Unearth The Voyage
Starting the year with a memorable trip can set a positive tone for the months ahead. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or something completely new, the first journey of the year often feels like a fresh beginning.
These eleven destinations offer everything from northern lights to desert sunsets, giving you plenty of ways to kick off your year with excitement and purpose.
1. Catch Carnival Season in New Orleans (Mardi Gras builds all the way to Feb 17, 2026)
Carnival kicks off every January 6 in Louisiana and builds momentum until Mardi Gras Day, which falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Arriving early in the season means you experience the festive energy without the peak-week crowds.
Parades roll through neighborhoods, each with its own traditions and throws, and you can catch multiple celebrations before the grand finale.
Local krewes host balls and themed events throughout the season. Street musicians fill the French Quarter with jazz and brass, while beignets and po’boys fuel your explorations.
Early visits also give you better access to hotels and restaurants at more reasonable prices.
Check parade schedules in advance so you can plan around confirmed routes and dates. This trip blends culture, music, and pure celebration into one colorful start to your year.
2. Do a Cool-Weather Desert Reset in Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park welcomes visitors every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it accessible whenever you need a reset. Winter brings cooler temperatures and crystal-clear skies, perfect for hiking among the iconic saguaro cacti that define the Sonoran Desert.
The park splits into east and west districts, each offering distinct trails and scenery.
Start your mornings early to catch sunrise painting the cacti in golden light. Afternoon hikes reveal wildlife like roadrunners and javelinas, while evenings offer some of the darkest, star-filled skies you will find.
The simplicity of desert routines helps clear your mind and refocus your intentions.
Pack layers since desert temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night. This trip feels like a clean slate, where big horizons and quiet trails help you reconnect with yourself.
3. Chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
Aurora hunting in Northern Norway delivers one of those rare experiences that stays with you forever. Tromsø sits well above the Arctic Circle, where the northern lights season stretches from late August through early April.
During these months, the nights grow dark enough for regular sightings, especially when solar activity cooperates.
Bundle up and head out on guided tours that take you away from city lights. Many operators offer photography tips and warm drinks while you wait for the sky to ignite.
Even if clouds roll in, Tromsø offers dog sledding, whale watching, and cozy cafes to fill your days.
Planning around new moon phases can boost your chances of clear, vivid displays. This trip combines natural wonder with Arctic culture, making it an unforgettable way to launch your year.
4. Go Wildlife-Spotting in Everglades National Park During Dry Season
Dry season in the Everglades runs from November through April, bringing comfortable weather and fewer mosquitoes. Wildlife congregates around shrinking water sources during these months, making it easier to spot alligators, wading birds, and even the elusive Florida panther.
Rangers lead guided walks and talks that deepen your understanding of this unique ecosystem.
Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle through mangrove tunnels and open waterways. The Anhinga Trail is a must-visit for close-up bird and gator sightings without much effort.
Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom to capture the action from a safe distance.
Plan for full-day visits since the park covers over 1.5 million acres. If your new year goals include more nature and less suffering, this trip delivers both adventure and comfort in equal measure.
5. Book a Sunshine-and-Adventure Week in Costa Rica (Dry Season Sweet Spot)
Costa Rica divides its year into wet and dry seasons, with the dry season running from mid-December through late April. This window offers sunny beaches, clear hiking trails, and reliable weather for exploring national parks.
You can zip-line through cloud forests in the morning and relax on Pacific Coast sands by afternoon.
Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero national parks showcase incredible biodiversity, from howler monkeys to sea turtles. Arenal Volcano provides hot springs and lava views, while the Nicoya Peninsula offers surf lessons and yoga retreats.
Transportation between regions is straightforward, whether you rent a car or book shuttles.
Book accommodations early since this is peak season for international visitors. Costa Rica combines adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty into one energizing start to your year.
6. Time Baja California Sur for Gray Whale Season (Winter to Early Spring)
Gray whales migrate thousands of miles to the warm lagoons of Baja California Sur, arriving as early as December and staying through April or even May. Mothers give birth in these protected waters, and calves grow strong before their journey north.
Witnessing these gentle giants up close ranks among the most moving wildlife experiences available.
Magdalena Bay and San Ignacio Lagoon are prime viewing spots, with licensed tour operators offering respectful, close encounters. Whales often approach boats out of curiosity, sometimes allowing you to touch them.
The surrounding desert landscape adds a dramatic backdrop to your marine adventure.
Combine whale watching with kayaking, hiking, or sampling fresh seafood in local towns. Timing your trip around gray whale season makes Baja feel genuinely special and unforgettable.
7. Grab Winter Sun in Spain’s Canary Islands (January Averages Are Mild)
The Canary Islands sit off the coast of Africa, offering mild winter temperatures when much of Europe shivers. January climate normals show comfortable conditions across the archipelago, with each island bringing its own character.
Tenerife boasts Mount Teide and black sand beaches, while Lanzarote features volcanic landscapes and unique architecture.
Gran Canaria offers diverse microclimates, from sunny southern resorts to lush northern valleys. Fuerteventura attracts surfers and beachcombers with its endless coastline.
You can hike volcanic craters, explore charming villages, or simply soak up rays on golden sands.
Direct flights from major European cities make the Canaries easy to reach. If you want warm-ish and bright without flying across the world, this Spanish escape delivers reliable winter sunshine and laid-back island vibes.
8. Take a Laid-Back City Break in Lisbon, Portugal (8-15°C Typical January Range)
Lisbon offers European charm without the deep winter freeze, with January temperatures typically ranging from 8°C to 15°C. The city feels calmer during this season, allowing you to explore its hilly neighborhoods, historic trams, and stunning viewpoints without peak-season crowds.
Alfama’s narrow streets and Belém’s grand monuments reveal centuries of Portuguese history.
Stop at pastelarias for custard tarts and strong coffee between museum visits. The LX Factory creative hub and Time Out Market showcase modern Lisbon culture and cuisine.
Sunsets from São Jorge Castle or Miradouro de Santa Catarina paint the city in warm orange light.
Pack layers since mornings can be cool, but afternoons often warm up nicely. This trip balances culture, food, and relaxation into one perfect first journey of the year.
9. See Kyoto, Japan in Winter (Special Winter Openings + Fewer Crowds)
Kyoto runs a Winter Special Openings program that grants access to select temples and cultural sites normally closed to the public. The theme and participating locations vary each year, but the opportunity to experience these hidden treasures makes winter visits truly special.
Fewer tourists mean you can appreciate bamboo groves, zen gardens, and tea houses at a peaceful pace.
Snow occasionally dusts temple roofs and garden pathways, creating postcard-perfect scenes. Warm up with bowls of ramen or matcha in traditional machiya townhouses.
Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari remain stunning in winter, with crisp air sharpening every detail.
Check the official Winter Special Openings dates when planning your trip. If you love history, temples, and slow travel, winter Kyoto offers a new year, new perspective kind of journey.
10. Make It a Snow-Globe Week in Banff (Winter Activities + Ski Season Window)
Banff transforms into a winter wonderland from November through May, when ski season typically runs depending on weather conditions. Three world-class ski resorts surround the town, offering terrain for every skill level.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, you can try ice skating on Lake Louise, snowshoeing through silent forests, or soaking in natural hot springs under starry skies.
The town itself charms visitors with mountain lodges, cozy restaurants, and shops selling outdoor gear. Wildlife sightings continue year-round, with elk often wandering through town and bighorn sheep posing on rocky slopes.
Johnston Canyon’s frozen waterfalls create magical ice caves accessible via maintained walkways.
Book accommodations early since Banff stays popular throughout winter. This trip feels active and alive, perfect if you want your first journey to energize your entire year.
11. Do the Iconic Winter Road Trip to Death Valley National Park
Death Valley flips its reputation during winter, becoming one of the most pleasant national park destinations in the country. The National Park Service highlights winter as a major visitation season, and the Furnace Creek Visitor Center stays open every single day, including holidays.
Temperatures drop to comfortable levels, making hiking and exploration genuinely enjoyable instead of dangerous.
Drive through dramatic landscapes where salt flats meet colorful badlands and sand dunes. Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View offer sweeping vistas that photographers dream about.
Wildflower blooms occasionally surprise visitors in late winter after good rainfall.
The park’s vastness means you can find solitude even during busy periods. This road trip combines accessibility, natural beauty, and low-hassle logistics into one practical winter escape that feels both adventurous and manageable.
