5 Destinations for a Perfect Start to the Year

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It’s believed that what you do at the start of the year, you do that all year round. So how about a holiday in January 2017 for a year full of vacations ahead?

Excited much? Here is a list of 5 superb destinations to visit this January.

Norway

Experience the best of winters at this Scandinavian winter wonderland. Usually considered as the perfect destination for summer months, January is also a great time to visit Norway. The soft fluffy snow, the exciting winter sports, and the twinkling lights from wooden cottages in a snow-clad landscape, make it truly magical. While some areas have very few hours of daylight, the coastal areas are not too cold, making for a spectacular journey through the snowcapped mountains and fjords.

For those adventurous enough to brave the cold of the Arctic, head to the northern areas for an enchanting experience of the Northern Lights. This stunning natural phenomenon of red and green lights in the sky is bound to take your breath away. Totally worth the frost and shivers!

Where to Stay: Anker Hotel Oslo (Starts at Rs.5,900 per night); City Living Tromso – Apartments (Starts at Rs.8,000 per night); Thon Hotel Bergen Brygge (Starts at Rs.9,200 per night)

Where to Eat: Pingvinen, Lofoten Fiskerestaurant, and Bardus Bistro

Vietnam

Owing to its length and diverse landscape, Vietnam in January is both warm and cold. While the northern areas are cool, the south is at its warm and sunny best. Lounge in the sunshine at the Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, and Long Hai beaches, explore the resort islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, experience the Vietnamese floating markets and Buddhist pagodas, and marvel in the natural beauty of this Southeast Asian country. Add to that outstanding spa and massage treatments, perfect to start the year with.

The beautiful Halong Bay is even more dreamlike in the mist and peace of the winter season. Also, one can whiff the festive mood throughout January as Vietnam gears up for its New Year towards the end of the month.

Where to Stay: Elios Hotel (Starts at Rs.2,500 per night); Little Hoian Boutique Hotel & Spa (Starts at Rs.3,800 per night); Pullman Saigon Centre (Starts at Rs.9,900 per night)

Where to Eat: Bale Well, Home Vietnamese Restaurant, and Hoa Tuc Co. Ltd

San Francisco

Owing to its mild winters, January is a great time to visit San Francisco. There are a myriad food, comedy and theatre festivals on offer, hotel prices are cheaper, and the city is not as crowded as in the summer months. Just a few warm clothes on, and you’re all set to experience San Francisco’s popular attractions.

Walk over the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, experience the shops, resturants, and museums of Fisherman’s Wharf, and drive down Lombard Street, the most crooked street in the world. A visit to the charming wineries of Napa Valley, and to the famous Alcatraz prison is a must. January is the season for grey whale watching in San Francisco, and is also the time when the docks at Pier 39 are packed with sea lions.

Where to Stay: Artmar Hotel (Starts at Rs.5,500 per night); Desmond Hotel(Starts at Rs.7,000 per night); Ramada Limited San Francisco Airport North(Starts at Rs.10,300 per night)

Where to Eat: Hollywood Cafe, La Taqueria, and Boudin Bistro

Gold Coast

With the Australian summer at its height in January, the seaside city of Gold Coast is one of the most popular holiday destinations. Start the year with a relaxing break on its pristine white sand beaches, or indulge in the best of water sports and surfing experiences at the world-renowned Surfers Paradise. For nature lovers, the charming waterfalls, inland waterways, and the lush green hinterland are a delight to see.

Add to that exciting forest trails, wildlife parks, picturesque golf courses, and world-class theme parks. The glowworm caves of Tamborine Mountain in the vicinity are sure to leave you awestruck! Whether you’re travelling with friends or family, Gold Coast is packed with activities for everyone.

Where to Stay: Quality Hotel Mermaid Waters (Starts at Rs.7,400 per night); Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast (Starts at Rs.8,500 per night); Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel (Starts at Rs.13,500)

Where to Eat: Hellenika Restaurant, Gemelli Italian, and Allure On Currumbin

Dubai

January is the best time to experience all that Dubai has to offer. Known for its iconic skyscrapers and architectural marvels, this global city is a sight to see. Experience the best of luxury at its extravagant hotels, malls, theme parks and man-made islands.

Dubai offers the ideal weather in January for sunbathing at its many beaches, and for desert safaris amidst the spectacular dunes of Arabia. A visit to old Dubai is a must for its charming lanes, historic sites, museums and the Souks. Also, get your shopping list ready as Dubai plays host to a month long shopping festival every January featuring the best of sales and offers.

Where to Stay: Sea View Hotel Dubai (Starts at Rs.5,300 per night); Ramada Jumeirah Hotel Dubai (Starts at Rs.7,300 per night); Dusit Residence Dubai Marina Hotel (Starts at Rs.12,600 per night)

Where to Eat: Arabian Tea House Cafe, Shakespeare and Co., and Indego by Vineet

Which one would you pick for this January?