January is a wonderful time to pack your bags and explore different corners of the world.
Eventhough many places are dealing with the season of winter during this period. There are some incredible destinations where you can have some amazing experiences.
These includes of having a sunbath on the beach, getting to know different cultural activities, or watching wildlife in their natural habitat.
As you may already know, there are lots of places where you can experience these. However, we have brought you some of the best five countries to get the most fun out of your visit.
These five countries are capable enough to give us our adventure in there own way.
Therefore, let’s take a look at what makes each one special during this time of year.
Turkey
Visiting Turkey in January allows you to experience something really special.
In January, there are fewer tourists around. Which means you get to interact with more locals and get to know about their culture.
In Istanbul, you will see different places in Turkey that are decorated with snow just like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
During this period, the weather stays between 5°C and 10°C. So you can comfortably roam around and explore all the historical sites and markets without getting too hot.
Moreover, the Grand Bazaar becomes much more less crowded. Where you can take your time by looking at carpets, spices, and traditional handmade pieces.
What’s interesting is that shopkeepers who often invite you to sit down for some Turkish tea are like a tradition they carry on to show their hospitality.
Over in Cappadocia, the winter weather makes the famous places even more beautiful.
As a matter of fact, taking a hot air balloon ride in the morning is incredible. Where you get to float over snow-covered rock formations.
Did you know that in Turkey you can find hotels that are built into the rock formation?
Well, that’s pretty interesting right?
The hotels that are built into the rock formations are super cozy in winter, with warm fireplaces and welcoming hosts.
Additionally, the ancient underground cities and churches feels even more mysterious in winter. And since it’s quieter, you can explore them properly without rushing.
Check Turkey tour packages from Sri Lanka.
India
January is really the perfect time to visit India.
This is because, the weather is nice and cool, and you won’t see much rain across most of the country.
Up in the north, around Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, temperatures stays around 20°C during the day. Which makes it really comfortable to walk around and see everything.
One of the famous tourist attraction spots that you can visit in India is the Taj Mahal. Which is quite a romantic place in a way.
The Taj Mahal looks incredible during this time, where the skies are clear for taking photos, and in the early morning, you might catch some mist around the building, which makes it look even more beautiful.
Moving on, over in Rajasthan, there’s lots happening in January.
You’ve got the Jaipur Literature Festival that takes place in winter with the participation of writers from all over the world.
In Jaisalmer, they put on this great Desert Festival where you can watch something interesting.
As in camel races and local music in addition to performances that are right in the desert.
If you think about it, isn’t it quite unique to experience?
Check India tour packages from Sri Lanka.
Maldives
During this period of the year, you get lots of sunshine, hardly any rain, and temperatures stay between 27°C and 29°C in Maldives.
This means, the water is so clear, which is perfect for snorkelling and diving.
Thanks to its climate behaviour, you can see all sorts of sea life, from manta rays to whale sharks and countless colourful fish that are swimming around the coral reefs.
This is an experience that you can get only when the temperature is quite stable just like in January.
In addition to that, the sea level in January makes it great for water sports.
Where you can try windsurfing, kayaking, or parasailing with the professional guidance of course.
It’s also easier to travel between islands since the seaplanes can operate smoothly thanks to the weather condition.
However, even though it’s a busy season, the resorts are spread out across different islands, so you still get that peaceful, luxurious feeling that the Maldives is known for.
Also, the evenings are quite nice and warm, which means you can enjoy your dinner on the beach or spend that quality time by looking at the stars from your villa.
Note: The resorts organize lots of activities during this time where you can go fishing as the sun sets or watch performances of traditional Maldivian music and dance.
Check Maldives tour packages from Sri Lanka.
Kenya
January is one of the best times to see Kenya’s amazing wildlife and tourist spots.
Since it’s the dry season, animals gather around water sources by making them easier to spot.
This means it is a must that you should go on safaris to experience this.
Moving on, while the famous Great Migration is happening in Tanzania at this time, Kenya’s Masai Mara still has plenty of wildlife.
As a matter of fact, you’ll see lions, elephants, leopards and other animals that are roaming around.
Moreover, the skies are clear and there’s less vegetation, so it’s easier to see and photograph the animals if you are into photography.
Furthermore, the coastal areas near Mombasa and Malindi have some warm and dry weather conditions.
Therefore, you get the opportunity to combine your safari adventure with some beach time to get a unique experience.
Here’s a question for you: Are you into history?
Well, if you are, you are about to get the real historical experience in here.
As in you can explore the historic Swahili towns along the coast and go snorkeling or diving in the warm Indian Ocean.
Note: January also brings lots of migratory birds to Kenya, which is great if you enjoy bird-watching.
Check Kenya tour packages from Sri Lanka.
China
Even though it’s cold, there are some unique experiences for tourist in China during the January period.
The Harbin Ice Festival is really something special where they create these incredible sculptures and buildings that are made of ice and light them up with colorful lights.
Around this time the whole city turns into an amazing winter experience, with huge ice buildings that you can explore.
Down in southern China, the weather is milder by making it a good time to explore places like Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
Moreover, Chinese New Year often starts in late January or early February, so cities are filled with decorations, special markets, and celebrations.
So if you are planning to buy some gifts or collect monuments, this is an opportunity for you to try on.
Tip: Chinese markets are a great place to find traditional handwork and Chinese street food.
Check China tour packages from Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
So, there you go.
These five destinations have something different for January travellers.
Where each place has its own special features in January.
Remember that some are in their peak season, others are quieter, but they all have something that makes them worth visiting at this time of year.
What’s important is that the mix of weather conditions, cultural events, and natural beauty means that you can find the most perfect destination to start your year of travel.
So, without postponing your plans any further, look into these countries to get the best experience that you always wanted.
Editorial Staff at Travelco are experts in Global Tourism.