The new year and fresh start we are all anticipating, making January a good time to take our much-needed vacation. Traveling to most islands is now possible with a negative COVID test, and tourists are finally welcome after months of quarantine. So if you’re looking forward to traveling again next year, here are some of the best places to travel in January.
Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, and Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
With highs barely reaching 30 degrees, these national parks are cold in January, but for visitors who are willing to dress for the weather, these places are the perfect travel destination. Yellowstone, for instance, is a wonderland of wildlife and scenery. Jackson Hole is the ideal base for exploring the national parks and enjoy sleigh rides, skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiles, or park tours. Another gorgeous travel destination in winter is the Grand Teton, and visitors can explore on cross country skis or snowmobiles.
Los Angeles, California
Comfortably mild weather is what it makes Los Angeles a perfect outdoor destination, whether for exploring a new neighborhood, hiking, or dining out at many exciting restaurants in the city. Hotels are gearing up for visitors and making sure that they adapt to keep the health and comfort of guests. Many visitors also come to Los Angeles for the restaurants, with good reason. The popular dining destinations are the Jean-Georges Beverly Hills, The Rooftop by JG, and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Before or after dinner, you can spend some time in The Spare Room for small plates, cocktails, games, and views of the hotel’s iconic David Hockney painted pool.
Lake Tahoe, California
Winter sports fans adore the beauty of the rugged mountains, blue lake, and cozy apres-ski time. January is the snowiest in Lake Tahoe, making it perfect for outdoor fun or beautiful views from indoors. Temperatures during the daytime reach mid-40’s, while mid-20’s during the nights. With outdoor space and fresh mountain air, it’s excellent for social distancing and healthy exercise. On the southern shore of the lake, just a few minutes from Edgewood Tahoe, is the Heavenly Mountain, with 28 chair lifts, 97 trails, and two terrain parks — something for everyone.
Antigua and Barbuda, West Indies
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, these tropical islands start their dry season in the first month of the year, with temperatures in the mid-70’s. Sailing is a popular activity here, and January is the yachting season and the beginning of different fun activities, such as horse racing, volleyball, cricket, and netball. There’s also a beach for everyone for every day of the year, with 365 different places to swim, scuba dive, water ski, snorkel, and more. The nearly deserted beaches of Barbuda are ideal for visitors seeking a quiet place for water for relaxing in the pink sand sports, bird watching, or fishing.
Oahu, Hawaii
Most of the diverse population of Hawaii lives on this island, and Honolulu is located on Oahu’s southeastern coast. A busy, cosmopolitan city, the state’s capital offers luxurious resorts, fine dining, shopping, and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the state’s history in the Bishop Museum, where millions of artifacts of both the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures can be found. Waikiki might be the island’s most famous beach, but each shore has spectacular beaches, from surfing waves of the north shore to famed Makaha on the west.
