January is the best month for travel: fewer tourists, lower prices, and comfortable weather in many countries. Find out which 10 destinations Lonely Planet recommends for the beginning of 2026 and how to plan your trip profitably
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After a busy December, many people postpone their travels “until better times.” But, as Lonely Planet points out, January is one of the best months for a vacation: tourist traffic decreases, and prices for accommodation and flights often return to “normal.” This allows you to afford things that seem too expensive or too crowded during the high season.
Below is a selection of the 10 best destinations for January trips in 2026, based on Lonely Planet’s ranking.
Canary Islands: warmth, ocean, and diverse landscapes
The Canary Islands topped the ranking as the ideal destination for winter sun. The weather here is consistently warm even in January, ranging from +20°C to +25°C, with a mild ocean and a variety of leisure activities:
● kitesurfing and windsurfing;
● trekking among volcanic landscapes;
● cycling routes and walks along the ocean cliffs.
Lonely Planet advises paying attention not only to the popular Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but also to El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Palma — green volcanic islands with fewer tourists.
Genoa, Cinque Terre, and the Ligurian Alps: Italy in the low season
January is a chance to see Liguria without the crowds. At this time:
● hotels significantly reduce their prices;
● the Cinque Terre coast looks completely different — calm and atmospheric;
● the Ligurian Alps offer picturesque winter routes.
This is a great option for those who want to combine the sea, mountains, and Italian cuisine.
Arizona and Utah (USA): the perfect time for national parks
January makes desert and canyon landscapes particularly comfortable for travelers. During this period, temperatures in Arizona and Utah drop, allowing you to:
● explore the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Sedona without the heat;
● take fantastic photos of snow-covered red canyons;
● avoid seasonal queues at the most popular national parks in the USA.
Budapest: thermal baths in the best season
The Hungarian capital looks especially atmospheric in winter. In January:
● the thermal baths are less crowded;
● hotels offer favorable prices;
● the city enjoys a cozy “European winter” without extreme temperatures.
Budapest is a great option for a short 3-4 day vacation.
Laos: temples, mountains, and a mild climate
January is one of the best months to visit Laos: it’s the dry season, with comfortable temperatures of +20…+26°C and good visibility in the mountains. You can combine your trip with Vietnam or Thailand.
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Anguilla: the quiet Caribbean without the crowds
This small island in the Caribbean Sea is known for:
● white beaches;
● a peaceful atmosphere;
● a high level of service.
January is the peak season, but still without the crowds of tourists that are typical for February.
Southwest Sri Lanka: the perfect time for wildlife
January is the best time for:
● whale and dolphin watching;
● visiting national parks;
● beach holidays in southern resorts.
This is when Sri Lanka has stable weather, minimal rainfall, and warm seas.
Mount Kenya: climbing in the comfortable season
For those who dream of an active adventure, Lonely Planet recommends Kenya — more specifically, climbing the second highest peak in Africa. In January:
● it is dry and clear;
● the mountain ranges are more visible;
● there is less risk of landslides and sudden downpours.
Tsubu, Japan: a paradise for snow lovers
This region has the best snow conditions in Japan in winter. Here you will find:
● many ski resorts;
● traditional onsen;
● authentic winter festivals.
January is the most stable month for “Japanese powder snow.”
Spitsbergen, Norway: polar night and northern lights
For those who want an unusual winter trip, there is Svalbard (Spitsbergen). In January, there is:
● complete polar night;
● the best conditions for observing the northern lights;
● the opportunity to go snowmobiling and on winter safaris.
Tip for travelers by car
Some of these destinations are convenient to combine with car trips — for example, Italy, Hungary, or Spain. If you are planning to travel abroad in your own car, it is worth taking care of an electronic road vignette in advance. On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can apply for it online in a few minutes — this is convenient because you don’t have to look for points of sale after crossing the border and risk fines.
We remind you! Winter in Ukraine is a time for cozy trips, thermal pools, atmospheric cities, and fairy-tale landscapes. Even on a small budget, you can find locations that will give you vivid impressions and a break from the hustle and bustle. Read more about the best places for winter travel in Ukraine.
Photo: vichie81/Shutterstock
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
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Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card – compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service – professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch – buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
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Frequantly
asked questions
Is January really the cheapest month to travel, and why are prices lower?
Yes. January is considered the “low season” in most countries around the world (with the exception of some winter resorts). After the Christmas holidays, demand drops sharply, so hotels, airlines, and tour operators reduce prices to fill vacancies.
It is at this time that you can find discounts of 20-40% on accommodation and tickets, as well as special offers on package tours.
Where is the most profitable place to fly from Ukraine in winter, taking into account the complex logistics during the war?
The most convenient destinations are those with direct or short connections from accessible hubs: Chisinau, Bucharest, Warsaw, Budapest. For Ukrainians, the most convenient destinations remain: Egypt, the UAE, Zanzibar, Sri Lanka, Europe by bus/train (Hungary, Romania, Poland). To avoid spending extra money on connections, you can combine buses, trains, and planes. It is convenient to search for everything in one place through the Visit Ukraine booking system, where tickets for all types of transport are available.
Which destinations are best for vacationing with children in January?
In terms of comfort and weather for family trips during this period, we recommend: UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) — warm climate, modern infrastructure, Kids go free program; Egypt — short flights, a large selection of all-inclusive options, gentle entry into the sea at some resorts; Canary Islands — a safe destination with a mild climate and numerous entertainment options for children; Budapest — an option for a short trip with minimal logistics.
Where are you least likely to encounter russian tourists in winter?
In 2025, their presence will be least noticeable in: Zanzibar, Romania, and certain regions of the Canary Islands (e.g., La Palma, La Gomera). A higher concentration of russian tourists is typical for the UAE, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh. If this is a sensitive factor for you, it is worth considering the specifics of each resort.
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