With the festive season coming to a close and a New Year’s resolutions list full of travel goals, it’s time to start planning your next holiday! After the chaos of Christmas, many of us may be seeking a quieter getaway. That’s why Expat Explore has put together a list of unusual places to visit and off-the-beaten-path holidays to enjoy this January, next January or during shoulder season.
Whether you’re seeking an adventure filled with history, nature or cultural highlights, these destinations are perfect for a getaway unlike any other!
Book these top 5 unique holiday destinations for an unforgettable vacation:
1. Scandinavia: Snow, Sleds & Stunning Scenery
Scandinavia and the Nordic countries are dream destinations for many travellers thanks to their spectacular natural scenery. Countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland are quite popular over the festive season thanks to their icy temperatures which almost guarantee a white Christmas in certain areas. Finland is also the home of Santa Claus, making Finnish Lapland the ultimate festive destination! The summer months, when temperatures are far less freezing, can also be busier with tourists and locals out and about. This makes off-peak months like late January and February an excellent time to visit.
Snowfall can still occur in Scandinavia well into April, especially in northern parts of Sweden and Finland as well as in Norway’s mountain regions. This means that you can still look forward to activities like skiing, dog sledding and even northern lights spotting well past the peak winter season. During your visit, take some time to wander around the captivating capital cities of Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo and Copenhagen.
Related: Embark on a journey from Copenhagen to Helsinki and tick these magical countries off your bucket list!
2. Japan: Ski, Samurai & Hot Springs
Japan is a diverse country that truly has so much to offer. Big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are abuzz throughout the year with both locals and visitors. History buffs will be in awe of cities like Kyoto, where Geisha roam the streets and Kanazawa, once home to Samurai. Japan is also home to exquisite natural beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring to snowy mountains in winter.
Winter is an excellent time to visit Japan, particularly in January and February. Snow seekers are spoiled for choice with Hokkaido’s famous dry powder snow and renowned ski resorts such as Shiga Kogen. Between December and March, if you visit Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, you may even get to see snow monkeys bathing in hot springs! You too can soak in hot springs (known as onsen) as Japan is home to around 3,000.
Related: Discover some of the many Highlights of Japan on this 13-day guided tour.
3. Costa Rica: Cloud Forests, Coastlines & Volcanic Charm
If winter isn’t your vibe and a long sunny season is what you seek, pay Costa Rica a visit! Costa Rica only has two seasons: a dry “summer” and a wet “winter”. The summer season is from December to April making it an ideal destination for those wishing to escape the Northern Hemisphere during its winter. However, good weather isn’t the only reason to visit Costa Rica. With its crystal clear coastlines, views of volcanoes and its otherworldly Cloud Forest, Costa Rica should be a bucket-list location for all nature lovers!
Costa Rica’s national parks are truly awe-inspiring. Set off on a hike in the Arenal National Park and get up close with an active volcano! Or, bask in the beauty of the Manuel Antonio National Park and marvel at its rich biodiversity from adorable sloths to lush greenery and sandy beaches. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is another must-visit. To really feel like you’re in the clouds, brave the “hanging bridges” and see this storybook forest from above!
Related: Join us on a jam-packed Costa Rica Escape tour!
4. South Africa: Sun, Sand & Safari
Another beautiful country to escape to during winter is South Africa. South Africa’s summer season begins in November and can last well into March. This makes for an unusual festive holiday as instead of snow and gingerbread, you can look forward to beaches and barbecues (braais)! While December tends to be busy between peak tourist season and school holidays, January quietens down significantly.
Of course, the top reason most travellers dream of South Africa is for its safaris. As home to the Big 5 (African lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and Cape buffalo), South Africa is one of the best places in the world for safaris. The Kruger National Park is the most famous safari park in the country and is one of the world’s largest game parks. Aside from its incredible wildlife, South Africa is also home to gorgeous beaches, impressive mountains and vibrant cities. From the bustling city of Cape Town to the picturesque coastlines of the Garden Route and the tall peaks of the Drakensberg mountains, South Africa features a diversity of landscapes that are sure to take your breath away.
Related: This South African Escape tour takes you through South Africa’s highlights – from Cape Town to the Garden Route, the Kruger National Park and beyond!
5. Central Europe: Charming Cities, Historic Highlights & Hidden Gems
Central Europe is home to a number of fascinating countries, many of which are particularly enchanting over Christmas and New Year. This also means that cities like Vienna in Austria and Prague in Czechia can get very busy over the festive season thanks to their magical Christmas markets. To experience all of the charm without the crowds, consider visiting Central Europe between January and March.
Discover the spellbinding capital of Hungary in winter and warm up in the Budapest thermal baths! Explore Munich, Bavaria’s capital, and marvel at its historic architecture and modern innovations. Live out scenes from The Sound of Music in Salzburg amidst the Austrian Alps or wander the cobblestone streets of Bratislava, the compact capital of Slovakia. Central Europe is truly a treasure trove of fairytale sights just waiting to be discovered!
Related: This affordable Central Europe in Low Season tour visits all these destinations and more!
Don’t let those January blues get you down. Travel certainly is the best medicine so start planning your next trip!
To experience unique holidays at an affordable price, have a look at Expat Explore’s upcoming tours.