January is a time for hibernation, resting, and recovery after the festive season. It’s also a great time to travel as the weather is more stable, everything is fresh and you can experience some of the most beautiful places in the world.
January is a great time to book your next vacation as prices are typically lower than at other times of the year. Plus, you can often get good deals by booking early now!
As the calendar rolls over to January 2022, I’m feeling pretty good about it. There are so many places in this world that I want to explore and things that I want to do with my life, which is why it’s always best to have a plan – even if you don’t know when or how these plans might happen. That being said, here are some of my favorite picks for where to travel to in January!
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9 Best Places to Visit in January 2022
Traveling during the winter months can be a challenge. But there are many exciting places to visit in January that will make your trip worthwhile. This month offers some of the best winter vacations on Earth, from sunny beaches to snowy mountains. Let’s take a look at 9 of the best places to travel in January.
San Diego, California – top destination on my January travel bucket list
Update: I’ve recently traveled to San Diego and wrote up a whole travel guide for the town. Check it out here!
San Diego is my top pick for a dream vacation. It is sunny, the weather is always warm, and there are tons of things to do! This city has so much to offer: beaches, historical landmarks, water sports, and beautiful scenery.
I haven’t been here yet, but it is HIGH on my travel list! I hear the craft beer scene is incredible here and there’s still so much more of west coast beer that I have yet to explore.
If you’re planning a trip to San Diego this January, you might want to note that on January 8th, the city is hosting the San Diego Brew Fest! Isn’t it fun getting to fit in a beer fest on your trip (yes, the answer is always yes!). Get your tickets to the beer fest here.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado – one of the best winter destinations in the USA
Glenwood Springs, Colorado is a small town in the Rocky Mountains. However, it has earned its reputation as one of the best winter destinations in the United States. Glenwood Springs is one of those towns that is so beautiful and full of natural wonders that you can’t help but visit again and again.
Jason and I traveled to Glenwood Springs for his birthday last December and had such a great time, so I had to include it on this list of the best places to travel to in January. Glenwood Springs is an incredible destination. Heck, even the journey west from Denver out there is quite the experience. I recommend renting a car from Denver and making sure your car can handle some snow!
Read More About Planning Your Winter Trip to Colorado: Texas to Colorado Road Trip Guide
Where to Stay in Glenwood Springs: Hotel Denver
The Hotel Denver is situated in the heart of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The hotel offers guests a mountain resort experience with free WiFi, an indoor pool and spa services. PLUS AN ON-SITE BREWERY!
This historical building has been renovated to include modern amenities that appeal to today’s traveler. With downtown Glenwood Springs just steps away, travelers are never far from all the action!
The staff was very welcoming and offered ample suggestions for activities in the area, with most being within short driving distance. The room was spacious and comfortable, with everything we needed to feel right at home. It also had a breathtaking mountain view with every amenity you could dream of.
Key West, Florida – perfect if you’re wanting warm places to visit in January
While most of us are in the middle of winter, some people want to get away from it all and find warm places to visit. Key West, Florida is an ideal place for travelers who want to experience the Caribbean without having to go too far.
Key West, Florida is known for its beautiful climate and vibrant culture. With sunny weather year-round, it’s the perfect place to visit in January. This is another spot I’ve yet to visit, but my birthday month is January… and Key West has been very high on my list for so long. Additionally, I love a good beach vacation and Key West is known for its beautiful beaches. I would love to see the sunset from there!
4. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico – for a unique winter vacation
If you’re looking for a unique winter destination this January, look no further than Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. January is technically the coldest month in Old San Juan, with daily average highs of 82-ish.
The old city is filled with narrow cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture that dates back to the 16th century. You can walk around all day admiring the historic buildings or take a break from exploring by enjoying some delicious street food like empanadas!
What could be more fun than a quick trip to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico? I recently had the chance to visit this vibrant Caribbean island and I absolutely loved it! The colorful buildings, delicious food, and friendly people made for an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a fun and warm vacation in January, be sure to add Old San Juan to your list.
Where to Stay in Old San Juan: Hotel el Convento
Hotel El Convento is a Small Luxury Hotel of the World in Old San Juan. Located in the Plaza de la Cathedral, a lively plaza home to The Cathedral Metropolitana Basílica de San Juan Bautista. Each room on the property will make you feel like you’re a special guest.
Top Things To Do in Old San Juan
- Visit the El Morro fortress.
- Visit the San Juan Cathedral.
- Eat Mofongo and drink all the rum.
- Walk along the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan.
Read More About Planning Your Winter Trip to Old San Juan: Things To Do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
5. The Gulf Coast – one of the best spots to visit in Texas in January
Corpus Christi is a coastal city in the southernmost tip of Texas. It has its own unique charm and can be a great place to visit for a vacation. There are many reasons why you should come and see the Alamo, explore the sea turtles, spend some time at Padre Island National Seashore, or just enjoy some ice cream on the pier.
6. Miami, Florida – because it’s cold in January and you deserve to travel to someplace warm
Miami, Florida is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s also super-important for several reasons and it’s the gateway to the rest of Latin America and South America. Due to it’s amazingly warm winter weather, I think Miami is a great destination to travel to in January. And I know from firsthand experience!
My birthday month is January (hiii all you fellow caps!) and for my 30th birthday, my girlfriends and I took a long weekend trip to Miami! We did boat cruises, fancy drinks, and of course plenty of dancing. Check it out in my travel guide linked below.
Where to Stay in Miami
When I visited Miami in January, my friends and I rented a beautiful home in Little Havana. There are so many unique rental properties in Miami, to fit all budgets and needs, so I highly recommend checking those out through the link below!
Read More About Planning Your Winter Trip to Miami: Top Things To Do in Miami
7. White Sands National Park, New Mexico – a unique destination for a trip in January
It is the end of January, and you’ve just booked a ticket to White Sands National Park. With temperatures around the mid 50’s, this is the perfect time to visit this desert oasis. But if you have the chance to visit this unique destination in January, there is a good chance that you will be amazed by the beauty of this place.
This is one of the top “must-visit-ASAP” National Parks on my list. I’ve been to Big Bend and loved it, but the picture of this place look so magical and spectaular. I know many Texans make a stop here on their way out to the West Coast. And if you don’t know I’m always down for a good road trip!
8. Cincinnati, Ohio – a place to visit in January that’s perfect for beer lovers
January is in full swing and if you’re looking for a new adventure, Cincinnati may just be the perfect place to visit. Cincy has been named one of the top cities to visit in 2018 by both the New York Times and National Geographic. With its rich history, thriving arts scene, quaint neighborhoods, and delicious food, Cincinnati has something for everyone.
9. Austin, Texas – because this city is wonderful to visit *almost* every month of the year!
Austin is a great city. It’s got good weather, good food, and what seems like the perfect mix of culture. But let’s face it- not everyone can make it there in the winter. So you might be asking yourself, “Should I go to Austin when it’s cold?”
Allow me to answer that for you. Yes! You should absolutely visit Austin in January. The restaurants are open late, the music is amazing, and the people are friendly. It’s also much easier to find parking in this off season, so come on down!
Read More About Planning Your January Trip to Austin, Texas: Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas
Explore Big World, Small Girl for More Travel Blogs on the Best Places to Travel to in Winter!
I hope this list of the 9 best places to visit in January has given you some ideas to get your travel planning started. If you’re looking for more inspiration on where to travel in January, be sure to explore these other Big World, Small Girl Travel Guides!