Is it possible to know when you want to travel, but not where? The best places to go in each month of the year can be found here.

We look forward to a year filled with epic adventures, cultural experiences and great food. It can be difficult to know where to start the year.

Whether you're looking for inspiration or information, Lonely Planet has done the research for you. These are some of the top passport-fillers for January to inspire your travels or add to your bucket list.

Where are the best places to visit in January for wildlife and nature?

A collage picturing penguins in Antarctica, gorillas in Uganda and monkeys in Japan.
Antarctica (top © David Merron Photography/Getty Images) Uganda (bottom left © Jonathon Gregson/Lonely Planet) Japan (bottom right © Tai GinDa/Getty Images) Collage

Chūbu, Japan

Why right now? Hot springs, traditional villages and snow sports can be found in the winter.

During the winter months, the historic settlements of Japan's central Honshu region are covered in snow, making it a great time to visit. Crowds are thin outside of the ski resorts before the cherry-blossom season. There are snow monkeys in the Japanese Alps.

Uganda

Why right now? The world's largest primate can be found in the dry season.

Nearly half of the mountain gorillas in Uganda are in the dense forests of the national park. You will have to tackle steep, muddy trails at altitudes up to 3000m (9483ft). There are only eight permits available for each of the 19 habituated families.

Antarctica

Why right now? At the end of the world, there is a huge white wilderness.

It is possible to catch a glimpse of the penguin colonies at the end of the world in the middle of a warm day.

Where are the best places to visit in January for food and culture?

A collage shows Ligurian pesto, tacos in Austin, and fireworks in Sydney.
Ligurian pesto (top left © Susan Wright/Lonely Planet), Tacos in Austin (bottom left © Getty Images) © Fireworks in Sydney © aiyoshi597/Shutterstock Collage

Sydney, Australia

In the heat of the summer, there are many cultural experiences.

The Sydney Festival is an eclectic three-week showcase of Burlesque acts, circus and dance performances, art installations and family activities.

Liguria, Italy

Why right now? In the quietest season, walk through the snow and eat great food.

In winter in the Ligurian Alps, snowshoers can take advantage of the crisp air and snowy forest trails, as well as the marked circular trails that give sea views. Quiet in January but still delicious with regional delicacies, all are close to Genoa.

The food of Italy.

Austin, Texas, USA

Why right now? There are food trucks in Texas in the winter.

There is a world of cuisines to discover in Austin, from American regional classics to dishes from all over the world. When the temperature is 15C (59F) in January, it's nice to eat outside.

Where are the best places to visit in January for adventure?

A collage shows a tent in winter, a man surfing and a woman in a car.
Utah (top © Matthew Connolly / Shutterstock) Canary Islands (bottom left © Matthew Connolly / Shutterstock) South Island (bottom right © Getty Images) Collage

Canary Islands

Why right now? A European island break is a great way to escape the cold.

The Canary Islands have a surf break under the sun. Kitesurfers, windsurfers, and land-lovers can all take advantage of the region's wave-riding hot spots.

Arizona and Utah, USA

Why right now? The buttes and mesas are free from people.

The red-rock ravines and outcrops of the region straddling the Utah and Arizona borders look better with snow on top of them. You will need to wrap up warm if you want to stay warm. In the absence of crowds, dramatic landscapes made even more magical can be found.

In Arizona, the top things to do are.

South Island, New Zealand

Why right now? To go on a road trip in January.

You can take a road trip through some of the South Island's most famous coastal landscapes. You will have plenty of time to explore during the summer.

Where are the best places to visit in January for relaxation?

A collage shows a boat in Thailand, a woman on a boat in Kerala, a beach in Anguilla and a thermal bath in Hungary.
Southern Thailand (left © Getty Images) Kerala (top middle © SolStock / Getty) Anguilla (top right © Izabela23/Shutterstock) Budapest, Hungary (bottom © Romrodphoto/Shutterstock) Collage

Budapest, Hungary 

Why right now? To get away from the cold in Europe.

When the climate is cold in the Northern Hemisphere, the hot springs and thermal baths of Hungary are a great place to escape.

Anguilla

Why right now? You can chill in the Caribbean.

Few travelers heading to the Caribbean find their way to long, skinny little Anguilla. It has friendly folk, an uplifting reggae soundtrack, and some of the region's most beautiful palm-fringed beaches.

In Anguilla, mix adventure with island relaxation.

Kerala, India

Why right now? You can take a yoga break in God's own country.

The beaches of Varkala and Kovalam have become backpacker hangouts and full blown resorts over the past couple of decades. There are still stretches of sand to be found here and there in the state of Kerala.

Southern Thailand

Why right now? You can find great snorkeling and diving in the dry season.

The sun-sea-sand destinations of Phuket, Krabi and Ko Phi Phi have been popular for a long time. Lesser-known corners can be found further south. Despite their beautiful beaches, pellucid waters, and beautiful Tham Morakot, the Trang Islands have not seen a lot of development. Tarutao National Marine Park is located just north of the Malay border.

The article was first published about a year ago.