January 8, 2026, 2:22 pm | Read time: 13 minutes

January offers perfect conditions to escape the stress of the New Year or the winter darkness. How about a trip to warmer climes? Those who want to be active on vacation might find the mountains just right. Of course, we’ve also selected the best destinations for city trips in January, including insider tips.

Three Destinations for a Beach Vacation in January

Sri Lanka

The Indian Ocean, azure waters, and pleasant warmth—in January, the southwest of the country is particularly inviting with temperatures for those who miss the height of summer. The island nation, about the size of Bavaria, does not have a uniform dry and rainy season. Instead, the phases vary by region. In January, the southwest and the mountainous region of Sri Lanka welcome sun-seekers with temperatures between 77 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. With the fastest flight route, you can reach one of the most beautiful destinations for a beach vacation in January in just over 10 hours. Once there, the sun shines all day, and the ocean water is about 82 degrees warm. Perfect for exploring Sri Lanka, both above and below the water. You can see turtles, dolphins, and coral!
Our tip: Unawatuna Beach, which is also shown in the photo here! Due to its location in southern Sri Lanka, you can swim here all year round, especially during a January vacation. The underwater world is particularly exciting here, as there are several shipwrecks on the seabed and coral reefs to see.

Vietnam

Secluded islands and hidden bays—Vietnam entices with paradisiacal images that speak for themselves. The south of the country is particularly characterized by a tropical climate. Even in the winter months, it is very warm here with temperatures around 86 degrees. Thus, Vietnam is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the biting cold of January in Germany. The small coastal town of Hoi An in central Vietnam is particularly recommended, and the resort town of Da Nang is also very popular. From Germany, Vietnam is about a thirteen-hour flight, so a longer stay is worthwhile not only because of Vietnam’s beauty.
Our tip: South Beach Son Tra is about six miles from the center of Da Nang and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. The area is perfect for a beach vacation because it has so many great beaches. Also recommended are North Beach, My Khe Beach, and Non Nuoc Da Nang.

Also interesting: 7 of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Monkeys, sloths, turtles, and parrots—not only humans feel at home in the land of eternal summer. Costa Rica has a rainforest that grows not only inland but also near the coast. This makes it easy to combine adventure with lounging on the beach. Due to its location, Costa Rica enjoys summer when it’s winter for us. After a flight time of about eleven hours, you find yourself in temperatures of up to 82 degrees. This makes it the perfect destination for a beach vacation in January. Additionally, you can choose between two seas, as Costa Rica borders the Caribbean to the east and the Pacific to the southwest. Both coasts boast beautiful beaches.
Our tip: Playa Negra is hidden on the west coast of Costa Rica, near the town of Tamarindo. Every Thursday, the popular night market takes place there. You can experience music, dance, food, drinks, and many exciting impressions, so don’t miss it!

Three Destinations for a City Trip in January

Zurich

Snow-covered roofs and a clear sky—in Switzerland, specifically in Zurich, the chances of sunshine are very good even in January. Those in Germany who increasingly miss the white winter will find it here, and they are also in a culinary paradise. Swiss specialties taste especially good in the cold months. You should definitely try Swiss raclette, cheese fondue, and the world-famous Swiss chocolate. It’s also attractive that Zurich can be reached in a short time, making it perfect for a short vacation. Additionally, the city trip can easily be combined with a day on the ski slopes or a walk in the snowy woods. Zurich is the perfect destination for anyone who hasn’t had enough of winter and the Christmas feeling in January.
Our tip: At the foot of the Prime Tower, there’s a place that transforms into a winter wonderland during the winter months: Frau Gerolds Garten is located in the heart of Zurich and is a winter garden that attracts visitors from October to March with campfires, cheese fondues, and raclette. Here, you feel like you’re in grandma’s cozy living room!

Salzburg

A historic old town and pure romance—the hometown of Mozart is in Austria and should definitely be visited in winter. January is the coldest month in the city, and the chances of snow are better than at any other time. Due to the cold temperatures, the snow stays, turning Salzburg into a paradise for winter fans. To fully enjoy the feeling, the Mozart city offers a variety of activities. How about a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow? Alternatively, you could visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is shown in the photo here. It should not be missed on a city trip to Salzburg, as it is one of the top attractions in the city for a reason.
Our tip: Salzburg is also an excellent destination in January because the so-called Mozart Week takes place at the end of the month. In honor of the musician’s birthday, countless great events take place throughout the city, including dance, opera, concerts, puppet theater, and film screenings. Since these are in high demand, tickets should be secured as early as possible.

Stockholm

Cozy cafes and icy cold—January is the coldest month of the year in Stockholm and marks the beginning of the ski season. Here, too, the city trip can be combined with a ski run or two. But Stockholm also has a lot to offer off the slopes and has something magical about it in winter. The entire city is decorated with stars, Advent candles, lights, and Christmas elves. The advantage of traveling in January is that there are far fewer tourists than at other times of the year. This is also reflected in the prices, and Sweden, with a flight time of just over an hour, is very suitable for a short or spontaneous trip. In January, it gets dark here as early as the afternoon, and then the bars and pubs along the charming streets of Gamla Stan become the center of activity.
Our tip: Not only is January in general a good time, but places like Tyresta National Park and the area around Lake Mälaren are also great for watching the dancing Northern Lights due to the low light pollution.

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Three Destinations for an Active Vacation in January

Donnersbachwald

A small ski area away from mass tourism—that’s what the Riesneralm Donnersbachwald ski area in Austria offers. Located near the small town of Liezen, this place is a real alternative to the crowded Ischgl and the overwhelming après-ski. The Riesneralm Donnersbachwald is rather quiet and cozy, reminiscent of the slopes as they used to be. Despite its small size, the area is not overcrowded and is still a real insider tip. The Riesneralm is particularly suitable as a travel destination in January because the chances of a lot of snow are particularly good then. In case it doesn’t snow enough, the ski area is prepared. The 16 slopes are simply artificially snowed.
Our tip: The lifts open very early here. Those who still manage to get out of bed will be rewarded and may have the slopes all to themselves.

Trysil, Norway

Snow-covered firs and the Northern Lights in the sky—the latter can be seen particularly well during a January vacation in Trysil. Between December and March, it gets dark in Norway as early as the afternoon. The ski resort is located in the middle of the forest, so there is hardly any light pollution here. This makes the Northern Lights particularly visible. Trysil has many more benefits that make it such an attractive destination in January. The breathtaking landscape is completely covered in snow, and there are more than 60 ski slopes to fully enjoy it. Unlike the slopes in the Alps, Trysil’s slopes are almost deserted. If that’s not enough, you can go cross-country skiing and enjoy the relaxing silence. Trysil is also easily accessible for a small price with a flight time of less than two hours, making it great for a short trip.
Our tip: Trysil is a rather quiet and tranquil place. For a bit more life and variety, the nearby city of Tromsø provides it.

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Lanzarote

Black lava landscapes and whitewashed houses—our destination for a beach vacation in January is one of the “Islands of Eternal Spring.” Lanzarote is the hottest island in the Canaries, and even in January, temperatures climb well above 68 degrees. Unlike most destinations, it is not a long-haul destination but can be reached in just over four hours by flight. In addition to beautiful sandy beaches, Lanzarote also offers many hiking trails, totaling more than 280 miles. Among our favorite beaches is definitely Papagayo Beach, located in the south of the island and shown in the photo here. The water is up to 68 degrees in January, making it perfect for cooling off after a hike.
Our tip: In Timanfaya National Park, more than 30 volcanic craters rise from the ground. You should not miss them during a vacation on Lanzarote, as a hike through the lunar landscape in the north of the island is truly an unforgettable experience.

Three Insider Tips for a Vacation in January

Andorra

Long, snow-covered slopes in the Spanish-French Pyrenees—Andorra is a small, independent principality. Many may still be unfamiliar with this place, and that’s a good thing. Andorra is still a real insider tip. Located between Spain and France, some may know this place because you can shop duty-free here. However, the fact that you can also have a wonderful ski vacation here has not yet spread widely. The likelihood of enough snow in January is high. In the unlikely event of a lack of snow, Andorra has prepared with artificial snow, so skiing fun is guaranteed. The country can also be explored wonderfully without skis, as it has many hiking trails that invite you to take walks through the snow in winter. The landscape of Andorra is also excellent for cross-country skiing.
Our tip: The ski huts complete the experience on the slopes. Instead of the good old home cooking, tapas are served here!

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Zanzibar

White sandy beaches and turquoise waters—Zanzibar is in the height of summer in January. The Tanzanian island archipelago now attracts visitors with temperatures around 86 degrees, as the rainy season is over. It’s a paradise for anyone who can’t wait for summer. With direct flights, Zanzibar can be reached in nine hours, leaving the Christmas and New Year’s stress far behind. The most popular beach resorts include Nungwi and Paje. With its diversity, Zanzibar is the ultimate insider tip among January travel destinations. There is the snorkeling and diving spot Mnemba Atoll, and a trip to the old town of Stone Town is highly recommended. It’s no wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our tip: Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar and spent the first years of his life there. At that time, he was still named “Farrokh Bulsara” before he later changed his name. In his honor, there is the Freddie Mercury Museum in Zanzibar, which is also the house where the singer lived with his family.

Reykjavik

A city with colorful roofs and snow-covered mountains in the background—in the Icelandic city of Reykjavik, it is quiet and tranquil in January. You can reach Iceland by plane in just over three hours and land in a true winter paradise. In January, it gets light late and dark early, so the Northern Lights can be observed particularly well here. The fact that January is outside the high season is also reflected in the prices, leaving more travel budget for other things. You can choose from great thermal baths or a visit to one of the many museums. For an adventurous feeling, take a trip to the ice caves or one of the glaciers, which are very close by. Reykjavik is the perfect destination for anyone who hasn’t had enough of winter in January.
Our tip: Grótta is a small peninsula in the west of Reykjavik. There is a pretty lighthouse here, and there is also a natural hot spring right by the sea. In clear weather, you have a great view of the mountains and the ocean. In January, you can see the Northern Lights from here in the early evening—an unforgettable experience!