The excitement of Christmas has come and gone, and you're itching to go out and see the world. January is agood time to travel. We've gathered 11 of our favorite places to visit in January to encourage you to book thattrip at the beginning of the year and see the world. We’ll give you the weather in these countries, the best things to see and do, and whether or not they’ll be busy in January.

1. Maldives

January is an ideal time to visit the Maldives. The weather is warm, with lots of sunshine and short warm rains. If you want to go snorkeling or diving, the water is clear, so you can see the many marine animals. Make sure you book in advance, though, since it's high tourism season.

I recently came back from a trip to the Maldives and chronicled my adventure here (link to blog about Maldives).

2. Scotland

Scotland in January is a cold month with many secrets to uncover. You’ll enjoy virtually no crowds, half-priced hotels, and mystical snow-covered castles. Go at the beginning of January for Hogmanay, the biggest event of the entire year. But even if you’re in Scotland later in the month, you’ll enjoy many concerts and events with the locals.

3. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is the place to go in January for perfect beach weather. Warm days (averages in the late 70s), warm seawater temperatures and the dry season make it the winter escape in January you've been searching for. It is peak tourism season, though, so make sure you book well in advance.

4. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is the perfect temperature in January, ranging from 80 to 86 degrees every day. If you go at the beginning of January, you can still participate in the Hispanic Christmas celebrations well into the new year. You’ll be able to swim in the warm water, lounge on the beach, and celebrate Puerto Rican culture.

5. Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah, is a winter wonderland in January.  With an average of 300 to 500 inches of snowfall a year, it's a skier's paradise. January is a particularly busy month with perfect snow sports weather and the annual Sundance Film Festival.

6. Malta

Malta is a lovely Mediterranean island without crowds in January. The temperatures are cool (between 49 -59 degrees), but sunny. Locals tend to spend January out exploring nature, and if you love a good hike, you'll be in good company. The museums and other cultural experiences are open, and you can get in without a line.

7. Banff & Lake Louise Alberta, Canada

If you love snow, Banff and Lake Louise are ideal places to visit in January. It’ll be cold (in the 10s and 20s), but the ski slopes will be full of powder, and the towns will be relatively quiet: the busy season is in December and February for Banff. Pack warmly but expect lots of sunshine and not very much wind. The snowcapped Rockies and clear mountain lakes also make a perfect backdrop for skating.

8. Hawaii

Hawaii in January is a lovely place to visit. The temperature is year-round temperate ranging from 66 to 81 degrees in January. Pack a good raincoat as most of the island gets above average rain in January (December is the rainiest month). Gorgeous tropical flowers bloom, humpback whales migrate, the golf championship takes place, and the Chinese New Year is celebrated. 

9. Tenerife, Canary Islands

January in Tenerife is a wonderful time to escape the cold of home. You’ll find many Europeans doing just that since the temperatures range from the 60s to 70s. Often times Teide National Park gets a good snowfall, which means you might not be able to visit that part of the island, but you can still enjoy the snow-capped mountain view from the comfort of your beach chair.

10. Orlando, Florida

January is the coldest month of the year in Orlando, but don’t misinterpret that. Highs in the 70s cool down to the 40s and 50s at night, making it still a worthy warm getaway. The many Disney and water parks are open to enjoy without the lines, and there are still plenty of events to experience in Orlando. 

11. Yellowstone

Yellowstone is truly majestic in January: the snowy fields, large icicles, steamy geysers, ice-encrusted buffalo walking through the winter wonderland will make you catch your breath. Although many of the roads are closed in January, you're actually more likely to see wildlife in the winter as they come down from their hiding spots. 

Where are you going this January?