If you’ve ever glanced at a world map you may have noticed Brazil—shaped not unlike the side view of a certain writer’s midriff after the holidays—is rather on the large side, meaning the kinds of temperatures you experience will depend on which part you visit. January is generally a safe bet all round though, with an average mercury reading of 27C/78F. Start in absurdly scenic Rio, draped around a mountainous natural harbour and sporting some of the world’s best beaches, before heading inland to the Amazon.

Cuba

Basking in the heart of the Caribbean, Cuba makes for an excellent excursion from January’s wintery depths. The whole place feels like it was made for Instagram: the coasts are fringed with talc-like beaches and turquoise waters, while inland mountains lurch up from verdant plains. And then there’s the capital, Havana, with its retro cars (thanks, communism!) and salsa clubs. Your friends at home will hate you. Temperatures are supremely agreeable this time of year, too, hovering around the 21C/70F mark.

Beijing

You can leave the sun cream at home, Beijing is decidedly biting in January. But it’s also blissfully un-touristy, and sights like a snow-covered Forbidden City and empty Tiananmen Square are quite special. But the main reason for the recommendation is to see in Chinese New Year — this cultural extravaganza is an explosion of colour and fun, and a true bucket list experience.

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Paradise Beach, Greece

Paradise Beach in Mykonos is notorious for its parties and general fun atmosphere going on constantly. It was settled back in the 1960s by hippies as a nude paradise and it has only grown in popularity since.

Hippie Hollow, Texas

Tucked into a corner of Lake Travis in Austin is Hippie Hollow. It’s a laid-back clothing-optional paradise with beautiful weather and beautiful people.

Es Trenc, Spain

On the south coast of Majorca is Es Trenc, a beautifully wild beach. You can find quite a bit of tranquility here among other nudists, which makes it a very relaxing place for couples.

Praia do Pinho, Brazil

Praia do Pinho, Brazil’s original naturalist beach, is an oasis with white sand and beautiful water. You’ll find no clothes anywhere on this beach and nudity is wholeheartedly celebrated.

Wreck Beach, Canada

In Vancouver, you can find Wreck Beach, North America’s largest nude beach. You’re welcome to leave your clothes behind here — just be aware that photos are prohibited to protect everyone’s privacy.

Haulover Beach, Florida

You can find Haulover Beach in Miami, just like some 7,000 people a day do. This particular beach is clothing-optional, so if you’re feeling a little shy, you don’t have to strip down.

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Brazil’s visa waiver during the Olympics was a success for one big reason: it encouraged travel beyond the big cities. The tourism board hopes to bring back the waiver, and if you’re planning to take advantage, save time to visit Angra dos Reis, between Rio and São Paulo. This popular Brazilian vacation area is where cariocas go to escape the crowds. “It’s where many of the country’s elite have their beach villas,” says Martin Frankenberg of Matuete, who has access to several of these glamorous rentals. Big changes are coming to the region. In May, Brazilian chain Fasano will open a long-awaited 54-suite hotel in a complex that includes a marina, golf course, restaurants, and a spa. The design is striking, with elevated wooden buildings that look like they’re floating, all with open-air terraces and views of the forest and sea. And the government recently pledged $8 million to improve the infrastructure on Ilha Grande—an island that’s so popular that they’ve had to impose a daily limit on visitors.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

With a growing array of open-air bars, arts venues, and restaurants, Belfast is quickly becoming an attractive destination for travelers. Stay at the design-forward Bullitt Hotel (inspired by the Steve McQueen film), which opened in October with casual, well-appointed rooms and complimentary grab-and-go breakfast granola. Check out arts organization Seedhead, which runs street-art tours and hosts pop-up cabarets around the city. The Michelin-starred OX and EIPIC lead the fine-dining pack, but also visit Permit Room, with its internationally inspired breakfast and locally roasted coffee. Noteworthy new nightlife spots include the Muddlers Club, a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar in the trendy Cathedral Quarter, and Vandal, a graffiti-adorned pizza place that turns into a late-night club, on the top floor of a 17th-century pub.

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