Feeling cold, heavy and grouchy this winter season? The more reason one should take a trip and go on vacation this January. Spring is still quite way off, so one can travel somewhere uplifting in order to lift one's mood. Furthermore, this is a time when there are great deals, cheap flights and thinning crowds. Here are some favorite destinations this January that one can consider:
Your wanderlust during your youth may return when you read this feature about Nicaragua. It is most possibly the Central American country that has it all: tropical rainforests and virgin beaches, filled with palms, distant cloud-capped volcanoes, and recently some special eco-lodges. According to CNN Traveler, January has the advantage of being the month with the best temperatures everywhere, and also the least rainfall on Nicaragua's Pacific Coast.
Miami, Florida shows no signs of slowing down--it has great hotels, including the glitzy Faena Hotel Miami Beach and the palatial 1 Hotel South Beach (which boasts a Damien Hirst sculpture and Top Chef winner Paul Qui's new restaurant). This Swire also opened the East Hotel downtown as well. Go in January to see the hotels, and stay for the beautiful beaches.
There is no place with hotter art scene right now than in Guadalajara, Mexico, which has impressive museums and jaw-dropping murals. The creative crowd has been flocking to the new design-centric Casa Fayette hotel, but you will also see them at the Traversia Cuatro gallery and Julia Y Renata, a fashion boutique run by sisters.
Getting a hotel room in Bali, Indonesia over the holiday season may be difficult, but the crowds are less in January. The best new place to stay is Mandapa, the new Ritz Carlton Reserve, located deep in the dense jungle. The rooms are spacious and modern, the service impeccable, and scenery stunning.
The Japanese yen remains weak against the U.S. dollar, so it is still a great time to visit the Asian country. Hokkaido, which has some of the best powder in Asia, is best for skiing this time of year. Holders of Vail Resorts' Epic Pass also have access to the beautiful Niseko resort. Just make sure to follow up a long day on the slopes with a soak in the onsen (hot spring).
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