best places to travel in january for warm weather & adventure
January is the perfect month to escape grey skies, cold weather and post-holiday burnout. For many women in their 20s, it’s also the ideal time to start the year with a fresh adventure, unforgettable memories and new travel friendships!!! we got you gals!!!
whether you’re planning your first solo trip, looking for a girls group getaway or searching for somewhere warm in January, there are incredible destinations around the world offering sunshine, beaches, adventure and culture.
At gals who travel, we specialise in female-only group tours designed for women aged 18–35ish who want safe, social and unforgettable travel experiences. From tropical islands to scenic train rides and hidden beaches, these are the best places to travel in January - gals who travel approved!!
Thailand: an gals who travel OG & one of our absoloute favourite places in the world!!
Thailand remains one of the best warm places to travel in January thanks to its incredible weather, island hopping opportunities and vibrant social atmosphere.
January falls within Thailand’s dry season, meaning you can expect:
Sunny weather
Blue skies
Calm seas
Perfect beach conditions
Amazing island-hopping experiences
For solo female travellers, Thailand is also one of the easiest countries to navigate. the food is incredible, the locals are so welcoming and there’s a huge backpacking community and it's one of the best places to start your gap year adventure if you're hoping to meet others!!
why thailand is perfect for women travelling solo
Thailand offers the ideal balance between adventure and comfort. You can spend your days snorkelling around tropical islands, visiting temples, exploring night markets or relaxing in beach clubs before heading out for sunset cocktails with the girls!!
- our must do recommendations include:
- Staying in floating bungalows in khao sok national park
- visiting the phi phi islands and island hopping
- try a local market - it's foodie heaven
- take a local thai cooking class
- visit a beach party and watch a fire show
Thailand is especially popular among first-time solo travellers because it feels social, exciting and easy to travel around!! it was gals who travel's second destination we ever launched and we've loved it ever since!!
best places to visit in thailand in january
Phuket - Thailand’s most famous island destination offers beaches, nightlife and island tours.
Krabi - Known for limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and stunning beaches.
Koh Phi Phi - Perfect for nightlife, boat trips and unforgettable sunsets.
Bangkok - An incredible city filled with temples, rooftop bars and amazing street food.
Our Thailand Paradise tour is designed for women wanting a safe and social thailand experience with like-minded girls! if you're struggling to get your trip out the group chat, join us!!
travel the philippines in january!! island hopping paradise!
the philippines has quickly become one of the most exciting destinations for solo female travellers and girls group trips and we've loved exploring!!
made up of more than 7,000 islands, the philippines is famous for it's crystal-clear water, hidden lagoons and white sandy beaches and incredibly friendly locals!! if you ever join a gals who travel tour, know that our philippines team are some of the best kareoke singers in the world so be prepared to be astounded!! january is one of the best times to visit because the weather is warm, sunny and ideal for exploring the country’s islands.
why women love travelling the philippines
The Philippines feels adventurous while still offering the social travel side many solo travellers are searching for.
It’s perfect for women wanting:
tropical vibes
group girl adventures
island hopping boat trips
gorgeous jaw dropping beach sunsets
affordable backpacker travel
The relaxed island culture also makes it easy to slow down, connect with new people and let the stresses of home life drift away!!
best places to visit in the philippines
El Nido - one of the country’s most iconic destinations, el nido is famous for dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden beaches and unforgettable island hopping!! plus it's got amazing local shopping!
coron - known for crystal-clear lakes, snorkelling spots and beautiful boat trips.
siargao - a laid-back surf island popular with travellers thanks to its social atmosphere, delicious cafes, and relaxed way of life!!
Cebu - perfect for waterfalls, underwater experiences like snorkeling and the sardine run!!
our 10 day philippines west tour includes island hopping days, castaway overnight secluded island experiences, zipling across islands and gorgeous beach sunsets with the girls!!
sri lanka in january is a dream! - a must visit!
Sri Lanka is quickly becoming one of the biggest rising destinations for female travellers and after visiting in february 2026 we can 1000% see why! stunning luscious green backdrops, incredible local food and so rich with authentic local culture you'll be looking at extending your trip the minute you land! explore the north and it's temples and hiking, head east to famous backpacker hotspot aragum bay, take the famous blue ella train, of course do a safari in either udawalwe or yala national park and then hit the south coast before ending your trip! if you've got a 2+ weeks in sri lanka explore it all! January is one of the best times to visit sri lanka’s southern coastline thanks to warm temperatures and sunny weather!!
must do experiences in sri lanka
- ella train ride - one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.
- safari - either udawalawe or yala national park home to elephants and leopards!
- take a surf lesson on weligama or mirissa!!
- hike sigiriya rock
- take a cooking class that supports the locals
why sri lanka Is great for group tours
so here's the tea on transport through sri lanka. it can be overwhelming for a first time traveller as it's very different to typical backpacker routes through asia with sleeper buses and frequent bus routes. timings change often and a 1 hour car journey can become a 5 hour bus due to the multiple stops.
Travelling with a group allows you to:
Visit more locations easily
Feel safer when travelling as everything is sorted
meet lots of new gals
avoid the stress of working out timetables or transport.
experience local culture through the eyes of those who live there with a local tour guide.
our sri lanka adventure combines beaches, safaris, scenic trains, cooking classes, hikes and unforgettable sunsets with the girls!! a 10/10 from the gals who travel community!!
why january Is the perfect time for solo female travel
January represents a fresh start. although it doesn't have to be new year new you, jan is a fab time to take the leap and live the life you've been dreaming of. take the trip, make the friends, explore further! At gals who travel, our trips are designed specifically for women aged 18 -35ish who want unforgettable adventures without travelling completely alone, who want to feel safe whilst travelling.
If you’re searching for the best places to travel in January, destinations like thailand, bali and sri lanka offer the perfect combination of sunshine, adventure and unforgettable experiences. whether you want island hopping days, crystal clear waters swimming, or adrenaline days through hiking or zipling. January is one of the best times to escape routine and start the year with something unforgettable!! no more new year new us, new year, same us in gorgey destinations!!
