Say goodbye to the winter blues and hello to a beach getaway.
Do you want a quick getaway that only requires a direct flight?
Hop on a plane to Mexicos Riviera Maya or Jamaica.
Bird’s eye view of Manuel Antonio beaches.Credit:Jose Hernandez/Travel + Leisure
Is your ideal beach vacation one that includes a healthy dose of adventure?
You may like St. Lucia or Cape Town.
And if youre willing to embark on a multi-stop journey to find a slice of paradise?
Punta Lobos Beach in Todos Santos, Mexico.Victor Yee/Getty Images
The blue waters and white sands of the Maldives are calling.
Todos Santos, Mexico
Victor Yee/Getty Images
Todos Santosis a great escape from the winter chill.
January is also the start of whale-watching season along the coast.
Colombier Beach on St. Bart’s.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Bartsprepared for the tourist traffic and peak prices that come along with the beautiful weather and buzzy beach clubs.
Dubai, U.A.E.
Craig Hastings/Getty Images
For a January trip featuring beach clubs, water sports (have you ever tried flyboarding?
Beach clubs on Dubai Marina Beach.Craig Hastings/Getty Images
), and an incredible amount of culture, considerDubai.
Her recommendation, however, can be found in Xpu Ha, between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
This is no long weekend destination, though.
Playa Guiones in Nosara, Costa Rica.lightphoto/Getty Images
The temperatures are in the 80s, and theres little risk of a downpour.
Good old-fashioned beach time plus a massage and a relatively easy flight?
you might come back rejuvenated, which is exactly what we need after the holidays, she adds.
Palm trees and cabanas along Riviera Maya.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Travelers who prioritize the art of doing nothing should plan on staying in Negril instead of Montego Bay.
Case in point: Siesta Key, Florida.
Just a short drive fromSarasota, Siesta Kay lays claim to thebest beach in the US: Siesta Beach.
A sunset over a Maldives beach.Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure
The reasons to visitManuel Antonioin January are plentiful.
you’re able to also try paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling.
One morning, you’re free to tackle the two-hour hike to the summit of Gros Piton.
A windsurfer in Cape Town, South Africa.XXX/Travel + Leisure
Saltwhistle Bay on St. Vincent.Eleanor Scriven/robertharding/Getty Images
Aerial view of Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman Island.IreneCorti/Getty Images
7-Mile beach in Negril, Jamaica.Douglas Pearson/Getty Images
Lifeguard and seagulls on Siesta Key.Levranii/Getty Images
A beach in Manuel Antonio.Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure
Sunset over St. Lucia.Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
View of a beach on Koh Kood through vegetation.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
A beautiful Oahu beach.Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure
