The new year has just begun and you’re already brainstorming where to go on your next photography trip. January is not a popular month for vacations. It’s cold, you’re recovering from all the holiday spending, and you want to save your vacation time for the summer. All this negativity is just the reason you should go somewhere for a getaway. You can venture somewhere warm and exotic or embrace the cold and snow deep in the mountains.

There are some interesting destinations where it’s the high season for tourists, even in January. The most tempting destination on my list is Patagonia. It’s summer on the other side of the hemisphere and the perfect time for hiking. But you don’t have to travel to the other side of the world for great photography. The Czech Beskydy Mountains also have a lot to offer. If you’re nearby, they make a great weekend getaway. 

You can also choose to visit places that are overrun with tourists in the summer months and enjoy the relative quiet of winter. How about Toledo, Spain, or frigid New York? Check out these January destinations that may appeal to a travel photographer.

Toledo, Spain

Toledo is hot and crowded in the summer. It’s a small city that’s not made for such crowds. That’s why I recommend going in January. But don’t let Spain’s sunny reputation fool you. There can be snow in Toledo in January. So, be prepared with a jacket and warm clothing. It will be cold, but there will be fewer tourists and you will have the unique medieval architecture practically to yourself.   

Don’t be afraid to venture into the surrounding hills of Toledo. The city can be explored using various trails and you’ll get completely different views from afar. For this particular trip, I only took a wide-angle lens (16-35 mm), but I recommend a telephoto lens for more detailed shots of the city.

Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)

There aren’t many months when you can visit the mountains of Patagonia without rain, blustery winds, or snow. You have a better chance of good weather in January. Your legs and photography gear will thank you. 

Speaking of gear, carefully consider what to take with you when heading to Patagonia on a photography trip. Patagonia’s national parks are remote and best explored on multi-day hikes. This is when every gram counts.  

For my trip to Patagonia, I used two lenses, a 24-105mm and a 16-35mm. The zoom lens came in handy for wildlife photography. I managed to spot various birds of prey, llamas, and even a puma. The wide-angle lens came in handy for views of the vast Patagonian landscape. 

If you don’t feel like hiking in the mountains, but still want to get exceptional photos, take a bus to the Perito Moreno Glacier. The Argentinians built extensive scenic trails here that offer fascinating views of the glacier. If there is inclement weather, you can hide in the restaurant, and have some traditional delicacies while you wait to see if the fickle Patagonian weather clears up. 

Doha, Qatar

Doha is not a typical tourist destination. Why fly there? Simply because Qatar Airways stops there on many of its flights to Asia. You can buy a ticket with a long layover in Doha and explore this fascinating city where old meets new. 

Doha’s futuristic buildings will delight many architecture photographers. Their symmetry, harmony, and simplicity are an invitation for photography. I recommend visiting the museums, which are the pride and joy of Qatar’s modern architecture.

Even in modern Doha, there’s an old souq (a typical arab market) where you’ll feel like you traveled back in time. Sit amidst the locals, order some authentic hummus, and observe your surroundings. You won’t have to wait long for photography opportunities.

New York, USA

Central Park has its charm even in winter. The lush greenery may not be there, but it makes it easier to admire the skyline and work with interesting winter light and monochromatic color tones. And what if it snows? 

Winter in New York can be bitterly cold. It can be made worse by the icy wind blowing off the Atlantic. But the streets aren’t nearly as crowded, and you can focus more on the people. In this case, it’s an exercise in color with blues and reds.

The biggest advantage of all the above factors is that the most popular tourist destinations remain relatively crowd-free.

The Beskydy Mountains, Czechia

When there’s mud in the lowlands, it’s time to head to the mountains for some snow. In addition to the Krkonoš mountains, the Beskydy Mountains in Czechia are a beautiful mountain range with spectacular views and a unique local culture. If you want to go for a proper hike, Lysá Mountain is a good choice. On the other hand, you can reach Mount Radhošť by a short hike from the parking lot.   

The forests surrounding its villages also have their charm. Less demanding walks in these forests delight with magical views straight out of a fairy tale. The minimalist snowy landscape is nothing short of a photographer’s paradise.