10 Places Travelers Should Put on Their January 2026 List
January is the only month of the year when the world is taking a long breath. The rush of the holidays fades, and schedules loosen. Looking at the early part of 2026, a handful of places stand out because they reveal small seasonal quirks that don’t show up at other times of the year.
Cape Town, South Africa
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The first weeks of the year bring an interesting contrast to Cape Town. Preparations for the Minstrel Carnival create scattered pockets of activity while everyday life carries on at its usual pace. On the coast, penguins at Boulders Beach follow their routines regardless of the season, while Table Mountain offers whichever view the day decides to allow.
PyeongChang, South Korea
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This region carries reminders of the 2018 Winter Olympics in its layout, right down to the signage still present around clusters of resorts. The infrastructure lends the area an organized feel that stands out in contrast to the quieter mountain roads nearby. Travelers who step away from the slopes sometimes find themselves on temple grounds, following paths lined with snow-dusted pines.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
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The island’s most charming tradition begins each January with a treasure hunt for plastic globes tucked around public spaces. Anyone who finds one can trade it in for a hand-blown glass version crafted by artisans. The event gives the month a distinctly playful mood, especially when paired with long walks along Driftwood Beach’s sculptural shoreline.
Oahu, Hawaii
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In early January, boat captains talk more about whale patterns than anything happening on land. The migration brings researchers, photographers, and curious onlookers to the docks before sunrise. Closer inland, rainforest trails stay damp but manageable, including the route to Manoa Falls. The surf culture also reaches its dramatic winter peak.
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
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Daily life along this coastline revolves around routine, as fishing boats set out at dawn and markets open before the heat of the day settles. Wildlife guides start scanning the horizon again as whale season returns. In smaller communities, food stalls shape the morning atmosphere with seafood dishes that depend on whatever came in that day.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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The ski season shapes most of the activity in Jackson Hole once January arrives. The slopes around Teton Village are the usual go-tos, and the routines that form around them give the area its winter character. Crowds thin out after the holidays, which changes the feel of lift lines and local restaurants.
Banff, Alberta
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Midwinter edges into nearly every activity in Banff, but not in the same way for everyone. Some travelers move straight toward the lifts at Lake Louise or Sunshine Village. Others linger in town where ice carvers work slowly through their SnowDays creations. Even a walk through Banff Avenue feels different in January, with the cold slowing foot traffic.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
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Peak summer settles over the town during January, and its pace shifts accordingly. Beaches fill early, art spaces stay open later than usual, and the social scene stretches well into warm evenings. Visitors moving through this part of Uruguay in mid-summer often remark on how naturally the galleries, polo matches, and waterfront walks integrate into everyday life.
Grenada
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Late January brings a noticeable shift at the docks as crews gear up for Sailing Week. The preparations bring energy to the island’s usual routines. Away from the marinas, beaches stay calm, and snorkeling conditions remain stable.
Sydney, Australia
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Sydney slips into its high-energy summer mode during January. Bondi’s coastal paths stay busy with walkers, while swimmers take the beach in the early mornings. The Sydney Festival, running January 8 to 25, threads performances through theaters and outdoor plazas. Ferries cut across the harbor while carrying both commuters and visitors through warm, breezy routes.