Blog

January usually isn't a very popular month to travel, as it is right after the busy holiday season, and people are trying to be a little bit more reserved when it comes to spending. That doesn't mean you shouldn't travel during this time though! If you're looking to start your new year right and get away, here are some of the best places to travel in January.

The Best Places to Travel in January #1: The Caribbean Islands

While most Americans take their vacations in the summer, they're all doing it wrong.

Sure the Caribbean is beautiful year round. But head there in the summer and the humidity can be unbearable, prices are higher, and you can't truly appreciate the tropical getaway quite as much. Travel in January to the Caribbean and you will experience and entirely different ball game.

The weather in the winter in the Caribbean is just perfect. It is hot enough during the day to soak up the sun, but nights cool off a bit, making it much more enjoyable to walk around. There are great deals in January, as many people don't want to spend after the holiday season. So take advantage and book a quick getaway to the Caribbean!

The Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships in the winter, so this is also a great option, as there are plenty of itineraries to choose from in January.

Want to know how to make the most of your time in the Caribbean? Well we have worked there for years, and know the ins and outs of how to enjoy it without spending a fortune. Just click the link below and start getting excited for the Caribbean sun.

The Best Places to Travel in January #2: Central America

Just like the Caribbean, Central America has some pretty awesome reasons to visit. If you want a little more adventure than the Caribbean but still want some great beaches, than Central America is tone of the best places to travel in January for you.

Being close to the equator, the Central American countries all experience some pretty fantastic weather year round. But travel in January and this is the "dry season". So temperatures are still high, but it is less humid, and there are much less storms.

We've visited every country in Central America, and have found some pretty epic places to check out. Our personal favorites are Nicaragua and El Salvador. There is something to see in every country though, so we suggest putting your city into Skyscanner and checking to "everywhere". Find the cheapest flight and have a quick getaway to escape the cold.

Want to know some of our favorite spots in Central America? You'll love this article!

The Best Places to Travel in January #3: Dubai

Let's be honest- the Middle East is always hot! While summer temperatures are absolutely unbearable in Dubai, it cools off a tad in the winter months,

Due to Dubai being known as a very expensive destination, it is rare that people want to flee there after an expensive holiday season. However, that means that this is one of the best places to travel in January! Sounds weird- but hear us out:

Dubai is notoriously expensive, so you'll want to go when it's slightly less expensive- which is in January. Crowds will be smaller, as the busy season hasn't just yet started, and the overall experience will be much more enjoyable. Doesn't it sound a little better now?

The Best Places to Visit in January #4: Eastern Europe

The first time I ever flew to Eastern Europe was in January, and it was purely for price purposes! But after visiting Ukraine the first week of January, I was so happy I chose to go at the time that I did.

What a lot of people don't know is that while Christmas is ending in most countries, it is actually being celebrated in others. Orthodox Christmas is the first week of the year (the 7th), making these countries some of the best places to travel in January to continue the holiday spirit.

Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Russia are some of the ones that you should head over to so that you can experience Orthodox Christmas.

A plus- remember that I mentioned I traveled to Ukraine purely for budget purposes? Well, in January prices were extremely high going to Western Europe, but they were surprisingly low in January going to Eastern Europe! So take advantage of this and head over to one of these great European countries.

The Best Places to Travel in January #5: Egypt

Want to celebrate Orthodox Christmas but don't want to spend it in the cold? Then head down to Egypt! This is one of the best places to travel in January, as temperatures cool down a bit, but are still warmer than the neighboring European countries.

It may not be warm enough to enjoy the Red Sea, but the sun is shining, and warm enough to be outside with a light sweater or jacket.

So head to Egypt in January to celebrate Christmas, and check out the pyramids and desert without the stifling heat.

We hope you're excited to start the new year off right and check out some of the best places to travel in January! 

So whether you're wanting to relax on a tropical island in the Caribbean, chase waterfalls in Central America, or have a snowy Orthodox Christmas in Eastern Europe, plan your trip now! Need help? We make personalized itineraries to fit your needs. Just send us an email at hello@scratchyourmapa.com.

We have plenty of guides for destinations in the areas mentioned above, that we know will come in handy during your adventures. The Caribbean and Central America are two of our specialties, so make sure to check the map and explore all that we have for you to check out!

Need help planning your next trip? We've got you covered! With Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning you can now skip the stress, explore more, and save! Want to learn how? Just click here to get started.

Here are some other articles you'd love: