Planning Tools, Ideas, & Advice
.png)
For Wedding Pros
We surveyed some of the top travel experts from around the world to weigh in on the best destinations for your post wedding travels in January. In the US, most of us are in the depths of winter so a warm, tropical location like Aruba or Cabo might feel like a good fit or perhaps you’re seeking a big adventure to explore somewhere totally different like Antarctica or the Taj Mahal.
No matter your preference, you find some good ideas for where in honeymoon in January here!
Tay at TayTrumTravels recommends Santa Barbara for a January get-a-way. Wedged between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a cute small city on the California central coast. Whether you spend a week or a long weekend in Santa Barbara, some of the best things to do include visiting the historic Spanish Mission, walking down the pier, bike riding the ocean front pathways, and checking out world renowned artists at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. A romantic thing to do is to watch the sunset from the Douglass Family Preserve.
Santa Barbara County is a world renowned grape growing region for wine. If you're interested in wine, the Funk Zone neighborhood has no shortages of tasting rooms or head out for a full-blown wine tasting tour. For food, there are many great restaurants nearby the promenade on State Street. I recommend Zaytoon (Lebanese) with its fire pit tables and cozy patio or Rare Society (American Steakhouse) for its mid-century modern sleek style.
Many people head to Santa Barbara in January to escape the cold elsewhere. While not the most reliably sunny time of the year, it is a comfortable temperature for exploring the town, hiking, and wine tasting. Among other things, Santa Barbara hosts many live music events and shows at its popular local theaters in January.
Lisa Garrett from Waves and Cobblestones recommends Phoenix, Arizona for a warm, sunny mid-winter honeymoon destination. Phoenix has something for everyone to enjoy and January is a great time to go.
Outdoorsy couples will love hiking Piestewa Peak, playing a round of golf at one of Phoenix’s top-notch courses, or spending a few hours at the famous Desert Botanical Garden.
Love the arts? Take in a show, visit the Musical Instrument Museum, or pick up a special souvenir at one of the many art galleries in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Looking for a romantic splurge to give your honeymoon the ‘wow’ factor? Wake up early and take an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert, or sleep in and treat yourself to a spa day at one of Phoenix’s fantastic luxury spas.
End your day cuddling up with your sweetie as you watch the sunset paint the desert with beautiful colors. No matter how you choose to spend your honeymoon, you’ll be glad you chose to spend it in Phoenix!
Enjoy a picturesque hot-air balloon flight over the gorgeous Sonoran Desert in North Phoenix at sunrise. Take in the sweeping landscapes of the Phoenix valley and surrounding mountains and enjoy a champagne toast to cap it off.
This tour is recommended by 100% of the honeymooners that take it. Adventure through the desert on side-by-sides into wild and rarely traveled places you'd be unlikely to see on your own.
If you’re in Arizona you don’t want to miss Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Witness these incredible geological formations from the comfort of a spacious van in a small group.
Las Vegas is one of the best honeymoon destinations in January according to Imee Magbag from Journey To Nevada, offering couples a blend of romance, excitement, and luxury. Las Vegas in January boasts mild winter weather, perfect for exploring the Strip or enjoying cozy indoor activities. Las Vegas offers plenty of romantic options, you can stay at iconic hotel casinos like The Venetian, with its romantic gondola rides, or the Bellagio, famous for its stunning fountains and luxurious spa treatments. For a truly unforgettable experience, couples can take in the breathtaking views of the city from the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas or unwind with a candlelit dinner at a world-class restaurant. Whether it’s a private helicopter tour over the Strip or a relaxing couple's massage, Las Vegas offers plenty of romantic options. With its vibrant nightlife, luxurious hotels, and endless entertainment, it’s an ideal destination for a memorable honeymoon.
Take a tour over the strip and get a totally unique perspective of the city. This is actually super affordable and a great way to elevate your experience. You can even add a romantic dinner to the package.
Experience an aquatic-themed wonderland of surrealism, artistry and romance during a performance of ‘O,’ one of the most sought-after and iconic Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas. Seeing a show in Las Vegas is an absolute must and this is a great option to witness the grand productions the city is known for.
Take an incredible horseback ride through Red Rock Canyon, watch the sun set over the Las Vegas valley, and enjoy a campfire BBQ complete with s’mores.
Agra, home of the Taj Mahal is Abhishek from Misfit Wanderers top January honeymoon destination recommendation. If you're planning a romantic honeymoon in January, there's no better destination than the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Known as the ultimate symbol of love, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an awe-inspiring masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Noor Jahan, it took 20,000 workers 16 years to complete this symbol of eternal love.
Imagine walking hand-in-hand through the lush Mughal gardens with the iconic white marble mausoleum as your backdrop. The winter weather from November to March makes it ideal for exploring the grounds and enjoying the serene ambience. Book an affordable private tour to make the most of your visit.
You’ll be amazed to know that it changes colors throughout the day—milky white at sunrise, golden at sunset, and radiant under the full moon. This creates an ethereal experience perfect for honeymooners. You may also pair your visit with a candlelit dinner overlooking this majestic monument to make your trip even more special.
To nsure a comfortable stay, Agra offers luxury hotels like Hotel The Taj Vilas Agra, The Oberoi Amarvilas, the Radisson Hotel Agra, and more. Furthermore, getting to Agra is easy, as it is well connected via trains, roads, and airways. The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, located 220 km from Agra. The Taj Mahal isn’t just a destination—it’s a celebration of love that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Nofar Ronen at Traveling outside the box recommends Koh Samui — one of Thailand's most beautiful islands. It offers luxurious resorts, vibrant markets, delicious food, and stunning beaches. It's the ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway, especially in January, when the weather is perfect.
For our honeymoon, we chose a cozy and pampering stay. After much deliberation between beachfront resorts, we opted for Sandalwood Luxury Villas, located on a hill, thanks to its breathtaking views. The price was around $200 per night, including breakfast. While this is on the higher end for Thailand, the experience was worth it. Booking in advance helped secure a relatively affordable rate for January.
Top Things to Do in Koh Samui:
Koh Samui blends natural beauty, luxury, and adventure, making it the perfect romantic escape. Whether relaxing on golden beaches or discovering the island’s charm, it’s a destination that promises unforgettable memories.
Sayulita is a great option for a January honeymoon. This little bohemian beach town is just an hour outside Puerto Vallarta and is a great destination for couples who favor a mix of relaxation and activity. I love Sayulita because it has great food, almost everything is within walking distance (or golf carting distance!), and there's just a really great relaxed vibe about the place. January is the perfect month for your Sayulita honeymoon because the temperature is ideal and crowds are low (you'll beat the spring breakers).
You won't find a ton of mega, all-inclusive resorts in Sayulita but you will find a ton of incredible (affordable!) boutique hotels, hostels, and private home rentals through Airbnb or VRBO. Stay at Avela Boutique Hotel, Casa Selva, or my favorite VRBO, Mi Casita.
For things to do in Sayulita, you can relax on the beach at one of the many beach clubs, take a surf lesson, enjoy the incredible food at the restaurants found throughout town, shop at the boutiques, or explore the surrounding remote beaches.
Aruba is the perfect dreamy escape for honeymooners in January and is a top recommendation from Sarah of In Search of Sarah. Known as “One Happy Island,” Aruba is a slice of paradise with year-round warm weather and sunny skies. Plus, January is part of Aruba’s dry season, making it perfect for relaxed beach days, adventuring, and sunset strolls on world famous beaches.
You can expect temperatures hovering around 81°F (27°C), ideal for snorkelling with sea turtles at Tres Trapi, exploring Arikok National Park and taking a dip in the natural pool, climbing Mount Hooiberg for sunrise, or lounging at pristine, white sand beaches. The best thing is there are so many free things to do in Aruba which means you can budget for luxury accommodations and dining experiences.
For a taste of local culture, January is the beginning of a two-month long stretch of carnival season, highlighting delicious food, colourful elaborate costumes, and lively music.
With a range of luxurious resorts, many offering honeymoon packages, you can enjoy beachfront views, private dinners, and spa experiences designed for two. January’s cool trade winds make evenings perfect for dining under the stars on the beach - particularly Barefoot, Flying Fishbone, and Passions on the Beach.
Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, Aruba offers an unforgettable mix of activities and makes for an unforgettable honeymoon destination in January!
While most European destinations are cold in January, Marbella and its surroundings, the Costa del Sol, enjoy mild temperatures and many sunny days.
If you are looking for a winter sun destination for your honeymoon, you can’t go wrong with Marbella according to Cristina from My Little World of Travelling. It’s a lovely place to soak up the sun and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and excellent culinary scene.
In addition, Marbella has a wide range of hotels and resorts that are either adult-only or fantastic for couples.
If you want to treat yourself, the town has some of the best hotels in the area, such as Puente Romano, Nobu and Anantara. Not only do they have gorgeous rooms but amazing facilities like spas, golf courses and more.
Some romantic activities you might want to do during your honeymoon in Marbella include wandering the pretty streets of the old town, eating at a Michelin-star restaurant like SKINA and going on a private sunset cruise in the glamorous port of Puerto Banus.
However, you can have other fantastic experiences near Marbella too. For example, going to a winery in Ronda, sightseeing Malaga and visiting traditional Andalusian villages like Mijas Pueblo.
Antarctica may not be the first place you think of for a honeymoon, but it offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience according to Pamela of Directionally Challenged Traveler. January, the heart of summer in Antarctica, is the perfect time for a honeymoon this pristine wilderness. The weather is relatively mild, with temperatures hovering around freezing, and the sun shines almost 24 hours a day, giving you endless time to enjoy this magical landscape.
One of the biggest draws of a January honeymoon in Antarctica is the incredible wildlife. This is the peak season for spotting penguins, including adorable chicks waddling around rookery sites. You’ll also witness seals lounging on ice floes and the occasional playful pup. Whale watching is particularly spectacular in January as humpback, minke, and orcas are active in the waters.
The surreal scenery of Antarctica is the ultimate romantic backdrop, from towering glaciers to luminous blue icebergs. Couples can enjoy adventures like zodiac cruises through icy waters or hiking along breathtaking coastal trails.
One important tip for visiting Antarctica is to book a small-ship cruise that specializes in Antarctic expeditions to ensure a more intimate experience. These cruises often include expert guides who provide fascinating insights into the wildlife and environment.
Marrakech is a fantastic option for a January honeymoon for a few reasons. The first being the weather. Marrakech doesn’t do winter like other places, averaging 70° during the day. This is a very comfortable temperature, allowing visitors to make the most of outdoor activities and exploring the city’s historical sites.
Chris from Global Trip Diaries recommends this location because there really are activities for everyone in Marrakech. The Medina, with its markets and workshops, offers opportunities to learn about local crafts or cuisine and practice those haggling skills for souvenirs.
Nearby, the Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert are accessible for day trips, where you can ride hot air balloons, quad bikes or camels if you are searching for some more adventurous activities. For a more relaxed experience, the city’s gardens, such as Jardin Majorelle, provide the perfect spot.
Another key reason to consider is, January sees fewer tourists, allowing couples to explore landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque or Bahia Palace at a slower pace and stay in beautiful, honeymoon-worthy accommodation at a cheaper price. Here are a few recommendations:
Traditional riads would be my recommendation, often featuring ornate courtyards and rooftop terraces. Many include small pools or seating areas for couples to unwind after a day of exploring.
Marrakech’s combination of weather, accessible variety of experiences, luxury food and accommodation options, at comparatively low prices, set it as a wonderful destination to consider for a January honeymoon.
That covers it for our top January honeymoon destinations. Whether you're seeking something tropical, relaxing, and romantic or a bucketlist adventure, we hope this leaves you inspired to plan the honeymoon you've been dreaming of!
