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Where to Go in January: Relaxing On The Beach Or Adventures On the Slopes

Destinations

Fortunately, the world is colorful and diverse enough to offer the perfect destination for every travel preference. Here are the best travel spots for your bucketlist in January 2025.

Stockholm, Sweden

Climate: -5 to -1 °C average temperature, 2 hours of sunshine per day, 17 days of snowfall in January

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Why Book: January is considered the coldest month in Sweden. This brings with it the great advantage that you can stay in the absolute low season on the road. And just because it's a little colder than usual doesn't mean that life has come to a standstill. On the contrary. On January 13 St. Knut's Day is celebrated. The Swedes then clear their houses of Christmas decorations. Also “plündert” the last remaining sweets and cookies. Photography fans can enjoy beautiful views in the snow-covered old town (Gamla Stan). And winter sports fans are already looking forward to the opening of the Stockholm ski slopes. For example, you can go to the Hammarbybacken ski hill. In January you also have the chance to Aurora sightings.

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Where to Stay: The voco Stockholm is the only hotel in Kista with its own spa. Opened in September 2024, this full-service hotel offers an outdoor terrace with a café, an urban restaurant concept featuring modern interpretations of classic dishes, and plenty of Nordic charm. The hotel prioritizes sustainability wherever possible, with pillow and duvet fillings made from 100% recycled materials and amenity kits featuring plant-based ingredients. Guests can choose from 201 rooms.

voco Stockholm
Torshamnsgatan 39, 164 40 Kista, Sweden
+46 8 580 982 98 - vocohotels.com
Doubles from € 90

Book now

Jasná, Slovakia

Climate: -9 to -1 °C average temperature, 3 hours of sunshine per day, 27 cm of snowfall in January

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Why Book: When you think of winter sports, you often think of the Alps. But Slovakia is also an excellent place to Skiing and snowboarding. Als “Königin der Wintersportgebiete” gilt Jasná in der Niederen Tatra. Der Januar zählt zu den schneereichsten Monaten. Jasná ist damit eines der besten Reiseziele im Januar 2025. Über 50 Kilometer moderne Liftanlagen, vergleichsweise fewer guests and ideal conditions for beginners and advanced skiers make it an insider tip. Deep snow fans head to the many freeride zones. Night skiing is also possible here.

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Where to Stay: Newly opened, the Swissôtel Damian Jasná is a luxurious mountain retreat. Located in the heart of the ski area, it offers direct access to the slopes. The hotel impresses with its modern alpine style, and tired muscles can be rejuvenated with massages at the spa. Guests can leave everyday life behind while floating in the indoor and outdoor pools. The hotel’s restaurants serve a delightful mix of regional and international specialties.

Swissôtel Damian Jasna
Demanovska Dolina 555, 031 01 DEMANOVSKA DOLINA, Slovakia
+421 911 385 525 - accor.com
Doubles from € 270

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Cairo, Egypt

Climate: 10 to 19 °C average temperature, 7 hours of sunshine per day, 1 rainy day in January

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Reason to Book: Cairo is experiencing a revival as a top destination for culture-focused city travelers. In January, visitors can enjoy pleasant temperatures while strolling along the Pyramids of Giza and marveling at the Sphinx. The Egyptian Museum offers a deep dive into ancient Egyptian culture, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. The bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar provides a lively shopping experience, while the Al-Azhar Park in the city center serves as a green oasis. Additional highlights include the Saladin Citadel, the Hanging Church, and the stunning Muhammad Ali Mosque.

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Where to Stay: A lot is also happening in Cairo in terms of hotel openings. For example, guests have recently been staying in the beautiful Hyatt Centric Cairo West ab. Es schafft eine Verbindung zwischen der reichen ägyptischen Geschichte, der Kultur des Landes und mit moderner Kunst. Selbstverständlich müssen Gäste nicht auf Annehmlichkeiten verzichten. So gibt es im Muse Restaurant Geschmäcker aus aller Welt zu entdecken, in der Twenty Four Bar stehen Cocktails auf der Karte und “The Place” bietet Six further dining concepts. In addition to a gym, there is also a rooftop pool. And it has the only Pool billiard table in the basin.

Hyatt Centric Cairo West
Pyramids Heights Business Park, Building 10, Km 22 Cairo – Alexandria Desert Rd, First 6th of October, Giza, 8655, Egypt 
+20235367000 - hyatt.com
Double room from approx. € 150,- per night

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Koh Chang, Thailand

Climate: 27 °C average temperature, 7 hours of sunshine per day, 2 rainy days in January

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Reason to Book: Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s largest islands and ranks among the top destinations for January 2025—not just for its ideal climate but also for its stunning beaches. Highlights include White Sand Beach with its crystal-clear waters, the laid-back Lonely Beach, and the even quieter Klong Prao Beach. Excursions to the Klong Plu Waterfall or the Than Mayom Waterfall add variety to your trip. Beyond snorkeling and diving tours, Bang Bao, a traditional stilt village famous for its pier, is a must-see. Jungle trekking and a visit to the island’s oldest village, Salak Phet, complete the experience.

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Where to Stay: Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang by IHG’s Vignette Collection is set to reopen in late 2024 after an extensive renovation. Formerly known as the Emerald Resort Koh Chang, this luxurious property is located directly on Klong Prao Beach, featuring 166 rooms and 13 exclusive villas, each with its own private pool. Guests can enjoy a wide range of bars and restaurants, as well as extensive spa and fitness facilities. The public pool is an impressive 750 square meters.

Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang, Vignette Collection
88 8 Klong Prao Beach Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand
+66 39 552 000 - ihg.com
Doubles from € 160

Book now

Palau, Oceania

Climate: 30 °C average temperature, 8 hours of sunshine per day, 0 rainy days in January

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Why Book: Palau is a tropical paradise in the western Pacific. It is one of the best travel destinations in January 2025 for anyone longing for pure sunshine and exoticism. The latter can be experienced, for example, in the Jellyfish Lake. Dabei handelt es sich um einen See, in dem Millionen der harmlosen “golden jellyfish” ihre Bahnen ziehen. Sie sind harmlos, weshalb es zu beliebten Aktivitäten gehört, hier schnorcheln zu gehen. Ein weiteres Naturschauspiel ist die Milky Way Lagoon. It boasts blue water and white mud, which is said to have healing properties. The Ngardmau Waterfall and the 400 uninhabited limestone islands of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon are also worth seeing.

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Where to Stay: Four Seasons Explorer, Palau is a luxurious floating resort. As it navigates through the islands of this UNESCO World Heritage site, guests enjoy all the comforts of a five-star experience. These include 11 spacious and light-filled suites with private bars, an onboard spa, daily shore excursions, and the chance to embark on unforgettable adventures. Local experts add an extra layer of insight to the experience.

Four Seasons Explorer, Palau
+960 66 00 888 - fourseasons.com
Price on request

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Claudia Hilmbauer
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