re: Need advice for anniversary trip in January

Southwest goes into Costa Rica now. Good beaches on the Pacific side, maybe two hours from San Jose. Maybe split the time between a beach and something higher and cooler like Arenal or Monteverde. I'd much rather go to Costa Rica than any of the islands.

January is a great month for Costa Rica as it's the beginning of the dry season and there won't be much rain. But it's high season for tourism so book early if you go.