Best places to visit in January

Time to embrace your inner Attenborough. That’s right - we’re talking bengal tigers, water buffalo, crocodiles and more. A visit to Ranthambore National Park will have you on a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise safari, so be sure to have plenty of photo storage, as memories just won’t do this justice.

Fancy cooking up a storm in the kitchen? You’ll be welcomed into the home of Himanshu and his family as they teach you long-standing cooking traditions, passed through the generations. Home-cooked curries, freshly made naan bread and local wine, all in great company – what more could you want?

Mumbai is practically overflowing with sights and flavours. See the city through the eyes of the locals with a sunrise tour of the bustling markets. And when dusk hits, bond with your Contiki fam with a masterclass in Bollywood dancing. No need to be an expert (two-left-feeters are still welcome!)

Consider yourself a Thai food connoisseur? Well now it’s time to put your own culinary skills to the test. Tour local food markets with the head chef, before getting your hands dirty in an authentic cooking class set in a rice field in the outskirts of Chiang Mai.

If there was a list of fun places to go in January, this would safely top it. Koh Phangan is world renowned for its spectacular Full Moon beach parties. Think DJs, fire dancers and great music - the beach is transformed into an open-air nightclub for a one-of-a-kind bucket list experience.

Ready for your main character moment? Zip through the small streets and alleyways of Chiang Mai on an after-dark Vespa tour. Stopping at local restaurants and street vendors for the foodies, followed by live music in the market district, it’s a night in Thailand you’ll never forget.

Ribbons of light dancing through the sky, reflecting off the glaciers below? Now that’s pure magic. With Polar Nights in full swing, January offers the perfect opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular occurrences - the Aurora Borealis - with your travel buddies by your side.

Dogs and snow. An unbeatable combination? We certainly think so! From majestic, craggy mountains to lakes frozen all the way through - you’ll experience travel the way the Nordic locals do, and see the snowy landscape up close with sleds pulled by adorable (and impressively athletic) huskies.

Get your walking shoes on, because it’s time to explore Norway’s wonderful wintery capital with a local guide on hand to teach us everything we’d ever wanna know. Filled with nods to its colourful Viking past, Oslo doesn’t just survive the cold weather – it thrives in it. 

Sloths chilling in trees. Turquoise crystalline waters. Where do we sign? Take a day trip to Manuel Antonio Park for a dizzying mix of ancient rainforest, pristine beaches and dazzling coral reefs. The perfect spot to soak up the sun and sip on a cold, refreshing beer.

Wanna make waves with your surfing skills? Everyone’s gotta start somewhere, so why not with the stunning backdrop of Puerto Viejo? Hop on your board with expert local instructors, and ride the waves in the South Caribbean Sea.

It’s not every day you come face to face with wild sea turtles – but a day in Costa Rica is no ordinary day. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet the good folks who work tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate Costa Rica’s sea turtles – and even see the turtles themselves.