Introduction
Whether you’re looking for some winter fun or a dose of much-needed sun, January offers the chance to begin the year in style. From Northern Lights breaks in Scandinavia to luxury beach breaks and safaris, our specialists have picked out their top itineraries for that perfect post-Christmas break.
Scandinavia and the Nordics
For that quintessential winter break, look no further than Scandinavia and the Nordics. Here, Swedish and Finnish Lapland host dogsled rides and snowmobile safaris all under the Northern Lights; look to Tromso for some of the best viewing of this spectacular natural phenomenon. Alternatively, look to Iceland or the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard for some authentic cold-weather adventure.
Head for the beach
For a dose of winter sun, head to the Caribbean for some white-sands relaxation, choosing from the likes of calm retreats in St Lucia and vibrant Barbados. Elsewhere, Brazil's breathtaking coastlines offer something for everyone. Rains now a distant memory, the beach-fringed islands of the Maldives are also a great option, while closer to home, Tenerife and Madeira are both great choices.
Wondrous wildlife
In Africa, Tanzania is a great option. Equatorially warm and dry without being uncomfortably close, January is perfect for safaris and ascents of Kilimanjaro. But, it’s perhaps the country’s wildebeest calving season that’s most impressive, when these majestic beasts migrate back to the grasslands of the Serengeti in astonishing numbers. South Africa's southern coast – from Cape Town and the Garden Route to the Eastern Cape game reserves – is also an excellent option, with sunny days and mild nights. Or, make the most of Costa Rica’s dry season, when the reduced humidity makes exploring jungles and cloud forests ideal – best combined with the country’s gorgeous beaches. For a spectacular wildlife alternative, head to Ecuador's Galápagos Islands for an island-hopping adventure, swimming with seals, rays and sharks, and spotting rare species from marine iguanas to Darwin's finches.
Off the beaten track in Patagonia
While it's the height of summer in South America, it's also the wettest for many Andean countries. However, January is superb time to visit the southern region of Patagonia, which straddles Argentina and Chile. Head off the beaten track to explore endless hiking trails, or head to one of the big-hitting national parks – Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy are two of our favourites.
