Cheapest places to travel in January 2024

From sun-soaked beached to snowy mountains, here’s where to go this January.

Being peak season to travel in Australia, going overseas in January isn’t cheap. But, there are some destinations that are certainly cheaper than others. Whether you’re looking for beach, city or nature, here’s where to go in January 2024.

We’ve done the research: Cheapest destinations to visit in January 2024

Melbourne

If you’re looking to spend summer in the city, Melbourne is the place to be. Dozens of rooftop bars, shady laneway packed with cafes and street art and the perfect weather to stroll through St Kilda’s Luna Park.

What makes Melbourne a great budget-friendly destination once you’ve arrived, is that there’s plenty of free things to do in the city. The National Gallery of Victoria doesn’t charge for entry and the CBD is within the convenient free tram zone. There’s also lots of affordable food options. From the tiny eateries in Degraves Lane and Central Place to the dumpling houses in Chinatown, eating cheaply doesn’t have to skimp on flavour.

How cheap will it be once you get to Melbourne?

• Hotels: You’ll be able to find a 3-star hotel in the CBD, or within a short walk to it, for between $100-$150 per night.
• Attractions: While there’s plenty of free things to do, if you want to taste wine in the Yarra Valley from $89 or see the scenic Great Ocean Road that’ll set you back about $49.
• Food: Basic bites at cafes or Chinatown can be found for less than $15, but there are plenty of higher end restaurants in town if you’re looking for a splurge.

Just look at all the places you can fly to Melbourne from for less than $200 return!

Canada

One you probably weren’t expecting to be on a ‘cheapest destinations’ list, Canada is coming up as one of the cheaper long-haul destinations for Australians in January.

Sure it’s cold there as it’s the middle of winter, but snow bunnies can hit the slopes in Whistler or Banff and save hundreds on the flights. We’re seeing return fares to Vancouver from $1,198 or Calgary from $1,354 in January.

How cheap will it be once you get to Canada?

• Hotels: Stays in Vancouver will cost about $150-$175, while hotels in Whistler will set you back about $350-$400 per night, based on what we’re seeing on Booking.com.
• Attractions: If you’re planning on skiing, a day pass at Whistler will set you back about $229. Or try joining a snowshoeing adventure for $135.
• Food: Expect to find $20-$30 simple meals in Vancouver. Food will likely cost more at Whistler.

Thailand

A long-time favourite destination for many and great alternative to Bali, Thailand is home to stunning beaches, delicious food and some very affordable accommodations.

Flights were always the most expensive part of a Thailand trip, but flying there in January can cost as low as $468 per person. Considering this is a peak travel time, being school holidays, we’d definitely jump on these prices. You can fly to either Krabi in the South or Bangkok (for $8 more) in the north and have your pick of a beachy holiday or a city break.

How cheap will it be once you get to Thailand?

• Hotels: Three- and four-star hotels can be found for $40-$60 per night, depending on what part of the counrty you’re in, based on what we’re seeing on Booking.com.
• Attractions: Learn the art of Thai cuisine with a cooking class from $17 or get in the ring with some muay Thai boxing from $17,
• Food: Simple (but delicious!) meals on the street will cost $2-$3 and restaurants in more touristy areas should cost $5-10

Which country is best to visit in January?

These may be some of the cheapest destinations, but are they the best? Here’s why we think these are great places to visit in January:

Melbourne

Known for it’s very up-and-down weather, Melbourne sees some of the least rainy days in January according to statistics from the Bureau of Meteorology. It’s also got the nice, long days of summer where you’ll have sunshine until almost 9pm.

Canada

We admit, January is one of the coldest months in Canada. But, it’s also the peak of ski season. The slopes of Whistler, Banff and Mt Tremblant (if you’re on the east coast) are at their prime in January.

Thailand

Destinations in the north of Thailand see very little rain in January. As a matter of fact, it’s virtually nothing. The same could be set for beach destinations such as Phuket.

The only places to consider steering clear of this time of year are the Gulf of Thailland islands, including Koh Samui, which do see more rain over these months.

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