Where to go on holiday in January

Best January holidays for… cities

Short haul: Palermo, Italy

One city you can comfortably explore on foot in January is the Sicilian capital Palermo, which offers average January temperatures of 15°C (59°F). The city’s architectural jumble of head-turning Arab domes, Norman cathedrals and baroque facades owes everything to its history of invasion. However the result today is an alluring cocktail that will satisfy most culture vultures. Be sure to stroll around the Old Quarter and the Kalsa district for the best architectural gems. If you have time, make a day trip to Erice (Eryx), the oldest city in Sicily, offering picturesque old stone streets, medieval churches and two hilltop castles. When you tire of sightseeing, go shopping. Check out Palermo’s colourful local markets around Vucciria and Piazza del Carmine which sell good value handicrafts.

Long haul: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

What better way to start 2011 than with a holiday to one of South America’s sexiest cities? From the skimpily-clad, bronzed bodies frolicking on the crowded beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema to the sizzling samba-fuelled nightlife that have earned Cariocas (as the locals are known) a well-deserved reputation for partying, Rio de Janeiro positively sizzles with energy. If that’s not enough to raise your temperature, the weather certainly will. The mercury can hit a sweltering 40°C (104°F) in January meaning the beaches are packed with Cariocas on their annual summer break. However there are tons of things to see and do apart from bronzing yourself on Rio’s beaches. Gawp at stunning city views from beneath the outspread arms of the statue of Christ the Reedeemer, take the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain, try and catch a local football match at the legendary Maracanã Stadium or take a stroll through the city’s botanical gardens. Whatever you do, Rio de Janeiro is sure to leave an indelible impression.

Best January holidays for… beaches

Short haul: Malta

Just over three hours away from the UK, Malta is one of the hippest places to escape for a sunny winter break. Whilst the rest of Europe is freezing, including usually sunny destinations like Portugal, Spain and France, Malta in January still enjoys splendid, unforgettable sunny warm days, with 20°C+ (52°F) temperatures. Malta exudes character, from its vibrant blue waters and secluded bays, to medieval walled citadels and splendid baroque churches. Take a dip in Comino's sparkling Blue Lagoon, where Hollywood actor Brad Pitt was filmed in the blockbuster Troy. Boat trips operate from harbours all over Malta to this tiny island, strewn with small, sandy beaches. Or take a short boat trip to the Blue Grotto at Zurrieq on Malta's south coast where you can dip your hand into the crystal waters and watch it turn an electric blue.

Long haul: The Maldives

Escape the depressingly cold shores of Britain for the ultimate tropical island getaway, with a holiday in the Maldives. With average January temperatures of 28°C (82°F) and warm turquoise waters year round, the beautiful string of Indian Ocean islands offers all the romance, luxury and tropical bliss you could ask for. Many islands embrace enormous lagoons, where bright blue-green water laps gently on brilliant white-sand beaches. Not just a paradise for beach-lovers, the Maldives also offers an array of watersports, from canoeing to windsurfing, and some of the best diving sites in the world. An enthralling underwater world of coral reef and colourful fish awaits snorkellers and divers. For an unforgettable underwater experience, dive to the Maldives Victory Wreck, which sank in 1981. Whether you want to get active in the Indian Ocean or just simply unwind and soak up the sun in some of the world's most beautiful scenery, book your holiday to the Maldives now.

Best January holidays for… outdoors

Short haul: Lapland, Sweden

Winter in Sweden means snow and lots of it, so for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers it truly is a winter wonderland. Go ice skating on frozen lakes, head out on a snowshoeing tour or mush your own team of Siberian huskies through the wilderness of Lapland on a dog-sledding adventure. With miles of snow-drenched hills, pistes and forests to discover, adventure-seekers can head out on a cross-country skiing expedition to discover the delights of Sweden’s great outdoors as they glide across the untouched plains. For those wanting to seriously master the wilderness, experienced guides are on hand to teach all the survival techniques required, including a turn in a storm simulator to practice combating the elements ready for adventure. January is also the perfect time of year to witness the stunning natural phenomena of the Northern Lights, with Swedish Lapland being one of the best locations in the world for watching the spectacular dancing lights.

Long haul: New Zealand

If you are looking to escape the snow, New Zealand is the place to head for a fantastic choice of outdoor activities and adventure sports in sunny climes. With summer in full swing in January, New Zealand experiences average temperatures of a warm and comfortable 24°C (75°F) - making it the perfect time of year to hit the outdoors. Having earned a reputation as nature’s theme park, there is plenty to keep thrill-seekers entertained, from the craggy coastlines, golden beaches and rolling grasslands of the North Island to the bubbling rivers, majestic mountains and lush rainforests of the South Island. One great way to see the country is by taking to the air, and New Zealand offers a plethora of airborne activities to keep the adrenaline pumping, including hot air ballooning, paragliding and skydiving. Explore the mountains and forests with abseiling, cannoning, caving, climbing, cycling, trekking and horse riding, whilst the waters offer a whole host of fun from kayaking along quiet rivers to surfing the shores. Queenstown has been dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World”, whilst nature-lovers should head to Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island, where orca whales and dolphins can be seen regularly in the waters in January.