Where to go in late January next year?

Both will be cold and so will you. How about Sicily or Turkey?

We've been to Vienna and Budapest in mid-January. Chunks of ice (size of suitcases) were floating down the river in Budapest. A low lying haze covered both the cities for the 4 days we were in each city. They were still great towns to visit. As for Eastern France, it's just like the other cities you mention. Could have a foot of snow or more (like last December), could be sunny and not so bad.

I LOVED Prague in early Feb. It was still cold, with a couple light snow showers on a two of the days. However, the part that I really liked, was the relatively low numbers of tourists clogging up "my" streets!!! ;-) Seriously though, if you don't mind "somewhat" cold weather, late January could be a great time to explore.

A lot depends on what you really want to see and do. If you can deal with the cold, go with your planes. If you are interested in doing things in a warmer climate, try southern France or Italy. Even then, you may be a little chilly. We visited Menton, a French town east of Monaco and the last stop before Italy. Menton is touted as having a micro climate where it is comfortably warm. They even have a Citrus Festival during the winter. I can't remember if the festival is in February or March. Whatever you do, have fun.

Here's an off the wall suggestion, but Glasgow Scotland hosts a Celtic music festival in the end of January, Celtic Connections. Here's the link I may actually get there this year. On the link you can see what was offered this year. The program for 2012 will be up in October. Pam