Travel writers name best 6 January holiday destinations

January is an ideal time for travel and there are a dizzying variety of destinations available depending on whether you seek wintery landscapes, tropical escapes or cultural adventures. 

And for those looking to visit an off-beat destinations that offers everything on a single plate, The Times has collated six places where travellers should consider for their holidaysas we head into a new year.

The experts have carefully curated a number of travel experiences that offers a range of options and budgets.

From a mesmerising cruise in  India to witnessing some magical butterflies in Mexico, the list has something for everyone. 

The world’s longest river cruise is the Ganga Vilas, which operates on the rivers of India and Bangladesh. It was launched in early 2023 and offers an unparalleled luxury cruising experience, covering a vast distance and showcasing the cultural and natural diversity of the region.

The cruise spans approximately 3,200 kilometres (2,000 miles). It begins in Varanasi, India, on the Ganges River, and ends in Dibrugarh, Assam, navigating through 27 rivers across India and Bangladesh.

During the 51-days journey, the cruise takes your around 50 destinations including cultural landmarks, national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It takes stops at cities like Patna, Kolkata, Dhaka (in Bangladesh), and Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

Operated by Antara Luxury River Cruises, the Ganga Vilas is equipped with 18 suites and modern amenities.

“Jaffna’s back” likely refers to the resurgence of Jaffna, a historically significant city in northern Sri Lanka, which has been rebuilding and revitalising after decades of civil conflict.

Known as the cultural and economic hub of the Tamil community, Jaffna faced immense challenges during Sri Lanka’s civil war, but has since been making a comeback as a vibrant destination and center of Tamil culture.

Iconic sites like the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple have regained their place as important religious and cultural landmarks.

Attractions include the Jaffna Fort, Jaffna Library, and the idyllic islands like Delft and Kayts.

Tatranská Lomnica, a picturesque mountain resort town located in the High Tatras region of Slovakia, is one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The resort offers year-round activities and stunning alpine scenery. Nestled in the High Tatras, it offers breathtaking views of towering peaks, lush forests, and pristine alpine landscapes.

It is a gateway to Lomnický štít, one of the highest peaks in Slovakia (2,634 metres). The resort is popular for hiking and mountain climbing with trails leading to glacial lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas.

Visitors can take a cable car to the summit of Lomnický štít for spectacular views over the Tatras and surrounding valleys.

The peak also has an astronomical observatory and a small café, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Monarch butterflies are famous for their incredible migration to Mexico, one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the animal kingdom.

Each year, millions of monarchs travel thousands of miles from Canada and the United States to overwinter in the mountains of central Mexico.

Monarchs undertake a migration of up to 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles), guided by environmental cues like temperature and daylight.

This multi-generational journey is a round trip, with several generations being born during the northward return to the US. and Canada.

The monarchs typically arrive in Mexico between late October and early November, coinciding with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a time when locals believe the butterflies symbolize the returning souls of ancestors. The best time to visit is late November through February, when the butterflies are most active.

Monarch butterflies that migrate to Mexico are part of a unique “super generation” that lives up to eight months, far longer than the typical two to six weeks of other generations.

Visiting the monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico is a magical experience, offering a chance to witness nature’s awe-inspiring beauty and understand the importance of conservation efforts.

Cunard’s newest cruise ship Queen Anne – a £460 million ship – will be taking another voyage on January 9

The 113,000-tonne Pinnacle Class vessel embarked on her maiden voyage in May 2024.

This journey is a seven-night sailing to the Norwegian fjords, departing from Southampton, England. Passengers will visit several scenic ports in Norway, including Stavanger, Ålesund, and Nordfjordeid, while enjoying stunning views of the fjords and waterfalls along the way​

The trip is expected to highlight Queen Anne’s luxurious amenities, blending Cunard’s signature traditional elegance with modern innovations.

Following this, Queen Anne will offer additional voyages across Europe, including trips to the Mediterranean and Iceland

Cheval Blanc Seychelles, a luxury resort on Mahé Island’s Anse Intendance beach opened its doors on December 1 this year.

This new addition to the Cheval Blanc collection offers 52 villas, blending contemporary architecture with local Seychellois influences.

Guests can choose between beachfront or hillside villas, each featuring a private pool and spacious designs ranging from 220 to 620 square meters, making it suitable for romantic getaways, family vacations or group retreats.

The resort promises a refined culinary experience across five distinct restaurants, including Seychellois-Creole fusion, Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese, and classic French gastronomy. It also features the Spa Cheval Blanc by Guerlain, providing treatments inspired by the island’s natural beauty, and Le Carrousel, a large play area for families and children to explore the local flora and fauna.

Cheval Blanc Seychelles emphasises luxury and harmony with nature, designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy. It is poised to deliver an unforgettable escape with reservations now open.