January is perhaps the best time to ski in Whistler. It’s the snowiest time of the year, and the resort is likely to have excellent coverage. Enjoy fresh powder in the backcountry and smooth corduroy on the groomed runs. Because temperatures stay low, snow conditions remain pristine. Come during the middle of the month and you’ll find the Christmas crowds have all but gone, though there’s always a fun après ski scene no matter when you visit. January is also when the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival takes place—get ready for parades, parties, comedy shows and live music all in celebration of the LGTBQ+ community. Throughout the rest of the month, there are plenty of other after-dark and off-slope activities, too.

The 104-kilometre Great Ocean Walk is one of Australia’s most scenic treks, and there are few months better for it than January. Long, summer days means you have plenty of daylight to cover those kilometres, and there’s always a place to go for a dip nearby. The journey takes you along serene beaches, fern gullies, eucalypt forests (don’t forget to look up, you might spot koalas) and the Twelve Apostles. Beachside campsites welcome hikers who want to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves, or check into a cosy accommodation at one of the Great Ocean Walk’s beach towns. At a leisurely pace, the walk takes around eight days. Book a few days on either side of your trip for seaside relaxation.

Bangkok brims with excitement in January. The tropical heat and humidity wane, and you’re less likely to encounter rainstorms than other times of the year. Because of this, it’s the perfect time to go sightseeing. Spend your time seeing Bangkok’s impressive highlights like the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and the Wat Arun Temple. The city itself is an architecture buff’s dream. For souvenir shopping, there are few places better than the lively stalls at Chatuchak Market, where you can find clothing, art, home goods and delicious street eats. Once the sun sets, Bangkok’s nightlife scene delights everything from backpacker bars to glamorous rooftop bars to trendy clubs.

January is one of the best times to visit New Zealand for outdoor adventure. You’re likely to have great weather for hiking, and the ocean is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit (for some of us, anyway). Both the North and South Islands are prime places to explore. Trek through the stunning trails of Fiordland, admire the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soak in a hot spring in Rotorua, lounge on the beaches of the Bay of Islands, go wine tasting in Malborough, and catch a wave in Raglan. Queenstown, the hub for all things outdoors, is where to go for bungy jumping, skydiving, parasailing other adrenaline thrills. Of course, the natural beauty of the country exists as a backdrop to every adventure.

If you're craving some relaxation and rejuvenation, Koh Samui is the perfect place to unwind. This chill tropical island in Thailand is known for its yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats, often all rolled into one amazing experience. Head over to Vikasa Yoga Retreat for delicious, healthy meals, seaside yoga classes, and soothing massage therapy. If you prefer a more flexible, DIY approach, Absolute Sanctuary is the place for you, offering the freedom to pick your own classes and spa services at their beautiful four-star hotel. For a truly luxurious meditation and wellness escape, Kamalaya offers an unforgettable retreat just a short walk from the beach. With its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush gardens, Koh Samui is the ultimate destination to disconnect and leave the stresses of everyday life behind.