25 Fun Places to Travel in January 2020

by Alex Temblador
Last updated:: 8:00 AM ET, Mon December 16, 2019

Young woman holding a city map in Berlin, Germany (Photo via Bojan89/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe (photo via Asaavedra32 / Wikimedia Commons)

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (photo by Jim Byers) (Jim Byers/TravelPulse Canada)

Downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana. (photo via Visit Fort Wayne)

Skiier at Killington Resort in Vermont, Courtesy of Killington Resort (Skiier at Killington Resort in Vermont, Courtesy of Killington Resort)

Financial center of Panama City, Panama (Rodrigo Cuel / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

View of Philadelphia skyline from the South St Bridge over the Schuylkill River at dusk (photo via Alejandro Sanchez Fuentes / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants will debut two Mexico City hotels in 2020. (photo courtesy Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants)

PHOTO: Giraffes at Kimana Sanctuary in Kenya (By Mia Taylor) (TravAlliancemedia)

St. Maarten (Courtesy of Rainforest Adventures)

The Ogimachi Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Village. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Nuntika)

Downtown Lexington, Kentucky in autumn. (Photo courtesy of GettyImages) (TripAdvisor)

High-rise towers in Melbourne. (Photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / zetter)

PHOTO: The Islands of Tahiti announce new themed vacation packages. (Tahiti Tourisme)

Aerial view of downtown Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (photo via swisshippo/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: A vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina (photo courtesy Avanti Destinations)

Downtown Wichita, Kansas. (Photo via Sean Pavone / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: The Gathering Place, a community park found in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Shane Bevel) (SGPR)

PHOTO: The Kinderdijk windmills in the Netherlands (Photo via E+ / Brzozowska)

Palace of Charles V and roofs of Albayzin during evening blue hour in Granada, Andalusia, Spain (photo via KavalenkavaVolha/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Helen Square town center in Helen, Georgia cityscape. (photo via SeanPavonePhoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Wroclaw's colorful Market Square is a delight for all travelers. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Andrew_Mayovskyy)

PHOTO: The blue houses of Chefchaouen (photo via Flickr/Just Booked A Trip)

Little Rock, Arkansas, USA downtown skyline on the Arkansas River (photo via Sean Pavone / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Views of downtown Funchal from above. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Juergen Sack)

PHOTO: Langkawi beach (photo via Pixabay)

Start 2020 off with a trip

1/26

Launch into a brand new decade with an unforgettable travel experience! We've put together a list of the most fun spots to visit in January, making sure to share a mix of exciting activities and destinations for every type of traveler.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

2/26

Santa Fe is a great spot to start the new year. Explore the mind-boggling interactive art installation, Meow Wolf, before making your way to their amazing museums, like the New Mexico Museum of Art and the Palace of the Governors. With a wide range of trails for hiking and horseback riding and a Plaza filled with great shops, you'll be glad you chose to visit Santa Fe.

Grand Cayman

3/26

Escape the cold and make your way to Grand Cayman island. Expect beaches and clear blue ocean with colorful corral, as well as attractions like Camana Bay, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and Cayman Crystal Caves. If you'd like to be more eco-conscious in your 2020 travels, book a stay at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa which has incorporated such practices as solar panels, recycled glass in their walking trail, turtle-friendly lighting, and a program to replenish the coral in the Caribbean waters.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

4/26

If Christmas has put a damper on your bank account, consider a trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana, which has been recognized as America's most affordable city. Get a taste of the restaurant scene this January during their restaurant week, Savor Fort Wayne, or create, ferment, and bottle your own beer at Gnome Town Brewing Company. The outdoor adventurer in you will have a blast exploring the 605-acre Fox Island park.

Killington, Vermont

5/26

Kill those slopes this January in Killington, Vermont. Arrive via a scenic route on Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express to Killington, the biggest resort in Eastern North America with 1,500+ skiable acres. When you're not skiing, you can relax in the spa, tube in the tubing park, enjoy a romantic Snow Cat sleigh ride, or fly down the Beast Mountain Coaster.

Panama City, Panama

6/26

Don you panama hats and head to Panama City, Panama. Best-known for it's famous Panama Canal, Panama City won't disappoint any type of traveler. Spend a day or two shopping and eating in the UNESCO protected Casco Viejo district or Panama Viejo, the old city of Panama City. Not only is there a national park right outside the city, but you can have fun on the Amador Islands, try Panamanian food, or wake up to great views at the stylish W Panama.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

7/26

Philadelphia is quickly becoming a hip town to visit, proven by the large number of new hotels in the city like the Notary Hotel, Four Seasons Philadelphia, and Lokal Hotel Fishtown. Though you'll want to check out the city's historic sites like the Liberty Bell and Eastern State Penitentiary, don't miss out on the cultural offerings such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Reading Terminal Market, and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.

Mexico City, Mexico

8/26

With flights becoming less costly to Mexico City, you can save the extra cash to have tons of fun in this dynamic city. After stuffing your face with delicious Mexican cuisine, walk it off at the Zocalo, Chapultapec Park or in museums like the Frida Kahlo Museum and Museo Suomaya. Mexico City also has a great nightlife, making it the ultimate fun destination for adults.

Kenya

9/26

Warm weather days as you layout on the beach or explore the Maasai Mara on safari is what you can typically expect in Kenya in January. If you stop in Nairobi, check out the Uhuru Gardens and the Maasai Market. Make your way to Diani beach to snorkel, surf, or swim, then head to Basecamp Explorer Kenya for a true African safari.

St. Maarten

10/26

Have an island vacation this January in St. Maarten. The island blends European and Caribbean cultures in wonderful ways and you'll recognize that in the food, art, and people. At 37 square miles, the island is quite small though it offers an astounding 37 beaches to hop among and enjoy. Head here for good food, great spots to relax, and attractions like Front Street, Fort St. Louis, and Topper's Rum Distillery.

Ogimachi Village, Japan

11/26

The Ogimachi Village in Japan offers a very cool experience for travelers in the know. The gassho-zukuri farmhouses in this UNESCO World Heritage Site light up in an illumination event that begins in January. It's truly a charming spectacle that you can enjoy for a few hours each night before you move indoors to one of these farmhouses, some of which have been converted to restaurants and lodgings.

Lexington, Kentucky

12/26

What's more fun than bourbon and horses? As long as you don't mix the two, you can enjoy them both in Lexington, Kentucky. Stop by Kentucky Horse Park to explore museums, barns, and lots of attractions all of which center on horses and racing. A tour and tasting at the Town Branch Distillery is a must for those who love bourbon. Shop, eat, and hit the bars in Downtown Lexington or see some historic homes like that of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln for an all-around fun time.

Melbourne, Australia

13/26

Enjoy the summer season this January in Melbourne. Maybe you want to kayak on the Yarra River, shop the stalls at Queen Victoria Market, or walk the pier at St. Kilda's beach. Halfway through the month, Melbourne's Midsumma Festival begins, a large 22-day queer arts and culture festival that will feature over 175 events including live music, cabaret, drag shows, and more. Stay at QT Melbourne to be in the epicenter of it all.

The Islands of Tahiti

14/26

The Islands of Tahiti has so many new things coming in January 2020. Nukutepipi, a secluded private island resort, has just opened and the Coral Gardeners have a new EcoTour in Moorea that allows visitors to help save the coral reefs through coral cutting workshops underwater. Lilikoi Food Tours has a Tahitian food tour on Moorea and a hands-on cooking class you'll love, while the Nuku Hiva island offers a full-day wild pig and goat hunt followed by a traditional slow-cooking experience in an umu, an underground oven.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

15/26

In 2019, Saudia Arabia opened the nation for tourism with a new eVisa offering. Join the influx of people excited to visit Saudia Arabia by heading to Riyadh in January. Put Masmak Fortress and the National Museum of Saudia Arabia on your list of things to-do, as well as shopping in Center Point and exploring World Sights Park, home to smaller replicas of the world's most-famous landmarks like the Eifell Tower and Taj Mahal. Don't forget to experience desert life in Riyadh by dune-bashing (or driving fast in a SUV) in the Red Sand Dunes or hiking among the cliffs at Jebel Fihrayn.

Mendoza, Argentina

16/26

Grab your partner and head south to Mendoza, Argentina. Start your trip with winery tours, many of which are done on bikes, making sure to taste Mendoza's famed Malbecs. Divulge in delicious cuisine like asado in the downtown restaurants or have wine and coffee among their many cafes. If the wine and food isn't romantic enough, book a horseback riding tour and bask in your love with the the Andes mountains all around you.

Wichita, Kansas

17/26

Wichita, Kansas, offers an affordable and enjoyable vacation right after the holidays. The Museum of World Treasures has so many quirky exhibits like religious art from Asia. The Old Cowtown Museum invites guests to walk through a replica of an 1870s village. Wichita's brewery scene is well worth experiencing during the day. At night, enjoy concerts and comedy shows at clubs and bars in the Old Town District.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

18/26

If off-the-beaten-path travel is your jam then make your way to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Architecture lovers will go bonkers for the Art Deco buildings in Tulsa's Deco District and everyone in the family will enjoy the Gathering Place, a riverfront park with an extensive kid's area, paddleboats, and unique gardens. The Blue Dome District has everything you need for a night on the town, while the Boxyard covers all your local shopping needs with local stores set in refurbished shipping containers.

The Netherlands

19/26

Amsterdam is world-famous for being a super fun destination, but this January, hit the road and explore the rest of the Netherlands. See the famed windmills of Kinderdijk, check out the medieval architecture of Utrecht, and fall in love with the thatched-roof homes in Giethoorn. While Netherland's snowy landscapes are breathtaking, join the locals at Snow World Landgraaf, an indoor ski venue!

Granada, Spain

20/26

While Granada in January is cold, you'll generally enjoy some sunny days exploring Alhambra, the Royal Chapel of Granada, and walking along the popular Carerra del Darro. Granada's medieval architecture is sure to wow any traveler, as will free tapas when you order drinks, their delicious kebabs, and mouthwatering churros. Get lost in this beautiful city, and when your feet get tired, soak in a lovely bath at the Hammam Al Ándalus.

Helen, Georgia

21/26

Don't have the cash for a German vacation? Then hop in the car and head to Helen, Georgia, a mountainous town with Bavarian-style buildings that will make you feel like you're a world away. Book a cozy cabin in Helen and go for winter hikes to Anna Ruby Falls and Dukes Creek Falls or fishing in Smith Lake. The town is great for shopping, dining out, and visiting art galleries. Make sure to stop by Habersham Vineyards and Winery to sample some local wines.

Wroclaw, Poland

22/26

The Market Square in Wroclaw, Poland, is a dreamy spot to take photographs, and one of the top spots to return at night when bars and clubs open their doors. Walk through Wroclaw to admire the historic architecture and keep an eye out for the 600 bronze dwarfs placed throughout the city. Stay warm with indoor activities by shopping at Hala Targowa, hitting up Wroclaw's great cafes, and visiting the Museum of Games and Computers of the Past.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

23/26

The old town of Chefchaouen, Morocco, is bathed entirely in blue paint and home to winding cobbled streets and stairs which makes for a picturesque scene. With mild temperatures, January is a great time to explore all the great things this Moroccan city has to offer like the Place Outa al Hammam, a traditional bakery called Bab El Ain, and the Ras El Maa waterfall.

Little Rock, Arkansas

24/26

The riverfront city of Little Rock offers a lot of fun things to do and see. Hit the trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and check out Bill Clinton's presidential library and museum. Learn about the Civil Rights Movement at Little Rock Central High School where the Little Rock Nine were denied entry or see one of the last remaining structures from Gone With the Wind, The Old Mill. The River Market District's vibrant shopping and dining scene is a must for any visitor, as is a tasting at Rock Town Distillery. And remember the Big Mouth Billy Bass animatronic fish? You can see hundreds of them at the quirky Billy Bass Adoption Center in the Flying Fish restaurant.

Funchal, Portugal

25/26

You won't have to battle the crowds in Funchal in January because there really aren't any. While it may rain a bit, this Portuguese city will have mild temperatures which makes it easy to walk through the city's gorgeous architecture to visit spots like the Funchal Cathedral, the Contemporary Art Museum, and the Madeira Botanical Garden. While in Funchal, don't miss out on shopping in the Farmer's Market, having fun at the interactive museum, Story Centre, and tasting the fabulous Madeira wine of the region.

Langkawi, Malaysia

26/26

You won't be bored exploring the 99 islands of Langkawi, Malaysia. Take pictures of the islands from above on the Langkawi Cable Car. Relax on the beach, swim, or shop at Pantai Cenang or relax in the hot springs of the Ayer Hangat Village. You must see Temurum Waterfalls and Seven Wells Waterfalls and get lost in the Temonyong Night Market. With tours through jungles and so many beaches, Langkawi is endless fun.

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