January, after the rainy season has subsided. Head to Chiang Mai to spot wild cherry blossom trees flanking gold-capped temples, before venturing south to the islands of the Andaman Sea, such as Koh Tao, where it’s the prime month for sunbathing and snorkeling. Looking for adventure? There’s more to Thailand than beaches: head off on a jet ski safari, climb the limestone cliffs above Railay Beach or sample lime-infused seafood in Krabi.

Expert tip:

Koh Tao translates as ‘Turtle Island’, and January just so happens to be one of the best months to spot its resident hawksbill and green turtles.

Argentina

Average temperature: 29°C / 84°F

Why you should visit now:

It’s summer in Argentina in January, especially in Buenos Aires and the sun-baked north, around Mendoza, Salta and Cordoba. Down south, it’s also the perfect season to hike rugged peaks in Patagonia as the snow melts away to reveal miles of winding trails. Lace up your hiking boots and join a trek to the foot of Mount Fitzroy, home to blue glaciers and glassy lakes. Don’t leave without tasting the region’s signature dish, flame-grilled cordero (lamb), cooked asado-style.

Expert tip:

Pack layers for all weathers. It might be summertime, but temperatures fluctuate wildly from the mountains to the city.

Finland

Average temperature: -9°C / 16°F

Why you should visit now:

Kick start the new year by watching the Northern Lights dance across Finnish Lapland during the darkest time of the year. Learn the ways of a Sami reindeer herder by driving a husky sleigh across a frozen lake and schussing through snow-laden forests on cross-country skis. No winter adventure would be complete without an icy lake dip, before warming up with a steaming glögi (mulled wine) back at your hotel.

Expert tip:

Buy snow boots that are a little too large, so your thick socks will definitely fit inside and there’s enough wiggle room to keep your toes from getting too cold.

Laos

Average temperature: 28°C / 82°F

Why you should visit now:

Dry, blue skies and low humidity, it’s easy to see why January is a prime time to visit the jungle nation of Laos. Adventure-seekers should make a beeline for Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), where you can kayak down the Mekong River while the water level is high. Keep an eye out for the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. Further north, Nong Khiaw marks the starting point for the 100 Waterfalls route, a 10km trek that weaves through sacred forest and Katang villages.

Expert tip:

Order mok pa – fish, pounded together with garlic, peppers and aromatic herbs, wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed over an open fire.

SRI LANKA

Average temperature: 27ºC / 81°F

Why you should visit now:

Sri Lanka’s dry season from December to March is in full swing, making January one of the best months to visit the go-slow destination primed for a wellness retreat, thanks to its age-old yoga scene, oil-based Ayurvedic massages and holistic take on healthy food. Rain is minimal this month and temperatures float around in that dreamy 20-30℃ corridor. Plus, the island’s bright colours, animals and people will wake you up from your winter hibernation.

Expert tip:

Mid-January sees Thai Pongal take place – a multi-day harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in Sri Lanka and dedicated to the sun god.

BRAZIL

Average temperature: 27.5°C / 81°F

Why you should visit now:

Brazil likes to keep the party vibe going between New Year and Carnival, so traveling in January is a great idea for party lovers. The after-Christmas period also signals the start of summertime, which certainly helps maintain the mood from Rio to Recife and beyond, with very pleasant mid-20s temperatures encouraging a strong need for caipirinhas.

Expert tip:

Hop over to the car-free island of Ilha Grande for beach time beyond Rio – complete with hammocks, hummingbirds and humble posadas (inns).

SOUTH AFRICA

Average temperatures: 22°C / 72°F

Why you should visit now:

January is pretty much peak time to visit South Africa, so it’s no budget destination, but boy do you get a lot for your money. If you’re looking for warm places to go in January, then it’s a great pick. You get great weather, magnificent wine, and the kind of zone-pushing adventure that inspires you for the next 12 months.

Expert tip:

The ocean is warming up, so why not try some surfing off Cape Town – or even snorkeling with octopi in the Great African Kelp Forest?

Ready to take off on your next adventure? Join Flash Pack today to discover group solo trips with like-minded people in their 30s & 40s.

To find out where to go in February, read our expert travel tips, ideas and inspiration. 

Images: Flash Pack, Unsplash