January is a great time to explore new destinations, avoiding the crowds and enjoying the world's unique landscapes. Discover the best destinations to travel in January 2026 - from the sunny Canary Islands and the thermal baths of Budapest to the snow-capped canyons of Arizona and Utah, and the cultural treasures of Laos and Japan

January is often considered a “dead” month for travel: after holiday spending, many people postpone their vacation. However, travel experts say that the first month of the year is one of the most profitable for travel, because there are fewer offers, and prices are often pleasantly surprising.

The New Year gives you a chance to start everything from scratch and open 365 days of new adventures, cultural discoveries, gastronomic experiments and encounters with wildlife. To help travelers decide on a destination, we have collected the most interesting places to travel in January 2026 according to Lonely Planet.

Planning a trip abroad? The travel guide from Visit World will help you avoid stress and save time. In the guide you will find step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa, a list of necessary documents, tips and life hacks for a comfortable visit to the country.

Start your adventure right with a reliable guide from Visit World!

Canary Islands, Spain

Ideal for beach holidays and active tourism

Escape from the cold of the Northern Hemisphere to the sunny Canaries. Here there are excellent conditions for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing, and on land – picturesque volcanic landscapes, hiking and cycling routes.

January is high season, so we recommend booking tickets in advance or choosing lesser-known islands: El Hierro, La Gomera or La Palma.

Genoa, Cinque Terre and the Ligurian Alps, Italy

The best option for a quiet holiday in Italy

The Ligurian Alps enchant in winter with snow-covered forests and fresh air. Here you can go snowshoeing in the natural parks of Aveto, Antola and the Beigua Geopark. Nearby is Genoa, which is particularly quiet in January, but still delicious: pesto, focaccia and farinata await in local restaurants. The Cinque Terre offers 120 km of hiking trails along the coast without the crowds of tourists.

Tip: Many hotels in the Cinque Terre close for the winter - book in advance.

Arizona and Utah, USA

For lovers of winter landscapes and nature

The red canyons and cliffs of Arizona and Utah take on a special charm under the snow. Zion, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef National Parks, as well as Monument Valley and Antelope and Bryce Canyons - without the crowds of tourists.

Tip: Dress warmly and take into account possible snow delays on the roads.

Budapest, Hungary

For a hot spring holiday

Budapest is home to over 120 hot springs. From the Rudas Baths to the majestic Széchenyi, these thermal springs are perfect for a winter getaway. The city also offers medieval architecture, nightlife and cultural events.

Laos

Culture and nature in the dry season

January is the best time to visit Luang Prabang’s temples, hill tribes and national parks. In the south, you can explore Champasak and the Mekong Delta – the “Four Thousand Islands”.

Tip: Don’t miss the Tat Quan Si waterfalls – just a 45-minute scooter ride from Luang Prabang.

Anguilla, Caribbean

For a beach holiday and relaxation

The small island of Anguilla is a quiet corner of the Caribbean with beautiful beaches, live music and high-quality cuisine. January is the peak season, so book accommodation in advance.

Southwest Sri Lanka

For wildlife viewing

January is ideal for beach holidays, mountain trekking and whale, elephant and bird watching in national parks. Popular resorts include Bentota, Unawatuna and Hiriketiya.

Mount Kenya, Kenya

For active trekking and mountain adventures

Mount Kenya offers exciting routes with the opportunity to see elephants, baboons and rare birds. The climb to Point Lenan is a challenge for prepared hikers, but the incredible views and sunrise from the top are worth the effort.

Chubu, Japan

For snow and culture lovers

January is the time when the historic settlements of Honshu are blanketed in snow. The “snow monkeys” at Yudanaka hot springs, Kanazawa with its castle and gardens, and the fairy-tale villages of Shirakawa-go and Hokayama offer unforgettable winter experiences.

Svalbard, Norway

For the Northern Lights and Arctic Nature

Svalbard is the true Arctic, where you can see the Northern Lights, white wildlife, and icy beauty all around. January is a great time to visit if the skies are clear and the aurora activity is high.

Tip: Flights to Longyearbyen are operated by Norwegian and SAS via Tromsø and Oslo.

This list will help you start 2026 off right by discovering new corners of the world - from warm beaches to snow-capped mountains and polar landscapes.

January is the perfect month for traveling, from snowy mountains to sunny beaches. The travel guide from Visit World will help you prepare for any trip: from step-by-step filling out a visa application form to understanding visa fees and application processing times. You will receive photos of tourist visas, a complete list of documents, rules for filling out the application form and practical life hacks for a comfortable trip to any country. With our guide, your vacation will be thoughtful and carefree.

Download the guide now and plan the perfect trip in January 2026!

Let us remind you! Europe in winter is not only about skiing and Christmas markets. This is the time when you can see popular destinations without crowds, take advantage of seasonal discounts and feel the real comfort of traveling. In our selection there are 13 places from Lonely Planet where winter is especially magical: from the warm ocean shores of Madeira to the snow-covered forests of Lapland.

---