Are the 4 pm sunsets getting you down? Can’t layer up enough to keep the chill out? While we’re all gearing up for Christmas, it’s worth thinking ahead to how you’ll fend off the January blues. Here’s our top three destinations for a January holiday, below. <br> <br>
The Maldives, King of the Tropics
<br> <br> This Instagram-friendly holiday destination is particularly popular for honeymoons due to the unique bungalow hotels and experiences. But even if you’ve not just tied the knot, the Maldives offer plenty of sun, delicious food and unique culture. <br> <br> The bungalow hotels in question are ever-popular both online and off, popular for the relative privacy they offer even in a busy resort. The Riu Palace is one such resort with bungalows which offers direct ocean access from your bedroom, as well as a swim-up bar. A one week long stay here including flights for two adults costs from £2,850 per person, and also includes speedboat transfer from the airport. Make sure to weigh your bag before you go, because the speedboat has strict weight limits and they will charge you for overweight luggage. <br> <br> Once you’re settled in to your hotel, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from. Shark diving is one popular activity, and while January is not high season for it, there are still places where you’re guaranteed to spot a shark or two. South Ari Atoll is a popular gathering spot for whale sharks year round, and if you’re lucky you might spot other species like manta rays and hammerhead sharks. Only 25 minutes by seaplane from capital city Malé, there’s plenty of scuba diving or snorkelling tours available. <br> <br> <br> <br> But snorkelling and diving aren’t the only things worth experiencing in the Maldives. For a unique experience, head to the beach at nightfall for the opportunity to see locals dance the traditional Bodu Beru dance. There’s also a lot of great food to be had. Being an island nation, a lot of dishes are fish-based, and the food culture has taken a lot of inspiration from Indian dishes. Bis keemiya (fish samosas), garudhiya (fish soup) and popular dessert saagu bondibai are three must-try dishes that are served in many local restaurants. <br> <br> One of the best restaurants in the country is underwater restaurant Ithaa which serves food under a glass dome, letting you eat dinner with fishes swimming over your head. A seven-course meal consisting mainly of fish will cost your just over £300, but for a once in a lifetime experience it can’t be beat. <br> <br> And finally, one of the main reasons the Maldives is so popular is the sea of stars phenomenon. At Vaadhoo Island, bioluminescent algae give off a bright blue light when disturbed, making this tiny island one of the most beautiful in the world. Spending a night on these beaches will always be worth it. <br> <br>
Australian Road Trip
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More interested in fun activities than spending all your time on the beach? An Australian road trip may be for you. The east coast is home to many vibrant cities, and a journey from Sydney to Cairns will allow you to sample some of the best pieces of Australia’s beautiful nature an hospitable culture.
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The most straightforward option is a coach tour where your itinerary is set by your travel company. This particular two-week itinerary from Intrepid Travel is available from £4,480 in January, and includes everything from flights, to accommodation, meals and activities.
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The itinerary hits all the most interesting parts of the east coast, starting with a wine tour in Hunter Valley. You’ll then move north to experience Australia’s rainforests and islands, as well as a cuddle with everyone’s favourite animal – the koala. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet Australia’s indigenous population and learn more about the traditional way of life, as well as a snorkelling tour in the Great Barrier Reef.
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The benefit of this approach is that you’ll get access to activities you may not know to book on your own, and someone else will be responsible for getting you where you’re going. With meals included, you’ll also know how much you’re likely to spend on the holiday.
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However, booking it yourself and renting a car is also an option, and may be a better one if you’d like to decide as you go which activities you’ll prioritise. Return tickets to Sydney from London start from £1,725 with Malaysia airlines, and you can rent a car from only £26 per day.
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If you’re happy to go on your own self-driven road trip, the west coast may also an option, although it gets very hot at this time of year. With fewer cities, Australia’s west coast suits those who want to experience nature truly unlike any you’ll see anywhere else. You can expect to spend a lot of time on the road, but it will be entirely worth it.
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There are pre-booked self-driven tours available from companies like Kilgore which include flight tickets, 28 days car hire and a suggested itinerary, starting from £3,200. They suggest 5-6 weeks for the entire itinerary, but as it’s self-driven, it’s up to you.
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Before you go, check out Caxton’s guide to Travel Money in Australia.
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Thailand as the locals see it
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Thailand is a popular destination famed for its beaches and islands, but there is much more to this Asian country. Northern Thailand is slightly more untouched, for those who prefer to get a deeper insight. And as for Bangkok, the city offers much more than just one night.
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Return tickets from London to Bangkok start from just under £800 in January, and it’s easy to find inexpensive accommodation that offers much more than just the basics. Lamphu Tree House offers 40 traditional Thai style rooms (and a pool!) near the popular Khao San Road area, for only £24 per night. Khao San Road is popular both with young people and tourists, as it’s full of great bars and restaurants.
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Once you’re settled in and ready to explore, the Grand Palace is a great place to start. This is the most-visited tourist attraction in Bangkok for a reason. This was home to many of Thailand’s kings, but nowadays he only visits for important ceremonies. Entry is 500 Baht (about £12) and remember to dress modestly, covering legs and shoulders. You’ll also be close to Wat Pho, home to the world’s largest Buddha.
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One of the main reasons why people visit Thailand is the food, and Bangkok has plenty of options for everything from street food to fine dining. There’s plenty of street food markets to visit, and here you’ll find all your favourites like pad thai, khao pad gai and various Thai curries.
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Rattanakosin, or the Old City, should be your first stop. The market is gigantic, and there’s plenty of stalls offering options to eat on the go while searching for the perfect stall for your main meal. Another great market is the Chinatown (Yaowarat) one, where you’ll be able to find both regional Chinese dishes you’re unlikely to have tried before, as well as Thai-Chinese fusion.
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If you’d like to try Thai flavours in a fine dining environment, Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin is one of the few Michelin-starred Thai restaurants in the world.
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And if you’re ready to explore Thailand as the locals see it, a tour of Northern Thailand with a homestay in a real Thai home might be right for you. You’ll get to try home-cooked Thai meals and see a quieter, less touristy side to this popular country. You’ll also get the opportunity to visit an elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai, the old capital of Thailand. The 8-day tour starts from £812 with plenty of availability in January.
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Rather beat the January blues with snowy slopes?
Check out the top ski resorts for the 22/23 season and some budget-friendly ski holidays in Europe. <br> <br>
Enjoy fee-free spending abroad and get the best rates on shark diving, koala hugs and pad thai with your Caxton Currency Card. Apply for yours today, or top up your existing card.