Where to Travel in January – Top Travel Picks for the New Year

As 2025 nears, the allure of winter travel grows stronger, inviting jet-setters to embrace a fresh start or simply escape the chill.

Whether it’s chasing the sun in Mexico,  carving through the snowy landscapes of rural Norway, or basking in the summer warmth of Mendoza, Argentina, these captivating destinations offer a fresh start to the new year for every type of traveler.

Please see below a list of the top destinations on where to travel in January.

Norwegian Culinary Adventure

Presented by Up Norway

For travelers wishing to expand their culinary horizons in 2025, Up Norway, a sustainable luxury travel curator, offers a culinary discovery journey for the most adventurous of foodie travelers. While the journey is offered year round, January is an especially enchanting time to visit Norway as snow coats the fjords and forests. The dry and sunny arctic climate invites visitors to explore, both in nature and indoors through Norway’s rich culinary landscape. Up Norway’s new gastronomic adventure combines world-class dining at both MICHELIN-starred establishments and charming eateries, hands-on culinary experiences like sea foraging in the fjords, private cooking classes with a Bocuse d’Or World Champion, sustainable fishing, guided culinary tours, and scenic explorations of Bergen, Beckerwyc, Rosendal, and Stavanger. Guests will revel in the Norwegian culinary traditions celebrated worldwide for its emphasis on sustainability, local ingredients, and rich cultural heritage. Included in the journey are whiskey tastings of ocean-aged spirits on a remote island, farm visits, cheese tastings, expedition dining at a floating restaurant set against the backdrop of Norway’s majestic fjords, a salmon safari, guided hikes of Norway’s majestic winter scenery, and a chance to see the famed Northern Lights at winter’s peak. Through Up Norway’s comprehensive digital itinerary with insider tips and 24-hour direct chat support with the team, guests can easily add on winter excursions like skiing, cold plunging, animal encounters and more.

Wellness Retreat in Puerto Vallarta 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Mexico enters its dry season in January, meaning vacationers can expect pleasant and predictable sunny weather to escape from the dreary start to winter or to kickstart New Year wellness resolutions. All-inclusive resorts on the Puerto Vallarta coast of Mexico like Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit combine the best of both worlds with blissful 70-75 degree Fahrenheit beach days and wellness-infused amenities. Set along the sparkling azure waters of Banderas Bay and boasting pristine white sand beaches, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit serves as a stepping stone for a wellness-focused new year. The AAA Five Diamond resort’s wellness offerings are extensive, including a new anti-inflammatory room service menu and a sleep retreat package. Health-conscious guests can enjoy nutritious dishes rich with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids proven to reduce inflammation and promote overall health, select personalized smoothies and juices to be delivered straight to the room, and gluten-free vacation favorites. Travelers set on creating new sleep routines in 2025 will find solace in the resort’s sleep retreat getaway, including transformative sleep therapy, sound healing sessions, unlimited hydrotherapy at the world-class spa, and a special nightly turndown ritual. In addition to these exclusive wellness offerings, guests will feel at home with the state-of-the art gym, the long stretch of walkable beach against the Sierra Madre mountains, suites with private plunge pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and round-the-clock personal concierge services. –

Slow Travel in Rome

Rome, Italy

In January, Rome’s charm remains with a rich selection of culinary and cultural offerings. The city’s Mediterranean climate ensures milder weather compared to many other destinations and the tourist off-season makes winter the perfect time for European slow travel. Individuals eager to kick off travel in the New Year can immerse themselves in the Eternal City’s iconic sights, gastronomy, and unparalleled cultural essence at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. Nestled within a 19th-century Roman palazzo and conveniently situated near the city’s renowned cultural landmarks and parks, this exquisite hotel promises an array of tailor-made services and amenities. Guests can customize their Italian journey with a variety of packages and experiences from the Sofitel Rome team, including family-friendly itineraries, culinary experiences, film-inspired sightseeing, personal shopping and styling, and guided walking tours. –

Summer Adventure in Wine Country

Mendoza, Argentina

The Southern Hemisphere comes to life in January as summer ushers in bright sunshine, thriving flora and fauna, and flourishing vineyards in cities such as Mendoza, Argentina. This wine-centric region combines adventure, natural beauty, and oenology, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains and expansive vineyards. Visitors seeking to escape winter’s chill can enjoy various outdoor activities, including invigorating hikes through the Andes, horseback riding among the vineyards, white-water rafting and cat-skiing along the Mendoza River, and hot air balloon rides over wine country. After days filled with exploration in Mendoza’s balmy summer climate, guests are beckoned to rejuvenation and relaxation at the wine and wellness focused boutique retreat, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites. The brainchild of Argentina’s first female winemaker, Susana Balbo, the House opens guests to the world of winemaking through curated wine, culinary, wellness, and authentic Argentine cultural experiences. Each room at the seven-suite hotel boasts fully integrated in-room spa features, including steam rooms, sensation showers, massage tables, and even dry saunas in select suites, all steps away from wine country. –

Wellness Escape Anywhere in the World

With HomeExchange Collection

A new year is the perfect incentive for jet-setters to experience a new way to travel with home swapping, an emerging trend in alternative travel. HomeExchange Collection, the luxury division of global home swap leader HomeExchange, offers members the opportunity to home swap with more than 5,000 homes across 85 countries. Members can start their new year with a wellness focused retreat, choosing from homes on sunnier islands, winter-kissed escapes, or historic city settings. When selecting a home to swap, HomeExchange Collection members can filter based on settings like home gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, walkability, and more, offering customizability to kick off the year. From penthouses in sprawling cities to charming villas in lush jungles, HomeExchange Collection homes span the globe, allowing endless travel possibilities in 2025. –

Winter Festivals in Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Beyond summer and sea, Croatia’s Mediterranean climate creates a mild winter reminiscent of Southern California. Many travelers rule out Croatia in the winter, but the less-crowded streets and fewer tourists mean easier access to top attractions and a chance to catch the city at its most peaceful. Dubrovnik’s rich history and breathtaking architecture come to life in the winter with festivals, religious celebrations, and entertainment. The annual Dubrovnik Winter Festival sets the city ablaze with rich musical entertainment, gastronomic celebrations, children’s activities, and more. Travelers can enjoy rich cultural entertainment as they take in historic Old Town, home to medieval city walls and battlements, Gothic-style Rector’s Palace, and shop-filled pedestrian streets. Hotel Excelsior, a historic yet modern landmark hotel overlooking both the Adriatic and Old Town, located minutes away from the action, offers travelers a luxurious escape this January. With 158 rooms and suites, a glamorous spa, an indoor pool, and three gourmet restaurants, Hotel Excelsior offers something for every traveler seeking a relaxing winter getaway in Croatia