There’s something invigorating about approaching a new year with a renewed sense of adventure. Life has many cycles, and the start of a new year is a nice way to turn the page and make sure all those blank lines get filled up with visions of hope, health, and happiness.
Travel is one of the best ways to accomplish all of those things. You hope for a grand adventure, you test the limits of your health as you climb that volcano in Hawaii, and you stand the chance of being filled with happiness as you meet all manner of strangers along the way.
If more travel is one of your New Year’s resolutions, here are 15 ways to introduce yourself to 2025 and make it – hands down – your best year yet.
Maldives
Let’s start with a heavy hitter. And we say that because there’s no escaping the fact that getting to the Maldives is a bit of a (costly) journey. But what a wonderful way to kick off the new year. The beaches are every bit as pristine as they appear, and the water is truly clear and clear blue. From rainbow-colored coral reefs to luxury resorts like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – with those quintessential villas right on the water – this is the kind of tropical paradise that you’ll never want to leave.
Aspen, Colorado
If, instead of escaping the winter, you want to dig into the snow, head to Aspen! You can find every ounce of luxury here as you did in the Maldives. The Little Nell, for example, is ready to serve you the finest mountain views, easy access to the slopes, refined spa services, and world-class meals. It’s actually Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond ski-in/ski-out hotel – so you know you’re onto something good. And, of course, when you’re ready to do a little New Year’s shopping, the brightly lit and beautiful downtown is right there at your fingertips.
Sydney, Australia
Alright! It’s back to the warmer climates. If your heart really is set on a tropical location at the start of the new year, then let’s head to Sydney – where they’re currently battling it out with those hot summer temps. Have some fun at all the touristy spots like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Then, roll up your sleeves and head further into town to sip away the night at a rooftop bar like The Glenmore or The Old Clare Hotel. Spend another night at the Capitol Theatre. You can catch some classics like Romeo and Juliet or Jesus Christ Superstar. Then, since it is summer, you won’t regret a day at the beach. Bondi Beach is one of the most popular and, therefore, one of the most crowded. But, you have plenty of other options, as well, like Bronte Beach, Gordons Bay, Manly Bay, and Palm Beach.
Kyoto, Japan
Now, Kyoto will be cold, just like Aspen and some of the other beautiful cities on this list. But, they have something very special going for them – the onsens or hot springs. If you stay at the Ritz-Carlton, for example, you’ll have every modern amenity and luxury at your fingertips, as well as onsite onsens to enjoy. Coming here in the new year really is special all around because there are countless celebrations taking place, and each one will inspire a sense of renewal in your soul. Without question, you’ll leave Kyoto resolved to make 2025 your best year yet.
Cape Town, South Africa
Like Sydney, Cape Town is ready to wrap you up in its warmth. The natural landscapes in Cape Town are incomparable, given its location between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Their beaches will certainly rival those of Sydney, particularly Llandudno and Camps Bay. If you’re looking for a surfer’s getaway, Muizenberg will deliver. And, if this is a family vacation, then the gentler tidal pools of St. James will do the trick. Cape Town is also known for its impeccable wineries, so if you’re sans kids, head to De Grendel Wine Estate, Vergelegen Wine Estate, or Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery for some savory sips.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Let’s head back to the snowy mountainscapes. This is fun, right? The main reason we want to revert to the cold and consider Reykjavik in January is because there’s a strong possibility you’ll get to see the Northern Lights. And, when you’re not light-chasing, you’ll be spending hours in the area’s geothermal spas after your adventurous meanderings through Reykjavik’s volcanic landscapes. Often touted as one of the safest – and cleanest – cities in the world, this would be a fabulous way to start the new year right.
Dubai, UAE
For something a little more gilded in gold, let’s head to Dubai. Known as a shopper’s paradise, the malls here will cover all your retail therapy needs. You have Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City Mall, for starters. For something a little more authentic, you can certainly book a desert safari to ensure you have one of those “worlds away” experiences. Then, of course, you’ll want to indulge in a couple of the touristy things like the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure that Tom Cruise famously scaled in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
Cartagena, Colombia
The people of Colombia are some of the most charming and inviting people in the world. And it doesn’t hurt that Cartagena is steeped in history, making it a beautiful and enchanting delight – especially in January when the weather is perfectly pleasant. You’ll find yourself simply wandering the colorful streets without any real plans except to find a nice place for lunch. There’s a constant Caribbean vibe floating through the air, which also means you’ll savor some of the best seafood dishes on this side of paradise. While you’re here, be sure to check out the old fortress and also make use of the city’s easy access to the Rosario Islands.
Québec City, Canada
Now, it’s time to enter the snow globe. Québec City, specifically Old Town, is precisely that in the wintertime. Wander the cobblestone streets of Rue de Petit-Champlain as you dip in and out of shops. Then, when you’re ready to get your adrenalin pumping, hop on a toboggan slide at Dufferin Terrace. It’s been offering adventurers the thrill of their lives since 1884.
Phuket, Thailand
People from all over the world come to Thailand to escape the cold. It’s affordable, the locals are friendly, and the pure white sandy beaches can’t be beaten. During the day, you’ll enjoy long-tail boat rides through hidden caves when you’re not wandering around Old Town. During the night, you can dance all your cares away at a plethora of nightclubs Illuzion Phuket or Carpe Diem Beach Club. The next morning, you can do it all over again by starting at any number of glorious beaches, including Patong, Kata, Kamala, and Karon.
Patagonia, Chile
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere can only mean one thing: it’s time to put on your hiking boots and embrace all of Patagonia’s wild, rugged beauty. Torres del Paine National Park is a particular hotspot when the days are long and the nights are short. The wildlife sightings in Patagonia are also off the charts. The best way to experience a (distant) chance encounter with, say, a Puma is by booking a safari through an outfit like Swoop Patagonia. If you’d like to balance all your rugged outdoor adventures with a little bit of luxury, Los Cauquenes Resort + Spa + Experiences will show you that you can have it all, especially as you take in those stunning views of the Beagle Channel.
New York, New York
The ball drop in Times Square is the official signal that we’re starting over yet again. So, why not come to the city with so much historical significance when it comes to kicking off the new year? It’ll be chilly, but there are plenty of ways to stay warm. Walk along Museum Mile in the Upper East Side. Consider visiting one of the most iconic institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Enjoy afternoon Tea at The Palm Court in The Plaza Hotel. Sip on some wine at any number of Soho wine bars like Bibliotheque. And, of course, if you’re bundled up enough, wander through Central Park – a park that’s particularly pretty with a light dusting of snow. If all this sounds enchanting, here are 25 more unforgettable experiences in New York City. Enjoy!
New Zealand – A Scenic Road Trip
If you like Australia, then you’ll love New Zealand. It, too, will warm you up with its summer temps this time of year. Road trippers often unite in this precious corner of the world because it’s the best way to roll the country’s stunning fjords – like Milford Sound, beaches, and mountains all into one. The landscapes and scenery here truly are mind-blowing because you can visit a glacier one day, like Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, and then witness the geothermal power of an erupting geyser the next in the Volcanic Zone at places like Bay of Plenty and Ruapehu. You’ll leave New Zealand a changed person after witnessing all these natural wonders in the midst of some seriously friendly locals.
Bergen, Norway
Speaking of friendly locals, the folks in Norway know a thing or two about welcoming travelers from all over the globe. It’s also one of the safest and cleanest cities, like their friends over in Reykjavik. The first place you’ll want to head towards is Old Town, or Bryggen, to see those famously colorful wooden houses along the harbor. While you’re down yonder, you’ll also want to tour the Fishmarket for some of the freshest catches of your life. As the city enraptures your soul and steals your heart, you’ll want to take a ride in the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen to get a bird’s eye view of the place you’ll be happy to call home – even if only for a few days.
Maui, Hawaii
Let’s end with a little island bliss, shall we? Sort of like New Zealand, Maui has it all – beaches, rainforests, mountains, and exciting wildlife. If you brought your hiking boots, it’s up the volcanic landscapes of Haleakalā National Park you go. If you just want to savor the sandy beaches, then it’s off to Wailea, Kapalua, or Makena Beach. There are also a number of health and wellness resorts in Maui, which certainly seems like the perfect way to start the new year. You might take a look at The Ritz-Carlton, which has yoga and fitness classes and guided hikes. The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows also has a bevy of offerings, from fitness classes to ukelele lessons. Wailea Beach Resort has its very own wellness pool. If all this sounds like a nice way to kick off the new year, then Maui will certainly deliver – and live on in your heart for all of 2025.
Auld Lang Syne
After we’ve sung Auld Lang Syne and contemplated what it means to drink a cup of kindness, let’s pack our bags and start adventure-seeking. Whether you’d like to go to some far-flung corners of the world like the Maldives or step back in time in Québec City, January travel is an invigorating way to start the new year right.
As you start making all your plans for the rest of the year, be sure to come back and check out our destination guides. We’re here to help you craft the perfect itinerary that will open up countless doors of adventure. And, until we meet on a safari in Patagonia, we wish you every blessing in this brand new year.
Ready to keep exploring? Here are more inspiring getaways to plan for the months ahead: