- With Christmas out of the way, January's the best time to explore real Finnish Lapland. Activities Abroad's Harriniva Husky Safari gives you the chance to head out into the wilderness and learn to mush a team of huskies 230km north of the Arctic Circle. You'll cover up to 40km each day, pass forests, cross fells and traverse frozen lakes before sleeping in cosy cabins each night. The cabins are away from pollution and perfect for viewing the Northern Lights. There are four departures in January with six nights costing from £1,875 per person, including flights, transfers, full-board accommodation in wilderness cabins, a five-day husky safari, cold-weather clothing and guides.
- The Caribbean is perfect for escaping the winter cold and enjoying sunny days on the beach. Travellers in Anguilla love the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere, the 33 sparkling beaches, art galleries, and many other historical and cultural gems. Beach options are seemingly endless: Rendezvous Bay, Cove Bay and Mead’s Bay are among the best. Stay at the Viceroy Anguilla for beachfront bliss.
- The start of a new year doesn't have to mean the end of Christmas. In the Spanish city of Malaga the celebrations culminate on 6th January with the Día de Los Reyes Magos (Epiphany) parade on the evening of the 5th, which celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings. The parade goes through the streets of Malaga with colourful lights, artistic costumes, giant balloons and music. Spain-holiday.com offers holiday rentals in the city of Malaga from £104 per week in a townhouse sleeping nine.
- With temperatures nearing an unbearable 50 degrees in summer, January is the ideal month to hit Dubai, when you can escape the cold UK weather and enjoy sunnier climes. If you're a shopaholic, the annual Dubai Shopping Festival takes place from 5 January until 5 February. Around the city, there are great golf clubs, stunning beaches and a buzzing nightlife scene. British Airways offers holidays in Dubai from £575 per person for three nights.
If you're looking to get fit in the new year and want a holiday that will keep you on track, a walking break in Madeira to start 2014 is the perfect way to do it. The stunning landscape varies from rugged coastline, volcanic peaks and tropical flora. Sunvil Discovery offers seven-night walking holidays in Madeira from £860 per person.
If culture and history are what you're searching for in a winter getaway and you don't mind bringing your coat, Amman in Jordan is a fantastic city with plenty to see and do, even if January's not the hottest time of the year. The city is home to the Pasha Turkish Bath, where you can relax in its oriental garden setting, a magnificent Roman amphitheatre built around 150 AD and plenty of shopping boutiques in the many malls. Amman is also close to the Roman ruins of Jerash, which are a must-see and around 30 miles away is the Dead Sea. easyJet offers flights to Amman from £97 one-way in January.
- If new film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug has left you wanting to follow in the footsteps of Bilbo, visit New Zealand this January to take a tour of where the movie series was filmed. World Expeditions offers a Milford Sound Cycle trip covering Te Anau, the Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, plus a walk to Key Summit from £1,230 per person.
Bulgaria is consistently named the country with the best value ski resorts, making it perfect for families. The top ski resorts are Borovets, Bansko and Pamporovo, and are ideal for beginners and intermediates, plus there are good value ski schools and easy nursery slopes. Crystal Ski offers a seven-night half-board break in Pamporovo with accommodation at Hotel Snezhanka from £249 per adult.
Take to the sea this January and experience 14 days of sun on an adults-only cruise to the Canary Islands and Portugal with P&O Cruises. Oriana calls at Madeira, La Palma, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Lisbon, Gran Canaria and La Gomera. Explore volcanic peaks, lush rainforests and traditional villages on the Canary Islands winter cruise, which costs from £699 per person full board.
- Shake off the winter blues with a shopping bonanza in Shanghai. Although it's cold, there are much fewer tourists, so it’s a dream time to explore. One of the fastest growing economies in the world, China, and Shanghai in particular, is an intriguing location for its juxtaposition of the old, traditional China to the brand new. Fantastic shopping opportunities include high end fashion brands such as Chanel and Burberry, who are embracing the surging market and are even creating off shoot Chinese brands. You can also experience its incredible spas, and exceptional restaurants, bars, and clubs. A stay at luxurious Puli Hotel and Spa in a Deluxe King Room is from £385 per room per night based on two people sharing.