Start Your New Year Right: Top 10 Destinations For January Escapes
January is a time for new beginnings, and what better way to start the year than with an unforgettable trip? Whether you’re looking for winter sunshine, snow-dusted adventures, or a quick city escape, January is full of possibilities. Plus, it’s one of the quietest months for travel, offering great value, peaceful scenery and a welcome change of pace after the busy festive season.
So, pack your Tripp suitcase, shake off the post-holiday blues, and get ready to explore the world. Here are ten of the best destinations for a January holiday, from nearby European getaways to far-flung adventures worth the flight.
1. Tenerife, Canary Islands: Year-Round Sunshine & Adventure
The Canary Islands are Europe’s answer to the tropics, and Tenerife is their shining star in January. It is one of Europe’s best-value winter-sun escapes, making it an easy choice for travellers seeking warmth without long-haul travel. Expect blue skies, warm days around 20°C, and a mix of golden beaches and rugged volcanic landscapes.
Take a drive up Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, for sweeping views above the clouds. Wander through colourful towns like La Orotava, or simply relax on Playa del Duque with a good book and a gentle sea breeze.
Why Visit In January: Warm weather, quiet resorts, and excellent value for flights and hotels.
What To Pack: Light layers, swimwear, and hiking shoes for Teide National Park.
Tripp Tip: Choose the Escape Collection, perfect for sunny destinations where adventure meets relaxation
2. Algarve, Portugal: Coastal Calm & Quiet Charm
The Algarve in January is a revelation. Gone are the crowds of summer, leaving you with peaceful beaches, empty hiking trails and charming whitewashed towns. Its laid-back charm makes it a great destination for spontaneous getaways or digital detox retreats.
Spend your days exploring the coastline between Lagos and Sagres, where cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic. Sample seafood in Albufeira’s old town or visit the market at Loulé for a taste of local life. Evenings are cooler, but cosy restaurants with tiled walls and grilled sardines are the perfect setting to unwind.
Why Visit In January: Ideal for slow travel, fewer tourists and clear coastal light.
What To Pack: Layers for cool evenings and comfortable shoes for exploring.
Tripp Tip: Travel with the Horizon Collection, stylish, lightweight and ideal for short-haul European breaks.
3. Malta: History Meets Winter Sun
For a dose of culture with your sunshine, Malta offers both in abundance. Its size makes it easy to explore, from the ancient city of Mdina to the colourful harbours of Valletta and Marsaxlokk. A mix of Mediterranean cuisine and history makes it one of Europe’s most underrated January escapes.
January temperatures hover around 18°C, perfect for walking tours or cliffside hikes. Visit the Blue Grotto when the water sparkles its brightest, or step back in time at the Megalithic Temples of Hagar Qim.
Why Visit In January: Pleasant weather and quiet landmarks make sightseeing stress-free.
What To Pack: Comfortable layers and a light jacket.
Tripp Tip: Go with the Travel Collection, elegant, durable, and perfect for city-hopping adventures.
4. Prague, Czech Republic: A Fairy tale In Frost
Few cities are as atmospheric in winter as Prague. January brings a dusting of snow to its spires and bridges, making it feel like something out of a storybook. For photographers, the soft winter light gives the city’s Gothic architecture a cinematic glow.
Start your day at Charles Bridge before the city wakes, wander through the Old Town Square with a hot chocolate in hand, and explore Prague Castle when it’s at its quietest. As evening falls, head to a cosy tavern for traditional goulash and a local beer, the perfect end to a chilly day.
Why Visit In January: Magical winter scenery, excellent off-season prices and fewer crowds.
What To Pack: Warm coats, scarves and boots for cobbled streets.
Tripp Tip: The Holiday 8 Collection adds colour and reliability to any city break, and makes travel feel effortless
5. Oslo, Norway: Nordic Design & Winter Magic
Oslo offers an excellent balance of culture and winter beauty. January is cold, yes, but the city embraces it; think ice skating on city ponds, steaming coffee in stylish cafés, and scenic walks along the fjord. Oslo’s design shops and food scene make it a hidden gem for those who love Scandinavian simplicity.
Take the ferry to the Bygdøy Peninsula to visit the Fram and Viking Ship museums, or head up to Holmenkollen for panoramic views across the snowy cityscape.
Why Visit In January: A crisp, authentic Nordic winter without the December rush.
What To Pack: Wool layers and warm accessories.
Tripp Tip: Pack with the Style Lite Soft collection, sleek, minimal and made for travellers who appreciate form and function.
6. Rovaniemi, Finland: Where Winter Dreams Come True
Welcome to Lapland’s capital, the home of reindeer, huskies and the Northern Lights. January here feels like stepping into another world. Rovaniemi’s combination of wilderness and festive charm makes it perfect for family travel or couples’ escapes.
Go snowshoeing through pine forests, take a husky sled ride under pink-tinted skies, or spend a night in a glass igloo watching the aurora dance above you. By day, you can visit Santa Claus Village and post a letter stamped from the Arctic Circle, a memory that’ll last a lifetime.
Why Visit In January: Peak Northern Lights visibility and pristine snowy landscapes.
What To Pack: Thermals and waterproofs.
Tripp Tip: The Retro Collection offers rugged style and dependable build, ideal for Arctic adventures.
7. Dubai, UAE: City Glamour & Desert Calm
Dubai offers sunshine and sophistication just seven hours from the UK. With 26°C days, it’s ideal for beach lounging, rooftop dining and exploring architectural wonders. Its blend of modern city life and Arabian heritage makes every day feel like two holidays in one.
Wander the historic Al Fahidi quarter, enjoy brunch overlooking the Burj Khalifa, or book a desert safari for golden sunsets over rolling dunes. For shopping enthusiasts, the January Dubai Shopping Festival is a must.
Why Visit In January: Warm but not sweltering, and full of exciting events.
What To Pack: Lightweight outfits and something elegant for the evening.
Tripp Tip: The Breeze Collection combines travel glamour with practicality, perfect for style-conscious jet setters.
8. Cape Town, South Africa: Summer At The Southern Tip
When it’s winter in the UK, Cape Town is basking in sunshine. January brings long, warm days perfect for outdoor adventure. Cape Town’s coastal views and creative energy make it one of the world’s most inspiring January getaways.
Hike up Table Mountain in the morning, spend the afternoon on Camps Bay Beach, then sample local wine in the Cape Winelands. The city’s vibrant food scene and coastal drives make every day different.
Why Visit In January: Best weather of the year, perfect for beaches and sightseeing.
What To Pack: Summer clothing and comfortable footwear.
Tripp Tip: Travel with the Explore Collection, strong, secure and ready for long-haul journeys, perfect for eco-conscious travellers.
9. Barbados: Caribbean Colour & Calm
If you’re craving pure relaxation, Barbados delivers. The island glows in January with calm seas, soft breezes and endless sunshine. It is one of the easiest Caribbean islands to explore, with friendly locals and direct flights from the UK.
Spend your days swimming in turquoise water, exploring botanical gardens, or discovering island history at St. Nicholas Abbey. Evenings are best spent dining on the beach as steel drums play in the distance.
Why Visit In January: Dry season, ideal temperatures and low humidity.
What To Pack: Lightweight resort wear and swim essentials.
Tripp Tip: The Azalea Collection brings tropical-ready toughness with effortless island style.
10. Iceland: Fire, Ice & The Northern Lights
For something truly unforgettable, head north. Iceland in January is raw, wild and breathtaking. Iceland’s contrast of icy tundra and natural hot springs makes it one of the world’s most photogenic January destinations.
Take a guided tour along the Golden Circle, unwind in the Blue Lagoon, and witness waterfalls half-frozen in mist. And with some luck, you’ll hopefully catch the Northern Lights illuminating the dark skies, a sight worth braving the chill.
Why Visit In January: Quiet landscapes, magical light and geothermal warmth.
What To Pack: Thermal clothing and waterproof layers.
Tripp Tip: The Affinity Collection is built for adventure, ready to face any winter landscape.
How To Pack For Your January Holiday
From city breaks to long-haul adventures, January trips come in all shapes and sizes, and so should your luggage.
- Weekend break: Cabin case or travel bag
- 5-7 days: Medium suitcase with packing cubes
- 10+ days or long-haul: Large suitcase with matching travel bag
- Adventure travel: Add a backpack for day trips
Whichever collection you choose, every Tripp design features lightweight strength, smooth wheels and a 5-year guarantee, so you can travel smarter wherever the new year takes you.
Make This January One to Remember
A January escape is more than just a holiday; it’s a reset. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, snow, or simply a new experience, travelling in January gives you a head start on the year ahead. So, choose your destination, pack your Tripp case, and start your year the way you mean to go on: full of adventure, colour and discovery. With the right destination and the right suitcase, your next great journey could begin the moment you step out the door.
- 19th December 2025
