10 travel destinations to start 2025

In January, Thailand is in the middle of the dry season. In other words, the sun is everywhere and the climate is warm, without being stifling. Explore the mountains and majestic temples of northern Thailand in Chiang Mai, Chang Rai and Ayutthaya. Then laze on the paradisiacal beaches of southern Thailand in Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Lipe and more. Of course, don’t miss Bangkok, a city of bustling streets, impressive shopping malls and charming cruises on the Chao Praya River.

O Brazil: a land of mixed cultures and bewitching rhythms! In January, you’ll be in the middle of the locals’ summer vacation period, which means the atmosphere will be in full swing. There’s something for everyone! Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Amazon rainforest, Iguazu Falls or the turquoise-filled dunes of the Lençois Maranhenses desert. Those who love strolling through beautiful historic towns will be charmed by Salvador de Bahia, Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto or Paraty. As for party-goers, they’re sure to find plenty to do in Rio de Janeiro, with its many bossa nova singers, samba clubs and music-filled beaches.

France is a cultural hotbed in summer and winter alike! Major cities like Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Marseille are brimming with historic monuments, innovative fashion and fine cuisine. What’s more, winter sports fans will be delighted by the snow-covered landscapes of the French massifs in January! The Alps, Jura and Vosges are home to a host of ski resorts where you can recharge your batteries with mountain spas, high-altitude restaurants and charming accommodation.

The best time to visit the United Arab Emirates is in winter, to avoid the heatwave that then sets in for several months. The vast majority of tourists start by visiting Dubai, a unique and modern city teeming with excellent restaurants, refined spas, shopping destinations and luxury hotels. Then it’s on to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. In this city of exceptional cultural offerings, discover the magnificent Sheick Zayed Mosque, the Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum, the Presidential Palace and more.

Costa Rica promises a sunny January! It has been named Travel+Leisure Destination of the Year 2024! And rightly so, because this Central American country just keeps on growing! Indeed, there are new beach clubs, spas, boho-chic beachfront hotels for surfers, guided hikes through the rainforest, excursions highlighting indigenous Costa Rican groups and more! There’s no doubt that swimming fans will be delighted. This country, cradled between the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, boasts beaches of black (of volcanic origin), brown and white sand, home to sublime corals and underwater animals.

This southern African country is sure to please animal lovers, as they can enjoy a luxury safari at a reduced price (up to 40% off) during the rainy season, when tourism is scarce. Although it often deluge in the afternoon, it doesn’t rain all day. As soon as the sun reappears, explore the Okavango Delta, where lush nature teems with migratory birds and young animals. The impressive Victoria Falls, the thousand-year-old rocks of the Tswapong and Lepokole hills, the Kalahari Desert and the Solomon’s Wall at Tuli are also must-sees!

Two thirds of Slovenia is dominated by a series of mountain ranges. As a result, this small country is full of ski resorts with an intimate and pleasant atmosphere, such as Krvavec, Kanin, Cerkno and Kranjska gora! What’s more, the rates are low compared to other European alpine destinations. In January, after the Christmas holidaymakers have left, you can take to the slopes in peace and quiet, surrounded by splendid wooded landscapes and picturesque villages. You can also visit the Postojna and Škocjan caves, lakes Bled and Bohinj, the historic city of Ljubljana and Slovenia’s many castles.

Lanzarote, Tenerife and the other islands of the archipelago are blessed with a sunny, pleasant climate, even in January! Temperatures range from an average of 14°c in the morning to 25°c in the afternoon. So you can explore the Canaries’ volcanic landscapes and typical villages without feeling the heat of summer. As for the beaches, playa de Cofete, de las Teresitas, del Papagayo and de las Conchas are must-sees!

Miles of white-sand beaches fringed by coral reefs, deep-green mountain ranges and colorful cities with Hispanic-colonial architecture await you in Cuba. The island offers a range of all-inclusive hotels to suit all budgets, ideal for hassle-free vacations with family or friends. These resorts are set alongside sublime all-day sunbathing beaches such as Playa Pilar, Varadero, Maguana and Pesquero.

Thanks to Colombia’s diversity of altitudes and ecosystems, you can experience all four seasons in one trip! Start in charming Cartagena de Indias, where you’ll find colorful houses framed by narrow streets, pretty terraces, urban dance, women in traditional costumes and street art. If you want to discover more colonial towns, head for Salento, Mompox and Popayán! Then, discover Colombia’s world-renowned natural sites, such as Tayrona Park, the Cocora Valley, the Lost City and, of course, the Colombian Amazon. Finally, celebrate in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, where the nightlife is in full swing.