Five Sunny Destinations to Brighten Up Your January Daydreaming
The holiday period has come and gone, and with it, all those twinkling lights, special meals and festive cheer. To bring some optimism and light into what can otherwise be a fairly gloomy month, we have curated a list of destinations around the world that promise long, sun-filled days, waiting to be enjoyed once it is safe to do so. Insights from Booking.com’s Future of Travel Report reveal that despite travel restrictions and lockdowns, 65%* of travelers are looking forward to traveling again. So, for those excited to see the world when it’s possible and safe once more, dreaming of these sunny destinations just might help brighten up your January.
Songkhla, Thailand
Songkhla is a beautiful city nestled between two seas and boasts numerous, ancient cultural sights of interest. Famed for the long sunny days in the early months of the year, this destination is the perfect spot to dream about escaping to during the grey and rainy weather that many countries face in January. Its slow-paced atmosphere and the plethora of local beaches make it the perfect destination for any sun worshippers looking to relax and work on their tan when it’s safe to travel again.
Where to stay: Songkhla Tae Raek Antique Hotel perfectly represents the vibrant Thai, Chinese and Malay communities that call Songhkla home. Throughout the hotel, visitors can admire the traditional décor and artwork which tastefully highlight the fusion of diferent cultures, whose mix of traditions and cuisines have given the region its unique flavor.
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Whatever time of year visiting Phoenix, sunshine and bright blue skies are almost always guaranteed. This thriving desert metropolis boasts an incredible 3,872 hours of sunshine each year, making it one of the sunniest places on the planet! But it’s not just the weather that draws travelers here, Phoenix is a cultural hub with opera houses, the state’s finest museums, as well as the Desert Botanical Garden, a stunning 140-acre park home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from around the world.
Where to stay: Dream of staying at a home away from home in the heart of Phoenix? Make the most of the city’s offerings at the stylish apartments at Sonder — Hance Park, located within walking distance of the Phoenix Art Museum, Burton Barr Library and Heard Museum. The apartments also have a communal outdoor pool, great for those wanting to take advantage of the glorious sunshine when it’s safe to travel again.
Valletta, Malta
Small but mighty and covering less than a third of a square mile of land, every foot of Malta’s compact capital is rich in 16th-century history, which has earned the city a World Heritage site designation by UNESCO. Located on a fortified peninsula surrounded by water, this ancient walled city is where artisan markets and lively modern dining establishments mix with 7,000 years of history. This destination also tops all weather charts in Europe, offering the most amount of sunshine in the Mediterranean.
Where to stay: Set in a typical Maltese Post-War building, Ursulino Valletta fuses modern-style living with historic charm. The bed and breakfast also features a gorgeous terrace with sea views, making it the perfect spot for guests to enjoy a drink after a day of exploring the old city.
Marseille, France
The port city of Marseille on France's glamorous Provençal coast guarantees some of the sunniest weather in Europe, with an average of 7.25 hours of sun per day. While travelers will be treated to blue skies all year round, it is during the summer months when this city truly comes to life. From its colorful port lined with magnificent yachts to locals soaking up the sunshine in its numerous cafés – travelers will fall in love with the city’s iconic atmosphere once it’s safe to travel again.
Where to say: Visitors will be swept up in the elegance of the South of France by staying at Villa Valflor, which is located in a 19th-century country house. This B&B has since been renovated and modernized for a truly comfortable stay and even includes a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool.
Perth, Australia
Under a near-permanent canopy of blue sky, Perth is one of the sunniest cities in Australia. This destination really is an all-rounder, offering something for everyone. For the beach lovers, there are plenty to choose from, for culture vultures, Perth now has a thriving street-art scene and for the foodies, there are restaurants serving just about every cuisine from around the globe.
Where to stay: InterContinental Perth City Centre features very luxurious accommodation with spacious and sophisticatedly designed rooms, right in the heart of Perth, so visitors will not have to venture too far to explore the surrounding area.
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, when it’s safe to do so again, Booking.com is sharing travel deals for travelers to use when booking their early 2021 trips. Discounts start at 20 percent and are valid for stays between 5 January and 31 March 2021.
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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who have traveled for business or leisure in the past 12 months, and must be planning to travel in the next 12 months (if/once travel restrictions are lifted). In total 20,934 respondents across 28 countries and territories were polled (including from 999 USA, 496 from Canada, 497 from Mexico, 997 from Colombia, 999 from Brazil, 499 from Argentina, 995 from Australia, 499 from New Zealand, 999 from Spain, 996 from Italy, 996 from France, 999 from UK, 996 from Germany, 498 from Netherlands, 499 from Denmark, 499 from Sweden, 498 from Croatia, 1001 from Russia, 498 from Israel, 997 from India, 994 from China, 499 from Hong Kong, 497 from Thailand, 496 from Singapore, 499 from Taiwan, 997 from South Korea, 500 from Vietnam and 995 from Japan). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2020.