Going on holiday in January: 5 post-Christmas getaways

Going on holiday in January is a great way to start off the new year – especially if you need a bit of a boost after Christmas. Here is our pick of the five best destinations to visit for some escapism during the post-Christmas period.

After a warm holiday in January? Look no further than Kerala, India. While it may be a bleak month elsewhere in the world, January finds the Indian state of Kerala in full bloom. 

This southern Indian state – nicknamed God’s Own Country – is quite divine. The beaches are long, wide and offer a hazy heat. 

Inland Kerala sees the mountains of the Western Ghats form a haven of glowing green rainforest. Here, you’ll also find Keralan backwaters, a 900 kilometre-long network of waterways lined by coconut groves and tiny fishing villages. 

The constant sunshine of Kerala, paired with the relatively cool temperatures that the new year brings, makes this holiday in January a real delight.

Regardless of whether you’re a beginner at skiing or consider yourself to be a slalom maestro, Bulgaria is one of the best holiday destinations in January for adventure. 

The naturally beautiful Bansko – found at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and in the middle of Bulgaria’s Pirin National Park – has miles and miles of pistes and modern lifts. 

It’s an old mountain town that acts as a gateway to the slopes on and around the huge Todorka and Vihren peaks. 

With plenty of off-piste adventures to be had, you’ll be able to wind your way through powder and pine forests all day long.

Built by the Knights of St John on a tiny peninsula, Valletta is the historic Maltese capital. 

The honey-coloured stone walls and 16th-century buildings contrast with the surrounding deep blue sea, making for a picturesque holiday in January. 

Although winter won’t bring sunbathing temperatures, Malta is mild and has over 300 days of sunshine per year.

If you’re unfortunate with the weather, there’s still much to do in the capital regardless of any rain. 

From museums to palaces and ornate cathedrals – whether it’s showering or shining, you’ll be able to explore the city with ease. 

As Valletta is a small city, you’ll be able to venture down to the waterfront to eat in any restaurant of your choice. Soak in the sun, sea and spirit of Malta this January.

Puerto Vallarta in Mexico is a sunny destination full of character, making for a great holiday in January. 

Here, you’ll be able to wander the cobblestone centre full of ornate churches, fountains and the Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale flea market. 

The weather is perfect in January, as the new year welcomes an enjoyable heat with little to no rain.

Wanting to start the year off fresh? Well, there’s loads of activities you can get up to in Puerto Vallarta. From doing yoga on the beach to sunbathing and feasting on fresh Mexican food – you’ll be able to start this year how you please.

If you’re looking for one of the best festive holidays after Christmas, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is a great place to keep the festive spirit going. 

Here, the Christmas markets stay open until early January. At the markets, you’ll find over 2 million lights, numerous garlands and Christmas decorations. So you’ll certainly be able to keep the festive spirit alive for a few days longer.  If you want to explore beyond the merriments, Copenhagen is also renowned for its food scene. From fresh oysters to smørrebrød (open-top sandwiches on rye bread), you’ll be spoilt for choice.