Looking to start your new year off right with an epic adventure? You’re not alone. Canadians are ready to explore again, and these last-minute vacation ideas offer something for every type of traveller.
Make travel memories that will last a lifetime this year. Whether you’re planning for a last-minute beach vacation in January or have been eyeing that flight deal to Europe for a few weeks, these destinations might just pique your interest and inspire you to book that much-needed winter getaway in 2023.
From the snowy mountains of Alberta to the mangroves in southern Thailand, these 7 amazing places make for the perfect last-minute vacation in January.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Dreaming of luscious hikes along the valleys of inland O’ahu and water sports for days? What a way to spend your January! A trip to Honolulu can be filled with adventures, whether they be at the beach just around the corner from your hotel or on local tours beyond the tourist trail.
If you’re a serious outdoor adventurer, consider the hike to Waimano Falls. Or, you can take in the amazing views on a day hike through the Moanalua Valley Trail. Just make sure to bring your best travel buddies and lots of water in your reusable bottle or hydration pack. For something different, try one of these sustainable tourism experiences listed here in this local guide to exploring Hawaii – one of the tours is a kayaking and snorkelling tour where the proceeds go towards preserving Heeia State Park as well as a local nonprofit initiative.
For a place to stay, the Queen Kapiolani Hotel is an amazing option. This modern accommodation has rave reviews and fantastic guest service. Plus, it’s relatively affordable and a short walking distance from the famous Waikiki Beach.
Check out these flight deals for a last-minute vacation to Hawaii, and you’ll be on your way to paradise.
Canmore, AB
Stay local this January and plan a winter escape to Canmore, everyone’s favourite mountain town just an hour’s drive west of Calgary. Here you’ll find lots to do and the same breathtaking views of Banff and Whistler, but with more affordable hotel options.
A last-minute vacation to Canmore in January means that you’ll avoid the busy March Break crowds. Attempt a hike of the Johnston Canyon, head to the recently-opened Nakiska Ski Resort for some classic snowboarding and downhill skiing in the Kananaskis, and wander the Three Sisters Viewpoint for some of the best views in the Bow Valley. After a day of playing in the snow, you can hit up one of the breweries or pubs on Main Street and do your own version of an après-ski, Canmore style.
Located along the Bow Valley Trail, The Georgetown Inn is an intimate and stylish mountain lodge in Canmore. Each room at the inn comes with a fireplace, so you can get warm and cuddly while enjoying views of the valley.
El Nido, Philippines
Last-minute vacation in paradise? Yes please. This January, take one of the many available flights from Canada to Manila. Onwards from there, hop on a quick one-hour flight to El Nido, a tropical vacation destination located along the northern tip of Palawan island. Here you can kick back, relax, and take in that winter sun you’ve longed for.
Whether it’s diving you’re into, snorkelling, or just plain old beach hopping, El Nido will provide. If you’re looking to chill, Nacpan Beach is the perfect place to finally get to that beach read that’s been collecting dust over the past few years. Flip through it while sipping on a coconut before heading to Las Cabanas Beach for sunset.
For a nice affordable hotel option near the centre of town, check out the Hwan Dynasty Suite El Nido.
Koh Lanta, Thailand
The Land of Smiles is open to international tourists again, and there’s no better time to visit the islands in southern Thailand than in January. Want to explore somewhere different this time? Consider Koh Lanta, a beautiful island just off the Andaman coast. A perfect winter vacation spot for families, couples, and solo travellers alike, Koh Lanta is much calmer than the notorious Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. And having visited this island a few times as a solo traveller, I can definitely vouch for it.
One of the great things about Koh Lanta is that there’s much diversity within the island that you can curate your perfect vacation. The beaches on the northern end of town are great for relaxing, Long Beach is the party spot in the middle of the island’s coastline, and the stunning Klong Nin Beach is where you go for sunset. Head further south to Kantiang Bay, where you’ll find more boutique hotels and some of the best views in town. Kantiang Bay is also close to Mu Koh Lanta National Park, which can be explored with the help of a local guide.
Stay in the heart of the island at the Tropicana Lanta Resort, where you’ll stay in a traditional Thai high-roof-style villa.
Orlando, Florida
A last-minute vacation to Orlando means you’ll beat the crazy summer heat, not to mention the busy summer crowds. With daily temperatures lingering between a comfortable 22-15 degrees, January is the perfect time for Canadians to visit Orlando. Not to mention that January is also one of the cheapest months to go to Disney World, so you can save some of that travel budget. According to this blog post, January 16-February 8, 2023 is considering the winter value season, where you’ll find cheaper tickets and hotels.
During your trip to Florida, take at least a few days off from the parks and plan a beach day. Vero Beach, Cocoa Beach, and New Smyrna Beach are great choices when it comes to charming beach towns just an hour or so drive from Orlando.
The Comfort Suites near Universal Orlando Resort is an affordable and convenient hotel choice in Orlando if you want to stay near the main attractions.
Lisbon, Portugal
Get to know the local side of Lisbon without the crazy summer crowds on a last-minute vacation to Portugal’s magical capital city. Take in a Fado performance, wander the Alfama neighbourhood, hit up Bairro Alto for dinner and drinks and find your favourite spot for a glass of Vinho Verde and a bifana.
Once you’ve explored the downtown area, warm up at the trendy and hip LX Factory, a hot spot in town for some amazing cocktails and live music. Don’t forget that Lisbon has a coastline and some walkable beaches just outside of the city centre. Wandering the beach won’t be so bad in sunny 15-degree weather – sure beats the snow!
Looking for a Lisbon hotel? Find your home away from home at the Be Lisbon Residence Marques, a boutique stay near the Parque Eduardo, located in a quieter part of town but still close enough to wander down to Lisbon’s main attractions.
Tokyo, Japan
After more than years, Japan is finally open and travellers are ready to visit again. If you have the time off this January, book a last-minute flight deal to Tokyo and check everything off that bucket list that you’ve been dreaming up these past few years.
Whether you’re a culture nerd, a foodie, a film buff, or anything in between, there’s always plenty to see and do in Tokyo on a winter trip. Looking for some inspiration? Be amazed and teamLab Planets, an immersive digital light and art installation experience that’s having an extended run until the end of next year. For another one-of-a-kind experience, set your alarm for the crack of dawn to check out the Tsukiji Outer Market. This market is part of what was once the largest fish market in the world, dating back to 1935.
Tokyo can be a pricey destination, which is why we’re suggesting the ICI Hotel Asakusabashi. Located in a more local neighbourhood in the Taito district, this clean and modern room has everything you need at an affordable price point.
Ready to book that last-minute adventure?
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More travel inspiration below
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- Find a great deal on a last-minute flight with these travel tips
- Treat yourself this season at these luxury hotels in Canada that are perfect for a little (or big) splurge
