January blues? We’ve got your back. Whether you’re craving a sun-soaked trip or seeking a snow-powdered escape, these are the best destinations to kick-start 2022.
It's
It'sthat time of year again. The decorations have been tucked
back into their hiding places, we're trading evening tipples for
herbal teas and the fitness regime is all systems go. Let's be real:
there's no better time to hit refresh than when the festive season
comes to an end - resolutions and goals, we're looking at you.
With that in mind, we can't help but start planning our first
getaway for 2022.
Okay, January doesn't exactly scream poolside lounging or
off-grid adventuring, but we're ranking it as the best time of year
to take a trip, so hear us out. Aside from sating your wanderlust,
holidaying in the new year means avoiding both peak-season crowds
and price inflations. So, grab your favourite carry-on and head straight to one of these
lesser-trodden landscapes to start the new year in style.
Beat the blues: must-visit destinations for January 2022
Thailand
Dreaming of summer? What better way to escape the cold than by
spending the first weeks of the year on an unspoilt island,
overlooking the beach from a thatched bungalow. Yes, we're talking
about a Thailand that doesn't feature full-moon parties and too
many teenagers - you just have to know where to go. Heard about the
islands of Ko Surin and Ko Kood? If not, go now, before
everyone else finds out about them.
Kitzbühel
Austria
This postcard-worthy town is a ski destination suited to all levels. And those
who'd rather avoid the slopes entirely can happily potter around
the boutiques, get stuck in at charming alpine restaurants and join
the buzzy but not-too-flash après-ski scene.
Patagonia
Argentina and Chile
Patagonia's spectacular scenery is a bucket-list worthy travel
experience. Be it a visit to the mammoth Perito Moreno glacier,
travelling to Ushuaia, aka "the end of the world", or spending the
day whale-watching, this is a trip that'll stick with you forever.
Insider tip: it also makes for a fantastic alternative honeymoon destination.
Bansko
Bulgaria
If you're after an off-the-beaten-track alternative to Austria,
look no further than Bansko, Bulgaria, a dream combination of high
peaks and low prices. While the town itself is still undergoing an
aesthetic transformation, the slopes have become the destination du
jour for skiers looking for fresh snow and a lively,
up-for-anything vibe.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is not as crowded as its neighbouring Central American
countries. Immerse yourself in the azure tranquillity of the
Caribbean Sea on the east coast, or the crashing
waves of the Pacific on the west. Be sure to leave room in your
luggage to take home some of the country's world-famous coffee and
chocolate products.
Amsterdam
Netherlands
If Amsterdam hasn't been popping up left, right and centre
in your social feed all winter, we're assuming you're on a digital
detox. Yes, this place is hardly off the beaten track, and can
attract more than its fair share of teenage visitors, but it
remains one of Europe's most magical destinations - and for good
reason. To get to grips with the city and discover some of its
best-kept secrets, we'd recommend hiring a bicycle and peddling the
length of its three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht and
Keizersgracht. Be sure to make pit stops at the Van Gogh
Museum and the Anne Frank House.
Kinsale
Ireland
After weeks of festive feasting, we're well and truly ready to
recharge and reset. Enter, Kinsale. This lesser-trodden Irish harbour town
is home to artisan boutiques and rustic restaurants serving
farm-to-table menus. There's no better feeling than gulping
lungfuls of fresh country air, so we suggest dusting off your
walking boots and exploring on foot. For a proper ramble, we'd
recommend going a little further afield. Just outside of town
you'll find spectacular green spaces, where you'll be able to stomp
to your heart's content.
Oaxaca City
Mexico
Head to this magical Mexican city to watch artisans craft
fantastical creatures out of a single piece of wood, as well as the
ancient craft of mezcal distillation being brought bang up to date
for contemporary cocktails. Those choosing not to participate in
Dry January will feel at home here: there's plenty of opportunity
to sample the agave-derived spirit.
Dubai
UAE
January can be a cold and gloomy month, but it doesn't have to
be. Get a much-needed vitamin-D boost and cheer yourself up with
some shopping on a weekend getaway to Dubai. The emerging art scene
and its accompanying café culture is also worth checking out, or
you can easily hop over to Abu Dhabi to visit the newly opened Louvre. While you're there, be sure
to check out our selection of best restaurants.
Los Angeles
US
After December, a health kick might be just what you need, so
head to LA for green juice, gluten-free food and long
hikes. While Malibu Beach might be the jewel in this sprawling
city's crown, don't miss out on neighbouring Santa Monica, which boasts a wellness culture all of
its own. Back in Tinsel Town, hit up Downtown LA and Koreatown, where you'll find a
young creative community and 24-hour K-town vibe.
Tromsø
Norway
If you consider yourself a thrill-seeker, Tromsø is the place
for you. Fill the short daylight hours with husky safaris, ice
kicksledding and fishing. If you're lucky, come night, you'll curl
up under the Northern Lights and, if not, thousands (and we mean
thousands) of stars will be on standby.
Bath
United Kingdom
When considering a city break, Bath isn't necessarily the
obvious choice, but its slow-paced charm makes it one of the most
popular escapes for Londoners. Just a 90-minute train-ride from
London Paddington, this Unesco World Heritage site draws visitors
from across the globe. Highlights include the verdant Botanical
Gardens, world-famous Roman Baths and the Bath Abbey Tower. Fun
fact: scenes from the likes of Bridgerton and Poldark have been filmed
here.
Philippines
Looking to get your hands on a diving licence? With an
underwater world that counts more Nemo-like fish species than
viewers of the namesake film, it's hard to choose which reef
surrounding the Philippines' more than 7,000 islands to choose
from. If you're more Tarzan than Ariel, this tropical getaway also
comes with world-class jungle waterfalls.
Vietnam
While you're spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor
activities on Vietnam's mainland, nothing beats the southern
islands' beaches in January. Visit Phu Quoc or Con Dao for secluded
sands largely untouched by tourists, or spend days riding a
motorbike through vast national parks and sleepy fishing
villages.
Sayulita
Mexico
For a unique take on a Mexican winter holiday, head to Sayulita,
the country's retreat for international creative types and surf
stars alike. Set on the Pacific coast, it's the ideal place to get
your fill of sunshine, mojitos and surf lessons while straying away
from the all-inclusive resorts of Puerto Vallarta and into the arms
of your new artsy best friends.
The Dolomites
Italy
Nestled in the heart of Northwest Italy, The Dolomites is famed
for its dreamy yet dramatic landscape - think lakeside lodgings
against a backdrop of jagged-tooth mountain peaks. Though it would
hardly be a new year's extravaganza without a day or two on the
slopes, we're heading here largely for its thriving cultural scene.
Between ski runs, be sure to refuel in one of the area's many
romantic restaurants or bars. To soak up 360-degree views of the
fairy-tale-like surrounds, bed down in a cosy cabin. Chalet Dolomite is our personal favourite. FYI:
at just over a two-hour drive away, Vienna makes for the perfect
day trip.
Gabon
Central Africa
On the west coast of Central Africa, Gabon is a country of vast,
wildlife-filled parkland framed by sandy beaches on one side and
thick rainforests on the other. Just over 10 per cent of the
country is dedicated to protected parkland. Loango National Park is
the most popular, known as "Africa's last Eden" for its patches of
dense forests interspersed with lagoons and white-sand beaches.
Visit the colourful city of Libreville to enjoy vibrant street
markets, modern restaurants and buzzy bars, and take a boat to
spend the day on nearby Pointe-Denis, a sandy peninsula perfect for
sunbathing and watersports. Go in January for some winter sun, and
to catch a glimpse of sea turtles - they nest between November and
January.
Bruges
Belgium
Fitness bunnies look away: this place is Belgium's answer to
Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, making it a dream destination for
chocaholics. With twinkly light-plastered streets, jewel-coloured
facades and medieval architecture galore, there's plenty to fall in
love with here. It's the city's tasty gastronomic boutiques,
however, that we'll be making a beeline for. We're talking
chocolate in flavours you didn't even know existed, in all kinds of
intricate shapes and styles. If you weren't already keen,
syrup-drizzled waffles and extra-large mugs of hot chocolate are
pretty much the Bruges equivalent of a green juice and acai
bowl.
Strasbourg
France
Itching for a weekend getaway? Look no further than the
crossroads of culture that is the serene city of Strasbourg. Thanks
to its charming blend of French and German heritage, we're ranking
this as the most romantic retreat France has to offer - outside of
the obvious Paris. Picture a landscape peppered by medieval houses
overlooking the Rhine River - it hardly comes as a surprise that
Beauty and the Beast was set here. Stroll the snow-dusted streets
and be sure to take time to browse the many gift shops stocking
local sweet treats. Top tip: stay at Régent
Contades, a hotel spa that makes braving the frosty air
worthwhile.
Guildford
United Kingdom
A bustling town that's somehow plonked in the middle of vast,
open green fields? Visit Guildford and you'll feel like you've been
transported to the depths of the English countryside, despite, in
actual fact, being just an hour's drive from central London. Days
should be spent trekking across the rolling hills, while evenings
should look like a second serving of roasted spuds in a convivial
local pub.
What's happening in the world in January?
1 January: New Year's Day
26 January: Australia Day
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Zodiac Express: Where to Travel in 2022 (According to your Star Sign)