While the last days of December are still accompanied by the high that the holidays bring, for many people a low sets in at the beginning of January at the latest. The days are long, the prospects of highlights rather dwindling. There's only one thing to do: plan a trip for the beginning of the year! No matter whether you long for sun and beach or prefer to spend a few days in the snow: a change of scenery is the best way to combat the approaching winter depression. But where to go in January?

Aruba, Caribbean

Average temperature: 24 to 30 degrees
Sunshine hours: 7/day
Entry requirements for vaccinated persons:

• negative PCR test
• Travel insurance covering COVID treatment costs

Why?
It's not hard to guess why a Caribbean destination is a great choice for January. It's warm, it's sunny, the region beckons with endless sandy beaches and turquoise waters. On top of that, there's that irrepressible joie de vivre that can be felt around every corner in the Caribbean. In addition, it is not too hot, the hurricane season is over and it is mostly dry. 

To Do
Aruba has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Butterfly Farm and a trip to one of the many caves is also worth a visit, a horseback ride and off-roading adventures in jeeps or ATVs. One of the most important sights is the California Lighthouse.

Hotel recommendation:

Bucuti & Tara Boutique Beach Resort
L.G. Smith Blvd 55B, Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel.: +297 583 1100
Web: bucuti.com
Price: from € 583,-/night

Cartagena, Colombia

Average temperature: 24 to 31 degrees
Sunshine hours: 7.29/day
Entry requirements for vaccinated persons:

• Online registration 48 h before entry

WHY?
The beautiful city is surrounded by impressive nature. It also scores with its historic structures, such as the over 400-year-old city wall. Old cobblestones, gigantic churches, balconies covered with bougainvillea and impressive squares: it's no wonder that UNESCO lists Cartagena as a World Heritage Site.

To Do:
In Cartagena, it is best to let yourself wander. In the process, you will discover historical sites such as the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas or the monastery Convento La Popa de la Galera. In addition, you should discover the wonderful nature, such as the nearby mud baths of El Totumo Volcano.

Hotel recommendation:

Casa San Augustín
la No. 36 - 44, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia.
Tel.: +57 5 6810000
Web: hotelcasanaugustin.com
Price: from € 248,-/night

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Average temperature: 21 to 31 degrees
Sunshine hours: 8 h/day
Entry requirements for vaccinated persons:

• E-Visa
• Health insurance
• negative PCR test, max. 72 hours old

WHY?
January is perfect for a trip to Cambodia. It is warm, but not unbearably hot. At night, the temperatures drop to a relaxing 20 degrees. In addition, it remains dry and there is plenty of sun. The best conditions for an exploration of the kingdom in Southeast Asia. Here, beach holidays and culture combine for an unforgettable trip.

To Do:
In Siem Reap, the famous Angkor Wat is waiting to be discovered. The sites of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm should not be overlooked either. The overgrown temples are breathtakingly beautiful. Cambodia is also surrounded by numerous wonderful beaches. A trip to the Lazy Beach on Koh Rong Samloem is always worthwhile. It is particularly romantic and natural.

Hotel recommendation:

Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa
No.64 National Road 06, Phum Krous, Sangkat Svay Dangkom, Siem Reap City Siem Reap Province, 17252, Cambodia
Tel.: +855 63 966 788
Web: anantara.com
Price: from € 106,-/night

Park City, Utah

Average temperatures: 1 to - 10 degrees
Sunshine hours: 5.68 h/day
Entry requirements for vaccinated persons:

• negative PCR or antigen test, max. 24 hours old
• ESTA

WHY?
After the long break, most people are longing for a trip to the USA anyway. Add to that the fact that Park City ranks as one of the top winter sports destinations in the world. In addition to skiing, dog sledding, and the famous powder, the Sundance Film Festivalalso makes a good case for a Utah trip in January. From 20 to 30 January 2022, selected cinematic masterpieces will be shown again.

To Do:
A magical romantic walk along Historic Main Street, winter sports, wellness and museums attract as well as galleries, theaters and concerts. Especially worth seeing is the Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery with pictures from over 40 years of nature photography.

Hotel recommendation:

The St. Regis Deer Valley
2300 Deer Valley Dr E, Park City, UT 84060, United States.
Tel.: +1 435-940-5700
Web: marriott.com
Price: from € 1.125,-/night

Lapland, Finland

Average temperatures: - 8 to - 2 degrees
Sunshine hours: 1.3 h/day
Entry requirements for vaccinated persons:

• negative PCR test, max. 72 h old when entering from a high incidence country

WHY?
Snow, cold and darkness: you don't have to travel for that? Not quite true. Because in the far north, the Northern Lights are now beckoning with their beautiful spectacle. Since Lapland, the "official" home of Santa Claus, is especially busy around the Christmas holidays, January is perfect for those who prefer it quieter.

To Do:
Watching the northern lights, speeding across the icy landscape in a husky sled, enjoying the the only sauna gondola in the world , learn all about the Arctic in the Arctic Museum and eat Palt (bacon-filled potato dumplings): in January Lapland is really something.

Hotel recommendation:

Glass Resort
Tähtikuja 16, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
Tel.: +358 40 5194444
Web: glassresort.fi
Price: from € 329,-/night

A note: Entry requirements reflect the status at the time of publication of this article.