Whether you're trying to figure out a last minute trip or looking ahead, here are the itineraries we've got on the books this January.
PLAN NOW:
"By January, after four months of nonstop face-stuffing (if you count the Jewish High Holidays’ brisket and babka, before you even get to Thanksgiving), I feel like packing myself off to fat camp for a week—but inevitably it’s too late for a serious spa vacation. Which is why spring has become my shape-up season (right around when I usually break my flimsy New Year’s resolution). I’m dying to clean up my act at the Sha Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain, which I’ve heard such good buzz about since it opened in 2008. For starters, it’s flat-out beautiful: all modern, low-slung white buildings and fluttering-voile-curtained cabanas overlooking the Costa Blanca. Unlike at so many self-guided spas in Europe, everyone gets a sit-down with an actual physician or nurse (not just a “wellness specialist”) to build a weeklong program, which could include physiotherapy or yoga, depending on what the doctor orders. And even though they restrict your daily caloric intake, I’ve heard that chef Javier Esterri’s organic macrobiotic meals (like couscous with stuffed mushrooms) are insanely delicious. Flights to Spain are cheaper and more frequent than they’ve been in years, and Sha has special pricing on seven-day retreats in March and April for those who want a good spring cleaning." —Andrew Sessa, Contributing Editor
GO NOW:
"I lived in Europe for about a decade, so I know all about the urge to be among people speaking a foreign language, and strolling cobblestone streets in search of a decent glass of plonk for under $10. But East Coasters often forget that we have a mini Europe in our backyard which looks its most poetic in winter. Quebec City, like an older, more Gallic Montreal, is a 110-minute flight from JFK (at press time, last-minute fares were under $350). Stay at the iconic Château Frontenac and you’ll be next to the Quartier Petit Champlain, with those stone streets and views of the ice-choked St. Lawrence River."—Erin Florio, Senior Associate Editor
OR LET'S CONSIDER...
That Cycladic fantasy you’ve been postponing:A ton of hotel inventory in the Greek Isles is released this month for summer—reserve now to lock in a good rate and get first shot at the rooms.
A Caribbean yacht rental:Yacht charter company The Moorings just made chartering more accessible by launching in Puerto Rico: Now you can do the sail-anchor-swim (and drink) thing without having to hop over to the B.V.I.
