Holidays are over, so it’s time to look for affordable destinations for January 2025!
Christmas has passed, New Year’s Eve is behind us, and it’s time to get back to work. Or not! A lot of people are thinking about taking a few more free days after the holidays to enjoy some quiet time. So why not be one of them?
Do you long for some much-needed warmth and sunshine? With my list of destinations for January 2025, you’re covered. Because after winter celebrations everyone is pretty much broke, I made quite a great selection of places in which, at this time of the year, a couple of days of relaxation are super affordable. So, come on, pack your bags; adventure awaits!
Naples, Italy
Everybody loves Italy, and if you weren’t there, we bet you would fall in love with it from the first moment you’d put your step in Naples. With a vibrant atmosphere compared to the rest of Italy, Naples is one of the least expensive destinations for January 2025.
The Spanish Quarter offers fantastic street food, such as panzerotti, frittata di pasta, and pizza frittata (fried pizza), for about €3, as well as Italy’s favorite aperitivo, Aeporal Spritz, for as little as €1. Even though visiting some of Naples’ excellent museums, such as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, or taking a tour of the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, can cost a little more, simply strolling around the city’s streets is always entertaining.
To escape the city’s crowds, take a train to Vesuvius and hike to the highest point for sweeping views of the Bay of Naples. Oh, and bring your camera; there will be a ton of opportunities to snap a ton of pictures!
The Canary Islands
Another spot in which you can enjoy around 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January is the Canary Islands. This will sound amazing if your current residence is full of snow during this time of the year. Let’s look at some affordable alternatives in the Canary Islands:
Gran Canaria, for example, is one of the affordable destinations for January 2025. With more than 320 days of sunshine a year, the southern portion of the island is a sun lover’s paradise. Explore the fascinating Maspalomas dunes or spend your days at Playa de Las Canteras. Be sure to purchase souvenirs for your loved ones by engaging in some shopping in Las Palmas.
What do you think about Tenerife? This is another amazing destination located in the Canary Islands which offers year-round sunshine and amazing beaches to explore. Whether you’re trying to soak up the sun and relax on a towel, swim, or walk a few more steps a day, Tenerife is great in January because it’s not crowded.
Cyprus (and Greece in general)
Want to soak up the sun in a magnificent place full of history and mouthwatering food? Pack your bags and book your tickets to one of the most affordable destinations for January 2025, which is Cyprus.
The island has pleasant temperatures this time of the year, which makes it a desirable choice for an affordable winter getaway. Try out traditional Cypriot food in Larnaca (don’t go without eating Moussaka), recharge on the gorgeous beaches of Ayia Napa, or tour the historic sites of Paphos. Cyprus offers a sun-filled vacation without going over budget thanks to its variety of reasonably priced lodging options and wide range of activities.
With mild winter temperatures, the entire country offers a variety of breathtaking islands and historic mainland locations. Think about traveling to Athens to discover its fascinating history, historic sites, and energetic neighborhoods.
I also recommend traveling to islands like Crete or Rhodes, which offer stunning beaches, delicious food, welcoming people, and reasonable prices for both hotels and Airbnb.
Egypt
Egypt is one of the affordable destinations for January 2025 I truly recommend checking out. Why should you visit it during this time of the year? Besides being significantly cheaper compared to, let’s say, June (a month I don’t recommend because it’s swarmed with tourists and the temperatures are unbearable), Egypt is awesome to visit in January at 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Enjoy the sun on the gorgeous shores of the Red Sea, go diving or snorkeling to discover colorful coral reefs, and learn about the ancient wonders and rich history of neighboring Luxor or Cairo.
Tip: Since Egypt isn’t exactly friendly with tourists outside resorts if you want to be safe while traveling, it’s advisable to book an all-inclusive package that covers your hotel stay and includes guided tours to nearby ancient sites. Just be sure to stay within the resort and avoid exploring on your own.
Tunisia
Another one of the exotic and affordable destinations for January 2025 is Tunisia. Coastal regions such as Hammamet and Sousse offer sunny days by the Mediterranean with temperatures between 53 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
The history, culture, and stunning beaches of Tunisia are all fascinatingly combined. Travel to the Sahara Desert for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, chill at low-cost beach resorts, or explore the ancient city of Carthage. Trust me, Tunisia is a place you won’t forget easily!
If you decide that one of these destinations won your heart and you will visit it this winter, then don’t forget about a sun hat. It’s mandatory to wear it, especially in places like Egypt or Greece, where the sun is pretty strong. This unisex sun hat, made for long-time activities in the sun and available in two different colors, is available on Amazon for $8.49. It fits even the smallest piece of luggage because it is extremely lightweight and foldable.
Portugal
Portugal is a fantastic choice for a low-cost January getaway without having to pay for expensive airline tickets. Two of the nation’s largest cities, Lisbon and Porto, offer pleasant winter temperatures, as well as affordable access to cultural attractions, mouthwatering Portuguese food, and historic neighborhoods. Furthermore, Portugal’s coastal regions, like the Algarve, provide stunning beaches and reasonably priced lodging for a sunny vacation.
If you are thinking about visiting Portugal in the next year, now may be the perfect time for it!
Thailand
Whenever I think about affordable destinations for a short vacay in January, I immediately think about Thailand. I’ve been here twice so far, and words won’t be enough to describe how amazing it was. Even though it’s usually pretty expensive, in the first three months of the year, prices go significantly low for tourists to enjoy a great stay in the area.
If you prefer to soak up the sun, I’d recommend going to one of the southern destinations like Krabi or Phuket. To make sure you experience your stay like a local, go and indulge in some street food and book your stay at Airbnb. They have better prices than hotels.
Whenever you’re up for something new, Thailand is waiting for you to explore its stunning beaches or go snorkeling in the Andaman Sea.
I hope my article was enjoyable to read and, most importantly, that it brought you joy. Don’t forget that you truly deserve to grab your bags and escape to a lovely destination after a bustling holiday season filled with family visits and other commitments.
Now tell me fellow globetrotters, which of these destinations will you pick?
You may also want to read: These 6 Unique Restaurants in Florida Will Blow Your Mind.
