A new year means a new adventure. Here are some top destinations for January international travel, with expert tips for deals, packing, and planning.

The start of the new year is an excellent time to ramp your new year’s resolutions into high gear. For many, this means seeing more of the world through international travel, and the more proactive among them might want to grab their passport and go as soon as the calendar turns over.

January is an ideal time to kick off the new year with an international adventure. Whether you’re chasing winter wonderlands or tropical beaches, planning international travel in January requires some strategic thinking to make the most of deals (airline ticket prices drop post-New Year’s Day), off-peak benefits, and seasonal attractions. In this guide, we’ll cover the best destinations, affordable options, and top travel tips to help you plan the perfect international travel January getaway.

Why Travel Internationally in January?

For international travel, January offers affordable flights as post-holiday travel dips, often bringing cheap fares and discounts. It’s also an ideal time to experience winter wonders, from snow-covered landscapes in Switzerland to serene hot springs in Japan. For those seeking warmth, tropical escapes like Thailand or the Maldives provide a perfect break from winter chills. Additionally, traveling in January means fewer crowds in many destinations, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Top Destinations for January International Travel

Where you kick off your international travel January depends on what sort of experience you’re looking for. Everyone’s travel bucket list is a little different, so consider tailoring your 2025 plans to places you’ve never been before. Though, there’s no shame in wanting to revisit an old favorite, too.

Warm Weather Escapes

Get out of the cold with the best warm weather travel destinations for winter. These spots are perfect for travelers who already live somewhere chilly that just want a break from frozen noses and icy windows. For international travel, that means headed either to an island destination, or to somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere, where it’s still summer.

• Maldives: Enjoy crystal-clear waters and luxurious overwater bungalows.
• Thailand: January is one of the best months to visit for dry weather and vibrant cultural festivals.
• Mexico: Cancun and Tulum offer sunny beaches and rich history.
• Australia: January is mid-summer, perfect for exploring beaches or cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Winter Adventures

As opposed to those looking for warm getaways, there are those who want to embrace the chill of winter with both hands. In that case, go somewhere that offers both snowy escapes and plenty to do in terms of activities. Seek out spots with activities centered around the winter holiday of your choice, New Year’s Eve, or any day that celebrates the coldest time of year.

• Switzerland: A haven for skiers and snow lovers, with picturesque alpine villages.
• Japan: Combine skiing in Hokkaido with a visit to Tokyo’s vibrant winter illuminations.
• Iceland: A prime spot to catch the Northern Lights and enjoy natural hot springs.

Unique Cultural Experiences

Kicking off your January of International Travel is a great way to immerse yourself in unfamiliar cultures and new experiences. Ebrace the world outside of your comfort zone and broaden your horizons with some unique cultural experiences.

• India: Witness the Kite Festival in Gujarat or explore Rajasthan’s palaces in cooler weather.
• Brazil: While Carnival isn’t until February, January is great for exploring Rio de Janeiro.
• Vietnam: Experience pleasant weather in Ho Chi Minh City or explore the lush Mekong Delta.

Budget-Friendly International Travel Ideas for January

If you blew your budget on gift-giving this holiday season, that doesn’t mean that leaving the country in January has to be out of the question. Here are a few budget-friendly spots you can venture to without breaking the bank,

• Portugal: Lisbon offers mild weather and off-season pricing.
• Morocco: Visit Marrakech for vibrant markets and lower costs during January.
• Eastern Europe: Cities like Prague and Budapest offer winter charm at budget-friendly prices.
• Colombia: Enjoy Cartagena’s tropical vibes without breaking the bank.

How to Plan International Travel for January

Book Flights Early

To snag the best deals, book flights 2-3 months in advance. Use tools like Google Flights to monitor prices or consider January travel packages for bundled savings. If you’re okay leaving a little later in January, the tail end of December tends to see a drop in flight fares. For a few international locales, January is outside of the busy travel season.

Pack for the Weather

If you’re venturing out somewhere warm, pack accordingly with lighter clothing, swimsuits, and sunscreen – just make sure you have something warm to wear when you return to your home destination if you live somewhere cold. Alternatively, prepare to pack layers and waterproof jackets to stave off winter chills for those international winter wonderlands. Don’t forget sturdy boots and thermal wear. Electronic hand warmers can make a huge difference toward your comfort.

Leverage Off-Peak Deals

January is an excellent time for off-season travel, especially in Europe and parts of Asia. Look for discounted hotels, tours, and activities. Being flexible with your travel dates will allow you more freedom in finding the best deals, and checking out a budget airline like Spirit of Frontier might be worth it — if you manage to dodge those hidden fees. This is a great time to look at AirBNBs as well, as many see a lull in January.

Check Travel Requirements

Stay updated on visa requirements, travel restrictions, and health guidelines for your destination. The beginning of the year is when many new restrictions and requirements kick off, and it’s important to keep yourself on the up-and-up in case of sudden changes that might delay your flight plans.

Pro Tips for January Travel Success

Flexibility Pays Off: Be flexible with travel dates to take advantage of last-minute deals.

Travel Midweek: Flights and accommodations are often cheaper midweek compared to weekends.

Stay Hydrated: If traveling to tropical regions, carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Capture Memories: Pack a good camera or smartphone with extra storage for stunning winter or tropical shots.

Start the Year with Adventure

Don’t wait—Plan your international travel in January and book early. Whether you’re chasing the sun, skiing down snowy slopes, or exploring vibrant cultures, January’s diverse offerings make it one of the best months for travel.

Holiday Spending Money

This is often a requirement that gets overlooked but can either pose little to no costs or if a poor decision is made, add significant costs to your overall trip. We all need money to spend when we are on a trip so looking at how to send money abroad with the least costs can yield excellent savings.

Often the first thought is to use a high street bank to send money for you, but banks tend to be amongst the most expensive methods to send money abroad. You could choose to send cash, but this is an extremely risky business and cannot be recommended as the exposure to the risk of theft or fraud is very high indeed. Choosing to use a money transfer provider can yield excellent savings and is actually a very simple process to initiate and complete. An online money transfer provider is likely to be one of the cheapest ways to send money, and as an additional bonus, far quicker than a traditional bank. They can be much easier to use too. You need not leave your home to complete a transfer and no one likes trying to park their car just to visit a high street bank.

Plan Ahead

This top tip is often overlooked, we all love spontaneous holidays or trips abroad, but often leaving things to the last minute if you have fixed ideas on your destination and timescale can end up costing you a premium. Airlines and hotels often run business models that are designed to give them maximum occupancy of their products, so booking in advance can give you the best chance of a good deal. Hotels are especially savvy when it comes to tactical pricing. If you are headed to see a concert, once you have booked your tickets, booking your accommodation should be a top priority.

The longer you leave it, the less choice you will have and often local hotels in the area have increased the cost of rooms on nights where local events mean they are likely to sell all the accommodation they have available.

Be Smart With Dates

Choosing when you travel can make an enormous difference to the costs. If you are not constrained by school holidays, it makes the best sense financially to avoid these times as both hotels and airlines will increase the prices of their products during school holidays. Sometimes towards the end of a holiday period bargains are to be had where you are travelling out to a destination just as the majority of people are returning.

Using a flight cost comparison site can give you a great deal of information on the difference in cost and the time of day a flight is booked makes. They also let you see what the cost differences are when you are heading to a popular destination either just before the school holiday season starts or ends. If you are taking your family, or even other friends with children to a holiday destination during a school break it is worth shopping around as early as possible to ensure you get the best deal.

If you are looking for entertainment whilst on your trip, it is also worth investigating the costs as some venues and activities naturally cost more when the demand is highest. Factoring in the variables between entertainment costs, accommodation costs and the prices of flights or rail tickets can yield quite significant cost differences with only a small change in the times you intend to depart and return.

Choose Accommodation Carefully

We would all love to stay in a fully serviced hotel where we never need to worry about making the room up in the morning or having to consider what to cook for dinner. But this ease of living comes at a cost. Today’s digital society provides some excellent alternatives that can yield impressive cost savings and yet provide an alternative, often far more interesting venue for our accommodation.

Services like Airbnb can offer unusual accommodation at economically attractive rates. Using their online search tool can give you plenty of options. Be sure to consider the costs of airport transfers and ongoing local travel during your stay as an out-of-the-city location may be very appealing in cost, but the time taken to travel back and forward each day can eat into your core entertainment time. In addition, the costs of seemingly small journeys from your accommodation to the venues and places you wish to visit can add up. So be sure to weigh up the alternatives. One area where cost savings are going to be positive is in your holiday food bill. If you choose to stay at a hotel, your only option for a hot meal is to either eat within the hotel or at a local restaurant, this can add significantly to the overall trip cost. But if you choose to stay at an Airbnb, often there are cooking and dining facilities within your accommodation, using these can yield significant savings and in addition, can give you that home-cooked meal that we are all craving towards the latter days of an extended break.

Look At What You Leave Behind.

This one will depend on where you live, but Airbnb or similar services can provide an excellent way to recoup some of your travelling and accommodation costs whilst on holiday. As you will not be staying in your own accommodation, this becomes available for someone else to stay in whilst you are away. Various internet-based services are available to market your property for the times you are away, taking a booking can introduce an income whilst you are away that will help offset your spending costs. If you do not have a suitable property, or do not wish to rent your own property in this way, but do have access to a parking space within a city location, or near a railway or airport, the same types of services exist to rent out your parking space whilst you are on holiday. Whilst not suitable for everyone, these kinds of services can help you balance the books and make a trip significantly less costly.

To make the most of your winter adventure while staying safe, it’s essential to plan ahead and take extra precautions. Here are some key safety tips to ensure your winter road trip is both enjoyable and safe

Winter road trips can be a magical experience, offering stunning snow-capped landscapes, picturesque mountain views, and the thrill of the open road. However, as recent viral videos of helpless cars sliding in snow shows, winter driving can also be treacherous. Whether you’re heading to a snowy hill station or taking a scenic drive through the mountains, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and take safety seriously.

To ensure you enjoy a safe and smooth winter road trip, here are some essential winter driving tips.

Follow The Weather Forecast

Before setting out on a road trip, especially during winter, checking the latest weather forecast is crucial. This helps you anticipate potential hazards, such as blizzards or freezing rain, that could impact your journey. Even if your trip is a few days or weeks away, monitoring the forecast regularly is important. Numerous weather apps provide up-to-date projections, informing you of any developing issues. This allows you to adjust your plans, whether by reconsidering the trip or choosing an alternate route to stay safe.

Do A Quick Vehicle Check

A thorough vehicle check is one of the most crucial steps before embarking on a road trip, particularly in winter. Ensuring your car is in optimal condition can help prevent unexpected issues on the road. Key areas to inspect include car fluids, wiper blades, lights, tyre pressure, the battery, and your spare tyre with a hanging kit.

Start by checking essential fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant to ensure they are at the appropriate levels. Inspect your wiper blades for wear and tear, ensuring they can effectively clear the windshield. Don’t forget to verify that all car lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals—are functioning properly.

Next, check the tire pressure, including that of the spare tire, to ensure it is at the recommended levels for safe driving. Also, ensure your car’s battery is in good condition and has enough charge for the journey. Lastly, ensure you have a spare tyre and a changing kit in an emergency. These steps will give you peace of mind and a safer road trip experience.

Carry Some Winter Essentials

Having winter essentials in your car is crucial, not just for long road trips but also for everyday winter driving. These items can help you navigate through potential winter challenges and ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected. Key essentials to keep on hand include an ice scraper and brush for clearing your windshield, jumper cables for a quick battery boost, and a collapsible road shovel for handling snow-related issues.

Additionally, consider carrying tyre chains or a tow strap for situations needing extra traction or assistance. Investing in snow tyres can also greatly improve your vehicle’s performance and safety in icy or snowy conditions. By packing these items, you can confidently drive and avoid being caught unprepared during winter travels.

Build A Winter Emergency Kit

In addition to winter maintenance items, having a well-stocked emergency kit in your car during the winter season is essential for ensuring your safety and comfort. It’s important to have enough supplies for yourself and keep age-appropriate necessities for your children.

Here’s a list of winter emergency kit items that will cover all your needs: blankets, hats, socks, and mittens to keep warm, a flashlight with extra batteries for visibility, a first aid kit for emergencies, bottled water, hand warmers, winter boots, non-perishable food and snacks to stay nourished, extra winter clothing, and a portable phone charger to stay connected. If you’re travelling with a small child, don’t forget their essentials, such as bottles, diapers, wipes, and other items they may need for comfort and care.

Avoid Warming Your Car In The Garage

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious winter hazard, and many people mistakenly believe they are safe leaving their car running in the garage with the door partially or fully open. However, carbon monoxide can still accumulate and pose a threat, even with open garage doors or enclosed spaces. As a result, it’s never safe to warm your car in the garage, regardless of the cold weather outside.

Instead, consider backing your car into the driveway to get the heat pumping before you head out. This ensures that you avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide buildup in an enclosed space. Additionally, if you’re caught in a snowstorm, always clear the exhaust pipe of any snow or ice buildup. This helps prevent another potential carbon monoxide threat and ensures your safety on the road.

Know Your Brakes

Understanding how your brakes work is essential, especially during winter driving. You may remember from driver’s education that you were taught to pump the brakes in certain situations. While this still applies to some vehicles, if your car is equipped with an antilock brake system (ABS), it will automatically pump the brakes when it detects traction issues. In such cases, you must press firmly on the brake pedal if you begin to slide.

Driving at a reduced speed is always recommended during winter conditions as it can significantly reduce the likelihood of skidding and improve your vehicle control ability.

Keep An Eye On The Gas Tank

While it may be tempting to push a few more miles and avoid the hassle of stopping, ensuring enough gas in your tank is crucial for winter trips for two key reasons.

First, if you get stuck in the snow or need to stop in extreme conditions, you may need to keep the car running to keep your family warm. Extra fuel ensures you can run the vehicle for as long as necessary.

Second, in freezing temperatures, condensation can build up in your gas tank where there is air space. If temperatures dip below freezing, this moisture can freeze, potentially causing issues with your vehicle’s performance. Keeping your fuel tank fuller reduces the space for this vapour, minimizing the risk of it freezing and hindering your car’s operation.

Be Calm In The Event Of An Emergency

In an emergency situation while driving in winter, always stay with your vehicle and avoid leaving it in search of help. Waiting inside the car is safer, providing shelter from the elements. To increase your visibility and signal for assistance, tie brightly coloured items to your antenna or keep your interior lights on at night. This will help attract attention and make it easier for rescuers to find you. Staying visible and safe is essential to ensuring you and your loved ones make it through the situation unharmed.

After New Year celebrations, it’s time to look forward to new adventures, create new travelogues, and add more feathers to our travel experiences. If you are a traveller by heart, and have made resolutions to travel more this year, you will know the excitement of travel planning, booking tickets, and checking out places that were unknown. For recommendations on popular places to visit, you will find information ready there on the Internet, or from the tour providers. But, if you want to get away to places that many often don’t even consider, here are some of those gems that offer rich experiences, sans the crowds.

1. Bulgaria

Bulgaria, a country tucked away in southeast Europe, provides a variety of scenery, from the Black Sea beaches to the Rila Mountains. Explore the mediaeval city of Plovdiv, with its Roman ruins and vibrant arts scene, or plan a visit to the famous Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since it’s budget friendly and boasts of rich cultural heritage, Bulgaria is a hidden gem for those who like a mix of both history and the environment.

2. Georgia

Georgia is well known for its breathtaking landscapes, extensive wine producing history, and unique blend of European and Asian flavours. Hiking and skiing are great in the Caucasus highlands, and the capital, Tbilisi, offers a charming old town with narrow streets and striking architecture. Georgia’s relaxed atmosphere and diverse range of experiences make it an excellent destination for off-the-beaten-path travel.

3. Madagascar

For nature lovers, Madagascar’s bizarre wildlife and sceneries are a must-see. There are species that are specific to this isolated ecosystem, including as lemurs, chameleons, and baobab trees. The island offers unparalleled natural beauty without the over-commercialization that defines other tropical locales, thanks to its pristine beaches, rainforests, and national parks.

4. Albania

Albania’s Adriatic coast is dotted with secluded beaches and charming coastal villages, making it an ideal alternative to more crowded Mediterranean destinations. The UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër, with its cobbled streets and Ottoman-era architecture, and the ruins of Butrint offer a glimpse into the country’s fascinating history and culture. Albania is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of culture, history, and unspoiled nature.

5. Nicaragua

Nicaragua, which has beautiful volcanoes, immaculate beaches, and colonial cities like Granada, is sometimes overlooked in favour of its neighbours. You may enjoy the splendor of Central America in peace because there are less tourists there than in Costa Rica. Adventurers and those seeking unspoiled landscapes should make time to visit the islands of Lake Cocibolca and the Masaya Volcano National Park.

6. Mozambique

Some of the world’s most stunning beaches, unspoiled rivers, and a wealth of marine life can be found along Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coastline. With a burgeoning ecotourism sector, places like Gorongosa National Park and Bazaruto Archipelago offer ideal conditions for diving, snorkelling, and wildlife observation. Mozambique is the perfect destination for travellers looking for a less congested tropical getaway.

7. Kyrgyzstan

The Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan is home to yurts, rough terrain, and nomadic customs. The Tian Shan mountains offer some of the greatest trekking trails in the world, and Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest saltwater lake in the world, provides a peaceful haven. Kyrgyzstan is the perfect destination for anyone looking for adventure and genuineness because of its rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery.