The 10 Best Places to Travel in January 2023 Outside of Canada

January is a great time to travel if you’re looking to flee the cold snap of winter and the gloom of the post-holiday season. Flight and hotel prices are generally cheaper in January for many popular tourist destinations and there are typically fewer crowds after the holidays, making it an ideal time to get away.

Our top destinations for January include some ever-popular spots to take advantage of during their low tourism season (because we’ll still take the coldest day in Mexico over Saskatoon in January!). For other destinations on this list, January is a summer month and the perfect time to hit the beach and catch some serious sunshine. More still, we’ve highlighted travel spots where cultural celebrations taking place throughout the month are a huge draw for crowds of tourists who flock to the destination to take part in the festivities.

Whatever your motivation, if you’re looking to start 2023 with a getaway, read on for our top picks for destinations to visit this January — outside of Canada.

Landscape of two pagoda on the top of Inthanon mountain, Chiang Mai, Thailand. - stock photo

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Chiang Mai, Thailand

January is a great month to admire Thailand's beauty as the chiller temperatures make it an ideal time for camping, hiking beneath stunning waterfalls and breathtaking mountainsides (all without the extreme heat and humidity). The weather is perfect for spending the day outside, and you can expect clear blue skies that will enhance nature's beauty.

The northern region of Thailand is ideal for outdoorsy folks, but you may also want to head to the south to enjoy the beautiful beaches in Krabi or Koh Phi Phi. January is considered the peak month for tourism, so be prepared for crowds of folks with post-pandemic wanderlust.

A shot of the Los Angeles skyline at dusk, with palm trees lining the busy roads

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Los Angeles, USA

There's always plenty going on in Los Angeles, no matter the time of year, and the start of the new year is no exception. Take advantage of the cheaper flights (like these on YYZ Deals) and head down to Hollywood to enjoy the sights and non-stop calendar of events throughout the month. From the annual Rose Parade kicking off on January 2nd to a night enjoying a musical performance or sports game, you're sure to find an entertaining way to spend your evenings in Tinseltown.

Aereal view of Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. - stock photo

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If you're looking to escape the Canadian winter for a beach vacation, head to the beautiful Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. January is the hottest month in Rio during the peak of Brazil's summer, so expect temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius on the amazing shorelines. The city will also be buzzing with life due to the summer holidays and upcoming Carnival (in February). If you're in town on the 1st of January, enjoy the off-season Carnival day on the water as thousands of boats join the annual Maritime Procession in Angra dos Reis.

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Kutch, India

A visit to Kutch is ideal in the wintertime when the temperatures are idyllic and there are plenty of festivals to enjoy. The Rann of Kutch Festival takes place during the winter months when visitors to Tent City can enjoy the natural wonders of the white salty desert, plus plenty of activities like camel rides, yoga, meditation and ATV rides through the desert.

Silhouette of a guy with the beautiful colorful northern lights falling from the sky in Iceland in a stunning clear and nice lights with the sky full of stars. Aurora borealis. - stock photo

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Reykjavik, Iceland

Here's the disclaimer: Iceland is one of the coldest and most expensive destinations on this list. However, a visit to see the Northern Lights is a bucket list-worthy endeavour that's worth the layers of thermal underwear you'll need to pack. Reykjavik has plenty more to see beyond the aurora borealis, so enjoy the sights of the city and warm up at the famous geothermal beach.

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Cancún, Mexico

After the December holiday season is a great time to visit Mexico if you don't want to contend with throngs of holiday goers, while also still being able to enjoy swimsuit weather. January is the dry season, with nothing but clear skies and pleasant days. If you're in town from the 19th to 22nd of January, catch the Crash My Playa country music festival featuring huge acts from around the world (from Luke Bryan to Lionel Richie).

A shot of a beautiful resort in Montego Bay

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Montego Bay, Jamaica

While there really isn't a bad time to visit Jamaica, January is particularly pleasant due to the milder, dryer weather that makes for long sunshiny days laid out on the beach or snorkelling in the clear waters.

Enjoy island time and take it easy with a cocktail on one of the many resorts or private vacation homes or take a day trip to the popular Dunn's River Falls.

Val Thorens ski resort in Alps at night, France - stock photo

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French Alps

On the other hand, if you're looking to make the most of the snow, why not head to the world's top-rated ski resort during peak powder season? The Val Thorens resort in particular has been named the Best Ski Resort in the world by The World Travel Awards and European Best Destinations (EDB) as reported by Forbes, making it the most sought-after destination resort for ski and snowboard fans around the world. Post holidays, the resort is less busy so it's an ideal time to pack your bags and hit the slopes!

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San José, Costa Rica

The first two weeks of January mark the Fiestas of Palmares, a large traditional fiesta just an hour outside of Costa Rica's largest city, San José. This rowdy festival has everything: music, carnival rides, a horseback parade, bullfighting and of course, plenty of beer (said to be only second to Oktoberfest in beer consumption).

Make sure you leave some time to visit San José as well, and discover the cities world-class museums and architecture, plus dine on empanadas at local food markets.

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Hong Kong

Late January marks the Lunar New Year celebration (the largest festivities to take place during the year in Hong Kong), making it an exciting time to visit the region. Residents of Hong Kong will have the week off from January 22 to usher in the new year (Year of the Rabbit), so expect a week-long celebration full of food, incredible firework displays and parades and other delights.