The first thing people think about in January usually isn't the beach, but there are plenty of great beaches to be found during this typically frigid time of the year. The best beach vacations in January range all over the world. You can save a good deal of money by renting a home in the area and living more like a local would. And really, how much is it worth to go from a foot of snow to miles of warm sand?
The water here is as blue as it is during any other time of the year. If you want to do some hiking, the hills offer some incredible views of a nearly deserted paradise.
If you want to have an incredible experience, tour Whitehaven Beach in a sailing craft. You'll see some unbelievably white beaches between the crystalline waters and the tropical forest. This is the day trip to end all day trips, as this is one of the world's most gorgeous beaches.
This is one of the best beach vacations in January if you've got skills on the water. Sailing, kite surfing and more traditional surfing are the biggest draws here, but be warned that you'd better already be good. Since this is a popular season, the instructors are super busy.
Cowell's Beach is the place to be if you're a novice surfer. The swells are a bit smaller here, and the surfers who think they own the beach are mysteriously absent. The beach is also a great place for volleyball and kite flying, if you've had enough water activities for the day.
As if the sun and sand weren't enough of a draw to get you onto the beach, the Barbados Jazz Festival happens every January. With each passing year, the lineup you can take in gets better. While the venues aren't the beach, most of the shows are at night, leaving your days free for beachy goodness.
This island also has a festival, although jazz is only one part of the music offered up. If you love a laid back beach, try Flamands. If you're most into something gorgeous and peaceful, try Gouverneur and Saline. Every choice here gives you lots to enjoy, though.
Saint Andrews State Park is a beach covered in extremely white, unbelievably soft sand. Some travelers have even warned that this beach's sand looks deceptively close to sugar - don't eat it. You can snorkel, kayak, water ski, or just fish from the emerald waters, although you could be forgiven for just staring at them for awhile.
Among the best beach vacations in January involves whale sharks. As harmless as the first half of their namesake, January just happens to be the start of whale shark season in this part of the world. Either snorkel or scuba dive around the reef system if you can't find a whale shark; swimming next to one of the 30-foot goliaths is a very surreal experience.
The city of Rincon holds surfing championships every January, and they involve the best surfers in the world showing their skills. This is the best beach in the Caribbean for surfing, so if you want to catch a wave you've come to the right place.
With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Laguna Madre Bay on the other, Padre Island is a great place to rent a vacation home and let it be your beach base.
Budget Beach Rentals in St Johns Island
Built in 2008, Christy Ann Villa is an elegant yet very affordable vacation rental home located in the desirable area of Point Rendezvous on St. John's south shore. This property is an exceptional value featuring three bedrooms, air conditioning,...
Walk down the stairs through the tropical forest, around the deck to see the fabulous ocean views. This round cabin is very cozy and private - great for honeymoons or a getaway for two.
The round house has a wrap-around deck with 180-degree views ...
Panoramic views of downtown Cruz Bay over St Thomas, and walking distance to downtown Cruz Bay. Relax by day on the deck and grill, dine, read or sunbathe by the pool. At night enjoy epic sunsets over St Thomas and the Pillsbury Sound. Makes an...
Walking distance to town, or a short drive to the beaches. Enjoy the Caribbean sun on your patio, by the pool, or relax inside with the mild tradewinds. At night enjoy stunning sunsets, then walk into town to enjoy the Cruz Bay night life; great...
We provide everything you'll need for that perfect, stress-free get-away: all linens, appliances and house wares, and complete beach gear. Whether you prefer an active vacation of sailing, diving and hiking, or a more relaxing stay of getting an '...
Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Barbados