6 Destinations to Visit in January
January is an underrated time of year to plan a trip. Holiday travel is over, and much of the northern hemisphere is experiencing cold weather. Many people are inclined to stay home, whether that’s to avoid the risk of travel delays or blowing through precious PTO so early in the year. Whatever the reason, tourism crowds ease up after the holiday rush, and time seems to slow down. For those who choose to embrace the heart of winter, there’s something about exploring while the air is crisp and meeting people in warm, cozy restaurants. If you’re looking to get away, you might consider one of these destinations for January travel.
Casablanca & Marrakech, Morocco
A destination on many bucket lists, Morocco is a vibrant destination filled with art, culture, and cuisine – from the bold flavors of authentic dishes like Tagine and Harira to the colorful vendors lining the street markets (souks). Milder weather in the 60s provides an ideal climate for exploring and a leisurely stroll through the lively cities of Casablanca and Marrakech. Both destinations are unique in their own right and deserve a few dedicated travel days.
Casablanca is an interesting city and often underrated because it doesn’t have the same glamour used to charm tourists as other Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Fez. Many travelers use it as a quick stop on the way to those other cities but Casablanca brings the past and present together for a beautiful collision of art, architecture, and tradition that’s not to be missed. While many know this city from the iconic film of the same name, it has much more to offer if you’re willing to give it a chance. While Casablanca is the most modern city in Morocco, it has a culmination of architecture that spans many decades, particularly Art Deco from the 30s and 40s. There’s a global food scene to taste various cuisines and Berber markets where you can shop like a local. For those interested in fully indulging the title of tourist, Rick’s Cafe pays homage to the film with a sensual atmosphere playing jazz hits. However, if Casablanca isn’t for you…there’s always Paris 😉
Marrakech has gained fame thanks to its affinity for luxury. With 5-star restaurants and luxury hotels aplenty, it doesn’t have the same rugged vibe as its sibling city of Casablanca. Where Casablanca has little interest in catering to Western tourists, Marrakech thrives off of them, but this takes nothing away from what the destination offers. From intricately muraled floors to souks bursting with goods, the city is practically overflowing with history and culture. When you need a moment to wind down, treat yourself to a Hamman – a traditional Moroccan steam bath – perhaps after braving souks in the Medina (the old city).
New Orleans, Louisiana
Who wouldn’t enjoy kicking off the new year in the Big Easy? New Orleans, otherwise known as NOLA, is the perfect destination to visit in the first few months of the year. The weather is mild, the entertainment is endless, and the food is chef’s kiss. January is arguably the best month to visit because you get in before the Mardi Gras crowds descend and enjoy the weather before peak season starts in February. Grab a beignet and hot chocolate at Cafe du Monde (early bird gets the shorter line), take your time soaking in every detail of the French Quarter, and eat as much Cajun food as your belly will allow. The culture in NOLA is embedded in every tourist-heavy experience so if there were any place in the world to proudly wear that hat, this is it. Tour historic homes, listen to all the live jazz, and take a tour whether it’s built around ghost stories, history, architecture, or all of the above.
Left Photo by Mollie Moran on Unsplash; Right Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
Park City, UT
Not everyone is made for the slopes, but Park City has much more to offer than impressive skiing. Apres ski culture is all about relaxing and indulging after a day of rigorous activity – but let’s pretend we did and leave it at that, yeah? If we’re being honest, most people barely survive the holidays. If it’s not family drama, it’s the general business of the season and by the time January 2nd rolls around, a relaxing vacation is exactly what the doctor ordered. So grab that book you’ve been dying to read since 2023 and kick your feet up in a cozy cabin at the heart of this winterific destination.
Mountain life is all about warmth and getting in from the cold. It’s about enjoying majestic views, cozy ambiance, hearty meals, and warm beverages. It’s comfort after a long day in the bitter cold. Park City has all of that and more. From a vibrant food scene to luxury spas, there are plenty of options to indulge for no other reason than you want to. Explore the historic downtown area when the weather permits, and be sure to pack decent boots to stay safe on the inclines.
Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash
Québec City, Québec
Some may think it a bold move to visit Québec City in the heart of winter but others may say it’s the best time. Something about Old Québec blanketed in snow is simply magical and if it’s going to be cold, it might as well be beautiful!
This French Canadian city embraces the winter season with pride. The walkable streets in the Historic District of Old Québec - a UNESCO World Heritage site - take on a storybook quality when the flakes start falling, and there is no shortage of shops, cafes, and restaurants to duck into for a quick warm-up when the chill starts to creep through the warm layers. The Québecois host a Québec Winter Carnival in early February each year with snow sculptures, food and drink, dancing, and as much merriment as you can handle. Fully dive into the season at Hotel de Glace - an ice hotel where you can stay or visit for a drink, go tobogganing, skiing, or skating – it’s truly the definition of a winter wonderland.
While we love a brisk walk in the snow, there’s plenty to enjoy indoors. Visit Maison de la Littérature if you have even a small interest in books and literature. Take a tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac - a luxury hotel built in 1893 to resemble a castle filled with European charm and incomparable views of the St. Lawrence River. Grab a bite to eat at one of the several restaurants and bars within the hotel before heading back to Old Québec or venture into town to indulge in the vibrant culinary scene available throughout the entire city. Do a little refresh on that high school French before leaving – you won’t regret it 😉
Photo by Carlos Ibáñez on Unsplash
Rome, Italy
There’s no argument that Italy is a beautiful country. It has nearly every climate represented and a culture dating back to ancient times that you can physically see and touch. In Rome alone, there are 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the famous Roman Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, Tiber Island, and more.
If the heat of summer isn’t your ideal time to explore, winter is a beautiful season to visit. Not nearly the coldest destination on this list, Rome averages temperatures in the 50s in January and February, making long strolls comfortable as you take in the various footprints of each century dating back to the ancients. Indulge in hearty, delicious pasta dishes, especially Carbonara, and if the chill gets to be a bit too much, wander into one of many museums throughout the city. Whether you’re interested in strictly ancient Rome or want to browse modern collections, there is a museum for nearly anything, including an immersive experience exploring the life of Leonardo Da Vinci. Plan in advance to see the Borghese Gallery, home to work from Raphael, Botticelli, and Caravaggio, among others, where you can spend hours taking in the details of sculptures, frescoes, and other priceless pieces of art. Enjoy an espresso after dinner at a trattoria in one of the historic piazzas, gaze up at Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes at the Sistine Chapel, grab an aperitivo at one of the many cocktail bars, and simply enjoy the Italian way of life.
Note: one of the reasons we love Italy, especially Rome, is because of how it uniquely connects us to the past. It’s a privilege to be able to see ancient ruins and fountains that were carved hundreds of years ago. We have a responsibility to respect these places and the people who live in them. Italy has been dealing with an oversaturation of tourism, putting many of these incredible pieces of history at risk. Before visiting Rome or anywhere else, research in advance to determine if preservation projects are happening that may limit or prevent viewing and plan accordingly. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it will take continuous effort to ensure it stands tall in the future.
Photo by Olga Angelucci on Unsplash
Seville, Spain
Spain has dozens of cities to visit, including the most famous, Barcelona and Madrid. However, in the country's southwestern corner, the Andalusian city of Seville is a gem just waiting to be discovered. Filled with delicious food, vibrant culture, and rich history, Seville is a great city to explore on foot to best take in everything it offers. Seville is over 2,000 years old and home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Catedral de Sevilla, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, built in the 15th century. Aside from the cathedral, there are numerous churches, museums, and mansions to explore, featuring influences from the Baroque, Gothic, Islamic, and Renaissance periods, along with many more.
Unlike the brutal summer heat, January in Seville is delightfully mild, with temperatures averaging in the low 60s and creeping a little higher in February. Be prepared to indulge in a hearty lunch followed by an afternoon siesta before finishing the day surrounded by friends while trying all the tapas you can stand. Before you leave, don’t forget to experience Flamenco dancing! Established somewhere between the 9th and 14th centuries, this style of dancing is at the core of Andalusian culture. Take a lesson or simply sit back and watch the art in motion.
