January opens with a bang for much of the world and the excitement of New Year helps soften the fact much of the northern hemisphere is shrouded in cold, damp cloud. New Year's resolutions to get in shape can be kick-started with calorie-busting ski trips to Europe or North America. Don't overlook fiery Viking celebrations in Shetland or the more child-friendly fireworks as China celebrates New Year at the end of the month. Below you'll find some great destinations and suggestions to provide inspiration.
Unforgettable Journeys
Patagonian Cruise - Argentina, South America
Take a voyage of discovery at the "end of the world." Follow the legendary seafarers through the Magellan Straits and Beagle Channel to see whales, elephant seals, icebergs and mighty glaciers.
Siwa Oasis – Egypt, Africa
Camels, dates and mirages on a tour of the western oases. Take a historical journey through the heart of the north African desert, amid sand dunes and plateaus, home to Bedouin tribes.
The Ghan Railway – Australia
From the top of the country to the bottom by rail; crossing a continent as large as Australia is not to be taken lightly. The Ghan is the ultimate railway journey from Darwin to Adelaide.
Yukon – Canada
Mush your own dog team in this snowy expanse. It's a real adventure – you'll feel the call of the wild, but stay in comfortable log cabins or yurts. The scenery is magnificent.
Dakar Rally – Senegal, Africa
One of the legendary journeys from Europe to West Africa. You may not want to compete in the race itself, but you can catch some of the excitement in Dakar – and enjoy golden sandy beaches.
Natural Wonders
Costa Rica – Central America
An exquisite pocket of natural beauty and coastal rainforest. Manuel Antonio National Park combines palm-fringed beaches with mangrove swamps and a forest ecosystem full of wildlife.
Bunaken Marine Park – Indonesia
Unspoiled reefs iridescent with vivid corals and gleaming fish. With excellent visibility and a great variety in fish and corals – soft and hard, this underwater park is one of the best for seeing marine life.
Gambia River – Gambia, Africa
Be at one with nature in a tranquil riverside eco-lodge. Witness real Gambian culture first-hand while staying in a stilt lodge surrounded by animal-rich river and swamp environments.
Romincka Forest – Poland
A medieval forest where bison, wolves and wild boar abound. Visit these ancient forests, little touched by man, and one of the last bastions for the large and magnificent mammals of Europe.
Tromso – Norway
Probably the best place to see the Northern Lights. It will be cold, snowy and beautiful by day and night. This month also sees international film and music festivals come to town.
Active Adventures
Kilimanjaro – Tanzania, Africa
A majestic adventure that can be enjoyed by all ages. Watching the sunrise from the top of the iconic Mt. Kilimanjaro is something you'll be telling your grandchildren. You'll need to be fit, but climbing skills aren't necessary.
Cairo to Cape Town – Africa
The Tour d'Afrique is an epic bike ride that will work off any Christmas excesses. You may not want to do all 12,000 km – it takes just over three months – so you can select one or more stages.
Bansko – Bulgaria
Charming skiing in a beautiful location. Relatively undeveloped, Bansko's quaint streets, wooden taverns and friendly people will delight all – and the skiing's pretty good too.
Jackson Hole – Wyoming, USA
This is big-thrill territory for skilful skiers. Top skiing opportunities with huge descents – and a small, friendly and uncrowded town inhabited by real cowboys.
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When to Go
