Recently updated on November 28th, 2023 at 04:24 pm
Blue Monday is right around the corner, falling on the 10th of January in 2022. It’s known as the saddest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when people realise the festive period is over and it’s time to return to the working week, and the weather gets colder and darker. But it’s not all doom and gloom! The best way to shake off the January blues is with a getaway. Whether you’re dreaming of sunny beaches or you want to embrace the chilly weather in a snowy wonderland, here is where to travel in January to beat the winter blues.
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Australia
The hot season runs from December to February in Australia, so a January getaway places you right in the middle of that iconic Australian summer.
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Your January blues will disappear as soon as you set foot on the golden sandy beaches. You can go snorkelling in the amazing coral reefs or relax in the breezy Sydney Harbour. From the trendy dining scene of Melbourne to the gorgeous parks and beaches of Perth, there are endless wonders to explore in Australia in January.
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Patagonia
Patagonia is an extraordinary wilderness region stretching across southern Argentina and Chile. Famed for its gorgeous scenery, Patagonia is all about huge icebergs, bright blue lakes, rugged mountains, and icefields.
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If you want to get the best of Patagonia, the summer season from December to February is the best time to go. You’ll get the warmest and driest weather in January, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and exploring ‘til your heart’s content!
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Quebec, Canada
Chase your winter blues away with a January trip to Quebec in Canada. This is a place that thrives in winter, with beautiful snowy scenery and festive activities. Wander the European-inspired streets of Quebec City and marvel at the French château architecture of Montreal.
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Take a toboggan slide down the snowy hills, go ice skating on the lakes and rinks, and stroll through the winter carnivals and markets. And don’t forget to indulge in all the classic Canadian winter food like poutine, Timbits, and tourtière.
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South Africa
There’s no better way to beat the January blues than with a summer trip. Lucky for us, summer in South Africa runs from December to February, so it’s the perfect time for a trip to this beautiful country.
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You’ll enjoy warm, sunny days perfect for going on a thrilling wildlife safari in South Africa’s iconic national parks, or relaxing at the gorgeous beaches. Whether you want to go wine tasting, hiking up Table Mountain, or museum hopping, you’re sure to have an amazing trip to South Africa in January.
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Russia
Wondering where to travel in January to embrace the chilly weather? Look no further than Russia. The month of January transforms the country into a winter wonderland, complete with fluffy snow, twinkling snowflakes, and charming festivities.
Best of all, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on the 7th of January. So you’ll get a second Christmas with twinkling Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, heartwarming food, and more.
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Thailand
Thailand in January is the ultimate antidote to the winter blues. The dry season serves up long, warm days perfect for exploring this amazing country. You can discover the temples, mountains and waterfalls in the north. Or sail around the islands in the south. You can even explore the vibrant streets and markets of Bangkok. Whatever you do, you’re sure to have an incredible trip in January to Thailand.
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Egypt
January is winter time in Egypt – but it’s not what you’re thinking! January is one of the best times of the year to visit as the weather is pleasant and mild. It’s perfect for cruising the Nile, walking the streets of Cairo, or exploring the ancient temples of Luxor. So, avoid the sweltering heat of summer in Egypt and plan your trip to this fascinating country in January.
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Costa Rica
With everything from misty jungles to sandy beaches, Costa Rica is famed for its diverse weather. While the dry season runs from December to April, January is one of the driest months of the year… Making it the perfect time to shake off those January blues.
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You’ll get warm weather and lots of blue skies, so whether you want to spot the incredible wildlife, hike through the Cloud Forest in Monteverde, lounge on the beaches, or wander the city streets of San Jose, January is the month to do it.
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China
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and travel in the low season, consider a January trip to China. January is a cold winter month in China… But that means there will be less people visiting the top sights like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors. Plus, the Great Wall of China looks so enchanting covered in a layer of snow.
You can also witness the world-record breaking Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Here you’ll find stunning life-sized ice carvings of famous landmarks like Beijing’s Forbidden City and Moscow’s St Basil’s Cathedral. And if it gets too chilly, you can always warm up with some scrumptious dumplings and hot soup.
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Morocco
If you’re looking to beat the January blues with a big dose of culture, look no further than Morocco. It’s the perfect time to explore the vibrant souks, ancient architecture, and scrumptious cuisine in Morocco. Plus, you can witness the Amazigh New Year in the Atlas Mountains. The Amazigh (Berber) celebrate their New Year every year from 12-13 January and it’s an incredible event.
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While Morocco is famed for its scorching summer weather, January is a winter month and it actually gets quite chilly. The cities are usually sunny and cool with daytime temperatures around 20°C. If you’re looking for warmer weather you can explore the hot Sahara Desert, but be sure to prepare for the very chilly nights. If you like the cold, head to the Atlas Mountains where you can go skiing from mid-January to mid-February.
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Are you dreaming of a January getaway? Let us know in the comments below…