Best Places to Travel in January

With a new year comes a fresh opportunity to see the world. For January, iBestTravel whisks you off to the snow-capped mountains of northern Idaho, on a treasure hunt for glass globes on an island in Georgia, and to a new Minneapolis hotel set to open right in time for the Super Bowl. Whether it’s adventure or an escape from the cold that you’re after, here are the best places to travel to in January.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee is no longer just a weekend escape for residents of Chicago. The beer-famous city has been growing in popularity, and January is the perfect time to go. In addition to welcoming Wisconsin’s first-ever Shake Shack, the acclaimed Milwaukee Art Museum will house a new exhibit, “The Open Road: Photography and the American Road Trip” that’s sure to be of interest to travelers.

Nashville, Tennessee

The Holston River is one of the most scenic parts of southwestern Virginia and Tennessee — and now, there’s a hotel named after it. The Holston House officially opens in downtown Nashville this January, as part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection of boutique hotels. The historic property originally went up in 1929 and features art deco details along with a rooftop pool bar.

Palm Desert, California

With year-round sunny skies and mid-80s temps, southern California’s Palm Desert makes for a fantastic mid-winter escape. El Paseo, the town’s main thoroughfare, is loaded with upscale shops and art galleries, earning it the nickname “Rodeo Drive of the desert.” There hasn’t been a new luxury hotel in Palm Desert in over 30 years, but that’s about to change with the opening of Hotel Paseo, featuring a backyard with a pool and Bocce Ball, an on-site spa, and a Billiards Suite complete with its own billiards table.

Miami Beach, Florida

Nobu isn’t the only place to have a fantastic meal in Miami. Next month, the famed Eden Roc Miami Beach will celebrate the opening of a brand new restaurant, Malibu Farm, marking the first east coast location for Swedish cookbook author Chef Helene Henderson’s burgeoning farm-to-table empire. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, saffron couscous, and fresh fruit cocktails, complemented by stunning beach views.

Los Angeles, California

Known to design lovers, West Hollywood is a surefire way to brighten up mid-winter blues, whether you’re coming to shop at Christian Louboutin and Stella McCartney or exploring art galleries clustered around Melrose and La Cienaga. This January, Kimpton will open La Peer Hotel, featuring yoga mats in every room, a dedicated fitness trainer, and in-room cocktail service.

Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina

Sandwiched between Savannah and Hilton Head Island, the coastal town of Bluffon, South Carolina, offers a memorable winter escape. Whether you’re relaxing in the new residences at Montage Palmetto Bluff or wandering the property’s 20,000 acres of forest trails, you’re sure to find enjoyment. Each January, outdoor enthusiasts visit for Field + Fire (January 19-21), an adventure-filled weekend of sporting clays, archery, and a ladies shooting school.

McCall, Idaho

Set in the northern part of the state, the town of McCall offers serene lakefront views, along with access to Idaho’s stunning natural features, Payette National Forest. With over 300 inches of snow annually, it’s an excellent alternative to bigger name ski resorts like Aspen and Sun Valley. Visitors can enjoy high-end lodging at Shore Lodge, which has an award-winning spa and a new trail-to-table steakhouse opening on January 19.

Boston, Massachusetts

This January, sci-fi fans have a new reason to visit the technology-driven Yotel Boston: the hotel’s first customized robot, YO2D2, officially begins reporting for duty. Standing 36 inches tall, YO2D2 can deliver linens and amenities; unlike the Yotel robot in New York, this one features a “mingle” switch for social interactions with guests.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indiana’s culture-rich capital is a joy to explore. In January, it’s all about food. One of the most anticipated openings is on January 3, when Neal Brown’s Ukiyo will open in the SoBro neighborhood. As the city’s first omakase-style restaurant, Chef Brown will create a locally sourced menu featuring unique ingredients.

Scottsdale, Arizona

For those who have yet to experience Arizona’s favorite resort town, January is the perfect month to visit. The town’s most charming hotel, The Scott, has recently undergone a $15 million renovation. One of its newest features is The Canal Club, an all-day restaurant inspired by 1930s Cuba, offering a delightful menu that captures the essence of the locale.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

In January, the Georgia coastal haven of Jekyll Island offers miles of unspoiled beaches, making it a trusted, mid-winter escape. For families, there’s an added bonus: Island Treasures, a hide-and-seek game across the island throughout January, where locals and visitors search for hidden glass globes. This year, 450 globes will await discovery.

Atlanta, Georgia

No other city in America embodies the spirit of MLK Day (January 14) like Atlanta, where the civil rights icon was born. At the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, visitors can pay respect to the late Reverend by exploring his childhood home. Numerous commemorative events are happening across town, including a Sunday Supper at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, as well as free access to the Atlanta History Center.

Lanai, Hawaii

Ever dreamt of having a 90,000-acre Hawaiian island to yourself? Four Seasons Lanai might be the closest you’ll get. During winter, guests at the island’s only resort can relax by the pool as North Pacific humpback whales swim nearby. Adventurers can also explore Lanai’s backroads in a 4×4 Jeep or join in on a unique horse yoga class at sunset on the hotel’s private ranch.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

True Super Bowl fans will have booked their tickets months ago. For the rest, a visit to Minneapolis during the 2018 event promises a memorable weekend. While you’re in town, check out the new Graduate Hotel, which features a vibrant atmosphere. Important landmarks like the Walker Art Center and the city’s various breweries will also be eager to showcase their attractions ahead of the big day.

Vail, Colorado

By no means an under-the-radar ski destination, Vail offers an excellent winter getaway for both beginners and pros. With roundtrip flights from New York still available for around $375, the central Colorado town is ideal for a visit. Consider staying at the Arabelle at Vail Square: this luxurious resort celebrates its 10th anniversary in January with live music and ice sculptures throughout the month.