Table of Contents
Kickstart 2025 with a burst of excitement by exploring 9 Unique and Happening Countries To Visit In January. As travellers embrace fresh trends, from culinary delights and cultural immersions to eco-friendly escapes, adventure thrills, and island-hopping getaways, the new year promises unique experiences. This curated list highlights destinations that embody these innovative travel trends, offering you the perfect blend of excitement and discovery to begin the year on a remarkable note.
Countries to Explore in January – Top 9
Japan
One of the top-rated and unique countries to visit in January has to be Japan, the land of the rising sun. The country offers a unique amalgamation of technology and culture, wooing travellers from across the globe. The month of January presents a version of Japan known to only a handful of travellers. In January, Japan presents a landscape rich in architectural wonders covered in snow, adding to the beauty of the country. The country ranks on our list because of the unique culinary, cultural, and technological revolution it has to offer.
Places not to miss: Kyoto, Okinawa, Osaka, Hokkaido & Shirakawa
Events: Sapporo Snow Festival, Sumo Tournament, Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival & Lantern Festival
Dishes to try: Oden, soba, tempura, sukiyaki, ramen and mochi
Travel hack: The bustling tourist hotspots generally witness lesser footfall, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Austria
Austria ranks next on our list of unique and happening countries to visit in January. This Alpine nation is a must-visit for travellers looking for a unique winter adventure experience. The country boasts of culture, which is reflected in the country’s neo-classical architecture. January may be the chillest month in Austria, but it is also one of the best times to enjoy winter adventure sports. A culmination of these activities coupled with awe-inspiring views of the landscapes and warm Austrian cuisine makes for the perfect winter getaway.
Places not to miss: Styria, Hallstatt, Tyrol, Graz, Salzburg and Vienna
Events: Fasnacht, Vienna Ball Season and Mozart Week
Dishes to try: Powidltascherl, Vienna sausage, goulash, schnitzel, apple strudel and sachertorte
Travel hack: Being the peak season, try booking accommodations away from the cities for a sweeter deal.
Morocco
Love the winters, but not the chill? Morocco is perfect for those looking for a unique travel experience in January. You may visit the cities, the deserts, the coastal areas, and the markets minus the heat from the Sun. Travellers can take their own sweet time exploring the souks, which take you into secret alleyways, home to hidden shopping gems. A unique and must-try experience would be an overnight stay in Bedouin-styled camps, which offer a surreal experience of laying under the stars. African, Arabic, and European influences seem prominent factors influencing Moroccan cuisine, creating a harmonious blend of flavours in every dish you choose to savour.
Places not to miss: Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, Meknes, Marrakech and Casablanca
Events: Festival of Ashura
Dishes to try: Harira, zaalouk, chebakia, msemen, rfissa, tajine and b’ssara
Travel hack: Southern Morocco is a lot warmer in January than Northern Morocco, so pack light.
Portugal
For those chasing milder weather and vibrant culture in January, Portugal stands as an excellent choice. This coastal gem combines rich history, world-class wine, and stunning Atlantic coastlines. Popular cities like Lisbon and Porto welcome travellers with their colourful cafes and neighbourhoods. In tandem, the county offers a vivid selection of landscapes to choose from, which pairs well with the weather in January. Whether you choose to wander the cobbled streets of Lisbon or savour wines from Douro Valley, travellers are treated to Portugal’s unpretentious charm.
Places not to miss: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Sintra, and Douro Valley
Events: King’s Day & Lisbon Fado Festival
Dishes to try: Bacalhau à Brás, caldo verde, pastéis de nata, and arroz de pato
Travel hack: Visit during weekdays to enjoy Portugal’s iconic spots without crowds, and book train tickets in advance for cost savings.
Australia
The next place on our list of ‘countries to explore in January’ brings us to a country popular as ‘the land down under’. With its summer in full swing, Australia invites travellers to soak in its golden beaches, thrilling wildlife, and iconic landmarks. January offers the perfect mix of vibrant city life and serene natural retreats. It is also a month which witnesses a lot of events taking place in Australia and offers a vibrant and unique showcase of the local culture. Whether you decide to chase kangaroos or marvel at the Sydney Opera House fireworks, Australia never disappoints.
Places not to miss: Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, and Uluru
Events: Australian Open, Sydney Festival, and Australia Day
Dishes to try: Meat pies, lamingtons, Anzac biscuits, and barramundi
Travel hack: Stick to domestic low-cost airlines to explore more cities within a budget.
Sri Lanka
Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of beaches, temples, and tea plantations. On our list of countries to visit in January, Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for the ultimate tropical experience. The island country is rich in marine life, and Mirissa Beach and Hikkaduwa Beach are some popular spots to witness these marine creatures in action. Making this country an ideal destination for exploring its tropical paradise, with drier weather across most regions. From lush green highlands to golden sands, this compact island nation is perfect for a holistic vacation.
Places not to miss: Ella, Galle, Sigiriya, Colombo, and Yala National Park
Events: Thai Pongal, Duruthu Perahera
Dishes to try: Hoppers, kottu roti, pol sambol, and fish ambul thiyal
Travel hack: Use local tuk-tuks and trains for authentic experiences and affordable travel.
New Zealand
This country is popular across the world as the adventure capital of the world. New Zealand is a dream destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. The country offers a unique experience if you especially fall in the latter mentioned categories. Summer festivals, outdoor concerts and cultural events become a platform to witness the local ‘Maori’ culture. Remember the Disney movie ‘Moana’, this is the land from which the feature film draws its inspiration. January offers long sunny days, making it perfect for hiking, bungee jumping, or simply soaking in breathtaking fjords.
Places not to miss: Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland, Fiordland, and Mount Cook National Park
Events: Auckland Arts Festival, Marlborough Wine Festival
Dishes to try: Pavlova, hangi, whitebait fritters, and kumara
Travel hack: Invest in a campervan to explore at your own pace and save on accommodation.
Switzerland
A quintessential winter wonderland, Switzerland enchants visitors with its snow-clad Alps, cosy chalets, and world-class ski resorts. Switzerland is the country which made cheese, chocolate and cuckoo clocks famous across the globe. The country offers an array of winter sports activities to indulge in, as January is a winter month in Switzerland. Beyond the slopes, the country’s chocolate factories, cheese tours, and scenic train rides promise a magical January escapade.
Places not to miss: Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, Geneva, and Zurich
Events: World Snow Festival, Grindelwald International Balloon Festival
Dishes to try: Raclette, fondue, rösti, and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Travel hack: Book ski passes and equipment rentals online to snag early-bird discounts.
South Africa
The final destination on our list brings us to the ‘rainbow nation’ of Africa. South Africa is where adventure, wildlife, and culture collide. The country is a melting pot of indigenous and other cultures that call the nation their home. South Africa offers a vivid landscape which is perfect for mountainous treks, cultural tours or just relaxing at one of its beaches. January, being the peak of summer, offers fantastic opportunities for safaris and vineyard tours. From exploring vibrant Cape Town to spotting the Big Five in Kruger National Park, South Africa is a sensory feast.
Places not to miss: Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, Garden Route, and Stellenbosch
Events: Cape Minstrel Carnival, South African Wine Harvest Festival
Dishes to try: Bobotie, biltong, boerewors, and malva pudding
Travel hack: Self-drive safaris are a cost-effective way to experience wildlife up close.
