WHERE TO GO ON HOLIDAY IN JANUARY

January can be a dreary month. Christmas is over. New Year’s celebrations are done and it feels like the world is still working off the hangover. Going on a January getaway is the perfect antidote to that. Refresh and revitalise as you head into the new year with a wonderful break in the sun.

But if you’re wondering where to go in January, here are seven excellent options.

Cape Verde

Average temperature: 19°C – 23°C

Best for: Sun-bathing, hiking and relaxing

Cape Verde is a beach lover’s dream. The archipelago of 10 islands boasts postcard-perfect shorelines with white sands and crystal-clear seas. Of course, you could spend the full month sun-bathing and listen to the crashing of the waves. However, there’s much more to the island country than that. The more adventurous holiday-maker can strap on some hiking boots and climb one of the many towering peaks the country offers. The reward for the hard work is unbeatable vistas that take the breath away.

Costa Rica 

Average temperature: 24°C – 29°C

Best for: Natural wonders, gorgeous beaches and whale watching

January is an ideal time to visit the haven that is Costa Rica. The majority of the tourists have left and the country is just entering the dry season. For a truly awe-inspiring sight, head north to visit Rio Celeste. The magical aquamarine river is one of Costa Rica’s great attractions. Its stunning light blue colour and gorgeous waterfall have made it one of the most enchanting spots in Central America. Of course, the country is also a sunbather’s paradise with gorgeous beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Humpback whales can be seen playing off the coast for the majority of the year.

 Burma (Yangon)

 Average temperature: 17°C – 33°C

Best for: Warm weather, culture and sight-seeing

If the terrible weather has you dreaming of warmer climes, Burma could well be your January getaway of choice. The south-east Asian country enjoys a very pleasant warm and dry climate throughout the month. Beaches, such as Ngapali in the south-west, can rival any in the world and are a great place to relax with a good book. However, there’s much more to do than beach hop. Burma is a cultural gem with magnificent pagodas and temples dotted around the country. For a particularly special afternoon, take a hot-air balloon ride over Bagan, home to more than 2,000 ancient Buddhist temples.

Argentina 

Average temperature: 20°C – 29°C

Best for: Wine sampling, natural wonders and cultural hotspots

Spend all of January in mighty Argentina and you won’t even scratch the surface of what it has to offer. Visitors could head north to Mendoza to sample some of the very finest wines on the planet. Head south to Patagonia to explore the Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible ice mountains. The capital, Buenos Aires, is a cultural hotspot that rivals any major city on the planet. During the day, you could take in the beautiful architecture or go on a shopping spree. At night, you must check out a tango performance.

Cape Town  

Average temperature: 16°C – 26°C

Best for: Luxury food, glorious wines and magnificent views 

South Africa’s Cape Town is a wonderful metropolis with endless luxuries to enjoy. January is the perfect time to top up a tan and hit the picturesque beaches. However, with so much to do, it would be a waste spending all your time lying down. The V&A Waterfront is home to some of the finest restaurants in the whole country and boasts magnificent views over Table Mountain. Wine country also surrounds the city so taking a vineyard tour is a must. Before you venture home, take a gondola up Table Mountain for a view you will remember forever.

Goa

Average temperature: 20°C – 31°C

Best for: Romance, relaxation and sun

January is the coldest month in Goa — and that’s a blessing. The beautiful Indian state enjoys magnificent temperatures throughout the beginning of the year. It is also the perfect place for a romantic getaway. You will find stunning luxury hotels with unbelievable service. During the day, opt for a couple’s massage to fully unwind after the excess of Christmas and New Year’s. The balmy evenings lend themselves to a romantic dinner under the stars. Wellness resorts and spas abound in Goa, so you’ll always be able to find a beautiful spot in which to relax.