The holidays are over. The warmth of the Thanksgiving feast is quickly fading. You’re kind of over your mom’s nagging and you want your next lap around the calendar year to be your best yet.
Here are the top 10 destinations that are warm in January, including some great options for teaching abroad if 2020 is the year you launch your fabulous TEFL career!
Best destinations in January around the world
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
From its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers to its location on the left bank of the slow-moving Mekong, this former French trading post is languid. Explore centuries-old Buddhist temples, educate yourself on the horrors of the Khmer empire, or plan your weekend at the beach. Phnom Penh is known for its laidback atmosphere and it’s true that life moves slowly here, attracting those who enjoy a peaceful, relaxed vibe—the perfect start to a new year.
TEFL jobs are plentiful if you want to stay awhile!
- Temps: 26 °C (78.8 °F)
- Precipitation: 7 mm, 0.3 in
- Hours of daylight: 12 hours
Vietnam
Traveling and working abroad in Vietnam is easy, affordable, exciting—not to mention home to dozens of incredible opportunities to teach English in Asia. Whether you seek the dense urban jungles of its major cities or the tranquil countryside (replete with rice paddies or pristine beaches), there’s a bowl of toasty, warm pho with your name on it.
- Temps: 20 °C (68 °F)
- Precipitation: 95 mm, 3.7in
- Hours of daylight: 11.5 hours
Dubai
Whether it’s the stunning and constantly changing skyline or the huge investments Emiratis are making into constructing new iconic landmarks (Burj Al Arab, anyone?), Dubai is a desert city flowing with confidence and style. Wander the traditional souqs to barter for persian rugs and pashmina shawls before settling into one of the ultra-modern shopping malls for a flat white at a trendy cafe.
- Temps: 19 °C (66.5 °F)
- Precipitation: 10 mm, 0.4 in
- Hours of daylight: 11 hours
Australia
January marks peak summer in Australia, and the cheerful locals are always ready to give a warm welcome to out of towners (just don’t expect shrimp on the barbie, okay?). Set your internal clock to “Aussie time,” then get out. Explore the exquisite beaches, marvel at underwater reefs, climb mountains, munch on marmite. All is fair game for January explorers in one of the world’s most unique landscapes!
- Temps: 27 °C (80 °F)
- Precipitation: 63 mm, 2.5 in
- Hours of daylight: 14 hours
Kenya
There are many outstanding adventure travel destinations in Africa, but there is only one Kenya. Here stretch the plains of the Serengeti to the Masai Mara reserve; here shine the waters of the Rift Valley’s magical lakes; here stands the iconic Mount Kenya peak, the second highest on the continent after nearby Kilimanjaro. With 12 hours of sunlight to play, admire animals, and observe local customs and traditions, you’ll never tire of the adventures that span Kenya’s urban and rural spectrum. Did we mention you can straddle the equator here?
- Temps: 25 °C (77°F)
- Precipitation: 35 mm, 1.4 in
- Hours of daylight: 12 hours
South Africa
South Africa’s different cultures span an impressively diverse population—here, you can find people who identify as Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Tswana, Ndebele, Khoisan, Hindu, Muslim, and Afrikaner, just to name but a few. German colonization left a unique imprint in the region, so don’t be surprised if you’re walking down a street and suddenly forget that you’re not in Europe! South Africa mild summer season isn’t one to miss, especially considering you can have a solid 14 hours of fun in the sun each day!
- Temps: 20°C (68°F)
- Precipitation: 20 mm, 0.78 in
- Hours of daylight: 14 hours
New Zealand
Small country, big personality—and pleasant summer. Whether you opt to pony up to the South Island for a whirlwind adventure in the Southern Alps or prefer to chill out in the laidback North, you’re bound to fall head over heels for the adorable kiwis (and the people, too). Explore Maori culture as you enjoy time away in the splendor of New Zealand’s fabulous naturescapes. Go on and top off this sunshiny start to the new year with a tall glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Cheers!
- Temps: 20°C (68°F)
- Precipitation: 30 mm, 1.2 in
- Hours of daylight: 14 hours
Chiang Mai, Thailand
If teaching abroad is on your 2020 to do list, there’s no better place to earn your TEFL chops than in the Kingdom of Siam itself. Chock full of job opportunities, hardworking students, and a culture that makes you feel at home instantly (not to mention elephants and fried noodles!!), spending your January in Thailand might roll over all the way through next Christmas. We don’t blame you!
- Temps: 23 °C (73 °F)
- Precipitation: 5 mm, .2 in
- Hours of daylight: 11 hours
Myanmar
If Myanmar isn’t on your travel bucketlist next year, then you’re missing out. Step into the new year surrounded by Buddhist beliefs and culture (getting zen’d out is totally okay). You can even find English teaching jobs here, because trust us—you’re going to want to stay. Start the year in an unusual country and let the adventure speak for itself!
- Temps: 36°C (96°F)
- Precipitation: 2.5 mm, 0.1 in
- Hours of daylight: 11 hours
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Make 2020 sizzle! Argentina’s got it all: sexy dance moves, giant slabs of steak, kind locals. A bustling TEFL job market. If you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a country influenced heavily by Spanish, Italian, and indigenous American Indian cultures, this is your chance. Pack your hiking gear for this early 2020 visit, too—you’re definitely going to want to tack on a Patagonia trip!
- Temps: 30.4°C (86°F)
- Precipitation: 91 mm, 3.6 in
- Hours of daylight: 14 hours
These January destinations are hot, hot, hot
Start 2020 on the right foot. Find yourself in a destination that makes you feel alive and ready to tackle the challenges—and resolutions—of the year ahead. And, if you’re smart, you’ll make 2020 the year you take a chance on yourself and teach abroad!
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