Best places to travel in January

Rice terraces in Tegalang are part of the cultural landscape of Bali, in Indonesia. Because the holiday season is over, now is the perfect time to book a hotel in Bali. An interesting place to stay is Mandapa, located deep in the jungle.

A tourist surfs at sunset off the beach at the Ostional Wildlife Refuge on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. January falls right in the middle of Costa Rica’s dry season. Enjoy the perfect weather at Nayara Springs, which opens 19 new villas this month.

Iranian snowboarders prepare to descend from a slope at the Dizin ski resort, near Tehran. Dizin’s high elevation means that ski season lasts until late May. With the recent nuclear agreement, Americans may be considering visits to Iran, though the U.S. does not have diplomatic relations with the Middle Eastern country and the State Department warns citizens to consider the risks.

Dominican Republic beaches offer beautiful ocean views; Saona Island is seen here. Two new properties are opening on the country’s northern coast: the Amanera, with a world-class golf course; and the Playa Grande Beach Club, designed by Celerie Kemble. The two hotels are within walking distance of the beach.

Hokkaido is one of the ideal places for skiing this time of year, and holders of Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass also have access to the beautiful Niseko resort.

A view of San Cristobal volcano in Chinandega, Nicaragua, when it was emitting ash in 2012. While in Nicaragua, travelers can check out the exclusive 37-room Mukul resort and the beautiful beaches.

The Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate is a spectacular example of midcentury architecture in the heart of Palm Springs, Calif. The desert town still remains the place to see a celebrity.

Skiers at Park City Mountain Resort stand on top of a hill in Park City, Utah. During the Sundance Film Festival in late January 2016, the slopes tend to be relatively empty, giving skiers an opportunity to enjoy the snow without crowds.

Visitors walk around outside of the Alamo at night in San Antonio. Besides the warm weather, the Texas city also is known for good food. The Culinary Institute of America has even opened a campus there.