January is an underrated time of year to plan a trip. Holiday travel is over, and much of the northern hemisphere is experiencing cold weather. Many people are inclined to stay home, whether that’s to avoid the risk of travel delays or blowing through precious PTO so early in the year. Whatever the reason, tourism crowds ease up after the holiday rush, and time seems to slow down. For those who choose to embrace the heart of winter, there’s something about exploring while the air is crisp and meeting people in warm, cozy restaurants. If you’re looking to get away, you might consider one of these destinations for January travel. 

Cities take on a certain magical quality during the holidays. The lights and decorations transform the urban landscape into a glittering space that brings joy to even the Scroogiest of hearts. An air of nostalgia tickles the brain in just the right way so that not even the gloomiest days can ruin the experience. Chicago is no stranger to the magic of the holiday season. While the city is known for soaking up every minute of summer, locals also love to embrace every moment that celebrates this festive time of year. 

The city of New York is a beast. It’s easy to underestimate exactly how large the footprint of Manhattan is, let alone all five boroughs, and it’s easy to overestimate how much can be accomplished in one day. If you only have a few short days, that lack of awareness could leave you feeling as if you’ve barely seen the city. While we recommend mapping out any destination you visit, it’s essential in New York City. Not only will it save you time getting around, it’ll help plan days that pack in quite a bit, without draining every last drop of energy from you. There are infinite ways to spend two days in the Big Apple, but here’s one itinerary to start inspiring your next trip. 

Solo trips are just as much for introverts as they are for extroverts. If anything, solo travel might have been invented by introverts. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the world at your own pace without any secondary opinions or accommodations. However, if it’s something you haven’t done before, it can be intimidating. Where do you go? How do you feel safe? How do you know which destination is the right one? What’s the best place to stay? Should you book activities or improvise? 

Nothing beats an afternoon browsing bookstores or wandering markets on a morning coffee stroll. New York City is the perfect place for both. With grand markets littered throughout the city and bookstores around almost every corner, it’s impossible not to find some treasure to take home. Shopping at markets and independent bookstores puts the money directly back into the community, supporting small businesses, local artists, and creatives. It’s supporting someone’s creative dreams and pursuits while keeping the local economy healthy. To share every single market and bookstore in NYC would mean an endless scroll. However, we’ve pulled together a few finds that should make the top of your list. 

While summer temperatures are still plaguing the better part of the northern hemisphere, it’s never too early to think about a fall getaway. Crisp weather leads to cozy adventures, no matter the destination. From the historic streets of Innsbruck and Mexico City to the peaceful quiet of the Oregon coast and waves of Maui, we’ve put together a list of places across the globe to look forward to visiting this coming season. But honestly, any of these spots make for a memorable trip regardless of the time of year. Start planning, and get ready to take off…

New York City is filled with historical landmarks, sites that have gained fame through pop culture, memorials, parks, and beyond. For new visitors, the never-ending list can be overwhelming. As long as you start somewhere, there will always be something to see that you haven’t made it to yet. From buildings with architectural significance to memorials, parks of every size and use, bridges, and more, we’ve put together a list of sites to consider on your next trip to New York City. 

New York City is a force of nature. It’s the city that never sleeps. The “Big Apple”. The “Center of the Universe”. The “Empire State”. It was the first stop many immigrants had when coming through Ellis Island for decades. For many, it became their home. For others, it was just a stop as they passed through with nothing but hope for a future achieving the “American Dream”. It’s a hub with nearly every culture, language, ethnicity, and religion represented. It’s a city that is constantly moving, never silent, with an energy that feels like a steady buzzing in your veins. New York has inspired art across every medium. It’s been immortalized in various ways from the romanticized version shown in Nora Ephron films to the gritty representation in Taxi Driver. It’s a city with many faces, many different personalities, and unique experiences that depend on when you visit and which part of the city you set foot in. This city is not for the weak, but it’s a city worthy of appreciation and respect. It’s also a place where you can visit a dozen times over and still have new things to experience. 

The Midwest is one of the most underappreciated regions in the United States. With cities like Chicago and picturesque scenery along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, there are an endless number of places to explore. Whether you’re looking for an urban adventure or to slow down and reconnect with nature, the Midwest holds varied landscapes, like lush forests, serene lakeshores, waterfalls, caves, and caverns, plus so much more. Apple festivals, berry festivals, and arts festivals fill the year with things to do, and friendly communities welcome people into their towns. We will always be ready for a coastal escape, but you can also find us making our way through the slower-paced, diverse goldmine that is the Midwest.

Summertime in Chicago has an energy you can’t experience anywhere else. Because winters are long and can be brutal, Chicagoans go all out, from patio brunches to beach days. Even if it’s one hundred degrees and humid, rooftops will be packed and the beach will be buzzing. Whether you’re a local or visiting for a few days, we’ve got your guide to summer in Chicago, from where to eat to how to escape the heat when it becomes too much. Grab your sandals and let’s get going!

In the northwest corner of Michigan’s mitten, a small town called Charlevoix sits on an isthmus between two lakes, connected by a historic drawbridge. With fewer than 2,500 residents, Charlevoix is a tranquil and idyllic town with a genuine Midwestern spirit. Known as the home of the famous Mushroom Houses and surrounded by lakes, neighboring Petoskey often overshadows this charming Michigan town, but it is worth a visit on its own. From cozy coffee shops to ferry rides, Charlevoix might be slower paced, but there’s plenty to keep you busy during a long weekend getaway. We’d even go so far as to say it’s the perfect small town for an extended stay, encouraging slowing down and reconnecting with nature. 

Hot take: You don’t have to be extroverted for solo travel. In fact, some might argue that solo travel is made for introverts. Traveling alone versus traveling in a group already reduces human interaction, which most introverts find overwhelming. That in itself leaves more energy for meeting and interaction with strangers and exploring unfamiliar places alone. Solo travel is a great way for introverts to go out of their comfort zone on their own terms. They can structure the trip around their own needs, choose experiences catered to their interests, and make adjustments to plans without considering fellow travelers. If you are an introvert thinking about taking a trip without your emotional support human, this guide is for you.