Jasper National Park
#3 in Best Places to Visit in January
Perhaps the best way to take in Jasper’s wild splendor is when it’s completely overtaken by the elements. Snow cakes the Canadian park’s many mountains and forests, creating a winter wonderland that’s begging to be explored on skis, on dog sleds or even on foot. January is also a great time to admire the park’s star-filled sky, as Jasper National Park is the second-largest dark sky preserve in the world. Plus, the annual Jasper in January festival takes place during the last half of the month, providing visitors with plenty of food, drinks, shows and deals for skiing and lodging.
Costa Rica
#4 in Best Places to Visit in January
January is one of the driest times of the year in this tropical Central American country. That means it’s much easier to enjoy Costa Rica’s vast array of outdoor offerings and wildlife-viewing opportunities, such as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. What’s more, a number of culturally significant fiestas take place in January, including the Palmares Fiestas, which features everything from bullfights to outdoor concerts. Looking to catch some waves? This is also a great time of year to go surfing in Costa Rica, especially for beginners.
